Claimed by the CEO

Anna's first official day at Knight Enterprises felt like walking into enemy territory.

She had spent most of the night staring at the ceiling, turning over every word Alexander Knight had said to her. His warning-loyalty is everything-still echoed in her head, chilling and commanding all at once.

But she had no choice. Her father's hospital bills didn't care if her boss was the devil himself.

The elevator dinged, releasing her onto the executive floor. This time, she carried no résumé or portfolio-only her nerves and a determination she prayed wouldn't falter.

"Miss Williams?"

Anna turned to find a tall woman with sharp cheekbones and an even sharper suit waiting by the reception desk. She looked every inch the power executive-glasses perched on her nose, tablet in hand, heels clicking with precision.

"I'm Claire Matthews, Mr. Knight's executive assistant," she said briskly. "He asked me to orient you."

"Thank you," Anna replied, trying not to sound as nervous as she felt.

Claire gave her a once-over, eyes narrowing slightly, as though measuring and already finding her lacking. "You'll be working under me directly. But understand-anything you do reflects on Mr. Knight. That means one mistake could cost you more than your job."

The words weren't a warning. They were a knife, delivered with practiced indifference.

Anna straightened her shoulders. "I'll do my best."

Claire's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "We'll see."

---

Her desk was placed just outside Alexander's office, separated by a glass wall. It was modern, sleek, and painfully exposed. Every time she looked up, she could see his silhouette inside-head bent over files, speaking into the phone, or simply staring out the window with a presence that seemed to command the very skyline.

The work itself was demanding. Scheduling meetings, sorting through endless contracts, answering calls that never stopped ringing. Claire's instructions came rapid-fire, and Anna had to fight to keep up.

But every so often, she felt it-his gaze.

Through the glass, Alexander's eyes would lift, pinning her in place. Not for long. Just a flicker, a heartbeat too long. Enough to leave her unsettled.

She told herself it was her imagination. But it wasn't. He was watching her. Measuring her. Testing her.

And she had no idea why.

---

At noon, Claire appeared at her desk. "Mr. Knight wants to see you."

Anna's heart skipped. She smoothed her blouse, forced her legs to move, and stepped into his office.

Alexander was at his desk, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened. Even in a moment of disarray, he looked every inch the untouchable CEO-controlled, powerful, devastatingly composed.

"Sit," he said without looking up.

Anna obeyed, perching on the edge of the leather chair across from him.

He finally looked at her, eyes sharp as ever. "How was your first morning?"

"Busy," she admitted. "But manageable."

His lips curved faintly. "Most people don't survive their first week here. You lasted four hours without quitting. Impressive."

"I'm not most people," she said before she could stop herself.

His gaze darkened, amused. "I've noticed."

The silence stretched, thick and charged. Anna shifted under his stare, trying to find her voice. "Mr. Knight... why me? You don't even know me, and yet you-"

"Wrong." His interruption was swift, cutting. "I make it a point to know everything about the people I allow into my company."

Anna blinked. "You... investigated me?"

"Background checks are standard. But you..." He leaned back, folding his arms. "You're different. You're desperate, but not broken. Bold, but not reckless. You intrigue me."

Her cheeks warmed. "I didn't ask to intrigue you."

"No," he said softly, eyes never leaving hers. "But you do."

Her pulse spiked. She shifted in her seat, clinging to composure. "If this is some sort of test, I'd rather know what's expected of me."

His gaze sharpened. "Loyalty. Competence. And discretion." He tapped his desk lightly, each word weighted. "Do those three things, and you'll be rewarded beyond anything you've dreamed. Fail... and you'll regret ever stepping into my office."

The words should have terrified her. And they did. But beneath the fear was something else-an undeniable pull, like standing too close to a flame.

Anna cleared her throat. "Understood."

"Good." His voice softened, dangerously smooth. "Now, I have a proposition for you."

Her breath caught. "What kind of proposition?"

The corner of his mouth lifted, just slightly. "One that goes beyond a simple job. But for now..." He stood, towering over her, his shadow falling across her. "Prove to me I didn't make a mistake. Show me you belong here."

Anna stood too, forcing herself not to step back even as her pulse raced. "I will."

Their eyes locked, steel against fire, neither willing to yield.

For the first time in her life, Anna realized this wasn't just about survival anymore.

It was about a game.

And Alexander Knight was daring her to play.