Chapter Eight: Her Table
1040 Words
Reese stared at her with his usual icy expression.
"So... you're apologizing?" His voice was calm, yet every word carried a hint of mockery. "I thought your specialty was making yourself the victim. I'm surprised you're capable of admitting when you're wrong."
Davina forced herself to remain calm.
Don't lose your temper. He's your boss now.
She clasped her hands behind her back before replying politely.
"I know how to take responsibility for my actions... unlike some people."
A faint glimmer flashed through Reese's grey eyes.
Without another word, he looked her up and down before walking past her as though she were merely another employee.
Erin, who had witnessed the brief exchange, fought the urge to smile.
"Good morning, Miss Brooks," he greeted politely.
"Good morning."
"Please, follow me."
Davina nodded before following him into the elevator.
The ride to the executive floor was painfully silent.
Reese stood with both hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable as the elevator climbed higher.
Davina kept her eyes fixed on the glowing floor numbers, silently counting each one until the doors finally slid open.
The three of them stepped out.
Without sparing Davina another glance, Reese spoke to Erin.
"Fill her in on everything she needs to know. Give her a complete tour of the company."
His tone was cold and authoritative.
"I don't want my schedule interrupted because my secretary got lost."
"Understood, sir," Erin replied immediately.
Satisfied, Reese walked into his office, the heavy door closing behind him.
The moment he disappeared, Davina released the breath she had been holding.
"My goodness..." she muttered under her breath.
Erin chuckled.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to him."
"I highly doubt that."
He smiled before taking out a company-issued tablet.
"Let's begin."
As they walked through the executive floor, Erin explained the responsibilities of an executive secretary.
He showed her Reese's daily schedule, how appointments were organized, how confidential meetings were recorded, and how urgent requests were prioritized.
Every few minutes, they stopped so Erin could explain another department.
"This is the Legal Department."
"The Finance Division is on the next floor."
"Our Human Resources Department occupies the entire east wing."
Davina listened attentively, mentally storing every piece of information.
She was determined not to make a single mistake.
A few minutes later, they entered an elegant lounge.
The room immediately stole Davina's attention.
Warm lighting reflected off polished marble floors, while luxurious cream sofas surrounded a modern fireplace. A coffee station occupied one corner, and a glass wall overlooked the city below.
"This place is beautiful," she whispered.
Erin smiled proudly.
"This is the Executive Lounge. Only executives, board members, and Mr. Kingsley's personal staff are allowed here."
Davina slowly turned in a circle.
"So ordinary employees aren't allowed?"
He shook his head.
"Not without permission."
She nodded in understanding before following him out.
The tour continued through several more departments.
Erin pointed out every important office, explaining the function of each floor until Davina slowly began understanding the layout of the massive building.
As they approached another elevator, someone called out behind them.
"Miss Brooks!"
Davina turned around.
A familiar face smiled at her.
"Mark!"
He walked over, looking just as confident as he had during the interview.
"I'm happy to see you got the job."
Davina smiled warmly.
"I'm glad you did too. I thought there was only one opening."
Mark laughed.
"So did I."
He adjusted the company ID card hanging around his neck.
"Apparently Human Resources liked my résumé enough to create a new leadership role. They've assigned me as Head of Marketing Division Two."
Davina's eyes widened.
"Congratulations! That's amazing."
"Thank you."
He rubbed the back of his neck modestly.
"I guess we both got lucky."
"I don't think it was luck," Davina replied with a smile.
"You earned it."
Mark smiled gratefully.
"I hope we'll work together often."
"I'm sure we will."
After exchanging a few more words, they wished each other a productive day before heading in opposite directions.
As Erin and Davina returned toward the elevator, he suddenly stopped.
"Oh..."
He lightly tapped his forehead.
"I almost forgot the most important place."
He pressed a special keycard against a scanner.
The elevator doors opened to a restricted floor.
Davina stepped out and immediately froze.
Her eyes widened.
"This..."
She slowly looked around.
"...is unbelievable."
Unlike the luxurious offices below, this floor felt like an expensive private home.
Dark grey and black dominated the interior, creating a modern yet cozy atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows stretched across the living room, revealing a breathtaking view of the entire City of Ralivay.
Soft leather furniture surrounded a massive television, while an elegant kitchen blended seamlessly into the open space.
Further inside were two spacious bedrooms, each with its own luxurious bathroom.
Everything about the penthouse reflected quiet wealth rather than unnecessary extravagance.
"It feels like someone's home," Davina whispered.
"It is," Erin replied.
"This is Mr. Kingsley's private penthouse. Whenever work keeps him late into the night, he stays here instead of driving home. Sometimes he simply comes here to clear his mind."
Davina slowly walked toward the enormous glass window.
"The view is incredible."
"It becomes even more beautiful at night."
She laughed softly.
"Rich people are truly lucky."
She shook her head in amazement.
"He has two homes, and this one is bigger than the apartment my mum and I live in."
Erin simply smiled.
After giving her a few more minutes to admire the place, he led her back downstairs.
Soon they arrived at the executive floor once again.
Outside Reese's office stood another workstation.
It wasn't exactly an office.
It resembled a luxurious reception desk, complete with a computer, filing cabinets, and enough workspace for one person.
Davina assumed it belonged to Erin.
Before she could ask, Erin smiled.
"That," he said, pointing toward the workstation, "will be your office from now on."
Davina blinked.
"My... office?"
He nodded.
"As Mr. Kingsley's executive secretary, this is where you'll work."
She stared at the elegant desk before slowly turning toward the large wooden door behind it.
Only a single wall separated her from Reese Kingsley.
Her heart sank.
How am I supposed to survive working this close to that man every single day?
- Writer
