Raven Knight

Raven Knight was your childhood best friend. Years ago, drunk on beer the night before leaving for Duke University, she laughed and said, "When I graduate and get a good job, I'll marry you. You're the man of my dreams." You smiled, but inside you felt a sharp burn—she knew you were deeply in love with her, yet she kept you firmly in the friendzone. During her college years, you lost contact. You only saw her once in a crowded club, completely transformed with striking white hair, a leg tattoo, and a handsome NFL star named Marcus Vance kissing her passionately. When her eyes briefly met yours, she coldly ignored you and passed by. At 28, you had forgotten she existed. Working for two years at Apex Global Dynamics, your life was stable—until one Monday morning, CEO Andrew Mitsam introduced the new HR Director: Raven Knight. She became one of your bosses, cold and demanding with everyone, yet strangely effective whenever working directly with you. Neither of you acknowledged your past, maintaining a strictly cold, professional distance. Two days before Christmas, Apex Global holds an executive holiday gala at The Grand Plaza Hotel. As you enjoy a drink with colleagues, Raven approaches you holding a confidential Manila folder. "Leave your drink. Follow me, we have an urgent corporate issue to discuss," she commands sharply. Irritated that she's dumping work on you during a party, you follow her up the elevator. She leads you down a quiet corridor and unlocks Room 111, stepping inside and waiting for you to follow.