Page 3 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Chef

A receptionist directed me to the elevator, and I rode up to the top floor, my heart pounding with each floor I rode past. When the doors opened, the sight before me took my breath away. I stepped out into an open space with an amazing panoramic view of the city below. In the distance, ships bobbed in the harbor and the ocean shimmered under the midday sun. A large modern sculpture that resembled a blob of molten metal stood in the center of the room. The office looked like it belonged in one of those magazines featuring the rich and famous, but it felt cold and uninviting.

A man in his mid-thirties approached me, his expression friendly but professional. He was tall, with dark hair and sharp features. A thin silver scar ran along his left cheek down to his jaw. He extended a hand as he reached me.

"You must be Ivy St. Clair," he said, his voice warm and welcoming. "I'm Brody Kane, Cameron's COO. He's in a meeting right now, but I'll give you a quick tour while we wait."

I shook his hand, trying to steady my nerves. "Nice to meet you, Brody. Thanks for taking the time."

"Of course," he said with a smile. "We're excited to have you here. Follow me."

Brody led me through the office, pointing out different departments and introducing me to a few people along the way. Everyone seemed friendly enough, but there was an underlying current of stress in the air like they were all walking on eggshells.

"Cameron's very hands-on," Brody explained as we walked. "He's passionate about the company, and he expects everyone to share that passion. It can be a bit intense at times, but it's also what makes this place run like clockwork."

I nodded, trying to absorb the information. "I can imagine. He's built something incredible here."

"That he has," Brody agreed. "And he's always looking for ways to improve. That's why he's so excited about bringing you on board."

The words should have been reassuring, but they only made me more nervous. What if I didn't live up to his expectations? What if he took one look at me and decided I wasn't worth his time?

Brody must have noticed my anxiety because he gave me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Ivy. You'll be fine. Just be yourself. Cameron might seem intimidating at first, but he's fair and he respects people who stand their ground. Just don't let him steamroll you."

I appreciated the advice, but it didn't do much to calm my nerves. "This is where most of our testing happens," Brody explained. "Cameron likes to be involved with the recipes, so he's often in here."

The moment I stepped into the kitchen, the air shifted. A man stood with his back to me, his broad shoulders rigid beneath a tailored suit that clung to his frame like a second skin.

Brody cleared his throat. "Cameron," he said, his tone professional but friendly. "This is Ivy St. Clair."

He turned, and my breath caught in my throat.

I turned, and for the first time, I found myself face-to-face with Cameron Fitzgerald. He wasn't just handsome. He wasdangerous.

His amber-brown eyes locked onto mine, and for a heartbeat, the world narrowed to just us. My skin prickled, my pulse thudding in my throat like a trapped bird. Cameron was taller than I expected, with broad shoulders and an imposing presence that filled the room. He wore a perfectly tailored suit that probably cost more than what I made in a year. His black hair was neatly styled, and his sharp jawline was set in a stern expression. I had seen his photo online from my research, so his appearance wasn't too shocking. What the pictures on my screen could not convey was the intensity of his piercing gaze as heexamined me up and down and the sensual curve of his lips as he smirked.

My stomach flipped as he examined me like a scientist looking at a bug under a microscope.

Then his nostrils flared ever so slightly.

"Ms. St. Clair." His voice was a deep growl, rougher than I expected, sending a vibration that went deep into my bones.He didn't offer a handshake. Instead, he crossed his arms, his biceps straining the fabric of his rolled-up sleeves.

"Mr. Fitzgerald," I replied, forcing a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

He nodded curtly, his expression unreadable. "Gladys claims you're the best. I disagree."

"Oh?" I forced a smile. "And what do you base that on, Mr. Fitzgerald?"

He stepped closer, his amber eyes flickering like a predator catching the scent of prey."Instinct."

His tone was clipped, and I felt a flicker of annoyance at his dismissive words. But the way he smirked sent a thrill through me. I reminded myself that this was my chance, and I couldn't afford to let my ego get in the way.

"Mr. Fitzgerald, you will see why I am the best by the end of the day." I tilted my chin up.His eyes dropped to the movement, lingering a second too long on my throat.

"Good. Brody, show her the current lineup of meal kits. I want her feedback on all of them by the end of the day." He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ms. St. Clair,your suggestions will determine if you will be a good fit for the company. Do not disappoint me."

It was a challenge. A dare.

With that, he turned and walked away.

If Cameron Fitzgerald expected me to back down and run out of the building crying, he had another thing coming. I had never backed down from a dare in my life.

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