Cindy was dedicated to her work.
It had been a full week since she resumed at Cross Construction, and she had not made a single mistake that could annoy Adrian Cross. She followed every instruction carefully, arrived early, left late, and carried herself with quiet discipline.
Adrian, on the other hand, noticed everything.
He noticed how Cindy organized her desk before starting work. How she double-checked schedules. How she spoke only when necessary. He watched her movements from his office, silently observing, testing her patience and limits without her knowledge.
Monday morning arrived, and as usual, Cindy got to work early. She prepared Adrian's coffee exactly the way he liked it—black, no sugar, no cream. When Adrian walked in, she handed it to him immediately.
He took the cup and drank, his eyes briefly sliding toward her as he did. Cindy stood straight and read out his itinerary for the day clearly and confidently.
As Cindy turned to leave, Adrian stopped her.
"Cindy."
She turned back immediately.
"Open the drawer in front of you," he said, pointing to the cabinet near his desk. "Carry those files. Correct the errors inside them. You should be done before 5 p.m."
Cindy opened the drawer and pulled out the files—about ten in total. They were heavy with figures, reports, and calculations. Still, she didn't hesitate. She nodded and carried them to her desk.
Being a graduate of Accountancy, numbers were her strength. She worked calmly, carefully, checking every detail twice.
Two hours later, Cindy had completed the entire task.
Adrian noticed.
He called for the files, expecting only part of the work to be done. When he saw everything neatly corrected, his brows tightened slightly. He said nothing, but inside, he was surprised. Most assistants complained, delayed, or made excuses. Cindy did neither.
She was different.
She was organized. Calm. Resilient.
Adrian concluded quietly that she was nothing like his previous personal assistants.
The following day started like every other day. Cindy resumed early and went through her routine. However, in the midst of managing multiple schedules, she made a mistake.
She omitted one meeting.
When Adrian received a message that a client from the Aluminium Company was waiting in the boardroom, his expression darkened. He summoned Cindy immediately.
"I didn't hear you mention the meeting with the Aluminium Company today," Adrian said sharply. "Why?"
Cindy felt her heart sink.
"I'm so sorry, sir," she said quickly. "I didn't realize I mixed it up with tomorrow's meetings. I'm very sorry."
"Be careful not to make this kind of mistake again," Adrian warned. "I don't joke with my work."
"Yes, sir," Cindy replied, nodding.
She followed Adrian into the boardroom, her chest tight with fear. During the meeting, Adrian discussed strategies with the client. Cindy remained silent, writing down important points.
At some point, without thinking too deeply, Cindy spoke.
"Sir," she said carefully, "I would suggest we first check the quality of our product. Then you can decide. But I assure you, you won't get a better offer or a stronger review anywhere else apart from Cross Construction Company."
The room went quiet.
Adrian turned slowly toward her, clearly surprised by her boldness. The client listened carefully, then nodded.
After a few moments of discussion, the client agreed to Adrian's offer. The contract was secured.
When the meeting ended and the client left, Adrian felt a rare sense of satisfaction. He knew—without admitting it aloud—that Cindy's words had sealed the deal.
Later, Cindy returned to the boardroom to submit the file Adrian had left behind. As she handed it to him, their fingers brushed accidentally. Their eyes met and stayed locked for a second too long.
The office phone rang.
The sound snapped them both back to reality.
Cindy quickly turned and left, her heart racing. She felt the closeness, the tension—but she pushed it aside immediately. Flora's warnings echoed in her mind. She knew she had crossed a line earlier, even if her intention had been good.
Ten minutes later, Adrian sent for her.
When she entered his office, his expression was unreadable.
"Do not ever pitch ideas in meetings like that again," Adrian said calmly. "Unless I ask for your opinion. What if I lost that contract because of you?"
"I'm sorry, sir," Cindy said softly. "I was just trying to help. I promise not to cross my boundaries again."
Adrian waved his hand, signaling her to leave.
As Cindy walked out, Adrian leaned back in his chair. He knew he had been harsh, but he needed to regain control. Cindy made him feel… unsettled.
I've been hurt too many times, he thought.
Women who pretended to love him only for his money. Sophisticated women who left scars he never spoke about.
I don't know what I feel for her, he admitted silently. And I don't want it to escalate. This must remain strictly professional.
Back in her office, Cindy sat down slowly and took a deep breath.
I suffered before I got this job, she reminded herself. This opportunity doesn't come easily. I need to be serious and careful with my career.
She straightened up.
I will work harder. I will be better. I won't let him think I'm incompetent.