THE CEO’ S SECRETARY

Chapter Nine: 8Am

CHAPTER NINE: 8Am

Rebecca didn’t sleep.

She sat by the window all night, the silver star necklace clutched in her palm.

At 6AM, she made her decision.

“I’m staying,” she whispered to herself. “It’s my dream company. I’m not giving up just because of this.

If I don’t get it this year, I’ll try again next year. But I’m not leaving.”

She stood up and got ready.

---

7:30AM.

She stood outside Gotop. Her hand hovered over the glass door.

_Resign. Or stay. And let me remind you._

She took a deep breath… and walked in.

---

Wade had been at his desk since 7AM.

Coffee cold. Papers untouched.

His eyes kept drifting to the door.

“She’s not coming,” he muttered, rubbing his face.

“Of course she’s not.”

Then—

_Click._

The door opened.

Rebecca stepped inside.

Eye contact.

The necklace was back around her neck, shining under the office lights.

“You’re early,” Wade said. His voice was rough, but his eyes never left the star at her throat.

“I’m not late,” she replied quietly. She looked down, straightening the files in her hands.

“You have a board meeting at 9:00AM, sir.”

Wade leaned back in his chair. He still hadn’t looked away from her.

“Okay,” he said finally. “You can go now.”

Rebecca turned to leave.

Halfway to the door, his voice stopped her.

“Thank you… for choosing to stay.”

She froze. Didn’t turn around.

Her fingers brushed the necklace.

Then she nodded once.

And walked out.

Wade watched her go.

For the first time in ten years, the office didn’t feel empty.