The Billionaire Behind The Desk

New York City had a way of making people feel small. Ava Bennett had spent twenty-five years refusing to be one of those people. Standing outside the towering glass building of Reed Enterprises, she tilted her head back and stared at the thirty-eight-story skyscraper disappearing into the cloudy Manhattan morning. This was it. Her second chance. She tightened her grip around the strap of her handbag and took a slow breath. “Okay, Ava,” she whispered. “You need this job. Do not embarrass yourself.” Her phone buzzed. Mom: Good luck today, sweetheart. Make us proud. Ava smiled. I will. She slipped her phone into her bag and walked through the revolving doors. The lobby was exactly what she had expected from a company owned by one of the richest men in New York—marble floors, enormous glass walls, expensive furniture, and employees who looked like they had stepped straight out of a business magazine. Ava suddenly became aware of her modest black heels. She looked down at them. Still perfectly fine. “Don't start,” she muttered to herself. She approached the reception desk. “Good morning. I'm Ava Bennett. I'm here for the executive assistant position.” The receptionist checked her computer. “Mr. Reed's office sent instructions for you. Take the elevator to the thirty-sixth floor. Someone will meet you there.” Ava nodded. “Thank you.” The elevator doors opened. She stepped inside with two other employees. As the doors began to close, a man's voice stopped them. “Hold the elevator.” A hand appeared between the doors. They opened again. Ava looked up. And froze. The man who stepped inside looked like he belonged on the cover of a business magazine. Tall. Immaculately dressed in a charcoal-gray suit. Dark hair neatly styled. Expensive watch. Expression unreadable. He didn't acknowledge anyone. He simply pressed 36. Ava looked at the panel. Thirty-six. Same floor. Wonderful. She turned toward the doors, hoping the ride would be quick. The silence became uncomfortable. Then the man spoke. “Thirty-seven.” One of the employees immediately pressed the button. Ava glanced at him. “Thirty-seven isn't lit.” His eyes shifted toward her. For the first time, he looked directly at her. His eyes were cold. “I'm aware.” Ava raised an eyebrow. “Then why did you say thirty-seven?” A brief silence followed. The other employees suddenly became extremely interested in their phones. The man's jaw tightened. “Because I wanted someone to press it.” Ava stared at him. “Well, congratulations. Someone did.” His expression didn't change. The elevator stopped at the thirty-seventh floor. The man stepped out. Before the doors closed, he glanced back at her. “Have a good day.” The doors shut. Ava exhaled. “Wow.” One of the employees beside her looked at her like she'd just committed a crime. “You don't know who that was?” “No.” “That was Alexander Reed.” Ava's eyes widened. The elevator continued upward. “The Alexander Reed?” The employee nodded. “The billionaire CEO.” Ava stared at the closed elevator doors. She suddenly remembered the face from magazine covers. Alexander Reed. Thirty-two years old. Self-made billionaire. CEO of Reed Enterprises. Known for being ruthless in business and almost impossible to work with. Ava swallowed. “Great.” The elevator doors opened. A woman in a navy suit was waiting for her. “Ms. Bennett?” “Yes.” “I'm Claire. Mr. Reed's chief of staff.” Ava smiled politely. “Nice to meet you.” Claire gave her a strange look. “Come with me.” They walked through the executive floor. Everything was quiet. Too quiet. Employees lowered their voices as they passed. Ava noticed several people staring at her. “What?” she whispered. Claire sighed. “Mr. Reed has gone through four assistants this year.” Ava stopped walking. “Four?” “Yes.” “What happened to them?” Claire continued walking. “None lasted longer than three months.” Ava caught up. “Why?” Claire looked at her. “Let's just say Mr. Reed has very high standards.” Ava nodded slowly. “I have high standards too.” For the first time, Claire smiled. “I think you might actually survive.” They stopped in front of a large glass door. ALEXANDER REED — CEO Claire knocked. “Come in.” The voice was unmistakable. Cold. Commanding. Ava's stomach tightened. Claire opened the door. Alexander was standing behind his enormous desk, reading a document. He didn't look up. “Leave her résumé.” Claire placed it on his desk. “This is Ava Bennett. She's here for the executive assistant position.” Alexander finally looked up. His eyes met Ava's. Recognition flickered across his face. “You.” Ava folded her arms. “Me.” Claire looked between them. “You two know each other?” “No,” Alexander said. “Yes,” Ava said at the same time. Alexander's eyebrow lifted. Ava smiled sweetly. “We shared an elevator.” Claire looked confused. Alexander looked annoyed. “That's enough.” Ava's smile disappeared. “Right.” Alexander picked up her résumé. He scanned it silently. “Twenty-five.” “Yes.” “Bachelor's degree in business administration.” “Yes.” “Previous experience as an administrative coordinator.” “Yes.” He looked up. “You're applying to be my executive assistant.” “I am.” “You understand what that position requires?” “I believe so.” “You'll work long hours.” “I expected that.” “You'll handle confidential information.” “I can do that.” “You'll need to be available when I need you.” Ava paused. “Within reason.” Alexander's eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?” “I'm saying I'm reliable. But I'm also a person.” Claire looked like she wanted to disappear. Alexander leaned back in his chair. “You're already negotiating.” “I'm not negotiating. I'm setting a boundary.” His lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Alexander picked up a pen. “You're hired.” Ava blinked. “Excuse me?” “You start today.” She stared at him. “That was fast.” “I don't enjoy wasting time.” He slid a folder across the desk. “Your responsibilities are inside.” Ava picked it up. Then she noticed the title on the folder. PERSONAL SECRETARY — ALEXANDER REED She looked at him. “Personal secretary?” “Yes.” “I applied for executive assistant.” “You'll be doing more than an executive assistant.” Ava frowned. “What exactly does that mean?” Alexander stood. He was even more intimidating up close. “It means you'll be working directly for me.” Their eyes met. “And Ms. Bennett?” “Yes?” “If you can't handle me, you won't last a month.” Ava held his gaze. She smiled. “Then I guess we'll find out.” Something shifted in Alexander's expression. It was barely noticeable. Almost like amusement. Then it disappeared. “Welcome to Reed Enterprises.” Ava turned toward the door. Her first day hadn't even properly started. And already, she had a feeling working for Alexander Reed was going to be the biggest mistake—or the most important decision—of her life.