Entangled with the CEO

Chapter Three

Arianna's POV

Morning light streamed through the blinds, piercing my eyelids dragging me back to reality. I groaned, my head throbbing with the aftermath of too much alcohol. I had to force my eyes open and was immediately hit with a wave of horror. I was in a stranger’s bed, tangled in sheets that weren’t hers and a hand laid carelessly on my breasts.

The throbbing pain I received from my s*x sets sent a message I least expected.

“Oh God,” I panicked, memories of the previous night came crashing down on me. The club, the drinks, the kiss, the colourful sea blue eyes and – I turned to the body beside me.

“Oh no, you didn't Ari?” I whispered to myself as I scrambled to gather my clothes quietly, without waking the sexy human in the room. I dressed quickly and slipped out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. I did not bother to look back as I fled the hotel building, desperate to put as much distance between myself and the previous night as possible.

I paused outside to catch my breath, the morning air doing little to steady the whirlwind inside me. The weight of everything hit me all at once — the night, the choices, the reality.

I glanced at my phone. Thirty minutes late for work.

“Shit.”

Without wasting another second, I booked a ride straight to the company.

“How could you make such a drunken mistake?” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. But then, unexpectedly, a small smile tugged at my lips — the memory of last night flickering in my mind. Messy. Intense. Beautiful in a way I couldn’t quite explain.

But the warmth was short-lived.

Like a crashing wave, the truth returned — the lost Gold Art Circle contract, Olivia’s smug face, and Sebastian’s ultimate betrayal.

The smile faded as quickly as it came.

I let out a tired sigh, alighted the cab and rushed into the company building. Luckily, I had some clothes kept in my drawer and I shot a quick text to Emma to help me retrieve it and bring it to me in the restroom.

“You are in deep trouble, Young Miss.” Emma greeted me as soon as she saw me.

“I know that.” I took the bag from her and quickly changed. “You don't have to rub it in.”

“Just so you know, Olivia signed the contract with Gold Art circle this morning.” She said in a rush, hoping it won't break my heart – but I did.

“When?”

“This morning.” She held me by shoulders “Don't be sad Ari”

I chuckled, “I am not sad.” I gave her a reassuring smile “Let's go” I dragged her out of the restroom to our office.

The moment I got to my desk, Olivia walked up to me.

Don't say a word Ari! Ignore her. I mentally encouraged myself.

Slam! A file dropped loudly onto my desk.

“This,” Olivia said with a smug grin, “is the Gold Art Circle file — signed and sealed. You know, the one you couldn’t get.” She laughed, clearly enjoying herself.

I frowned.

“Oops. Did I offend you?” She added with a mock-innocent smirk.

“People are staring,” Emma whispered beside me.

Only then did I glance around — and realize every pair of eyes in the office was on me.

I straightened, then did something no one expected.

I smiled and pulled Olivia into a hug. She stiffened, clearly caught off guard.

“Congratulations, Olivia,” I said sweetly, pulling away just enough to look her in the eye. “Honestly, I’m happy. What matters most is that McLeod Industries got the deal — and we did.”

I clapped once, loud and clear.

To my surprise, the room followed — a polite round of applause breaking out.

I turned back to my desk with a subtle smirk.

That, I thought, was a smart move.

“Oh well, it was I who got them to sign the contract, not Arianna.”

“Does it really matter?” Emma defended.

“You… don't know anything! So shut it.”

I walked out of the office, she followed me and stood in front of me.

“What exactly do you want, Olivia?"

“I won this time, Arianna.” She said slowly. “You lost everything to me. Foolish of you to think Sebastian loves you. With a snap of my finger, I got him crawling.” She spoke with so much pride, and I was hurt –but I certainly wasn't going to let her see that. “Those late nights he told you he was at work he was actually with me.” She grinned.

I felt a pang on my chest. You won't cry before this b***h.

“Cat caught your tongue.”

“No, it's just funny you're proud of the fact that you couldn't get a boyfriend for yourself so you decided to steal one.” She took a step back in shocked

“How dare you?”

“I have had enough of you and your silly act.” I said firmly. “You can have Sebastian, I really don't care.”

I turned away not before giving her the middle finger. “He is all yours.”

The day passed in a blur. I spent most of it on the phone with my best friend, Camille. After texting her about needing a new place to crash, she called immediately, demanding every single detail. She insisted on driving me to my old apartment to pack up my things.

“I’m so glad you finally ended things with that asshole,” Camille said the moment I got into the car.

“Camille!” I shrieked, half laughing, half groaning.

“What?” She shrugged, completely unbothered. “I never liked him in the first place.”

I rolled my eyes at her, and she grinned, mischief all over her face.

“Well…” she drawled, “are you going to tell me about your one-night stand?” She leaned over and tickled my side.

“Stop it!” I laughed, swatting at her hand. “Just drive!”

We giggled like teenagers, the weight of the past twenty-four hours finally beginning to lift — even if just for a moment.

************

I stared at the both of them, a small frown creasing my forehead.

“What sort of prank is this?” I asked, confused.

“Prank?” Emma laughed. “Girl, you've been appointed private secretary to the new President.”

My jaw slackened. “What?”

Emma gave me a knowing smile. “How did you pull that off?”

I blinked at her, blank. What in the hell was she talking about?

“You seriously didn't know?” She asked, upon seeing my expression.

“Aware of what, exactly?” I muttered, placing my bag down and starting to arrange my desk. “Speak English, girl.”

Emma shoved her phone in my face. “It's on the company website. The chairman has appointed his eldest son as the new president. He's coming down to the headquarters.”

The headline on her screen read: “McLeod Industries celebrates the appointment of the new President.”

“Rumor has it that he's the chairman's illegitimate son.” She whispered.

“You know I don't deal in rumors, Emma.” I said flatly. “I work with facts.”

“Oh, please!” She rolled her eyes. “Nobody knew about him until recently. Isn't that fact enough?!”

“She's got a point.” Leo chimed in from his desk. “The chairman already has Damian McLeod. Why bring in another son from abroad? The story is adding layers”

“And that is not my business.” I muttered, brushing it off.

“Well, this is your business,” Emma said, grinning. “You've been appointed as his new secretary. And that's not a rumor. Do you even check your email?”

That was when I remembered my phone. It was still off. I plugged it in, flipped open my laptop, and waited as it booted. The moment my inbox loaded, my eyes widened at the first message.

Sender: HR department.

Subject: Official Appointment Notice

I am pleased to formally congratulate you on your appointment as private secretary to Mr. Killain McLeod, President of Mcleod Industries.

As the recipient of the Mega Sales Award, you have been identified as an ideal candidate to work directly alongside Mr. McLeod.

Please report to the Human Resource office by 10:00 AM today.

Warm regards,

Head of Human Resources

“Oh. My. God.” I gasped, nearly falling put of my chair.

Emma and Leo rushed to my side.

“I hope I am not dreaming.”

“Ouch!” I winced as Emma pinched on my cheek.

“Told you it was real.” She winked. “It's 9:45, babe.”

9:45?!

I scrambled to gather my essentials, making a mental note to come back for the rest later, and dashed out of the office at lightning speed.

“Goodluck!” They both called after me in unison