His Secretary,His Rival’s Daughter

The study smelled of old leather and sandalwood.The scent lingered in the room like it planned to be there forever. Ava Daniels stood at the center of the room, holding the edges of a worn-out photo frame. Her father’s smile—proud and timeless stared back at her. Just a year ago, this house echoed with laughter and people clinking glasses. Now, it was all quiet, and the silence was sickening. She placed the photo frame back on the shelf and felt her chest tighten like a knot being pulled too hard. The study was dusty unlike the rest of the house, which was tidy, and the once polished mahogany desk that her father always sat on now looked like it had aged a decade in months. “Miss Ava?” a soft voice called from behind. Ava turned to see Martha, the housekeeper who had been with them for as long as she could remember. The older woman’s eyes were gentle, but Ava didn’t miss the concern hidden in them. “They’ve come for the cars,” Martha said quietly. Ava nodded. “Let them take whatever they want, we’ve already lost everything else.” Martha hesitated.“Not everything. You still have the house. And your name.” Ava let out a breathless laugh.“The Daniels’ name? That name used to open doors. Now, it’s just a reminder to me and people out there of how high we fell.” Martha walked over and handed her a folder while tapping her back.“I believe in you, Miss Ava. The job interview is tomorrow.” Ava’s eyes dropped to the logo on the folder as she took it: Harrington Corporation. Her heart sank. “Are you serious now, Martha?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.“You know that’s the company, my father …” “Your father is gone, Ava. And sentiment won’t pay the bills.”Martha cut in.“And more so, I think that’s the only place that the pay will have you back on your feet in a few months.”She added. Ava bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to argue, but Martha was right. Grief doesn’t pay electricity bills, and pride doesn’t put food on the table. She looked around one last time; the books her father used to read, the untouched bottle of Macallan on the sidebar, the curtains her mother once chose. Then she straightened her shoulders and exhaled slowly . “I’ll go,” she said. Martha’s voice dropped.“When you walk through those doors tomorrow, Ava, your life will never be the same.”She paused. “Are you ready for that ?”She asked. Ava didn’t flinch. “I know things will change and there are no other options at the moment so I am ready.” And she walked straight into her room to get her bags that were already packed to leave. When she came out, Martha was standing right outside the room. She pulled Ava in for a hug.“I’ll miss you dear, the house is always open whenever you wish to come back.” Ava let go of her grip slowly and smiled.“Thanks, Martha, and take very good care of yourself.” ***** The Harrington Corporation building was a tall skyscraper made of glass and steel, its edges looked sharp enough to cut the sky. As Ava stepped into the lobby the next morning, she felt the air shift—tense, professional, and indifferent.She could hear every sound from heels clicking to printers humming, and phones ringing non stop. She exhaled, adjusted the collar of her cream blouse, and walked towards the reception desk. “Hi, Good morning,” She said quietly to the woman behind the desk. The woman didn't look up. “Name and how may I help you?” she asked flatly. “Ava Daniels. I’m here for the Interview, my file says it's with Human Resources.” That name got her attention. The woman's eyes flickered up. There was a flicker of recognition…or was it judgment? “Take a seat. Someone will be with you shortly.”She replied after making a short call. Ava sat near the glass wall, pretending not to notice the whispers near the elevators or the curious glances cast her way. It didn’t matter. Let them talk. Let them wonder how she’d fallen so far and what she was doing at a rival company. A few minutes later, a tall, sharp-featured woman approached Ava, her black heels striking the floor like a warning. “Hannah Leigh. I’m Mr Harrington’s executive assistant. Follow me, he'd like to see you.” Ava stood up and followed without saying a word, wondering why “the James Harrington” wanted to see her. She knew that she had walked into the lion’s den the minute she stepped into the lobby, but she didn't expect him to notice her so quickly. The elevator ride was quiet. Hannah didn't smile, didn't make small talk. She just stood there, staring straight ahead like Ava wasn't there. When they reached the top floor, the doors opened to the CEO's office.Ava’s stomach turned. The office was massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist decor, a wall of books Ava suspected hadn’t been touched. And at the far end, seated like a king behind his obsidian desk, was James Harrington. He looked up slowly. Black suit.Dark eyes. And a look that reminded Ava that she’d walked into a trap. “You’re Daniels’ daughter,” he said. No question. Just a fact. “Yes, sir,” Ava replied, keeping her voice steady. “Your father tried to sabotage my company five years ago. And now his daughter comes for an interview at that same company?” “With all due respect sir, that's what the media put out there and not what happened.”She replied. “And moreover, I'm not my father, please do not judge me based on a conflict between both companies.”She added. James stood, circling the desk like a predator sizing up its prey. He walked and stopped just in front of her. “No, you’re not,” he said.“But you're just as stubborn as he was and don't know your place.” Ava’s jaw tightened. She wanted to walk out. She wanted to scream. But she needed a job here more than she needed her pride. “I came for a position at Human Resources sir, I'm not here to get in your way.”She said. “I'm also not here to relive the past," she added, her voice barely a whisper. There was a flicker of something in his eyes. Interest? Amusement? She couldn’t tell. Then, like a switch, his expression hardened again. “You’ll be working directly under me as my Secretary. Be here at 7am tomorrow. If you’re late, you’re out. If you’re soft, you’re out. Understood?” “But…” she muttered. “Do you have something to say, Miss Daniels?” he asked sharply. “No sir.”She straightened her shoulders. He stepped back, still watching her. “You’ll find out that I am not easy to please, Miss Daniels.” She met his gaze, steady and unflinching. “Good,” she said. “Because I stopped trying to please people a long time ago.” James smirked and turned to Hannah. “Draw up the contract.” Hannah looked like she wanted to object, but she couldn't. As Ava turned to leave, James spoke again. “Welcome to Harrington Corp, Miss Daniels.” She looked back. “We’ll see how long you last.”