Chapter 1
I'd just finished attending yet another gala as Ethan Shaw's plus one when the newly appointed general manager, Serena, walked into my office.
She stopped right in front of my desk, her long, pointed nails tapping against the surface in sharp, rhythmic clicks.
"Some cheap, low-class omega actually thinks she's worthy of being Mr. Shaw's personal assistant?
"You make a million a year just to run errands for him and show up at business dinners, and you even have the nerve to accept the gowns and jewelry he gives you?
"Guess what? You're fired."
I tightened my grip around the paper coffee cup in my hand until the sides crumpled with a soft crackle. Then I slowly looked up at her.
"Does Mr. Shaw know you're doing this?"
That single question sent Serena into a rage.
She swept her hand across my desk, sending everything on it flying. The coffee in my cup spilled all over my skirt, leaving a large, ugly stain.
"Why would I need to tell Mr. Shaw? You think I don't have the authority to fire you?!"
"Go finish your exit paperwork right now and get out. Don't make me repeat myself."
I could feel everyone's eyes on me.
My coworkers watched from their desks, their faces filled with barely hidden excitement and satisfaction.
I lowered my head, my shoulders trembling slightly.
Everyone in the office thought I was about to break down crying and beg Serena to take back the termination notice.
But I was using every ounce of self-control I had to suppress the excitement surging through me.
I could finally leave.
No one knew I'd been waiting for this day for a long, long time.
*****
The day Serena was appointed as the general manager of Shaw Group, she arrived outside the president's office early and waited there.
Her fluffy blonde hair framed her perfectly made-up face, and she had deliberately undone the top two buttons of her blouse to reveal her curves.
She leaned forward slightly, showing off her figure as she extended her hand toward him, her voice sweet and flattering.
"Hello, Mr. Shaw. I'm the general manager your mom Eleanor sent over to assist you. I look forward to working with you."
But Ethan didn't even spare her a glance.
He walked straight past her and headed toward his private elevator.
When he passed by me, I was waiting there to review his schedule with him.
He frowned slightly and said only one word.
"Come."
Just before the elevator doors closed, I caught sight of Serena still standing there, her hand frozen in midair.
That afternoon, she cornered me in the break room and brought Kevin, the finance manager, with her.
She looked me up and down. The suspicion in her eyes quickly faded, replaced by open contempt.
"Some lowly omega gets to be Mr. Shaw's personal assistant? What kind of tricks did you pull to get that position?"
I simply took a sip of my coffee and ignored her.
Kevin chimed in with a mocking smile.
"Don't underestimate her just because she's an omega. She makes a million a year."
"A million? For a personal assistant who does nothing but run errands?" Serena's eyes widened.
Her gaze landed on the pink diamond necklace around my neck, and shock flashed across her face.
"No wonder you can afford a necklace like that. Your credit card bills must be outrageous every month."
"She doesn't pay for any of it," Kevin said, his voice full of envy. "Mr. Shaw brings her to every cocktail party and gives her plenty of gowns and jewelry."
Serena froze for a moment before letting out a cold laugh.
"That kind of salary, plus free clothes and jewelry? Isn't that basically a sugar baby arrangement?"
Her voice was loud enough that several curious coworkers had gathered outside the break room, eager to watch the drama unfold.
I threw my empty paper cup into the trash and spoke calmly.
"I'm paid for performing my duties as an assistant. If you continue spreading rumors about me, I'll report everything to Mr. Shaw truthfully."
Her face immediately turned bright red with anger, and she fell silent. Kevin didn't dare say another word either.
It had always been like this.
These people only dared to gossip about me behind my back. None of them had the courage to bring their complaints directly to Ethan, the Alpha.
I turned to leave, but Serena suddenly grabbed my wrist.
Her grip tightened like a vice.
She lifted her chin, her expression full of arrogance.
"Don't threaten me with Mr. Shaw. Who gets to stand beside him in the future is still uncertain."
Her sharp nails dug into my skin, but I barely felt the pain.
"Let go of me, Ms. Willow. I'm running late. Mr. Shaw is waiting for me in his office."
My words only made her expression turn darker.
"What are you so proud of? Your entire job is just scheduling meetings and accepting drinks meant for him. Anyone could do that."
Kevin immediately jumped in with a flattering smile.
"Serena, you're much prettier and more capable than Claire. If you were Mr. Shaw's assistant instead, you'd definitely do a better job."
Those words made Serena's eyes light up.
Her gaze locked onto my pink diamond necklace, filled with greed and desire.
"You're right. I've always had a high tolerance for alcohol. For the sake of Shaw Group's future, I should speak with Eleanor tomorrow and have this matter settled."
She shoved my hand away, making my arm jerk backward.
Then she smoothed down her fluffy blonde hair, looking as if she had already won.
The red mark on my wrist burned, but I only watched her leave.
I wasn't angry.
All I felt was the quiet anticipation of someone who was finally about to break free.
Finally.
I finally had a chance to leave this place.
