Chapter 4 - The OfferThe sudden shift of attention from the city's most feared billionaire to a tired, minimum-wage waitress felt surreal. Three hundred pairs of eyes—desperate, curious, and envious—were now glued to me.
"Elena," I said, keeping my voice steady, though my heart was hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.
Lorenzo looked at my name tag, then down at my worn-out shoes, before meeting my eyes again. There was an analytical sharpness in his gaze, as if he were measuring my character and finding it solid.
"Elena," he repeated, tasting the name. "You risked your livelihood, your safety, and your standing in this room to defend a woman you didn't even know. In a room full of cowards, you were the only person with courage."
"I just did what was right," I replied simply. "You don't need to be rich or powerful to treat someone with basic decency."
A faint, rare ghost of a smile touched the corner of Lorenzo's lips. It was subtle, but it completely transformed his stern face, making him look dangerously handsome.
"Decency is a rare commodity in rooms like this, Elena," he said, turning slightly to address the entire ballroom. "Too rare. Effective immediately, the catering company hosting this event is fired. But you..." He turned back to me. "I am offering you a position as my chief of staff's executive assistant at Moretti Holdings. Starting salary: three hundred thousand a year, plus full benefits and security detail. Do you accept?"
The entire ballroom sucked in a collective breath. Three hundred thousand dollars? That was more money than I would make in ten years of waitressing. My mind went blank.
"W-What?" I stammered, blinking. "I... I don't even have a college degree. I studied hospitality management part-time while working three jobs. I don't know anything about corporate conglomerates."
"You know right from wrong," Lorenzo said firmly, stepping closer. "Everything else can be taught. Well, Elena? Do you want to keep carrying trays for ungrateful snobs, or do you want to step into a world where no one will ever look down on you again?"
I looked across the room. I saw Victoria Sterling glaring at me with pure, unadulterated hatred, her social standing in ruins. I saw the wealthy elites whispering behind cupped hands. Then I looked at Lorenzo's mother, who smiled warmly and gave me an encouraging wink.
May you like
I looked back at Lorenzo, lifted my chin, and made the decision that would change my life forever.
"I accept," I said clearly.
