Protected By The Young CEO

❤️❤️❤️Entering the High-Stakes World❤️❤️❤️

Emily Lee stood outside Thompson Innovations' sleek glass building, her heart racing with anticipation.

The warm Los Angeles sun cast a golden glow over the city, but Emily's nerves chilled her to the bone.

This internship was her ticket to a journalism career, and she couldn't afford to mess up.

Taking a deep breath, Emily smoothed her dress and grasped her portfolio, adorned with her name in bold letters.

She had spent hours perfecting her resume and preparing for this moment.

Her parents, though struggling financially, had sacrificed to support her education.

This internship was Emily's chance to prove herself.

As she pushed through the revolving door, the lobby's air-conditioned coolness enveloped her.

The receptionist, a polished woman with a bright smile, greeted Emily.

"Welcome, Emily! You're expected. Please take the elevator to the 20th floor. Mr. Thompson's assistant, Rachel, will meet you there."

Emily's palms sweated as she stepped into the elevator.

What if she failed? What if she couldn't keep up with the demanding pace of Thompson Innovations?

Emily's gaze swept across the 20th floor as the elevator doors opened.

The spacious office bustled with activity, the hum of conversation and clinking keyboards filling the air.

The city skyline stretched before her, a breathtaking panorama of steel and glass.

Her heart still racing, Emily stepped forward, her high heels clicking on the polished marble floor.

The reception area's elegance impressed her – sleek lines, minimalist decor, and a stunning chandelier.

A figure emerged from the crowd, approaching Emily with a warm smile. "Hi Emily! I'm Rachel, Mr. Thompson's assistant."

Emily's tension eased slightly as she shook Rachel's hand. "Hi Rachel, nice to meet you."

Rachel's eyes sparkled. "Welcome to Thompson Innovations! We're excited to have you on board."

Emily's doubts resurfaced. Was she truly qualified? Could she handle the pressure?

Rachel's gentle touch on her arm reassured her. "Don't worry, Emily. You'll do great. Let's get you settled."

As they walked toward Emily's workstation, the office's energy enveloped her. Colleagues nodded in greeting, their faces a blur. Emily's focus remained on Rachel, her anchor in this whirlwind.

"Your desk is just over here," Rachel said, leading Emily to a sleek, ergonomic workstation.

Emily's eyes widened as she took in the top-of-the-line equipment and stunning view.

This was her workspace for the next few months.

With Rachel's guidance, Emily began to feel more at ease. Maybe, just maybe, she belonged here.

Rachel handed Emily a thick folder. "This contains your orientation package, company policies, and your first assignment."

Emily's eyes widened as she scanned the contents. "This looks like a lot to take in."

Rachel smiled. "Don't worry, you'll have time to review everything. Your first task is to research and write a report on the latest trends in tech innovation."

Emily nodded, determination igniting within her. "I'm on it."

Just then, a deep voice echoed from across the room. "Rachel, I need to see you."

Emily's gaze followed Rachel's to the speaker. Ethan Thompson, the CEO, stood by his office door, his piercing blue eyes commanding attention.

Rachel excused herself. "I'll be right back, Emily."

As Rachel approached Ethan's office, Emily felt a shiver run down her spine. She couldn't explain why, but Ethan's presence seemed to dominate the space.

Emily took a deep breath and focused on her task. She had a report to write and a reputation to build.

With renewed determination, Emily opened her laptop and began typing.

Ethan's voice carried from his office, low and authoritative. "Rachel, I expect nothing but excellence from our interns. Ensure Emily understands our expectations."

Emily's ears perked up, her heart racing. Was Ethan talking about her?

Rachel's response was reassuring. "Don't worry, Ethan. Emily's impressive. She'll exceed expectations."

Emily's face flushed with pride. She wouldn't let Rachel or herself down.

As Rachel returned to Emily's workstation, a hint of a smile played on her lips. "Ethan's impressed with your background, Emily. He expects exceptional results."

Emily's nerves settled slightly, but her determination intensified. "I won't disappoint."

Rachel handed Emily a company phone and laptop. "Get familiar with our systems. Your login credentials are in the orientation package."

Emily nodded, already diving into the materials with laser-sharp focus.

Hours blurred together as Emily immersed herself in paperwork, system tutorials, and research.

Her resolve to impress Ethan and Rachel drove her.

As the afternoon sun cast a golden glow, Emily took a short break on the balcony.

The city skyline stretched before her, breathtaking.

"You're enjoying the view, I see," Ethan said, appearing beside her.

Emily turned, her heart skipping a beat. Ethan's piercing blue eyes squinted against the sunlight.

"It's stunning," Emily replied, her voice steady.

Ethan's gaze lingered, his expression unreadable. "Los Angeles has its perks. But don't get distracted. Your report is due tomorrow."

Emily's pulse quickened. "I'll have it ready."

Ethan's nod was curt. "See that you do."

As he turned to leave, Emily called out, "Mr. Thompson?"

He turned back, his eyes narrowing. "Yes?"

"What's the most important aspect of this report?" Emily asked.

Ethan's expression softened slightly, revealing a glimpse of charm beneath his cold exterior. "Insight. Show me you understand the industry's pulse."

With that, he disappeared into his office, leaving Emily to ponder his words and the enigmatic man behind them.

Ethan's voice echoed in her mind, "Exceptional results, Emily. Nothing less."

Emily returned to her workstation, her mind racing with Ethan's words. Insight. Understand the industry's pulse.

She dove back into her research, determined to deliver exceptional results.

As the hours passed, the office emptied, and Emily remained, fueled by her determination.

Finally, she saved her report and emailed it to Ethan, a sense of pride and accomplishment washing over her.

As she packed up to leave, Emily caught a glimpse of Ethan's office. His door was open, and he sat at his desk, scanning her report.

Their eyes met, and Emily felt a jolt of electricity.

Ethan's expression was unreadable, but his gaze lingered, holding hers.

Emily's heart pounded as she broke the spell, turning to leave.

"Emily," Ethan called out.

She turned back, her voice steady. "Yes?"

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Tomorrow, 9 a.m. My office. We'll discuss your report."

Emily nodded, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within her.

As she left the office, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into uncharted territory.

The next morning, Emily arrived at Ethan's office, her nerves on edge.

Ethan looked up from her report, his expression imposing.

"Good morning," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. "Good morning."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Your report is... impressive."

Emily's tension eased slightly.

"But," Ethan continued, his eyes piercing, "I expect more. Deeper analysis. More insight."

Emily nodded, determination igniting within her.

"I'll do better," she promised.

Ethan's gaze lingered, his expression softening ever so slightly.

"I expect nothing less," he said.

As Emily left Ethan's office, she felt a sense of accomplishment.

But little did she know, her world was about to collide with a force that would change everything.

Ethan's phone buzzed, shrill in the silence.

"Sophia's here," his assistant announced.

Ethan's expression turned cold.

He rose from his chair, his eyes narrowing.

"Send her in."

The door swung open, and Sophia Montgomery swept in.

Her piercing green eyes scanned the room, lingering on Emily's report on Ethan's desk.

"Father's business deal is secured," Sophia said, her voice dripping with entitlement.

Ethan's jaw clenched.

"You know why I agreed to this alliance," he said, his tone icy.

Sophia's smile twisted.

"Yes, Father's influence. You wouldn't dare decline."

Ethan's eyes flashed with anger.

But Sophia continued, oblivious.

"I expect our families' partnership to yield unprecedented profits."

As Sophia turned to leave, her gaze swept across the office.

Her eyes locked onto Emily's report, and her expression darkened.

"Who's this?" Sophia demanded, snatching the report.

Ethan's face turned granite.

"None of your concern."

Sophia's eyes narrowed.

"I'll decide what concerns me."

With that, Sophia stormed out, leaving Ethan's office in tense silence.

Ethan's eyes locked onto Emily's report, his expression unreadable.

The phone on his desk buzzed again.

"Sophia's instructions," his assistant said. "Emily Lee is to be... monitored."

Ethan's gaze turned cold.

The darkness gathering around Emily had just intensified.

To be continued...