01. My shattered dream.

The moment I laid eyes on this man, I knew he meant danger. His firm, imposing, and arrogant walk towards me was all I needed to confirm something I already expected — I don’t like him.

Abraham Pollock.

Everything started to ruin because of you.

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PLK Entertainment — the acting and modeling agency everyone dreams of being a part of, whether with their face in magazines and commercials or the corporate world. Of course, like most people, it was my dream too... And six years ago, I finally started as a junior in the Administrative Department while still in my second year at college.

Since then, a lot has happened... And I was about to reach the peak of this dream.

If only he didn’t appear in my life.

“The CEO’s retirement took everyone by surprise.” I hear an employee whisper. She thinks she’s being discreet, but nothing escapes my ears. “Okay, he’s old, and it was speculated that it would happen sooner or later, but it was so sudden...”

“Right?” A second employee adds, with the same tone, “Everyone is saying that this position belonged to the Iron Lady.”

Iron Lady. It’s a nickname given to me behind my back, but I’ve learned to like it.

“It’s really a shame that the CEO has already been chosen. From the beginning, she had no chance... She was suitable for this position, but I think family blood is stronger...”

“At least he’s handsome…” The other says, giggling, “Our new CEO.”

I feel a chill in my stomach and take a deep breath, sipping my water, and they finally seem to notice that I’m standing off to the side, listening in.

This realization leaves them disconcerted, immediately falling silent and leaving restlessly.

I’m so bitter… so much that I can still recall the words that I just heard coming out of Benjamin Pollock’s mouth while resting his eyes over me. He said that he thought a lot about who should be in charge in his place, who has a firm hand to keep guiding us along the right path. It wasn't me.

Honestly, I was so over-confident.

However, our CEO’s following words cut my chest like a dagger: The choice was made, and other shareholders also agreed. So I thought I’d get you all together and tell you I hope he will add much to this company.

That’s when I realized… When he got up from his chair, his eyes paused on me for a moment, leaving me intimidated by his intense gaze, and just like that, I heard it for the first time…

The sound of my shattered dream.

This is Abraham Pollock, my nephew and the new CEO of PLK Entertainment. I expect great things from all of you in this bright new future! — And that’s how I got into this shitty situation… having to face my enemy.

I see Abraham Pollock approaching from afar, and anxiety starts to run quickly through my veins. His broad back and firm muscles clinching in his black suit make me oddly agitated, especially since each imposing step toward me allows me to realize that he’s indeed handsome.

In that meeting room, when my world was turned upside down not long ago, I was also the subject of his eyes, but I couldn’t tell what color they were because of the long distance of the table that kept us apart.

But now that he stops in front of me, with his chin raised, impeccable posture, and cold eyes… I can see him properly… And a shiver runs up my spine.

“Welcome, Mr. Pollock! My name is Victoria Morgan, PLK Entertainment’s Contracts Manager.” I welcome him, forcing myself to smile and stretch out my hand to shake his...

After all, I may hate it, but this will be my boss from now on.

“Oh, Manager Morgan! She’s responsible for keeping us on track, Mr. Pollock... We would be lost without her!” Josh says with a friendly smile. He’s our Administrative Director, my old direct boss, a gray-haired man who always helps me when I need it, and he is now accompanying the new boss around.

Mr. Pollock reaches out and takes my hand with a firm grip that makes me surprised at how delicate and fragile mine seemed closer to his... However, this physical touch doesn’t last long because soon, he takes it back, putting it in his pants pocket.

“Victoria Morgan,” my name slips off his tongue, and I’m surprised by his deep voice, which is definitely not how I imagined it...

Well, not that I really imagined what his voice sounds like... I just wished it would be annoying and not so pleasant on the ears... I mean, I don’t know if I can stand being commanded by such a strong tone.

I blink a few times, noticing that he’s just said my name and nothing more. He reserves the right to look at me intently with his blue eyes, darker than mine, yet so steady, stern... I can’t decipher them.

But of course, I don’t let him intimidate me. I hold his gaze with my chin also raised, but because he’s considerably taller than me.

He may be the nephew of the former CEO, but I’ve been here longer.

“So you’re the Iron Lady.” He says with a discreet smile rising at the corner of his lips. “I’ve heard a lot about you from my uncle.”

I cross my arms, making my breasts pop out through the discreet, square neckline of my tight blouse, and this slight movement attracts his eyes for an instant, so quickly that I’d think it was an illusion because, the next moment, he’s looking me straight in the eye again.

However, now he’s clenched his teeth so hard that his jaw muscles jump the thin beard that seems to be growing... “You really do look bold, as they say.”

My smile almost falters, but I still force it onto my face...

I definitely don’t like him.

“It’s a shame I can’t say the same, as I didn’t hear enough about you, Mr. Pollock,” I say with false innocence, batting my eyelashes slowly.

Of course, I haven’t heard enough about this man; he’s come out of absolutely nowhere and stolen my dream position!

Argh, yes, I’m very jealous.

I’m dying of envy!

And the worst thing is... Does he need to be that good-looking?

“Don’t worry about it, Ms. Morgan... we’ll be working together from now on, and you’ll have plenty of time to know about me.” He says it with a smug smile and a teasing tone that makes me stir restlessly, putting even more pressure on my crossed arms. That’s the longest sentence he’s ever said, and I’m sure his voice will give me reactions I don’t want to feel. It’s really weird; I don’t like it at all.

You don’t mix work and personal life, Victoria.

Never.

“It will be a pleasure to work with you.” I force this lie out of my lips and pretend to look at my watch like I’m really worried about the time, not just looking for an excuse to get out of his eyes. “But I’m afraid there’s an appointment I need to attend now, and I won’t be able to accompany you on this tour... Do you mind?”

“No, not at all.” He lifts his shoulders slightly, moistening his lips. “I don’t intend to get in the way of your hard work, Ms. Morgan… And I won’t bother you longer.” He gives me a soft smile, so lightly that I almost couldn’t catch it up…

And that truly unsettles me because, somehow, it seems like a lie.

“See you later.”