The night before—
"Make her my personal assistant." Dominic's voice was smooth, final.
James, standing dutifully by the polished desk, blinked. "PA, sir? But you've never been comfortable with having one. None have lasted more than a day or two—"
Dominic raised an eyebrow, the slightest shift of expression that silenced James.
Realizing his slip, James bowed slightly. "Apologies, sir. I overstepped."
But Dominic only chuckled, the sound rare and rich. "It's alright, James. You don't have to worry this time."
James looked up slowly, cautiously meeting his boss's unreadable expression. Something had changed.
"Yes, sir. I'll do as you said," he replied.
As James turned to leave, Dominic added, "Also, prepare an extra room."
James froze.
An extra room?
His eyes widened. This was the first time a personal assistant would be staying under the same roof—or rather, the same floor—as Dominic Vale. Without hesitation, James nodded. "Understood, sir," and swiftly left to carry out the order.
Ava's POV
Fifty million.
Ava stared at the man blankly, her hands clenched tight at her sides. She could give that amount if she truly wished—she had access, resources, names—but it would come at a price. Her carefully constructed, quiet life would shatter. Everything she ran from, everything she worked to forget, would come crashing back.
She inhaled slowly, trying to steady her racing thoughts.
"Just two months," she whispered to herself. "It's just a job. What could possibly go wrong?"
Her reflection from the black screen of James's tablet stared back at her, unreadable.
Decision made, she finally turned toward James, who had been standing quietly by the desk.
"Fine," she said calmly, voice steeled. "I'll take the job."
James gave a small nod, adjusting his glasses. "Thank you, Miss Ava. I'll walk you through your duties."
As they began reviewing tasks, neither noticed the faintest, satisfied smirk curling on Dominic's lips as he stood just outside the open glass wall behind them, half-shrouded by the blinds.
He watched for only a second longer, then turned, his long strides echoing faintly as he strode off.
Ava didn't see it—but James, glancing behind at the last moment, caught the brief glint in his boss's eye.
It wasn't just about work anymore.
Ava's knuckles whitened as she clutched her notepad tighter, something inside her twisting.
This job... might not be simple after all.
Ava sat in the chair for a moment longer after the door shut behind Dominic Vale.
The silence left behind felt anything but peaceful. Her fists remained clenched on her lap, her nails slightly digging into her palm. Two months, she reminded herself. Just two months.
James cleared his throat, drawing her attention. His composed expression returned, though there was a flicker of… was that sympathy?
"Miss Ava," he said gently, "there's one more thing. The CEO has arranged for you to shift into his private residence. From now on, you'll report to work directly from there."
Ava's entire body stilled.
"…Pardon?"
James nodded, as if it were the most standard arrangement in the world. "Your belongings will be picked up and transported. You'll have your own space within the Twilight Mansion, and a car will bring you here each day. It's the CEO's direct order".
Her jaw tightened for a second, but she quickly masked her reaction with a cool breath. Fifty million dollars… and all you have to do is live under the same roof as the man who kidnapped you, interrogated you, and smirks like he owns gravity itself.
She inhaled deeply.
"I see," she said calmly, her voice even. "It's just for two months. I can do that."
James looked almost impressed. "I'll make the necessary arrangements."
"Miss Ava," he said, "shall I give you a tour of the office? Your workspace is just outside the CEO's personal office. And there's an executive suite prepared for convenience. You can rest in there "
"Executive suite?" Her brows drew together.
"Yes. The CEO requested it himself for our all secretaries" James replied, voice neutral but slightly stiffer than before.
Her eyes flicked to the shut door Dominic had disappeared behind. She couldn't help and look toward the close door of the office. Still, she stood up smoothly, brushing down her blazer and letting her lips settle into a cool line.
"Very well. Show me around."
The outer office floor gleamed with precision—glass walls, matte black accents, and a panoramic skyline view that seemed almost unreal. Every step of Ava's heels echoed with graceful authority. The secretaries didn't raise their heads this time, but she could feel their curiosity lingering in the air.
James walked beside her in calm strides. "That's your desk." He pointed to a sleek, minimalist table with dual monitors, a silver nameplate already in place: Ava Ellis – Personal Secretary.
Her fingers grazed the surface as she observed everything. Organized. Sterile. High-functioning.
Everything about this company was about control.
"Now, your suite," James added, leading her to a side corridor with biometric access. The door opened with a soft hiss to reveal a surprisingly warm-toned, private space—a small office lounge with a couch, a writing desk, and a private bathroom.
"You're free to use this anytime. Also… the CEO prefers coffee black, no sugar, and always on his desk by 8:00 sharp."
Ava blinked. "You want me to brew coffee too?"
James cracked a smile, the first genuine one she'd seen from him. "No. But he has… unique expectations. It's best to be punctual."
After the tour, Ava returned to her desk. The monitors lit up automatically, displaying her schedule, upcoming meetings.
As she scrolled, she couldn't help muttering, "So this is my life now…"
Her phone buzzed. A new message.
Unknown ID: Hope the chair's comfy. You'll need it.
She narrowed her eyes. Her lips twitched—part irritation, part intrigue.
"Cocky bastard," she whispered, quickly deleting the message.
She didn't have to ask who it was from. Somehow, his arrogance had a signature of its own.