Chapter 4: The First Day
435 Words
Maya stood outside Alexander's office after Vanessa left, her heart still racing.
"I don't want to cause problems," she said quietly.
Alexander looked up from his desk.
"You didn't. Vanessa simply doesn't like change."
He handed Maya a folder.
"Welcome to Stone Global Holdings."
She accepted it with a nervous smile.
"Thank you. I won't let you down."
"I believe that."
Maya spent the morning meeting the team and learning about her new responsibilities. She was introduced to Jordan, Alexander's executive assistant.
"If you survive your first week," Jordan joked, "you can survive anything."
Maya laughed.
"I'll remember that."
Jordan showed her around the office, explained the company's systems, and helped her settle into her workspace.
By midday, Maya had already organized Alexander's meeting schedule, answered several important emails, and spotted two scheduling conflicts that could have caused serious problems.
When Alexander reviewed the updated calendar, he looked impressed.
"You noticed the conflict before anyone else."
"I always double-check appointments," Maya replied.
A faint smile crossed his face.
"That's exactly why I hired you."
Later that afternoon, Maya entered the staff café for lunch.
As she waited in line, she noticed employees whispering.
"That's the new assistant."
"I heard the CEO hired her personally."
"I wonder why."
Maya ignored the comments and found an empty table.
Moments later, Vanessa walked in.
She stopped beside Maya's table.
"So, you're settling in quickly."
"I'm just trying to do my job."
Vanessa smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
"Here's some advice. Don't get too comfortable. Working for Alexander isn't as simple as it seems."
Without another word, she walked away.
Maya watched her leave, unsure whether it had been a warning or a threat.
That evening, Alexander called Maya into his office.
"I need you to accompany me to a charity gala tomorrow night."
Maya blinked.
"A gala?"
"Several business partners will be there. I'd like you to help coordinate the event schedule."
"I've never attended anything like that."
Alexander stood and walked toward the window.
"Neither had I... once."
He turned back to her.
"You'll do fine."
As Maya left his office, she couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow's event would be more than just another business meeting.
Across the hall, Vanessa watched silently from the shadows.
She picked up her phone and made a call.
"She's going to the gala with him," she whispered.
A voice answered from the other end.
"Good. Everything is going according to plan."
Vanessa ended the call, a small smile appearing on her face.
Maya had no idea that someone had already begun plotting against her.
To be continued
- Writer
