A month later, Charlotte Hayes’ injuries had fully healed. With her previous job position filled, the housebound weeks nearly drove her mad. Surprisingly, the Grant family physician diligently monitored her recovery until discharge, handing her an employment dossier yesterday. The address leaped out – Grant Commercial Tower, 6th Floor, Executive Assistant to the Director. Her breath caught.
Grant Enterprises? The corporate titan every graduate dreamed of joining? The conglomerate spanning countless industries? The employer renowned for top-tier salaries and elite talent pools? Charlotte’s lips formed a perfect “O” confirming the details.
This wasn’t just any branch office, but Grant Enterprises’ California division. Better yet – Director-level position with executive compensation, far surpassing her lost job. Clutching the documents, she nearly laughed aloud, her month-long gloom evaporating.
Reality check surfaced. As a green graduate lacking experience, how did she bypass Grant’s notorious “no fresh graduates” policy? Then realization struck – that phone call with “Mr. Grant.” Could it be… Ethan Grant? The playboy heir from tabloids? The same man whose car accidently injured her? Charlotte’s pulse quickened. Was she walking into a wolf’s den?
Yet part of her buzzed with anticipation. Countless women would kill to be Ethan Grant’s prey. She shook her head, chiding herself. At 5’3″ with ordinary looks, how could she compare to his supermodel entourage? Focus, Lottie – you’re here to work, not become another conquest.
Nervously reviewing the appointment letter requiring afternoon reporting, Charlotte ransacked her closet for professional attire. Only one passable suit emerged – a sale-rack investment from past interviews.
Arriving at downtown Los Angeles’ gleaming skyscraper, Charlotte checked her reflection in the lobby’s polished glass. Makeup intact despite the heat. At reception, her damp-palmed presentation of documents earned curious glances before Ava Williams arrived.
“The new Director’s assistant, Ms. Hayes?” Ava’s saccharine smile didn’t reach her eyes, visibly appraising Charlotte’s discount suit.
Following to the elevator, Charlotte offered polite greetings. “As a newcomer, I’d appreciate your guidance.”
“Guidance? With your… rapid advancement?” Ava’s barbed compliment referenced Charlotte’s three-level leap over company veterans. The elevator doors swallowed Charlotte’s strained smile.
Sixth floor whispers crescendoed as they entered. Dozens of eyes dissected the newcomer. Rumors about the previous assistant’s mysterious departure found new fuel in Charlotte’s youth.
Ava gestured to a sleek workstation in the glass-walled office. “Review these client files and schedules. The Director’s in a meeting.” Her exit left Charlotte adrift in minimalist luxury – gray marble surfaces, dual laptops, sunlight slicing through vertical blinds.
Panic crested until system files revealed meticulous documentation. Immersed in digital archives, Charlotte jumped when the door swung open.
Ethan Grant moved with pantherish grace, pausing at her flustered greeting. “Charlotte Hayes, the new assistant. I—”
“Welcome aboard.” His baritone warmed the room as he settled behind the obsidian desk. Up close, his magnetism proved more potent than tabloid photos – chiseled jawline framing a disarming smile. “Relax. Show me your capabilities.”
“I won’t disappoint you, Director Grant.” Her voice held steel beneath the nerves.
“Ethan.” He corrected, reviewing documents. “And your injury?”
“Fully recovered, thank you.” She bit back apologies for past phone outbursts.
As he departed for meetings, Charlotte exhaled. Survival mode engaged, she distributed files across departments, unaware of Ava’s venomous stare from a cubicle. The real game had just begun.