They walked toward the elevators, the long hallway empty, apart from the faint hum of electronics and the flicker of fluorescent lights against the glass. Lucy glanced out the windows as she walked. "I’ll introduce myself to the rest of the staff tomorrow," she said. "The entire company deserves to see the woman who’s taken the reins."
Corey gave a half nod, half yawn, clearly ready to call it a day.
But then, just before they reached the elevator, Lucy noticed someone.
A young woman, hunched over her desk in the executive wing. Her head was bowed, her fingers gripping the edge of her keyboard, clearly crying.
Lucy stopped directly next to her. "What’s wrong?"
The woman looked up quickly, startled. "Oh—nothing, miss. I'm fine. Really."
Lucy stepped closer. "What’s your name?"
"Davina," the girl replied softly, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Lucy lowered her voice. "Davina, I’ll ask one more time. What’s wrong?"
Corey, initially distracted by his phone, looked up at the sound of Lucy’s voice. When his eyes landed on Davina, he blinked. Her short brown bob framed a striking face, her eyes were large and dark, and her figure, even in a modest blouse and pencil skirt, was undeniable. He swallowed hard and immediately turned his gaze away, cheeks subtly flushed.
Davina hesitated, then sighed. "I work in admin support. My manager, Rufus... he’s... he asks for things. Personal things.Sexual favor's. And when you say no, he retaliates. I’ve been stuck with all the hardest, most time-consuming jobs because I said no. I have made several complaints, but it’s never acknowledged."
Corey's jaw clenched, and his hands slowly curled into fists.
Lucy caught the reaction. Noted it. Filed it for later.
She stared at Davina for a long moment. Then her voice softened.
"Thank you for being honest. Now, grab your things and come with me."
Davina looked startled. "But I still have an hour left on my shift."
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Do you know who I am?"
Davina blinked. "No..."
"I’m Lucy Morgan. And as of this moment, you’re my personal assistant."
Davina’s eyes widened. Then her lips parted into a slow, disbelieving smile. "Yes, Miss Morgan. I’d love that."
Lucy nodded. "Come on."
The elevator ride was quiet for a moment. Corey stood opposite Davina, keeping his gaze anywhere but on her, which only made Lucy smirk.
"We’ll deal with Rufus soon," she said. "But for now, I need you to send an email to every department. Tell them I expect the entire company to be assembled in the demonstration hall tomorrow morning at nine sharp."
Davina nodded seriously.
"Be at my house for 8:00 a.m. We'll head to the office together. Message IT and HR tonight. Tell them they need to have phones and laptops ready for us by 8:30. You are now my voice, Davina. And my voice is stern. When I say something, it happens. No ifs, no buts."
"Understood," Davina said, her posture already shifting, finding confidence in her new role.
"Now go home and rest. Big day tomorrow."
Davina stepped out of the elevator with her head high and her stride firm. Corey watched her go, then gave Lucy a sidelong glance. "You sure about her?” Lucy just nodded.
They walked out to the car, the Black Doves already in position. As their convoy pulled away from the building, Lucy leaned her head back against the seat.
"Where are the Doves staying?" she asked.