chapter one

554 6 2

by kashalwayrude

by kashalwayrude

First Impressions

The sharp, clicking sound of heels echoed through the polished, glass-walled office building. Charlotte West epitomizes control and confidence. As the CEO of one of the city's most successful tech companies, she commanded attention the moment she stepped into a room. Her sleek black suit, dark hair pulled into a high hair bun, and icy blue eyes, which missed nothing, made it clear that she was a woman who took no nonsense from anyone.

Her assistant, Jessica, had just briefed her about the newest hire. Adam Grant. Fresh out of graduate school, he was a promising candidate with impressive credentials and a quiet demeanor. It didn't take long for Charlotte to form her opinion. He was competent, no doubt, but there was something about the way he presented himself—too reserved, too passive. Charlotte had always been drawn to those who could challenge her, not those who stayed in the background.

As she walked into the meeting room, her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Adam, who stood near the conference table, looking slightly nervous. His suit was perfectly tailored, his dark hair combed neatly, and his sharp jawline looked tense. Charlotte could already tell he was trying his best to keep calm under her gaze.

"Mr. Grant," Charlotte greeted him smoothly, her voice cold yet laced with a faint undertone of curiosity. "You're our new secretary?"

Adam straightened up, his posture stiff, but his eyes were focused on her. He was aware of the rumors about her—a woman with an iron will, known for her demanding nature. Yet, he hadn't expected the air of command she exuded to be so... intense.

"Yes, Ms. West," he said, his voice calm but slightly shaky. "I'm honored to be here."

Charlotte took her seat at the head of the table, not bothering to gesture for him to sit, knowing full well that he would. She had no patience for those who hesitated. She wasn't a woman who needed to make room for others—she made the room for herself.

"Honored, you say?" Charlotte mused, her eyes narrowing as she observed him. "You know, Mr. Grant, most people are intimidated by me. They don't use words like 'honored.' They say 'grateful,' or 'lucky.' So, I'm curious. What exactly makes you feel 'honored' to work for someone like me?"

Adam's pulse quickened under her scrutiny. He had prepared for this. He had read all the reports about Charlotte's no-nonsense approach to leadership. But hearing it directly from her was... another experience entirely.

"I suppose it's because I respect your work," he replied, his voice steady despite the growing tension. "You've built something incredible here, and I want to be a part of that. I'm not intimidated by success."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" Her lips curled into a faint smile. It wasn't a warm smile, but rather one that hinted at amusement. "You seem confident enough, Mr. Grant. Let's see how long that lasts."

Her words were playful, but there was an undeniable sharpness beneath them. She was testing him. Charlotte always tested people when they first joined her team. She wanted to see how they handled pressure, how they reacted to authority.

She leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving his face. "You'll find that I expect a lot from the people around me, Adam. Especially my assistants. You'll be managing my schedule, my communications, handling delicate negotiations. You'll need to anticipate my needs before I ask. Can you do that?"

Adam nodded. "Yes, Ms. West. I'm very organized and can adapt to any situation."

Charlotte studied him for a moment longer before nodding in approval. "Good. But just so you know, I don't tolerate mistakes. If you can't keep up, I'll find someone who can. Don't let me down."

She had no intention of being cruel. It was simply a matter of how things worked with her. She didn't have time for inefficiency, for hesitation. Adam seemed like a capable man, but she wouldn't hesitate to push him if she needed to. And in her world, everyone got pushed.

As the conversation went on, Adam began to feel an odd sense of tension in his chest. Charlotte's directness, her precise demands—there was something undeniably magnetic about her. She exuded power in a way that was more than just authority; it was the sort of power that made people want to bend to her will without ever needing to ask.

They went over the logistics of the job, and Charlotte gave him a few small tasks to complete before the end of the day. Adam listened intently, careful to make sure he didn't miss a single detail. As they wrapped up the meeting, Charlotte stood up first, her posture still regal and commanding.

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Grant," she said, her tone casual, but there was a sharpness to it that made Adam feel as if she was still testing him. "I expect great things from you."

Adam stood as well, shaking her hand. As her grip firmed around his, he felt something stirring deep within him—an unexpected desire to please her, to meet her expectations, to rise to the challenge she was presenting.

He had no idea where this feeling was coming from. All he knew was that Charlotte West had already left a mark on him, and he was drawn to her in a way he hadn't anticipated.

As Adam left the meeting room, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. And as much as he tried to ignore the strange attraction building inside him, he knew he wouldn't be able to keep it at bay for long.