Chapter 1: Desperate times
Bright afternoon sunlight streams through large windows of Margo Fashion House casting golden hues on polished wooden floors beneath. Nothing seemed forthcoming that would warmly impact Sherry Hart's emotions.
Family business teetered precariously on the edge of financial ruin. Piles of unpaid invoices cluttered her desk alongside grim financial reports every single day becoming a constant reminder of impending doom.
The fashion houses that once thrived now suffocate under the weight of mounting debt with their impeccable designs largely forgotten slowly.
Her father Thomas Hart built this business from scratch pouring decades of sweat and sheer dogged determination into it slowly. It began modestly as a boutique flourishing rapidly into a household name within the fashion industry.
His declining health suddenly left everything squarely in Sherry's shaky hands beneath a massive burden of responsibility.
She exhaled shakily her gaze drifting slowly upward toward a framed photograph sitting quietly on the desk. Her parents stood proudly in front of their inaugural storefront beaming with evident delight. Margo Hart her mother had designed dresses while her father handled the business side.
They had fashioned something pretty darn extraordinary in collaboration. Giving up was completely out of the question now. Sherry ran a hand through her dark hair that fell down her back in loose waves frustration still clawing at her deeply.
She couldn’t allow Margo Fashion House to collapse. It was not only about the family legacy; hundreds of workers relied on the company for their livelihood. People who had dedicated years some even decades to the brand, trusting that it would always stand strong.
But no bank was willing to help. Her pleas for loans were rejected repeatedly her emails were ignored and her calls went unreturned eventually. She spearheaded numerous ventures proposed innovative strategies offered potential investors shares in the company via private placements somehow. Yet, every single one had turned her down.
They feigned enthusiasm nodding silently as she laid out her plans so they could reject them abruptly afterwards. Every shutdown hovered ominously over struggling companies like a suffocating vice that gradually tightened daily. Her mom's voice still loudly echoed deep within her mind somehow.
"You can't do this alone, Sherry. Sherry can't manage this solitary endeavor by herself. Sherry felt utterly drained and completely exhausted by her circumstances somehow.
She'd have no one backing her play if she didn't go all out for it now. Her phone buzzed loudly on the desk pulling her abruptly from deep contemplation. Sophie Grant's name suddenly flashed across the screen.
“Sherry, you need a miracle,” Sophie declared without hesitation. Sherry picked up slowly beneath her breath and braced herself inwardly for what was coming.“And I know where you might find one.”
“I’m listening,” Sherry replied warily.
“Enzo Blackwood.”
Sherry’s grip tightened on the phone. Sophie bluntly said Sherry needs a miracle now. Her friend's voice rang out remarkably bold.“He’s not exactly known for charity,” Sherry said dryly.
“No, but he’s known for results,” Sophie countered. “If anyone can pull Margo Fashion House out of this mess, it’s him.”
Sherry exhaled slowly. Sherry replied warily I'm listening.“How do I even get a meeting with someone like Enzo Blackwood?”
“Leave that to me,” Sophie said confidently. “You just need to be ready.”
That afternoon, Sherry found herself standing in the grand lobby of Blackwood Industries. Sherry's grip suddenly tightened fiercely around the phone. Everybody knew that guy - a cutthroat billionaire behind Blackwood Industries' ascent into a formidable worldwide entity suddenly. His deals were utterly legendary so his reputation for being ruthlessly cold and calculating preceded him.
Sherry said somewhat sarcastically he's hardly renowned for generosity. Sophie countered he's known for results basically. Margo Fashion House's salvation apparently rests with him now. Sherry breathed out slowly beside him. She was out of options and took a wildly improbable chance."How do I meet someone like Enzo Blackwood now?
Sophie said she'd handle it very confidently somehow."Mr. Blackwood is ready for you now."
Sherry followed her down a sleek hallway, each step amplifying the nerves coiling in her stomach. Sherry stood alone in Blackwood Industries' grand lobby that afternoon. You just need to be supremely ready somehow. Sleek glass building loomed large as a symbol of immense power and prestige somehow. Its sheer size made her feel utterly insignificant in that vast space surrounded by towering structures.
Her heart pounded rapidly as she adjusted her blazer smoothing fabric with incredibly clammy hands beneath dim light. Elevator ride upward felt smooth yet eerily tense somehow.
Every faint ding somehow caused her breathing to become slightly erratic. She felt the eyes of fellow pros in the elevator on her sharp gazes making her intensely aware of high stakes. She stepped into a minimalist yet opulent waiting space after doors swung open slowly at last. Poised behind a massive mahogany desk a seemingly composed secretary glanced upward suddenly.
"Mr Blackwood awaits you."
Sherry trails behind her through a hallway lined with dark hardwood floors beneath softly glowing lights and her nerves intensify. His office doors were made of dark wood had gold handles and were pretty massive overall. Secretary pushed doors open with a flourish gesturing wildly for Sherry.
Sherry stepped inside and the scent of rich leather enveloped her amidst expensive cologne fragrances. Office space felt overwhelmingly modern and pretty intimidating somehow.“If you’re here to beg,” Enzo said, his voice smooth but unforgiving, “I suggest you save your breath.”
Sherry squared her shoulders, determined not to let him intimidate her. “I don’t beg. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a pretty breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline and her focus was somewhere else entirely upstairs. Enzo Blackwood stood by the window his back turned away from her completely.“I’m listening,” he said, his tone carrying both challenge and intrigue.
Sherry inhaled deeply. This was her moment.
“Margo Fashion House is drowning in debt, but it’s still one of the most recognizable brands in the fashion industry. With the right investment, we can turn it around. You’ll be investing in a legacy, Mr. Blackwood. One that could bring significant returns.”
Enzo’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk. “And what do you offer in return?”
Sherry swallowed hard, knowing this was where the stakes heightened.
Sherry reached into her bag and pulled out a carefully prepared contract.
"This proposal outlines my terms of joint control, with profits shared once we stabilize. Skilled artisans and fiercely loyal customers are integral parts of a brand built largely on exceptionally high quality”.
Enzo tilted his head slightly, tapping a finger against his desk. “Interesting.”
A tense silence stretched between them before he finally spoke again. “I don’t do charity, Ms. Hart. "You want me to throw good money after bad?"
"I’m asking you to see potential," she countered. "And I’m willing to offer something in return."
If I invest in something, I expect full control.”
Sherry’s stomach twisted. “Full control?” Enzo’s voice was cold, unwavering.
Enzo leaned back, crossing his fingers.
Sherry’s heart sank. "What do you mean?"
Silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken challenges.
A faint, chilling smile played on his lips. “I take what I want and if I help you, I want full control no conditions. And I expect something in return." His voice lowered, deliberate and commanding.
"Five years. You’ll be my assistant. No complaints, no exceptions. That’s the deal." You’ll report to me. Every decision, every move you answer to me.”
Sherry blinked, stunned by the audacity of his demand. "Five years? That’s absurd."
"Completely take it or leave it," he said flatly. "You came to me because you’re desperate."
Sherry’s lips parted, a protest forming on her tongue. But the truth was glaring at her this was her only option.
Enzo said calmly. "You have until the end of the day to decide. After that, my offer disappears."
Sherry stood immediately, frustration and disbelief battling within her. "I won’t be your puppet."
Enzo’s expression didn’t change. "Then walk away. But remember, when Margo Fashion House collapses, it won’t be my problem."
The battle had just begun, and she had no intention of losing.