Katherina sat stiffly in the back seat of the billionaire’s car, her heart pounding so loud it drowned out the hum of the engine. Michael Owen sat beside her, his eyes hidden behind dark shades though the morning sun barely peeked through the clouds. The silence between them was heavy, broken only when he said softly, “You’ve been fired, haven’t you?” Katherina swallowed, her voice shaky. “Yes, sir. They said I crossed a line.” Michael turned his head slightly toward her. “And what line is that—saving a man’s life?” She couldn’t answer. He sighed, removing his glasses. His face was pale but striking, the face she’d seen on magazine covers and billboards, the same man whose pulse she brought back with her own breath. “You shouldn’t have suffered for what you did,” he continued, his tone shifting, gentler now. “I owe you everything.” The car stopped in front of an enormous mansion surrounded by tall iron gates. Katherina’s jaw dropped. She’d never seen anything like it. “Come in,” he said, stepping out. “From now on, you work for me—personally.” Inside, the mansion looked like something from another world: chandeliers, marble floors, walls lined with art. Katherina stood awkwardly near the entrance, afraid to touch anything. “Sir, I don’t understand. Why would you—” “Because you saved me,” he interrupted. “And because…” He paused, his gaze softening. “I saw something in your eyes when you refused to give up. No one’s ever looked at me like that—not even the people I pay.” For the first time, Katherina met his eyes fully. She saw loneliness there—deep and unguarded. “You’re a good man,” she whispered. He smiled faintly. “If I am, it’s because of what you did.” Days turned into weeks. Michael hired her as his assistant, gave her proper clothes, taught her things she never thought she’d learn—emails, meetings, how to speak with confidence. The other staff gossiped behind her back, whispering that she was sleeping with the boss. But Katherina ignored them. She focused on doing her job, grateful for a second chance at life. Yet something about Michael changed. He was distant at times, restless, staring out of windows for hours. One night, she found him in his study, sweating and gasping for breath again. Panic shot through her as she rushed to his side. “Sir! Sir, what’s happening?” He gripped her wrist tightly, his eyes wild. “They… they poisoned me, Katherina,” he whispered hoarsely. “The board… they wanted me dead for uncovering the fraud.” She froze, her heart racing. “What?” He coughed, his hand trembling as he handed her a small black flash drive. “Everything’s in here. Don’t trust anyone… not even my family.” Before she could respond, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed into her arms again. This time, she didn’t wait for anyone. She screamed for help, but no one came. The mansion suddenly felt empty, dark, and wrong. As she held him, the front door creaked open—and a shadow stood there watching them. “I warned you, cleaner girl,” a cold voice said. “You should’ve stayed invisible.” Katherina’s blood ran cold. Whoever that was, they knew everything.
To be continued…
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