Beneath the billionaire's stare

Chapter5

Ava woke up before dawn, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today makes a new beginning in her life as it is the day she is going to step into KYZ franchise as an She was putting on a grey skirt and paired it with a white shirt, she let her hair down .She stood in front of the mirror and adjusted her dress for the tenth time, whispering to herself, " You can't afford to fail Ava, Not this time, For Dean. You have to make sure you do well." After the little pep talk she gave herself. She left home and headed to the company.

Ava took a deep breath before stepping into the tall glass building once again. The revolving doors felt heavier this time, as though they carried the weight of her new responsibility. She smiled politely at the security guards and receptionists on her way in, but her heart was pounding against her chest.

Unlike the day of her interview, today she had the time to take in the surroundings. The grand lobby glowed with elegance, polished marble floors, chandeliers that sparkled like stars, and workers dressed in crisp suits that looked far too expensive. Ava tugged lightly at her own simple skirt and blouse, suddenly feeling small and out of place.

“One of their outfits alone could probably pay for Dean’s hospital bills for months,” she sighed inwardly. But she shook the thought away. She was here now, and she had to prove she belonged.

After checking in, she was guided to the Human Resources floor, where she was officially given her assignment.

“Miss Ava,” the HR representative said, adjusting her glasses as she scanned a file. “The interview panel noted that while you don’t have the academic background of the other candidates, you demonstrated determination, honesty, and an eagerness to learn. For that reason, the management has decided to place you in the Executive Office as a junior administrative assistant.

Ava sighed inwardly, though she was happy to be employed but the thought of working where there's a high chance of seeing the CEO bothers her.

The HR officer gave a faint smile. “So, you are tasked with assisting the executive team with documents, schedules, and errands. It’s a demanding role, and you’ll be under more scrutiny than most. Do you think you can handle that?”

A nervous laugh almost slipped from Ava’s lips, but she swallowed it back and nodded firmly. “Yes, I can handle it.”

When she was led upstairs to her department, the atmosphere immediately shifted. Her new colleagues looked her over, and whispers began to ripple through the office.

“Is that the new girl?” one muttered.

“She looks so… ordinary.”

"Everyone, neet Ava, our newest assistant. This floor operates on mutual respect, so I’m counting on everyone to extend the same professionalism to her that she will show you.” The HR representative said.

At her assigned desk, she began organizing her things when the woman beside her turned with a friendly smile.

“Hi. I’m Eve. Nice to meet you.”

Ava felt relief wash over her. “Same here. I’m Ava.”

“Don’t let their stares bother you,” Eve said in a hushed voice. " The team leader and everyone else might come off as rude but if you do your job diligently you won't have any problems."

“Thank you,” Ava whispered, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

Still, deep down, she couldn’t help but wonder: Working in the executive office means being closer to him. What if I run into the CEO again? What if he still remembers what happened?

Eve told her some of the things she needed to know.

“You have to be punctual always. The CEO hates unnecessary chatter. Most importantly, don’t cross the CEO,” Eve warned.

Ava nodded slightly and whispered, “Thank you.” She received a smile back from Eve. " I don't even plan on meeting the CEO not to talk of crossing him again" she muttered under her breath.

A stack of documents was placed in front of her.

“Make two copies of each document,” Clara said, glaring at her.

“Yes, ma’am,” Ava replied, standing up in haste, afraid of delaying since it was her first task here.

While she was still working, another staff dropped more files on her desk.

“Once you’re done, arrange these alphabetically and take them to the sales department.”

Ava nodded again and sighed. Looking at the stack before her, she had no idea where to begin. Still, she breathed deeply and started the task.

A light tap on her shoulder broke her concentration.

“Let’s go, it’s lunch break already,” Eve said kindly.

“Thank you, I didn’t realize,” Ava replied, stretching as she stood up.

Eve showed her the cafeteria and explained that food was free for staff. Ava’s eyes widened with relief. She had been wondering how she would manage her money here, and she had assumed the meals would cost an arm and a leg.

The CEO is quite considerate of his staff… that’s unexpected, Ava thought as she quickly ate before returning to her desk.

On getting to her desk, more files were already piled up with instructions on what to do. She sighed as she continued working from where she stopped.

Moments later, Tonia, one of the team members returned.

“Why aren’t you done with the work? It’s due tomorrow morning. Make sure you finish it before you clock out,” she said, her tone sharp.

“Yes, ma’am,” Ava replied quietly.

When Eve finished her own tasks, she offered to help.

But Tonia stopped her. “What do you think you’re doing? She is to complete the work herself.” Her voice was calm but carried irritation.

Ava pushed through the fatigue and finally finished,two hours after closing time. She left the building almost running. " I know it wasn't going to be easy but I never expected this much stress on the first day. " Ava thought on her way.

So much for a first day, she thought bitterly on her way to the hospital.