THE BILLIONAIRE'S MERMAID

PROLOGUE

Belle's POV:

I sat down, crossing my legs as I casually glanced around Psyche's lavish office. Everything about her screamed control, from the sleek black furniture to the overly expensive artwork on the walls. I stifled a smirk. *Intimidating? Not in the slightest.

Psyche's eyes narrowed as she studied me, her fingers tapping lightly against the surface of her desk. I could feel her judgment before she even opened her mouth. Let her judge. I wasn't here to impress anyone, especially not her.

"So," she finally spoke, her voice cool and measured, "what makes you think you're qualified to work here?"

I leaned back in my chair, shrugging. "I mean, does it really matter? It's just a secretary position, right?"

Her gaze hardened. Good. Let her simmer. There was something strangely satisfying about getting under her skin. I'd heard the stories about how untouchable she was, how no one dared to challenge her. Well, I wasn't "no one."

"I can file papers, answer calls, and look pretty while doing it. Isn't that what you want?" I asked, flashing a sweet yet daring smile.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. I could tell she hated that smile, and I enjoyed every second of her quiet fury.

Psyche's POV:

The nerve of this girl. From the moment Belle walked in, she exuded arrogance, her every movement designed to provoke me. She didn't even try to hide it. The way she slouched in the chair like she owned the place made my blood boil.

"What makes you think you're qualified to work here?" I asked, knowing full well this was a pointless formality. She was the last person I'd hire, yet something about her attitude made me want to push her, to see just how far she'd go.

Her response was as infuriating as I'd expected. "I mean, does it really matter? It's just a secretary position, right?"

I clenched my jaw. *Just a secretary position?* My company, my rules, and she had the audacity to trivialize it? But that wasn't what bothered me most. It was the way she smiled afterward—a smug, defiant smile that taunted me.

I wanted to throw her out, dismiss her immediately, but something stopped me. No, I wasn't going to let her win this little power game. If she thought she could push my buttons and walk away, she was wrong. I'd keep her close, make her realize who was really in control.

"Fine," I said, voice calm despite the irritation bubbling inside. "You're hired. Let's see how long you last."