It’s infuriating to witness her stumble, to witness the consequences of her disarray.

I take a deep breath, trying to suppress my mounting frustration. I must remain composed and professional as I prepare to deliver the news that will undoubtedly shatter her world. She enters the office frantically alongside Freya, apprehension clear in her eyes, unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

"Sit down," I say curtly, my voice colder than I intended. She obeys, her hands trembling ever so slightly. I watch her closely, fighting the inexplicable pull I feel toward her. But I must remain focused. This is about business, not personal desires.

"I have given you numerous chances," I begin, my voice laced with disappointment. "But today's incident is the final straw. We cannot afford to have someone in such a critical position who consistently jeopardizes important deals. You did this at your previous job, and I understand now why they had to let you go." Hurt flashes in those ocean-blue eyes, and when she opens her mouth to speak, her eyes pleading for forgiveness, I raise a hand to silence her. "I'm sorry, but I cannot overlook your repeated mistakes. Effective immediately, you are relieved of your duties as my executive personal assistant."

Her face falls, a mix of shock and sadness washing over her features. It's a reaction I didn't anticipate, and for a fleeting moment, I question my decision. But I quickly reminded myself of the consequences of her actions, of the risks we faced because of her incompetence.

"I hope you understand," I continue, my voice softer this time, though it still carries a hint of frustration. "This is a business decision, and it's in the best interest of the company. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors."

As I watch her gather her belongings and exit the room, a wave of conflicting emotions washes over me. I feel a twinge of guilt, but it's quickly overtaken by a sense of relief. The burden of her constant disarray is lifted, and I can finally focus on what truly matters - steering the company toward success.

At least, with her gone, I won’t have to worry about the inappropriate thoughts that constantly take over my mind whenever she’s nearby.

But as she walks away, something inside me stirs.

A part of me questions whether I made the right decision or whether I should have given her another chance. It's a nagging doubt fueled by the undeniable attraction that still lingers in the depths of my heart.

But for now, I must bury those feelings deep within and move forward for the sake of the company and my own sanity.

Chapter five

Crisis Mode-Blair

One minute I had been delighting in the pleasurable sound of Alexander’s laughter as the deep, vibrating tone unfurled something dangerous and eager in my belly. I had smothered a smile as he teased me over the sketches of him, the regret at handing him that notepad in the first place slowly fading away.

Then Freya had busted into the room, panicked and breathing heavily as she dropped the news that destroyed me.

Ever since I rolled out of bed this morning, there had been a nagging feeling in the back of my mind, as if I was forgetting something. But I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was that I couldn’t remember.

Before leaving the office yesterday, I made sure to tie up every loose end and clear out most of my workload just so that I wouldn’t overexert myself and face Alexander’s wrath again today.

It had totally skipped my mind that I was to confirm the appointment with Anderson Firm. Now, I’ve not only cost Alexander the contract his company had been vying for even before I was hired, but I have also put that look of distrust and regret in his eyes.

I certainly would regret hiring someone like me, too, if I was in his shoes.

What makes everything even worse is what he said before firing me. “You did this at your previous job, and I understand now why they had to let you go.”

There’s no proving my innocence now, not when I have done the very same thing that landed me in trouble at my previous job. It doesn’t matter that I am not to blame for the last one.

Streaks of tears flow down my eyes as I walk numbly to the elevator that takes me to the office where my desk is located. I don’t care who is watching or what rumors they are all spreading as sobs wrack through my entire body.

I start to pack my things into a box, my shaky hand pausing when I find a tiny slip of paper buried beneath several documents. On it is a reminder to confirm an appointment with Anderson’s secretary, hurriedly scrawled across the paper in my handwriting.

A surge of anger wells within me as I tear the paper apart and dump it into the trash. My career is over now. No one will want to hire a woman who was fired twice in the span of two weeks, blacklisted or not.

I wipe my uncontrollable tears aggressively as I shove the rest of my things into the box. Then, I shut down the computer, pull the strap of my handbag over my shoulder, and heave the box against my chest.

Without a backward glance, I walk out of the office and take the elevator down to the very first floor. I ignore the curious glances darting my way as I finally walk out of the enormous building and head toward the parking lot.

I’m about to open the door to my car when I look back at the skyscraper and raise my head, shielding my face from the sun with my hand. At the very top floor, I momentarily see the shadow of a man staring back at me, but the figure shuffles out of sight.

Gritting my teeth, I decided at that moment that this would not be the end of my story. I refuse to let it all go like this, not after my father had gotten me this job when I needed it the most. If I have to get on my knees and beg, then I will beg.

So, I readjusted the box in my arms and headed back inside, much to the surprise of the other employees. I don’t bother explaining myself to anyone as I walk past security and get into an elevator before they can comprehend what is going on.

The doors slide shut to their stunned faces.