Two days later in K City, Camalina woke with a sense of purpose. After a quick breakfast and shower, she said a brief goodbye to her mother. "I'll be back soon, Mom. Wish me luck!"
Her mother smiled, a mixture of pride and worry. "Good luck, my girl. Don't get into trouble."
Camalina laughed softly. "I'm careful… most of the time."
By nine o'clock, she was outside, walking briskly to the bus stop. The city air was crisp, and the morning hum of traffic filled the streets. After a short wait of five minutes, the bus arrived, and she climbed aboard, finding a seat near the window.
The ride gave her a chance to rehearse her thoughts and calm her racing heart. Today wasn't just another day—it was the start of something new.
The bus rolled to a stop in front of MX Company. Camalina hopped off, her steps light with anticipation. She entered the building, walking confidently to the reception desk.
"Hi, I'm here to see about my files," she said, her voice steady.
The receptionist's sharp eyes scanned her and nodded. "Ah, yes, you were summoned yesterday. Please take the elevator to the third floor. Your contact is expecting you."
Camalina punched the button for the third floor and felt the elevator hum as it ascended. As the doors opened, she walked down the corridor, passing a series of office doors until she reached the fifth. She knocked lightly.
"Yes! Coming!" a husky, calm voice replied.
Pushing the door open, she stepped into the office and froze for a moment. Behind the massive desk sat a man whose presence alone seemed to command the room.
His posture was relaxed, but every detail—sharp suit, carefully polished shoes, the confident way he leaned back in his chair—radiated authority.
"Have a seat, Camalina," he said, his eyes briefly assessing her with a knowing intensity. "Alex told me you received the call yesterday. Congratulations—you've got the job. You'll be my secretary.
I expect cooperation and excellence. I do not tolerate mistakes. And remember… being scolded by the CEO is not pleasant."
Camalina's determination flared. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best and won't let you down."
The man stood, extending his hand. "I'm Patrick Zachary. You can call me sir for now. I expect you to start work tomorrow and never be late."
She shook his hand, feeling a firm, deliberate grip. "Yes, sir."
As she left the office, a wave of joy surged through her.
She bounced slightly in the elevator, feeling as if the whole world had opened up for her. Finally, she had a place where her efforts mattered.
Meanwhile, at the company entrance, a sleek black Rolls Royce glided to a stop.
The back door opened, and Llewellyn stepped out, his posture perfectly straight, every movement measured, every step silent but magnetic. His secretary, Jack, followed close behind.
"Is everything ready?" Llewellyn asked, his voice calm but carrying undeniable authority.
"Yes, Boss. In ten minutes, the meeting will start," Jack replied.
Llewellyn's eyes scanned the crowd. And then, just for a moment, time seemed to slow. His gaze locked on someone across the plaza—Camalina.
It's her. She's the one, he thought, a rare flicker of emotion breaking through his usual calm.
Camalina felt it too, a weight pressing on her as though someone's eyes were burning into her back. She turned, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment.
He didn't look away. She continued walking, but the intensity of his stare lingered, impossible to ignore.
Inside, Llewellyn's demeanor returned to its usual commanding presence.
Every movement, every glance exuded power. He was a man whose mere look could silence a room, whose voice demanded obedience, whose presence made others weigh every word before speaking.
His secretary, Jack, trailed behind, flipping through files, unaware of why his boss's mood had lifted—but noticing that the rare expression on Llewellyn's face was almost… human.
Jack caught himself staring, heart racing, as he watched Llewellyn lean back slightly in his car seat, a small, almost mischievous smirk crossing his lips.
The same man who could command boardrooms with a single word now seemed almost… lighter, yet every bit as dangerous.
Jack glanced down at his files and forced himself to focus, but he couldn't shake the image of his boss's piercing gaze earlier.
What did he see? he wondered, feeling both awed and unnerved.
Llewellyn finally exhaled, a silent acknowledgment of the day ahead.
There was business to attend to, orders to issue, and people to remind that he was not a man to be trifled with. Behind that rare smirk and moment of vulnerability was the steel core of a CEO who ruled his world with precision—and few dared to challenge him.