The Revenged Surrender

CHAPTER 1

Becky took a deep breath as she stepped into the swanky office building that housed the empire of Jay Ruin. She'd never been in a place like this before, where rushed executives flitted from meeting to meeting, bumping past you with barely a glance. The grand entrance was an awe-inspiring sight, a futuristic and sleek space packed with polished oak furniture and centered around a breathtaking, breathtaking fountain.

Becky felt a shiver of excitement down her spine as she realized the significance of her new position. She was no longer just a small-town girl; she was an integral part of an elite corporation.

She approached the reception desk, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The receptionist, a stylishly dressed woman in her mid-thirties, looked up and greeted her warmly. "You must be Becky Smith. Welcome to Ruin Enterprises!" Her smile was genuine, and her voice had the perfect amount of enthusiasm that put Becky at ease.

"I'm Marianne, Mr. Ruin's executive assistant. He's waiting for you in his office. It's on the top floor—you can't miss it. Let the elevator know you're headed to the penthouse suite."

Wring her hands nervously, Becky replied, "Thank you, Marianne. I hope I can live up to the job expectations."

"Oh, I'm certain you will," she said with a subtle wink as Becky turned to locate the elevator.

"Just remember to take everything one step at a time."

Becky forced a smile as she digested Marianne's ambiguous advice. The elevator doors opened, and she stepped in, entering her floor destination with a jittery finger. During the short ascent, she went over the day's events in her mind—the orientation, the introductions, and, of course, the meeting with Jay Ruin himself.

The elevator chimed, announcing her arrival at the penthouse floor.

The doors slid open, opening up to an expanse of wealth and exclusivity. A plush waiting area, complete with velvety chairs and an abstract painting adorning the wall, greeted Becky.

Marianne had been right; she couldn't miss the entrance. Straight ahead, Jay Ruin's door stood half-open, revealing a sliver of the man himself. Becky smoothed her skirt and hair before crossing the threshold.

Stepping inside his corner office, she was instantly awestruck by the impressive city view through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Amidst the sea of skyscrapers, Jay Ruin's presence commanded attention, radiating an air of quiet confidence as he stood near the window with a phone pressed to his ear.

As she hesitantly cleared her throat, their eyes met, and beckoned her in while ending his call.

"Ah, you must be Becky Smith, my new executive assistant," Jay greeted, extending his hand. "Please, have a seat."

She took a deep breath and collected herself. "Yes, Mr. Ruin.

Lord Ruin, as the office whispers had it. The mere name sent a bolt of anticipation down my spine.

I shook his offered hand, my palm clammy compared to his confident grip. "Nice to meet you, sir."

He smiled, a subtle hint of wickedness in his eyes, and gestured to a chair across from his imposing mahogany desk. "Please, have a seat. So, I presume you know the nature of our arrangement?"

I faltered, confusion marring my brow.

"Your 'arrangement'? I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what you mean, Mr. Ruin."

Jay Ruin's smile remained confident, but it transformed into something more calculated. "Come now, Miss Smith. You know very well that being my assistant extends beyond the traditional scope of answering my phone and scheduling appointments. I expect a certain level of companionship, as well," he divulged, leaving me stunned.