The morning sun filtered through the skyscrapers of downtown New York City, painting the glass buildings in a soft golden hue. Inside the sleek offices of Blackwood Enterprises, all was bustling as the staff moved like clockwork, ensuring everything was running flawlessly. At her modest desk near the corner office, Emma Collins adjusted her glasses and sighed. She had a to-do list that seemed to get longer by the hour, but she liked her job. And she was good at it.
Alexander Blackwood, the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, had a reputation that preceded him—sharp, ruthless, and undeniably magnetic. Emma had worked as his secretary for the past year, learning his habits, his demands, and his incredibly high standards. She had never seen him make a mistake or falter. Alexander was a man who controlled every aspect of his life, and that included keeping a distance from the people who worked for him.
Emma was no exception.
"Ms. Collins," his deep voice rang through the intercom, breaking her thoughts. She quickly pressed the button.
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood?" she responded, her voice calm and professional.
"I need you in my office. Now."
She took a deep breath, stood up, and straightened her pencil skirt before walking toward the large mahogany door. Alexander’s office was all sleek lines and expensive furnishings, and it always felt just a bit intimidating to her, no matter how many times she had been in there.
As she entered, she saw him standing by the window, his back to her, staring out at the city below. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, his posture radiating authority. Without turning around, he spoke.
"Close the door, please."
Emma did as she was told, her heart pounding a little faster. She wasn't sure if it was because of the sternness in his voice or just his presence. Alexander Blackwood had a way of making her feel nervous, though she'd never let it show.
He turned to face her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "I need a favor, Emma."
That was unexpected. Alexander Blackwood was not a man who asked for favors.
"Of course, sir. What can I do for you?" she asked, keeping her tone steady.
He walked towards his desk, picking up a file and then looking at her, an unreadable expression crossing his face. "I need you to accompany me to an event this evening. My... fiancée has decided to leave me, and I can't afford to show up alone."
Emma blinked, trying to process the words. Fiancée? She didn’t even know he was engaged. Then again, Mr. Blackwood kept his personal life very private.
"Sir, I—" she hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
"I’ll pay you, of course," he added, mistaking her hesitation for reluctance. "A considerable bonus for your time. I just need someone I can trust tonight. Someone who knows how to handle the press, and who won’t... complicate things."
Emma felt a strange mix of emotions—confusion, curiosity, and a slight sting at the transactional nature of his request. But then again, Alexander Blackwood was a businessman through and through. Even his relationships seemed to be contracts.
"Alright," she said, her voice soft. "I'll do it."
He smiled then, a rare sight that almost made her breath catch. "Thank you, Emma. I knew I could count on you."
YOU ARE READING
Bound by Secrets
אקשןEmma, a fiercely independent secretary, has spent years under the thumb of the enigmatic billionaire, Alexander-a man whose power extends beyond wealth, into the shadows of organized crime. When she discovers a devastating secret that could bring Al...
