Rose John sat outside the glass-paneled office, the ticking of the clock on the wall matching the rapid beat of her heart. The luxurious design of Blackstone Enterprises’ lobby surrounded her, from the plush cream-colored chairs to the shimmering chandelier above. Everything about this place screamed wealth, power, and exclusivity. This was where dreams were made—or destroyed.
Rose shifted in her seat, crossing one long, shapely leg over the other. The hem of her tailored pencil skirt rode slightly up, just as she intended. She glanced down at her reflection in her phone screen one last time, adjusting the loose strands of her sleek chestnut hair. Her makeup was flawless—soft yet sultry—and her ruby-red lipstick was applied with precision.
Her appearance wasn’t accidental; it was calculated. Every detail, from the faint perfume on her wrists to the alluring neckline of her blouse, was part of her plan.
Rose John wasn’t here just to get a job. She was here to seize an opportunity, to change her life.
Growing up in a cramped, two-bedroom apartment with peeling wallpaper had instilled a deep hunger in her. She had watched her parents struggle to pay bills and lived through the embarrassment of turning down school trips because they couldn’t afford them. Rose had sworn to herself at a young age that she would escape the mediocrity of middle-class life.
She wanted wealth. No—she craved it. Money meant freedom. It meant power. It meant never having to say no to anything ever again.
And she would do anything to get it.
Her plan was bold, even risky, but she had nothing to lose. She needed to land this job, seduce Damian Blackstone—the billionaire owner of this empire—and ensure that he couldn’t resist her. Becoming his mistress might sound scandalous to some, but to Rose, it was the fastest way to the top.
She adjusted the plunging neckline of her blouse one last time, her fingers trembling only slightly. A smooth, deep voice broke through her thoughts.
“Miss Rose John?”
She looked up to see the sharply dressed assistant standing by the door, clipboard in hand.
Rose stood, smoothing her skirt and lifting her chin. Confidence radiated off her as she stepped toward the office door. She ignored the faint wobble of nerves in her stomach and replaced it with the determination that had driven her this far.
The assistant opened the door, and Rose stepped inside.
The office was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. The sun streamed through the glass, highlighting the pristine mahogany desk in the center of the room.
Behind that desk sat Damian Blackstone.
The moment her eyes landed on him, Rose’s breath hitched. Pictures hadn’t done him justice. Damian was devastatingly handsome. His jet-black hair was neatly styled, framing a face with sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline. His piercing blue eyes were intense, almost predatory, as they lifted to meet hers. His tailored suit hugged his broad shoulders and lean frame, exuding power and authority.
This was the man she needed to have.
“Miss John,” Damian said, his voice smooth and commanding. He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”
Rose walked toward him, every step deliberate. Her hips swayed subtly, and she held his gaze just long enough to suggest confidence, breaking it at just the right moment to avoid arrogance. She sat down gracefully, crossing her legs and resting her hands lightly on her lap.
“Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Blackstone,” she said, her voice soft yet steady.
Damian didn’t respond immediately. His gaze lingered on her, assessing her in a way that made the air between them feel charged.
“Let’s get started,” he said, finally breaking the silence.
The questions came quickly. Damian was direct, no-nonsense, and focused. He asked about her experience, her skills, and her knowledge of the company. Rose answered each question flawlessly, her preparation evident in every word.
But she didn’t stop at answering the questions. She played her part perfectly, leaning forward just enough to draw his attention, her blouse opening slightly to reveal a hint of her cleavage. She smiled at the right moments, made eye contact sparingly, and let her voice carry a faint flirtatious undertone.
Damian’s sharp eyes missed nothing, but he didn’t let his professionalism waver. Still, Rose could feel the subtle shifts in his demeanor. The slight pause in his words, the way his gaze lingered a moment too long—it was working.
But something about the way he looked at her was different now; there was an underlying warmth in his expression. It wasn’t the same warmth she got when she flirted with men, or even when she looked in a mirror. This felt different somehow, like… like the way a man looked at a woman he wanted more than anything.
Then came the final question.
“Why do you need this job?” Damian asked, leaning back in his chair. His expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on her.
Rose took a breath, her heart racing. This was it—the moment to set herself apart. She could have given a polished, rehearsed answer about career goals or passion for the industry, but that wasn’t what this was about. She needed to be bold, memorable.
“Because I want money,” she said, her lips curling into a slow smile. “I like money.”
The room fell silent. For a moment, she thought she had gone too far.
Then Damian’s lips twitched into a smirk. His eyes darkened as they dropped, just briefly, to the curve of her neckline. He lingered there for a heartbeat too long before meeting her gaze again.
“You’re honest,” he said, his voice low and almost amused.
"I'll give you that "
Rose held her breath as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. He studied her for a long moment, the intensity in his gaze making her pulse quicken.
“Honesty is rare,” he said finally, his tone deliberate.
He straightened, and a slow smile spread across his face.
“You’re hired.”
Relief and triumph flooded through Rose, but she kept her composure. She smiled back at him, her confidence unwavering.
“Thank you, Mr. Blackstone,” she said, her voice steady. “I won’t disappoint you.”
As she stood to leave, she let her fingers trail lightly along the edge of his desk, her eyes meeting his one last time before she turned and walked out. She could feel his gaze on her back as she exited the office, and a satisfied smile played on her lips.
Step one of her plan was complete.
Rose John had just landed the job, and now, the real game would begin. She was determined to seduce Damian Blackstone, to become the one thing he couldn’t resist.
She had set her sights on him, and she wouldn’t stop until she had everything she wanted.
