Page 1 of Billionaire Alien Boss Daddy

CHAPTER1

CLARICE

The bus lurches forward, the humid New Orleans air pressing against the windows. I tug at the hem of my blazer, smoothing out invisible wrinkles. The elderly woman next to me, her face lined with years of stories, gives me an approving nod.

“Sweetheart, you look like you just stepped out of one of those fancy magazines. Corporate, right?”

“Thank you,” I say, forcing a polite smile. “Yes, I’m on my way to a job interview.”

Her eyes light up, and she leans in closer. “Oh, how exciting! Where at?”

“The Parthenon,” I reply, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my stomach.

Her eyebrows shoot up. “That’s quite the place. Must be a big job. You nervous?”

“A little,” I admit, staring out the window. The street blurs as we pass the historic district—or what’s left of it, anyway. “The man interviewing me… he’s my ex.”

She lets out a low whistle, shaking her head. “Well, isn’t that a twist. You sure you’re up for that?”

“I don’t have much of a choice,” I say, more to myself than to her. The bus slows, and I stand, clutching my bag. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, dear. Just remember—you’re the one with the power now.” She winks, and I offer a tight-lipped smile before stepping off the bus.

The Parthenon looms ahead, its sleek glass facade glinting in the sunlight. My stomach churns as I crane my neck to look at the top floor. “Please don’t make a pass at me, please don’t make a pass at me,” I mutter under my breath, pushing through the revolving doors.

The elevator ride feels like an eternity, the muzak version of a blues song—my favorite genre—grating on my nerves. When the doors finally ding open, I’m greeted by the sight of a secretary who barely looks up from her nail polish. “Go on in,” she says, waving a hand toward the frosted glass door.

I take a deep breath, pushing it open. The scent of artificial citrus hits me as I step inside. Silas stands in the middle of the room, VR goggles strapped to his head, practicing his golf swing with a futuristic putter.

“Claire, is that you?” His voice is smooth, practiced. Too familiar. “Go ahead and take a seat. Make yourself a drink if you want. I’ll be right with you.”

“I’m good, thanks,” I say, bypassing the wet bar and settling into the chair opposite his desk. The leather squeaks under me, cold and unyielding.

At least he’s not naked. Small victories.

I scan the office while Silas finishes his VR golf swing, my eyes landing on the photos lining the walls. There he is, shaking hands with industry giants, his plastic smile plastered on every frame. One shot catches my eye—Silas standing beside a former president, looking like he’s just won the lottery. My gaze shifts to his desk, where a photo of him with a wife and a toddler sits front and center. At least that’s one thing he’s managed to stick with—marriage.

Silas yanks off the VR goggles, his hair slightly disheveled, and bounds over like he’s just won the Masters.

“Claire!” He grabs my hand, pumping it like he’s trying to start a lawnmower. “You look amazing. Corporate chic really suits you.”

“Thanks,” I say, pulling my hand back and subtly wiping it on my skirt. “So, what’s this about?”

He gestures for me to sit, leaning against the edge of his desk.

“I’ve got an opportunity for you. Something big. I know you’re sharp, Claire. I’ve seen your work.”

I pull a memory stick from my bag and hold it up.

“I’ve got my full resume here, transcripts, references—everything you’d need.”

He waves it off like it’s a fly. “I don’t need to see that. I already know you’re overqualified for the business stuff. But I need someone who can handle… extra duties.”

I stand so fast the chair wobbles. “Oh, no. I knew this was a mistake. I should’ve listened to my gut. You’re not getting me into your bed again, Silas.”

He’s in front of me before I can take a step, hands up like he’s surrendering. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Claire, stop. It’s not that. I’m a happily married man now. Believe it or not, I’ve moved on. Just hear me out.”

I glare at him, my arms crossed. “Fine. But if this is another one of your vague, manipulative schemes, I’m walking out that door and blocking your number.”

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