His secretary

ly'

and the weight of that title seemed both exciting and terrible. The light glinted off the skyscraper's sleek skin, evidence of the riche

ely, I wanted to exude professionalism while yet feeling a little self-conscious. Unlike the bla

said with a brilliant smile. You really have to be

ng a long corridor decorated with contemporary art and soft rugs. Every stride felt like a reminder of h

doors. Just a warning: Mr. Blackwood may be really strong

rilliance in the boardroom and might to be reckoned with had reached me.

then turned aside to let m

loor to ceiling windows providing an amazing perspective of the city skyline. Julian Black

done, he said, his tone free of debate. At the

l, his dark hair framing his sharp face. I felt underdressed an

inued, his voice silk

you around waiting. He arched an eyebrow, his look incomprehensible. "Time in this company is money. You ought to b

least temporarily, I was a part of this planet. Julian remarked, "Let's review your responsibilities," pulling out a binder and sliding it over the desk. "You will handle letters, schedule my calendar, and help with other initiatives. I look for prudence and efficiency. Of course, I said,

his passion caught me in and had a certain appeal. " Emi

and for the filing cabinet. I could feel Julian staring at me as I sieved through the documents, a

, Julian," I said, tongue-based testing the name. Dealing with him so casually was unusual yet exciting. As I relaxed into my position, I started to observe the little things about Julian the way he wrinkled his brow when deep in thought, the tiny twitch of his lips when he was delighted, and the intensity in his eyes when he was concentrated. But around him, there also was a loneliness. Even with his authority

clearly tense as we entered the elevator. His stare seemed weighty, and for the first time I questioned whether Julian Blackwood was more than simply the merciless CEO everyone discussed. From the Restaurant Comprising the city's elite, the restaurant was an elegant venue. Heads turned and whispers trailed after us as we arrived. Anxiety and thrill washed over me in mixed doses. Julian said, "Stay close," his voice low as he led me through the throng. And don't let intimidation scare you. You fit right here. As we walked to a table full of known people, I nodded and tried to absorb his comments. I became proud of myself when Julian brought me to know his colleagues. I belonged to something more than simply a shy secretary now. I had talks throughout the evening and surprised myself with how effectively I kept my own. Julian observed me intently, a contented look on his face as I gently negotiated the conversations. But as the evening drew on, I observed a woman seated at the table across from us. She was striking, confident and with long dark hair. I knew her right away-Alexandra Petrova, a competitor entrepreneur with a reputation for guile. "Julian," she whispered, leaning forward and her voice full of appeal. "I didn't expected to see you here with such... company." "Alexandra," he said coldly, his face ins unreadable. "What a surprising statement." She looked at me, her smile piercing, and I felt a cold go down my spine. And whose might this be? Your upcoming small project?" Emily Wilson," I said, trying not to lose control. Julian's secretary is "Julian." "Ah, the secretary