𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 | 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐓 𝐖 𝐎

Dakota

I parked my white Porsche 911 in front of the Beaumont Law Firm, staring up at the towering glass building that loomed above me. The sight was both breathtaking and intimidating; the firm was fucking huge, reflecting the skyline like a giant mirror. As I climbed out of my car and grabbed my bag, a mix of excitement and nerves coursed through me. This was it. This was the place where I would begin my journey into the world of law, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline.

With purposeful strides, I walked up to the entrance and pushed open the heavy glass doors. The lobby was impressive, filled with sleek furniture and the subtle hum of people discussing important matters. I approached the receptionist, who looked up from her desk, her expression neutral. I offered her a polite smile, hoping to convey my eagerness.

"Excuse me." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Could you please tell me where Ms. Beaumont's office is?"

Her eyes widened slightly at my inquiry, and she leaned forward in her chair. "Do you have an appointment with Ms. Beaumont?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm Dakota D'Angelo, the new intern that's going to work for Ms. Beaumont."

The receptionist's demeanor shifted, and she gave me a sympathetic look, mixed with a hint of concern. "Oh, well... Ms. Beaumont's office is on the fiftieth floor." she said slowly.

"Thank you." I replied, trying to ignore the way her expression hinted at something ominous. As I turned to walk away, I heard her mutter under her breath, "Good luck with that bitch."

The comment made me pause for a second, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. Shaking it off, I made my way to the elevators, feeling the weight of my nerves settle in my chest. I pressed the button for the fiftieth floor, and waited. After what felt like an eternity, the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open.

I stepped inside and pressed the button again. The ride felt long, the elevator moving smoothly yet slowly, and I couldn't help but replay the receptionist's words in my mind. Was Ms. Beaumont really as ruthless as they said?

When the elevator doors finally opened, I was greeted by a stark change in atmosphere. The air on this floor was thick with tension, as if everyone was walking on eggshells. A few people were scattered throughout the expansive area, their heads buried in paperwork or deep conversations, but it didn't feel welcoming. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and began walking toward a young blonde woman who looked friendly enough.

"Excuse me." I said, smiling at her. "Can you tell me where Ms. Beaumont's office is?"

She returned my smile, brightening the otherwise tense atmosphere. "Of course! I'm Annabel Miller, Ms. Beaumont's secretary." she introduced herself. "I'll take you to her office."

"Thank you." I replied, grateful for her warmth.

Annabel led me through the floor, her heels clicking against the polished tiles. The walls were lined with framed accolades and awards, each one a testament to the firm's reputation and success. I felt a swell of pride and anxiety, I was about to join this world.

We arrived at a pair of massive black doors, impressive and intimidating, with a golden nameplate that read: CEO Genevieve Beaumont. My heart raced, and I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. This was it.

Annabel knocked softly on the door, and I held my breath, the sound echoing in the silence.

"Come in." a feminine voice called, velvet smooth and commanding.

Annabel opened the door and turned to me. "Ms. Beaumont, Dakota D'Angelo, the intern, is here." she announced.

I stepped through the doorway, my pulse quickening as I entered the office. The room was expansive and elegantly designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city. But all my attention was drawn to the woman sitting behind the sleek desk, her demeanor as striking as her office.

Genevieve Beaumont was stunningly beautiful, tall, and exuded an aura of authority that made the air around her crackle. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, and her sharp features held an intensity that was both intimidating and alluring. I felt a wave of nerves wash over me, but I reminded myself to stand tall.

"Ms. D'Angelo." she said, her voice smooth yet powerful. "Welcome to Beaumont Law Firm. I expect nothing but excellence from you. Are we clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady.

"Good. Let's get started."

And just like that, I was swept into the whirlwind that was Genevieve Beaumont's world.

I stood awkwardly in the middle of Ms. Beaumont's office, the walls feeling like they were closing in on me. The atmosphere was so tense that I could practically hear my own heartbeat echoing in my ears. Ms. Beaumont, with her piercing gaze and commanding presence, was the embodiment of authority.

"Take a seat." she said, her tone brooking no argument.

I nodded and hurried to the chair in the corner, forcing a nervous smile as I settled into it. The plush fabric enveloped me, but it did little to ease the anxiety coiling in my stomach. I glanced up at her, trying to gauge her mood, but her expression remained inscrutable.

"Just so you know, you won't have your own office." she informed me, pointing to a black desk tucked away in the corner of her expansive office. "That's where you'll be working. It's a good location to learn and observe."

I followed her gesture and saw the desk, stark and modern, alongside a very comfortable-looking chair. My heart sank slightly at the realization that I was going to be tucked away like a forgotten piece of furniture, but I pushed the thought aside.

Ms. Beaumont continued, "I don't tolerate slackers or tardiness. You must be here every morning at eight sharp. Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am." I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her cold demeanor made me even more nervous, it was no wonder the tension in the air was so thick on this floor.

"Go ahead and settle at your desk." she instructed. "There are a few cases that need to be reviewed. You can start on those."

"Thank you." I said, feeling a small surge of relief. I was eager to dive into the work, to prove myself worthy of being here.

I made my way to the desk and sat down, ready to grab the files that awaited me. But as I reached out for the top of the desk, I quickly realized there was one major problem,  I was too short to work comfortably. My arms could reach the desk, but it was an awkward stretch that made my shoulders hunch. I sighed, cursing myself for being so short.

"Is something wrong?" Ms. Beaumont's voice cut through my frustration, and I looked up, startled.

I hesitated, my cheeks flushing as I stammered, "I... I can't reach the desk properly. I'm too short."

She let out an irritated sigh and rolled her eyes, which made me feel even smaller. "Stand up." she ordered.

I obeyed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as I realized how much taller she was than me. In her Versace heels, she was even more intimidating, towering above me like a statue. When I looked up, I couldn't help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over me, my head was level with her breasts. I blushed a deep shade of red and instinctively took a step back, moving out of her direct line of sight.

Ms. Beaumont adjusted the chair and said, "See if it's fine now."

I hesitated before sitting back down, my heart racing. When I settled into the chair again, I found it was at the perfect height. I could reach the desk comfortably now. Relief flooded through me, and I gave her a sheepish smile.

"It's perfect, thank you." I said, my voice tinged with gratitude.

Ms. Beaumont merely hummed in response, her expression unreadable, before turning and making her way back to her own desk. I watched her, still trying to process the whirlwind of emotions I felt, intimidation, excitement, and a sprinkle of awe.

As I began to sift through the files on my desk, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into a world that was both exhilarating and daunting. This was my chance to prove myself, to show that I belonged here, even if it felt like I was out of my depth. But I was determined. I would find my footing, no matter how high I had to reach.

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~ R