Shadows of Blackwell

and relentless-just like every a

s. Everything about the space screamed money. The minimalist design, the digital art screens pulsing against white wa

r and reminded herself

s, and networking events filled with glassy-eyed finance bros just to be seen. This-this interview-w

d. "Ms. Carter?" a

nd clipboard appeared, eyes scan

, stepping forw

. Blackwell wil

tech tycoon. Reclusive genius. Ruthless negotiator. There were more headlines

about to walk

e efficiency below-it was warm, masculine, dark wood and glass, with floor-to-ceiling windo

n Bla

-jawed with storm-gray eyes that didn'

e said without

he floor. She sat, spine straight, hands comp

pers. "Top of your MBA class. Interned with H

operations for a venture capital firm last ye

out your grades or what acronyms you can dro

gaze. "I d

d simply. "The question i

no wire. He was testing her. She smiled. "T

most quirked. Al

rent panel transformed into a digital interface. Data flooded the screen-ma

tive calendar without canceling my quarterly board meeting, o

test. It was

in neon alerts. She isolated the choke point: a double-booked investor meeting and compliance prep session. She rerouted the audit briefing to a virtua

ter, she steppe

interface. Not a

she appeared instantly. "Set her up.

Blackwell, the background

. Just turned back to the s

_____________

apped in high heels. The executive assistant desk outside Damia

the fastest-growing AI firms in the country. Between server farms, corporate espi

being interrupted during his morning espresso. But what shocked her wasn't how demanding he w

now what he looked like w

-always moving, always anticipating. She'd learned the rhythm of his day, the slight twitch in his jaw when som

an remained an enigma. He ran Blackwell Innovations like a well-oiled ma

had emptied, save for a few remaining latecomers who tapped away at their keyboards. Ivy glanced toward Damian's corner office. His

mian needs the new compliance reports on hi

as she typed her reply, but then, the

handle it, Alex. S

this before-low, almost menacing. He wasn't j

arter than the last one.

s ice. "No. If this leaks, the board will hang me

t, leaving her standing in the hallway, mind spinning. What was that about? Who

wrong. She had joined Blackwell Innovations for a career, for the prestige, the connecti

_____________

upied with what she had overheard. She sat at her desk, org

o indication of who had left it there. Her fingers trembled slightly as she o

anyone. Esp

The handwriting was unfamiliar,

future. But now? She wasn't sure what game she

had jus