Monday morning dawned, unwelcome and unrelenting. The alarm shrieked, shattering the peaceful haven of sleep. I groggily opened my eyes, already dreading the long day ahead.

"Why can't weekends last forever?" I lamented, tossing aside the covers.

The prospect of another grueling workweek loomed, like a dark cloud casting a shadow over my morning. Traffic jams, irritating coworkers, and endless meetings—the very thought sent my stress levels soaring.

With a heavy sigh, I dragged myself to the kitchen to brew a lifeline—a steaming cup of coffee. As the aromatic brew filled the air, I couldn't shake off the longing for a world where weekends never ended.

As I sipped my coffee, my mind shifted to the day's tasks. I worked as a journalist for a prominent business magazine, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the success stories of industry moguls. My mission was to dig deep, reveal their secrets, and expose the realities behind their triumphs—all while maintaining a professional facade.

With a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. The morning sunlight cast a golden glow over the city as I drove to the office. My thoughts turned to the day's interviewee, Victor Nicholas, a billionaire entrepreneur with a reputation for ruthlessness.

As I parked my car and stepped into the office building, a thrill of anticipation coursed through my veins. I loved unraveling the mysteries of successful entrepreneurs, exposing the hidden dynamics that fueled their empires.

Today, I was ready to delve into Victor's world to uncover the secrets behind his remarkable success. Little did I know, this interview would be unlike any other—a journey into the heart of power, ambition, and the true cost of success.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped into the fray, ready to face whatever secrets the day would uncover.

My office, a hub of journalistic activity, buzzed with energy. Colleagues typed away, phones rang, and the scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air. I settled at my desk, my focus laser-sharp.

Victor Nicholas awaited, his story ready to be unraveled. I was primed to dig deep, to expose the truth beneath the surface. The game was on.

I entered Mrs. Kim Su-Yeon's office; the air was electric with tension. Her stern expression confirmed my worst fears. I had failed to secure an interview with Rafael King, CEO of New York's largest firm, a task assigned to me last month.

My heart sank, anticipating the impending reprimand. I closed the door behind me, feeling a sense of trepidation.

"Sit down," Mrs. Kim commanded, her voice sharp and unforgiving.

I lowered myself into the chair opposite her, bracing for the impact. My eyes cast downward, unable to meet her piercing gaze.

Mrs. Kim's hands clasped together on her desk, her fingers intertwined in a tight grip. "You were given a simple task, and you failed to deliver."

Her words cut deep, each syllable a reminder of my inadequacy.

"Do you have any excuse for your incompetence?" Mrs. Kim asked.

I hung my head in shame. "I'm sorry, boss, but I tried hard to get his appointment, but his secretary always said he's busy and doesn't have time for an interview."

Mrs. Kim's expression remained unyielding. "I understand that you faced obstacles, but that is no excuse for not achieving your goal. In this industry, persistence and resourcefulness are key qualities, and it seems you lacked both in this situation."

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.

"Listen, he is one of America's most powerful businessmen, and everyone wants to know more about him," Mrs. Kim continued. "He is like a closed door. I heard Rafael King had ties with the mafia, but no one knows anything about him. This interview will be crucial for our magazine, and I'm giving you one final chance."

My heart skipped a beat.

"I will try my level best, boss; just give me some time, and I'll try to fix an appointment with him as soon as possible," I promised.

Mrs. Kim's gaze narrowed. "There is no need to fix an appointment; he is never going to meet you in this way. You have to find a different approach to get in touch with him."

My confusion deepened. "How is this possible, boss? I barely know him, and we even don't know where he is living. It seems impossible to contact him without more information."

Mrs. Kim handed me an airline ticket. I glanced at it, confusion etched on my face.

"He is currently in Paris; go there and find a chance to meet with him and convince him to grant you an interview," she instructed.

My mind reeled. "But how will I approach him?"

Mrs. Kim's expression turned cold. "That is not my problem. Eva Rogers, it's your job to go find your way on your own and don't arrive without his interview. If you fail this time, get ready to lose your job."

Panic washed over me as I realized the daunting task ahead. How was I supposed to track down a man I barely knew in a city as vast as Paris?

With a deep breath, I made a plan to head to Paris and find a way to approach him, no matter what it took. The pressure was on, and failure was not an option if I wanted to keep my job.

I grabbed the ticket and left her office, determination etched on my face.

I stepped out of Mrs. Kim's office, the weight of the task ahead settled heavy on my shoulders. Paris. Rafael King. One final chance.

"How am I supposed to do this?" I wondered, my mind racing with doubts.

I thought about Rafael King's reputation—ruthless, elusive, and powerful. The rumors of mafia ties sent a shiver down my spine.

"What have I gotten myself into?" I asked aloud, my voice barely above a whisper.

I glanced at the airline ticket in my hand, a tangible reminder of the challenge ahead.

"Paris, here I come," I muttered, a mix of determination and trepidation swirling within me.

Thoughts swirled in my mind:

"How will I find him? What approach will work? What if he refuses?"

I took a deep breath, shaking off the fears.

"I have to try. I need this interview. My job depends on it."

With newfound resolve, I headed to my desk, my airline ticket clutched tightly in my hand.

Time to research, strategize, and prepare for the impossible.

Paris, I'm coming. Rafael King, get ready.

-------------------------------------------