THE CEO'S DARK SIDE

Chapter 1 – Alexander Wolfe

Sofia finished typing the last paragraph of the report, double-checked everything, and saved the file. She let out a relieved sigh. That morning had been intense — filled with urgent phone calls, late emails, and messy notes she could barely read. Just another chaotic Friday.

She stood up from her chair, stretching her arms discreetly, ready to finally enjoy her lunch break, when the firm voice of the manager stopped her.

— Sofia? Can you come with me for a minute?

She turned around, surprised. The company’s manager, Mr. Marcos, rarely spoke to her directly. He was the type who only noticed people in high-ranking positions. Confused but polite, she nodded.

— Of course.

They walked side by side down a small hallway to a glass-walled office. Once inside, he got straight to the point:

— Mr. Wolfe’s secretary, Valéria, went on maternity leave. You’ve been selected to take her place.

Sofia blinked, stunned.

— Me? To replace her?

— Exactly. You’ve been one of the most competent employees on the floor. The recommendation came from me.

She blushed, surprised and — deep down — flattered. Even so, she couldn’t understand why someone like her, practically invisible in the company, had been chosen to sit face-to-face with Alexander Wolfe — the very founder of Wolfe Industries. A name that sent quiet ripples of fear down every hallway.

As she left the room, her coworkers were already whispering. Sofia noticed sideways glances, silent judgment. Envy. It was obvious.

But there was no time for that. There were still reports to check, deadlines to meet. And now, a new responsibility she wasn’t sure how to handle.

After lunch, still confused and nervous, she sat at her desk again. Tried to focus, but her mind was spinning. She thought about how she should act, what to wear, what to say. Tomorrow, everything would change.

---

The alarm rang early. Sofia got up on the first ring, no hesitation. She washed up, tied her hair back, and dressed carefully in her uniform. She applied a bit of discreet lipstick, sprayed some perfume, and adjusted her collar. She needed to make a good impression.

But the universe had other plans.

Just around the corner, a pigeon decided to bless her morning — leaving a “present” right on her blouse. And she didn’t have a backup. With a deep sigh, she cleaned it off as best she could and kept going.

Then the bus was late. The heat made her sweat. The nerves, even more.

Still, she arrived on time.

In the elevator mirror, she tried to pull herself together. Ran her fingers through her hair, took a deep breath. Sofia was quiet, didn’t have many friends, and was fully focused on her studies and job. At 23, she’d never been involved with anyone, and that was fine — it had never really felt like a problem. Her life was calm, controlled, low-risk.

It was the first time she’d gone up to the upper floors. The CEO’s office was at the top of Wolfe Industries — the most isolated floor, quiet and far removed from everything below. The elevator seemed to rise slower than usual, almost testing her anxiety.

She’d seen him a few times. Tall, elegant, always in a dark suit. He moved through the halls like a shadow of authority, and she’d never once received a direct glance from him. Rumor had it he was ruthless in business, obsessive about perfection, and cold as ice.

Now, she stood before a massive dark wooden door. She took a deep breath, raised her hand, hesitated. Her palm was damp.

The voice came before her knock:

— Come in. — The voice was deep, husky, commanding. — Don’t just stand there. You’re already late.

Sofia’s eyes widened, and she walked in, nearly stumbling over her own feet.

— S-sorry... — she muttered, feeling her cheeks burn.

Alexander Wolfe stood tall, arms crossed, dressed in a flawless dark suit. His gaze was direct, unreadable. Assessing. The kind of look that made you feel bare, even fully clothed.

The office was large but understated. Clean lines, minimalist furniture, cool tones. Just like him. The scent of leather, polished wood, and expensive coffee lingered in the air. Everything about the space radiated silent authority.

— I’m not sure if they told you — he said curtly — but I expect people to arrive early.

— Yes... I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.

She lowered her eyes. She didn’t see his eyebrow arch slightly, intrigued by the presence of the new employee.

He walked toward her with steady steps, his eyes locked on hers. She caught the scent of his cologne — rich, woody, unforgettable. And something inside her… stirred. A strange feeling. Nervous butterflies and burning curiosity all at once.

— I need you to call these agencies. — He handed her a small paper with scribbled numbers. — Tell them all the proposals have been rejected. No exceptions.

Sofia took the paper, trying not to let her hands shake. Their fingers brushed for a second, and the touch sent an unexpected jolt up her spine.

— Of course.

He stepped even closer, stopping too close. Sofia could feel the heat of his body, even without any contact. It was overwhelming.

— Your lunch break is at noon. And don’t be late for that either. — His voice had lowered, almost intimate. Almost dangerous.

She swallowed hard. How could someone make a basic instruction sound so sensual?

— I’ll be back in a few hours — he finished, turning and walking away without another word.

He didn’t even ask for her name.

Either he already knew it — or he simply didn’t care.

That’s how powerful men acted. No time, no kindness. Only results.

And yet, Sofia couldn’t stop thinking:

why did he feel so much more intense in person than any rumor she’d ever heard?