The seventh-floor executive area felt colder than usual that morning—or maybe it was just Aiden Dovdona's piercing stare that made Emmy feel like the sun had been replaced with ice. She walked toward her desk, files in hand, trying to act calm and collected.
Act normal, Emmy. Don't let him see that your heart's racing. And for heaven's sake… stop thinking about those ridiculous blue eyes.
She had barely sat down when a stack of new files appeared on her desk, perfectly arranged with surgical precision. No envelope, no note—just files, silently daring her to open them.
Really? You think you can intimidate me with paperwork? Cute.
---
Aiden's Special Attention
Aiden appeared moments later, leaning casually against the edge of her desk with a smug smile. "Good morning, new girl. Hope you're ready for… a fun day."
Emmy blinked. Fun? Fun for him, probably torture for me.
"I define fun differently," she said dryly, placing her coffee down with deliberate care. "For me, fun involves surviving office politics without losing my mind."
Aiden chuckled softly. "You'll need more than coffee for that. Don't worry—I'll make sure your mind stays… challenged."
Challenged? Oh, I see. You mean tortured, huh?
His smirk made Emmy want to roll her eyes and punch him at the same time.
---
The First Task of the Day
The files were dense and complicated, a mixture of financial reports, contracts, and internal emails. Emmy quickly realized this wasn't just work—it was a test of wit, attention to detail, and patience.
Patience, Emmy… remember patience. And ignore the way he's leaning over your desk like a cat judging a bird.
Hours passed in quiet tension. Every so often, Aiden would approach, leaning just close enough for her to notice the faint scent of his cologne, but never speaking more than a teasing remark.
"You missed a comma here," he said once, pointing to a line in the contract.
Really? A comma? That's your big critique? Emmy thought, inwardly smirking. "Thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to notify the grammar police next time."
Aiden's smirk widened. "Careful, new girl. Sarcasm isn't always appreciated around here."
Oh, I'll remember that… but not today.
---
A Lunch Break Tease
By noon, Emmy had finished the first half of her task and decided to take a short break. She carried her lunch to the small lounge area, only to find Aiden already there, casually leaning against the counter with his coffee cup.
"Planning to eat alone?" he asked, eyebrow raised.
Emmy narrowed her eyes. "Planning to survive without your commentary."
He chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough. But I thought we could… discuss strategy."
Strategy? You mean you want to watch me eat while pretending to be helpful.
"Sure," she said dryly, sitting down, but inwardly grinning. You're infuriating, but… not entirely unpleasant.
They exchanged information about the files, teasing and joking under the surface, their banter light yet charged with subtle tension. Every glance, every smirk, every sarcastic remark felt like a dance of wills, neither willing to give in.
---
An Unexpected Smile
Aiden leaned closer as Emmy explained her findings. "You know… you're surprisingly good at this. Not just competent, but… impressive."
Impressive? He just complimented me without an insult? Emmy thought, her heart skipping a beat. "I try my best," she said carefully, trying to hide the warmth rising in her chest.
He smirked knowingly. "Careful, new girl. Praise like that can be dangerous. You might get used to it."
Oh, I'll survive. Somehow.
For a moment, Emmy caught herself watching him. The sharp lines of his jaw, the way his blue eyes seemed to see right through her, and even the smirk that always annoyed her—it was strangely… magnetic.
Stop it, Emmy. You hate him. Hate him.
---
The Afternoon Challenge
After lunch, Aiden handed her a new envelope marked "Confidential – Handle with Care." Inside were a series of emails between executives hinting at a hidden scandal.
"Find the pattern," he said, his tone neutral but his gaze sharp. "If you succeed, you'll look competent. Fail, and… well, let's just say I'll notice."
Pattern, huh? Let's see who notices who first.
Hours passed as Emmy connected the dots, piecing together a hidden web of Keylor's manipulations. Every file revealed another layer of deceit, another reason why she was here to destroy him from the inside.
And all the while, Aiden watched silently, occasionally leaning close enough for her to sense the heat of his presence.
Focus, Emmy. Files first, swooning later.
---
A Subtle Romantic Spark
By late afternoon, Emmy had a preliminary report ready. She approached Aiden cautiously, unsure of how he would react.
"Finished the first part," she said, placing the documents on his desk.
He leaned over, scanning the report. "Not bad. Actually… better than I expected." He looked up at her, a rare, genuine smile on his lips. "You might survive this place after all."
Survive… or thrive? Emmy thought, her pulse quickening. "Thanks. I plan to thrive."
Aiden smirked, shaking his head. "Ambitious… I like that. Dangerous, but attractive. Just don't let it go to your head."
Attractive? Did he just… call me attractive? Ugh… focus, Emmy. Revenge first, blush later.
---
A Humorous Incident
Just as they were about to leave for the day, a minor office accident occurred—a stack of folders toppled, sending papers fluttering everywhere. Emmy rushed to help, cursing under her breath.
Aiden stepped in, smirking, and picked up a folder with exaggerated care. "Careful, new girl. You might start a paper avalanche next time."
Emmy rolled her eyes. "Funny. You think this is my first day disaster?"
He laughed softly. "I like your spirit. Keep it up, and maybe I'll let you survive the week without giving you a heart attack."
Heart attack… from paperwork or him? Hard to tell.
---
Evening Reflections
As Emmy left the office, she felt a strange mix of exhaustion, triumph, and something else she didn't quite understand. Aiden's teasing remarks, his rare compliments, and the tiny sparks of attraction left her conflicted and exhilarated.
Focus, Emmy. Revenge first. Romance… much later.
She took a deep breath, looking up at the city skyline through the elevator glass. Tomorrow, the games would continue. More tests, more files, and more Aiden. But Emmy was ready—smarter, sharper, and more determined than ever.
Mac Keylor has no idea what's coming. And neither does Aiden… not yet.