Prologue

"Wow. Why am I not surprised by his latest achievement?", I groan to myself as I read through the morning paper. Christian Grey, the biggest egomaniac I have ever known, has just accomplished yet another project guaranteed to better Seattle. I look at his face and he has a I'm-the-best-person-ever smile planted on it and I'm half-tempted to tear the fucking page out of the paper.

He's always like this. Bigoted, full of himself and believing that he is the world's greatest gift to humanity. He always uses his pedestal to make himself look better and every time I hear about him, it's never anything praise-worthy or kindhearted and honestly, I'm not surprised. He's the most pompous jerk I've ever come across. Granted, I've never met him but who would ever want to? I doubt even his parents are proud of who he's become.

Meeting him would be the death of my career, as if it was really going anywhere to begin with.

Just as I'm trying to find any article that does not involve Christian Grey, my roommate, Kate, opens the door and tears away my wandering thoughts. She just went for a jog and I'm wondering why I didn't go with her. I could've used the distraction.

"Hey Kate. How was your run?", I ask casually as I close the paper and go to fetch her a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Fine. I jogged to The Sound and stopped at the diner on my way back", she huffs as she graciously accepts the bottle. Kate always tries to push herself and I'm starting to think it's because of her latest break-up from last week. Elliot Grey; Christian Grey's brother. He caused hell for them and I can tell Kate is still pretty pissed about it, as well as heartbroken. He's been trying to contact her but she can't bring herself to answer. I feel sorry for her.

"Kate, you have to stop this. It's not like it was Elliot's fault", I answer as I help her out of her sweatshirt.

"Maybe. I just feel sorry that he's related to Christian."

"You and me both. Has Mia messaged you about the job offer?"

"Not yet but it looks promising. Finally, we can get some real money around here."

"Yeah, especially if I can get a new job soon as well."

"Amen to that." Me and Kate started falling on hard times and I had recently gotten, um, a job that was supposed to help us but there hasn't been any assignments that I've been interested in lately. Christian's sister, Mia, promised her something but it's been almost a week since we've heard from her. If only Christian could be like his siblings. Maybe then he could earn some respect.

"Has Hannah contacted you with any offers over the past few days? Anything you might be interested in?", Kate asks me as she gulps the last of her water, obviously inviting the liquid to her throat.

"Nothing's caught my attention. I know she's trying but she knows me better than that. I like the interesting cases."

"Have you ever thought about doing something smaller?"

"No way. The bigger ones are better anyway."

"I know but…", she starts but just then my phone rings and I have to put her on hold. I check the caller ID and it's my boss, Hannah Hagen.

"Sorry", I say to Kate and answer the call. "Hey Hannah."

"Ana, hi. Listen, I think I might have something for you. Can you be at the office n twenty minutes?"

"Yeah, sure. I'm on my way", I say as I hang up and grab my car keys on the counter.

"Don't tell me..", Kate begins and I can tell she sounds excited.

"Fingers crossed. I'll see you later?"

"Sure. Good luck."

"Heh, thanks", I respond and head out the door. As usual, my beloved Wanda is waiting for me and I am so glad that José was able to fix her. I trust her but sometimes she acts up and that worries him and Kate. They should know I can take care of myself but I wouldn't want it any other way. Popping in a CD for the road, I pull out and head to the office. I hope this is worth it, for both our sakes.