Jade sat in the plush leather chair in the waiting area, her fingers nervously fumbling with the ends of her blonde hair. The lobby of the office was sleek and modern, but its sophistication only added to the weight in her chest. Girls had been going in and out of the interview room all morning—each one tall, glamorous, and exuding a confidence that made Jade feel like a fish out of water. They looked like they’d stepped straight out of a Victoria’s Secret runway or the pages of Vogue, their heels clicking against the marble floors like a reminder of just how out of place she was.
Her reflection in the glossy surface of a nearby glass wall stared back at her: petite, with soft waves of golden blonde hair framing her face and almond-shaped brown eyes that revealed her mixed heritage. She was proud of her looks, but right now, surrounded by supermodels, she couldn’t help but feel plain.
“Miss Nguyen,” a crisp voice called, startling her from her thoughts.
Jade’s head snapped up. A middle-aged woman in a pencil skirt and no-nonsense heels stood in the doorway, clipboard in hand.
“Oh,” Jade stammered, rising so quickly that her bag fell from her lap and landed on the floor with a thud. “Yes, that’s me!”
The woman’s eyebrow twitched slightly, but she said nothing. Jade hastily straightened her black dress, trying to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks as she followed the woman down the hall.
Her heart pounded as they approached the door. Inside, she knew, were the three men conducting the interviews—the owners of this mysterious new private airline. She’d done her research beforehand. They were known for being young, successful, and ridiculously good-looking. The trifecta.
But nothing could have prepared her for seeing them in person.
The moment she stepped inside the office, she felt their eyes on her, sharp and assessing.
Seated behind a sleek mahogany desk were the three men who, collectively, seemed to control the very air in the room.
Milan sat in the center, his posture elegant yet commanding. His dark hair was immaculately styled, and his suit fit like it was tailored by angels. His icy blue eyes locked onto her, piercing and predatory, as if he could see straight through her nervous facade.
To his right was Enzo, lounging back with an air of dangerous confidence. His black suit did little to hide the tattoos that crept up his neck, peeking out like whispers of rebellion against the otherwise polished ensemble. His rugged jawline was shadowed with the faintest hint of stubble, and his smirk was the kind that could make any woman weak in the knees—or terrify her.
And then there was Thiago, sitting on Milan’s left, his manbun adding a roguish charm to his otherwise refined appearance. His sharp cheekbones and dark eyes gave him an intensity that was hard to ignore, and the way he leaned forward slightly made her feel as though he was already dissecting her every move.
Jade froze for a split second under their collective gaze. It wasn’t just that they were handsome—though they were easily the most attractive men she’d ever seen—it was the way they looked at her, like she was a lamb who’d wandered into a den of wolves.
“Miss Nguyen,” Milan said, his voice smooth and velvety, with just a hint of authority. “Please, have a seat.”
Jade gulped and nodded, her legs feeling like jelly as she crossed the room and sat in the chair opposite them. The chair was plush and comfortable, but she could barely register it over the sound of her own heartbeat thundering in her ears.
“So, Jade,” Thiago began, leaning back slightly, his gaze never leaving her. “Tell us why you’re interested in this position.”
She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Her thoughts were a jumble of nerves and words that refused to form coherent sentences. After what felt like an eternity, she managed, “I—uh—I… think it’s a really exciting opportunity.”
Smooth, Jade. Really smooth.
Enzo tilted his head, his smirk widening as he exchanged a glance with Milan. “Exciting how?”
Jade’s cheeks burned. “I mean, it’s… traveling the world… meeting new people… providing excellent service…” Her voice faltered, and she could feel her hands trembling in her lap.
“Go on,” Milan urged, his expression unreadable but somehow even more intimidating than Enzo’s smirk.
“I—uh—well…” Jade stumbled over her words again, feeling the weight of their gazes pressing down on her. “I have a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, and I’ve always been passionate about creating memorable experiences for people. I think… I think I’d be a great fit because I’m adaptable and I work well under pressure.”
Thiago raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Work well under pressure, huh? You look like you’re about to faint.”
Jade’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, I’m fine! Just… a little nervous.”
“That’s obvious,” Enzo murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Jade’s stomach churned. She was blowing it—completely blowing it. They were probably already thinking about the next candidate, ready to dismiss her as soon as she finished rambling.
“I-I know I might not seem like the best candidate,” she blurted, her words tumbling out in a desperate rush, “but I promise I’m hardworking, and I learn fast, and—”
“Stop,” Milan said, holding up a hand. His voice was calm but firm, silencing her instantly.
Jade’s heart sank. This was it. They were going to tell her she wasn’t what they were looking for.
Then, to her shock, Milan, Enzo, and Thiago exchanged a look before speaking in unison:
“You’re hired.”
Jade blinked, her breath catching. “I… What?”
“You heard us,” Thiago said, his smirk now one of approval.
Enzo leaned forward, his eyes glinting. “Welcome aboard, Miss Nguyen.”