Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 1: The New Beginning

Ivy Harper adjusted the collar of her blouse nervously, smoothing the fabric over her modest pencil skirt as she glanced around the lavish lobby of Blackwood Enterprises. The towering glass building reflected the bustling city of New York, and Ivy felt like a tiny, misplaced puzzle piece in a world that was far too glossy, far too polished for someone like her.

This wasn’t just any job. Landing a position as Lucien Blackwood’s personal assistant was the kind of opportunity that could transform her life. She’d spent countless late nights poring over Lucien’s success stories, mesmerized by the man who had risen from nothing to build an empire. His face graced the covers of business magazines, his name whispered in every corner of the financial world. Lucien was a mystery wrapped in designer suits and an aura of untouchable power.

Ivy’s heels clicked against the marble floor, each step a reminder of how out of place she felt in her sensible shoes. She reached the reception desk, where a sleek-looking woman with perfectly coiffed hair and an icy expression greeted her.

“Can I help you?” the receptionist asked, her voice clipped.

“Ivy Harper,” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. “I’m here for my first day.”

The receptionist’s gaze flicked to her computer screen, then back to Ivy. “You’ll take the elevator to the thirty-fourth floor. Mr. Blackwood’s assistant, Margo, will meet you there.”

Ivy nodded, murmuring a thank you as she headed to the elevators. As the doors slid shut, she took a deep breath, her mind racing with anticipation and a hint of dread. She’d heard stories about Lucien’s demanding nature, his relentless drive that often left those around him scrambling to keep up. But Ivy had never backed down from a challenge before, and she wasn’t about to start now.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a pristine office floor. Ivy stepped out, her eyes drawn to the panoramic view of the city that stretched beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The office space was a blend of modern luxury and understated elegance—steel, glass, and muted tones that screamed power and success.

“Ms. Harper?”

Ivy turned to see a woman approaching—Margo, she assumed. Margo was tall and impeccably dressed, with sharp eyes that assessed Ivy in a single sweep.

“Welcome,” Margo said, extending a hand. “I’m Margo, Mr. Blackwood’s chief assistant. I’ll be showing you the ropes today.”

“Thank you,” Ivy said, shaking Margo’s hand. “I’m excited to get started.”

Margo’s smile was thin. “Let’s hope that excitement lasts,” she said, turning on her heel and striding down the hallway. Ivy hurried to keep up, her nerves tingling as Margo launched into a rapid-fire briefing about schedules, protocols, and the ever-important task of managing Lucien’s time.

They stopped outside a pair of heavy mahogany doors. “This is Mr. Blackwood’s office,” Margo said, her tone dropping to a near whisper. “He doesn’t like to be disturbed unnecessarily, and he’s particular about his space. You’ll get used to his preferences soon enough.”

Before Ivy could respond, the doors swung open. Lucien Blackwood stood there, every inch the commanding presence she’d seen in photographs. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his tailored suit hugging his frame like a second skin. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his eyes—strikingly blue and piercing—fixed on Ivy with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

“Margo,” he acknowledged curtly, then turned his gaze to Ivy. “And you must be Miss Harper.”

“Yes, sir,” Ivy managed, her voice wavering slightly under the weight of his scrutiny. She straightened her posture, determined not to falter in front of the man who held her career in his hands.