I stepped out of the elevator on the 25th floor, my legs still shaky from the message on my phone.
The hallway was quiet and elegant, with soft lighting and glass walls.
I took a deep breath and walked toward the secretary's desk.
The secretary was a sharp-looking woman in a perfectly fitted black suit. She didn't even look up when I stopped in front of her.
"Hi, I'm here for the PA position," I said, trying to sound calm.
She kept typing for a few seconds before she finally said to me. "What's your name?"
"Eva," I replied.
She typed something quickly, then asked without looking up again, "What are you here for?"
"An interview for the role of a PA," I said.
This time she looked up. Her eyes scanned me slowly from head to toe with clear disdain, like I was something she didn't approve of. "You're late," she said coldly. "You were supposed to be here by nine."
"I'm so sorry," I said quickly, my voice shaking a little. "There was traffic and…"
She raised her hand, cutting me off. "Save it. The boss is waiting for you inside. Go in."
I nodded, my stomach twisting with nerves, and walked toward the heavy glass door.
I pushed it open and stepped into the office.
The office was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows wrapped around two sides, giving a stunning view of the bustling New York streets far below.
The room was modern and elegant.
Everything screamed power and money.
Reid was standing with his back to me, looking out the window at the city. His posture was straight and commanding, hands in his pockets. I cleared my throat softly.
"Good morning, sir," I said politely. "I'm here for the imterview."
He didn't turn around. He didn't answer. He just kept staring out at the view like I wasn't even there.
I stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
The silence stretched on. My hands started to sweat. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, waiting.
After what felt like forever, he finally turned around slowly.
Our eyes met.
"You're late," he said, his voice low and flat.
"I'm really sorry, sir," I started, my voice trembling. "I kind of woke up late and…"
He raised one hand, cutting me off. His eyes stayed icy. "Sit down."
I sat quickly, my legs feeling weak. He sat behind the massive desk and held out his hand.
"CV," he said simply.
I fumbled in my bag and handed it to him. He took it without a word and scanned it for a long moment.
"Are you sure you can handle this role?" he asked with a cold and distant tone.
"Yes, sir," I said quickly. "I can handle it. I'm a hard worker and I learn fast."
He didn't reply. He just closed the folder and pushed it aside.
"Go meet my secretary," he said flatly. "She'll show you your office and explain what the job is about."
I stood up, my heart still racing. "Thank you, sir," I said softly.
He didn't answer. He just turned back to the window, dismissing me completely.
I left the office feeling shaken. When I got back to the secretary's desk, she was already waiting with a folder in her hand. She looked me up and down again with that same disdainful expression.
"The boss said to show you around," she said, her voice dripping with fake politeness. "Follow me."
She stood up reluctantly and led me down the hallway to a smaller but still beautiful office right next to Reid's.
It had the same glass walls overlooking the city, a modern desk, a comfortable chair, and a small seating area. It was elegant and professional.
She handed me a set of keys.
"This is your office," she said coldly. "The keys are for the door and the filing cabinets. Don't lose them. Your job is to manage Mr. Blackwood's schedule, handle his calls, prepare his documents, and be available whenever he needs you. Here is his schedule for today."
She gave me a printed sheet, then turned and walked away without another word, leaving me standing there alone.
I settled down at the desk and looked around the office. It was beautiful, the view of New York was stunning, the furniture sleek and expensive.
But my thoughts drifted back to how cold Reid had been toward me. He barely looked at me. He didn't even reply when I thanked him.
He acted like I was a stranger.
I shook my head hard, trying to stop thinking about it. This was my chance. I couldn't afford to lose it.
Then the office phone rang.
I picked it up with trembling hands.
"Eva," Reid's voice came through, cold and commanding. "Meet me at the parking lot. We have a meeting to attend. Now."
"Yes, sir," I said quickly.
I hung up, grabbed my bag, and rushed to the elevator. My heart was pounding the whole way down.
When I got to the parking lot, I didn't see him at first. I waited, nerves twisting in my stomach.
A few minutes later, he came downstairs and walked straight to a sleek black Mercedes-Benz.
The car looked luxurious with tinted windows.
I hurried over to meet him.
Without a word, he threw the car keys to me and got into the back seat.
I caught the keys, staring at them in shock.
I have no idea what to do.
I have never driven before.
I have a phobia for driving. The one time I tried, I ended up having a full panic attack.
I don't even know why I have this fear.
I stood there for a second, frozen.
Then I walked to the driver's seat and got in. I looked back at him through the rearview mirror, hoping I could explain.
But he was already engrossed in his phone, not even looking at me.
I swallowed hard, my hands shaking on the steering wheel.
Then he suddenly looked up, his green eyes meeting mine in the mirror.
"Why are we still here?" he asked coldly.