Unspoken ties

Lillian take my car"

Kate persuades Lillian as she tightens her grip on the notepad Kate gave her To step in for an interview with prominent Businessman Blackwood Christian for their campus paper.

" I gave you the recorder right, and you have all the questions and you know where you are going to?" Kate asked?

Yes, I do have a GPS and a 4.0 GPA,Lillian smirked as she answered kate , I can figure it out she whispered

On getting to the Blackwood empire, Lillian was shocked by what she saw. She stepped off the elevator onto the top floor of Empire, clutching her notepad tightly. Her heartbeat was erratic, a mixture of nerves and regret. She never should have agreed to this.

The reception area was sleek and modern, all glass and steel, radiating wealth and efficiency. Behind the large, minimalist desk sat an elegant blonde woman, impeccably dressed in a fitted black suit. She barely spared Lillian a glance before giving a polite, professional smile.

"Miss Kate?"

Lillian swallowed hard. That's me.

"Yes," she mLillian ged, her voice slightly shaky.

"Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. You can go in now," the woman said, gesturing to the large double doors ahead.

Lillian hesitated for half a second before pushing forward. The doors were heavier than she expected, and as they swung open, she was met with an office unlike anything she had ever seen.

Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, showcasing a breathtaking view of Seattle's skyline. The office was vast, yet uncluttered,minimalist, with sleek furniture and neutral tones. But it wasn't the luxurious surroundings that made her pulse quicken.

It was the man standing by the window.

Christian Blackwood.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly commanding, he turned slowly to face her. His gray eyes intense and unreadable locked onto hers, making her breath hitch. His tailored suit fit him to perfection, emphasizing his powerful frame. His copper hair was artfully tousled, giving him a slightly rebellious edge against his otherwise polished appearance.

"Miss kate?" His voice was deep, smooth, and completely in control.

Lillian flustered immediately. "Um, no... I'm Lillian Steele. Kate Miss Kavanagh is unwell, so I'm here in her place."

Something flickered in his expression-interest, perhaps? Amusement? She couldn't tell.

"I see," he said, walking toward her with slow, deliberate steps. He extended his hand.

Lillian hesitated only for a second before reaching out, but as soon as her fingers touched his, an electric jolt shot up her arm. She gasped softly. His grip was firm, confident, and lingering just a little longer than necessary.

"Please, have a seat," he gestured to the sleek white leather chair opposite his desk.

Lillian quickly sat, fumbling with her notepad. This was already a disaster.

"You're quite the substitute," Christian remarked, sitting across from her. He leaned back, steepling his fingers as he watched her. His gaze was piercing, unreadable, like he was assessing her with every second that passed.

Lillian cleared her throat, willing herself to focus. Just get through the questions, and you can leave.

"Um... okay," she stammered, flipping open the notepad. "Let's begin. You're very young to have amassed such an empire. To what do you owe your success?"

Christian smirked slightly, as if he found the question amusing. "Business is about people, Miss Steele. The right people. I'm very particular about who I work with and what I invest in."

She continued, forcing herself to stay professional. "Are you... are you a control freak?"

His smirk widened slightly. "I exercise control in all things, Miss Steele." His voice dipped lower, sending an inexplicable shiver down her spine.

Lillian's fingers trembled as she glanced at the next question. "Your company invests heavily in manufacturing and technology. Why those fields specifically?"

"Because I can," he answered smoothly.

His confidence was overwhelming. He spoke as if the world bent to his will, and in a way, it probably did. Lillian found herself both intimidated and inexplicably drawn to him.

The interview continued, but with each answer, she felt herself unraveling. Christian Blackwood was unlike anyone she had ever met. He was powerful yet reserved, polite yet slightly teasing. And through it all, his gaze never wavered, as if he was seeing straight through her.

Finally, she reached the last question. "You're also famous for your philanthropy. Why do you give back?"

For the first time, something in his expression shifted. The teasing edge in his tone disappeared.

"I have my reasons," he said simply, his jaw tightening slightly.

Lillian knew better than to push further.

"Well... that's all," she said, closing her notepad. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Blackwood."

He leaned forward slightly, eyes never leaving hers. "The pleasure was mine, Miss Steele."

And as Lillian hurried out of his office, she knew one thing for certain Christian Blackwood was dangerous.

And she had just stepped into his world.

After panting and wondering what kind of man mr Blackwood could be, Lillian got home. She met Kate drinking a cup of coffee. "before you say anything you are a goddess, you are perfect." She said to Lillian. I just got his email and he answered all the questions. So what was he like , she asked, her voice full of curiosity.

Lillian hesitated for a moment, Uh..... he was really polite, and he was courteous, very formal and clean. Her voice is soft but uncertain.

Clean! Kate whispered, as she smiled at her friend. It's not what you are thinking, I mean he was very smart, and it was intimating and intense.

Kate frowned."intense? What do you mean?

Lillian sighs and runs her hand through her head. I don't know, I mean he is intimidating and good looking.

Kate smirks at that. "Ohh you mean he's so hot"

Lillian rolls her eyes but can't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "That's an understatement."

Kate watches her friend closely, noticing the way she seems flustered, almost like she's still caught up in the moment.

"You're blushing," Kate teases.

"I am not!" Lillian protests, but she quickly looks away, knowing she totally is.

Kate grins. "You like him."

Lillian groans and flops down on the couch. "I just met him! And he's... impossible to read. He looks at you like he's figuring you out, like he knows something you don't."

Kate tilts her head, intrigued. "Sounds like he made quite an impression."

Lillian lets out a deep breath, still unsure of what exactly happened in that office. "Yeah... he did.",