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Chapter_5
Sadie and Darian tumbled to the ground in a chaotic mess, their fall sending ripples of shock through the crowd.
Pain shot through Sadie’s arm as she struggled to regain her bearings, but by the time she looked up, the Rolls-Royce Phantom had already disappeared into the distance.
The security guards moved in swiftly, apprehending Darian before he could even register what had happened.
“Micah, you won’t get away with this!” Darian screamed, his voice filled with venom. “Even if I die, my soul will haunt you—mark my words!”
The security guards wasted no time, dragging him away forcefully, silencing his threats with grim efficiency.
Sadie remained on the ground for a moment, the weight of the situation sinking in. She turned her gaze to Darian, whose curses faded into the distance.
Her father had always said the business world was like a battlefield, but this felt more like a warzone. One wrong move, and it could send everything spiraling into chaos.
And the man in that Phantom? He was the devil pulling the strings, wielding power that could destroy anyone in his path.
Sadie’s heart sank as the harsh reality settled in: those without power had no choice but to serve the devil in exchange for survival.
Just as she stood up, she felt a buzz in her pocket. Her bank notification flashed on her screen, and her heart sank as she saw the message: $30,000 deducted for the kids’ tuition fees. Balance: $664.
Kindergartens had become ridiculously expensive. Thirty thousand dollars a year for the tuition and meals for three children—it felt impossible. How was she supposed to make ends meet?
Panic began to swell in her chest. What will I do with so little? How can I even afford to support my family?
Her breath caught in her throat. There was no time to waste. She couldn’t afford to leave this opportunity behind.
Reluctantly, Sadie turned back toward the VIC Group. I can’t let Samuel stand in my way. I need this job. I’ve got three kids depending on me. I can’t be afraid anymore. The real world doesn’t care about my pride. It’s about survival.
As Sadie stood in the lobby, waiting for the elevator, her eyes caught a strange sight—bodyguards escorting a man toward the VIP elevator. The staff around him bowed their heads, greeting him with reverence.
“Mr. Clemens, good morning,” they chorused, their voices low and respectful.
Though she couldn’t see his face, Sadie immediately recognized him. Micah Clemens. The man who ruled the VIC Group.
But for some reason, there was something unsettlingly familiar about his tall, commanding figure.
She blinked, trying to dismiss the feeling. It’s just a tall man. There are plenty of tall men out there. Stop thinking about it. He’s Micah Clemens. That’s who he is. Not some bouncer from a nightclub.
Just then, Andrew approached, interrupting her thoughts. “Mr. Clemens, the woman who intervened earlier—Sadie Roth—she’s just a bystander. Oh, wait… no, she just finished her employment paperwork. She’s now working as a secretary on the 13th floor.”
Sadie felt a shiver run down her spine as Micah’s name lingered in the air. She couldn’t shake the unease, especially as she caught a glimpse of his sharp, emotionless face. He didn’t even look up as he continued signing his documents, his gaze as cold as ice.
Sadie’s thoughts were jumbled as she processed the information. Her probationary salary was $1,300 a month, with some benefits like insurance. When she was full-time, that would rise to $1,500, but it still didn’t feel like enough. Baby formula, utilities, rent… could she really manage?
Just as she was lost in her worries, some senior employees approached her, their smiles warm. “Sadie! Welcome to the administration department!”
“Thank you! I’m glad to be here,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the storm brewing in her chest.
“Hey, we’re throwing a little welcome party for the newcomers tonight. You in?” one of them asked, clearly excited.
“Of course, I’ll be there,” Sadie replied, forcing a smile. “Beer’s on me!”
The friendly chatter helped to lift her mood, even if only slightly. At least she had people who were willing to include her, even if her mind was still racing with worries about how she would make ends meet.
When it was time to clock off, Sadie found herself the last one left in the office, finishing up some last-minute paperwork. Her co-workers were already downstairs waiting for her. She grabbed her bag and rushed toward the elevator, but as she neared, the doors slid shut with a soft ding, leaving her outside.
Frustrated, she quickly turned to the VIP elevator and pressed the button, not thinking twice. But just as the doors opened, a bodyguard stepped out, blocking her path.
“This is Mr. Clemens’ exclusive elevator. Please step aside,” the bodyguard ordered, his voice stern.
Before Sadie could react, she felt a shift in the air. Micah’s icy gaze flicked to the bodyguard, who immediately stepped aside without a word. Sadie, startled and slightly off-balance, glanced at him, her heart thudding in her chest.
It was Micah. The Micah Clemens. The man who controlled everything.
With a subtle motion, he invited her inside. Sadie hesitated for a moment before stepping into the elevator, her breath catching. The Devil… she thought. And I’m about to ride in his elevator.
As the doors closed, she could feel his presence more acutely than ever before. The temperature inside the elevator seemed to drop, and for the briefest moment, their eyes locked. A flicker of recognition—or was it something else?—crossed his face, but he didn’t speak. He remained as cold and distant as ever, his expression unreadable.
The air was thick with tension, and Sadie couldn’t help but wonder what kind of hell she had just walked into.
