part 1&2

PART 1: The Plan in Motion

Mara Sloane had spent years perfecting the art of the kill. A phantom in the underworld, she was known only by whispers, a ghost that left no trace. When she was given the contract to assassinate Ethan Kane—the billionaire CEO of Kane Enterprises—she didn't hesitate.

Her employer, a faceless entity that operated in the darkest circles, had only one condition: get close, learn his weaknesses, and then strike when he least expected it.

She had done it before. This was just another job.

Mara spent weeks preparing a flawless identity. Armed with impeccable credentials and forged recommendations, she secured an interview at Kane Enterprises. As she walked into the towering glass building, she blended in seamlessly—a sharp, efficient, and composed candidate, perfectly tailored for the role of a CEO’s assistant.

Ethan Kane was different from her past targets. He wasn’t a corrupt politician or a war criminal. He was powerful, yes, but he wasn’t cruel. In fact, he was charming, charismatic, and—most annoyingly—kind.

On her first day, he barely glanced at her resume before hiring her.

"I trust my instincts," he had said with a grin. "And my instincts tell me you’re going to be the best assistant I’ve ever had."

Mara smirked. If only you knew.

The first few weeks passed quickly. She was efficient, professional, and completely unnoticed—except by Ethan himself. He began to depend on her, trusting her with schedules, personal matters, even private conversations. It was almost too easy.

But something gnawed at her.

Ethan wasn’t the heartless tycoon she had expected. He was intelligent but burdened, a man who carried the weight of expectations and corporate battles. He had a fiancée, Vanessa Moreau, a cold and ambitious socialite who seemed more interested in Ethan’s status than in him.

Mara reminded herself that none of this mattered. The job came first.

She just had to wait for the right moment.

Part 2: Unexpected Emotions

Ethan Kane was falling for her.

At first, Mara ignored it. It was an expected side effect of close proximity. Powerful men often mistook professional admiration for something more.

But then he started looking at her differently.

Late nights at the office turned into quiet conversations. The way he spoke to her, the way he lingered when she handed him documents—it was clear. He wasn’t just attracted to her; he was drawn to her.

And the worst part?

She didn’t hate it.

She reminded herself of her purpose, yet every time he smiled at her, every time he confided in her, a sliver of doubt crept into her mind.

One night, after a particularly grueling day, Ethan leaned back in his chair, exhausted.

"Sometimes, I wonder if it’s worth it," he admitted, his voice tinged with weariness.

Mara tilted her head. "Running a billion-dollar empire?"

"Running anything. Trusting anyone. Everyone wants something from me."

Mara stayed silent, gripping the dagger hidden beneath her sleeve.

"But you…" He exhaled slowly, eyes searching hers. "You don’t seem like the type who wants anything."

Mara forced a smile. "You’d be surprised."

The gala invitation came unexpectedly. Ethan asked her to be his date, and against all logic, she accepted. She told herself it was a perfect opportunity. She could strike during the event and make her escape.

But when the night arrived, she hesitated.

As they danced beneath glittering chandeliers, she found herself lost in his warmth. For the first time in years, she felt something she couldn’t name.

And that was dangerous.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***