Page 12 of The Owner's Temptation

With a sharp breath, I add a few more pictures to my Pinterest page of my dream living room and then slide my phone back in my purse.

Because today, I have other things to worry about.

Like the fact that I’m walking into aliteral mystery job interviewat a company that doesn’t exist online.

I exit the subway, looking up at the tall buildings and sunny day as I fish my phone back out of my purse. My nerves suddenly spiking now that I’m here.

Looking at the time, I know Harper will be in the airport terminal waiting to fly out to Miami for two weeks. I tap my screen, sending my location to Harper along with a text:

SIENNA: If I get murdered, this was my last known location.

A second later, my phone buzzes with her response.

HARPER: You’re so dramatic. But also… good luck, bitch. Manifesting hot men, a six-figure salary, and maybe some light choking.

I snort, shaking my head as I slip my phone back into my purse.

God, I hope she’s at least right about the six figures.

I take a final look up at the towering black skyscraper before me, its sleek glass exterior reflecting the bright midday sun. The massive gold lettering near the entrance is crisp, polished, intimidating.

THE BLACK LEDGER.

That’s all that exists of this place.

Just this building.

A mystery wrapped in black and gold, somehow drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I exhale, adjusting the collar of my blouse.

Red, of course.

It had stuck in my mind all weekend, looping in my head like a warning. Or maybe a sign.

"And you're already wearing the right color."

So, red it is.

A deep crimson blouse, tucked neatly into a sleek black pencil skirt. Black pumps. Gold jewelry. Power dressing at its finest.

It’s a good look.

A lucky look.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

With one last deep breath, I step toward the revolving doors, pushing through as they glide open silently.

"Well…" I murmur under my breath. “Here goes nothing.”

The moment I step inside, the space swallows me whole.

It’s sleek. Modern. Expensive.

White marble floors stretch across the vast lobby, veins of gold running through them like lightning frozen in stone. The walls are a striking contrast—deep black with subtle gold accents, giving the entire space an air of quiet power.

The Black Ledger aesthetic is clear.

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