FIRST STEP INTO THE LION'S DEN
The building stood taller than Amara expected.
Glass walls reflected the morning sun, sharp and blinding, as though the structure itself was warning intruders to stay away. Robinson Industries—the name gleamed in silver letters above the entrance, polished and intimidating.
Amara paused at the gate.
This was where Lilian had spent most of her days.
This was where her sister's laughter slowly faded.
This was where her secrets were buried.
She took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The air-conditioning hit her immediately—cold, controlled, emotionless. Employees moved with purpose, heels clicking softly against the marble floor, voices hushed, faces unreadable. No one laughed. No one lingered.
It didn't feel like a workplace.
It felt like a system.
Amara walked toward the reception desk, clutching her folder tightly. Inside it were fake confidence, a printed resume, and a carefully rehearsed lie.
"Good morning," the receptionist said, her smile polite but distant. "How may I help you?"
"I'm here to apply for the administrative assistant position," Amara replied calmly.
The receptionist scanned her briefly—head to toe—before typing her name into the computer.
"Name?"
"Amara Matt."
she knows she had to change her name to avoid any suspicions,she have prepared overnight for this. All she wants is to find out about her sister's death even if it's deadly
The woman paused for a second.
Just half.
But Amara noticed.
"Please have a seat," the receptionist said, standing. "HR will attend to you shortly."
As Amara walked to the waiting area, she felt eyes on her. Not curious glances—measuring ones. She lowered herself into a chair and pretended to scroll through her phone while observing everything around her.
A group of employees whispered near the elevators. When one of them glanced at her, the conversation stopped abruptly.
Another woman walked past her, then slowed, turned back slightly, and studied her face as if trying to remember something.
Amara's stomach tightened.
Do they know?
Or am I imagining it?
Her eyes drifted toward the elevators.
There were three.
Two were silver and busy.
The third—black, sleek, untouched.
Beside it was a small sign:
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY – EXECUTIVE FLOOR
Lilian had once mentioned "the top floor."
She never explained what happened there.
Before Amara could think further, a soft voice called her name.
"Miss Amara Matt?"
She looked up.
The woman standing before her was young, neatly dressed, with tired eyes that carried too much knowledge. Her name tag read Clara – Human Resources.
"Yes," Amara replied.
"Please follow me."
They walked through a long corridor lined with glass offices. Inside, people worked silently, their faces serious, their screens filled with charts and numbers Amara couldn't understand. No one looked relaxed.
Clara stopped in front of a small office and opened the door.
"Have a seat."
Amara sat.
Clara closed the door—then locked it.
The click of the lock echoed loudly in the quiet room.
Amara's heart skipped.
"This is just company policy," Clara said quickly, though her hands trembled slightly. "Confidential discussions."
Amara nodded slowly.
Clara flipped through her résumé. "Your qualifications are impressive."
"Thank you."
"You don't have much experience," Clara added, watching her carefully.
"I learn fast."
A brief silence stretched between them.
Then Clara asked casually, "Did you know Lilian Maxwell?"
Amara's breath nearly stopped.
She kept her face calm. "No I don't.she said with confidence."
Clara's eyes didn't leave her face.
"You want to look like her."Clara said softly. "She was… very good at her job."
Another pause.
Then Clara leaned forward, her voice dropping.
"Too good."
Amara's fingers tightened around her bag strap.
"What do you mean?"
Clara swallowed. "Let's leave that and focus on what you're here for.
Amara's heart pounded. "She wants to know what's on her mind, if she's close to Lilian"
Clara was still looking at the document when a knock came suddenly on the door
Miss Clara, the meeting is starting in twenty minutes.
Clara gave a faint smile and gestured for the lady to leave.
" Miss Amara, I love your zeal and how eager you are to work. You can start next week.
Congratulations.
Amara couldn't contain her happiness.
Finally, she's able to get in at the same place her sister's secret were buried.