Rain poured heavily over the city, turning the bright lights of downtown into blurred reflections on the wet streets. Thunder rolled quietly in the distance as cars passed by in slow lines
Inside a black sedan parked across the street,Eliza Vance sat silently in the back seat, her sharp eyes focused on the massive glass building in front of her
Media Delux.
One of the most powerful media corporations in the country.
And tonight… it had just become her next mission.
Elena adjusted the small earpiece hidden beneath her dark hair as a voice spoke calmly through the comm.
"Agent Vance are you in position?"
Her eyes never left the building.
"Yes."
Below the glowing company logo, expensive cars pulled into the private entrance. Security guards stood watch while employees rushed inside to escape the rain.
From the outside, Media Delux looked like just another successful corporation.
But intelligence reports suggested otherwise.
"Remember your objective," the voice continued. "We have reason to believe confidential information is being leaked from inside the company. Whoever is responsible is extremely careful."
Liza Crossed one leg over the other.
"Target?" she asked.
There was a short pause.
Then the name came.
"Maximilian Cross."
There was a world far darker than anyone imagined.
And by this time tomorrow—
Agent Vance would be walking straight into it.
Unaware that the man she had just been assigned to investigate…
Would soon become the most dangerous temptation she had ever faced.
The next morning, the rain had stopped, but the city still smelled faintly of wet pavement and cold air. The towering glass building of Media Delux stood proudly against the bright morning sky.
Across the street, a woman stood quietly, adjusting the sleeve of her black blazer.
Her real name was Eliza Vance.
But today, that name didn't exist.
Today, she was Serene Sylveraine, the newly hired executive assistant to the CEO of Media Delux.
Her forged ID badge hung neatly from her neck. The identity had been carefully constructed—education records, work history, references. Everything had been designed to look flawless.
Years of intelligence training had taught Eliza one important skill.
How to become someone else.
With a calm breath, she walked toward the glass entrance of the building.
Observe the CEO.
Find the leak.
Do not get emotionally involved.
The lobby inside was massive, with polished marble floors and modern lights reflecting across the high ceiling. Employees moved quickly across the room carrying laptops, folders, and coffee cups.
Media Delux was a machine that never slowed down.
Eliza approached the reception desk with a calm and professional smile.
"Good morning," she said politely. "My name is Serene Sylveraine. I'm the new assistant for Mr. Cross."
The receptionist typed quickly into her computer before smiling warmly.
"Welcome to Media Delux, Ms. Sylveraine. The executive floor is on the 40th level. Someone will assist you once you arrive."
"Thank you."
Eliza turned and walked toward the elevators.
As the doors slid open, she stepped inside and pressed the button for the 40th floor.
The elevator doors closed quietly.
For a moment, she allowed herself a slow breath.
This was it.
The elevator began moving smoothly upward as the floor numbers lit up one after another.
10…
18…
27…
Then suddenly..
Ding.
The elevator stopped.
Eliza frowned slightly.
She hadn't pressed another floor.
The doors slowly opened.
A man stepped inside.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit and dark sunglasses that hid his eyes. His presence instantly filled the small space with a strange sense of authority.
The doors closed again.
Now it was just the two of them.
Eliza kept her posture calm and professional, her eyes forward. But she could feel the man's gaze on her.
After a moment, he slowly turned toward her.
Then he lifted a hand and lowered his sunglasses.
Sharp dark eyes met hers.
For a brief moment, he studied her face carefully. His gaze slowly moved, observing her posture and the elegant way she carried herself.
Eliza shifted slightly, uncomfortable under the unexpected attention.
Suddenly, the man stepped closer.
Before she could react, his hand gently pulled her forward and his lips brushed against hers in a quick, unexpected kiss.
Her eyes widened in shock.
Her mind froze.
The kiss lasted only a moment before he stepped back like nothing had happened.
Eliza stared at him, completely stunned.
"What—"
But before she could finish—
Ding.
The elevator stopped.
Floor 40.