Chapter Four: The First Day
804 Words
The alarm rang at exactly 5:30 a.m.
Rachel Langston was already awake.
She had barely slept.
Today was her first day at Williams Global Holdings, and despite her excitement, her stomach was full of butterflies.
She carefully ironed her cream-colored blouse and black pencil skirt before tying her long chestnut hair into a neat ponytail. She wanted to make a good first impression.
As she walked into the kitchen, the aroma of fried eggs filled the apartment.
Her mother smiled warmly.
"Our working lady is finally ready."
Rachel laughed.
"Mom, it's just my first day."
"It's the beginning of your future."
Emily walked in carrying two slices of toast.
"And don't forget," she teased, "try not to get stuck in an elevator with your boss again."
Rachel nearly choked on her tea.
"Emily!"
"What? It sounds romantic."
Rachel rolled her eyes.
"It wasn't romantic."
Her sister grinned.
"Not yet."
An hour later...
Rachel stood in front of the towering Williams Global building once again.
This time, she wasn't there for an interview.
She was an employee.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.
The receptionist greeted her with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Miss Langston."
"Good morning."
"Mr. Williams asked that you go directly to the executive floor."
Rachel blinked.
"The executive floor?"
"Yes."
Her nervousness returned.
She thanked the receptionist and entered the elevator.
This time, she rode alone.
When the doors opened, Alexander's secretary, Sophia Bennett, welcomed her.
"You must be Rachel."
Rachel smiled politely.
"Yes."
"I'm Sophia. Mr. Williams' executive secretary."
Sophia handed her an employee badge.
"Follow me."
As they walked through the luxurious hallway, Rachel noticed that everyone greeted Sophia with respect.
"Mr. Williams is strict," Sophia said.
"He expects excellence."
Rachel nodded.
"I'll do my best."
Sophia smiled.
"That's all he asks."
Inside his office, Alexander was already reading through a stack of reports.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Come in."
Sophia entered first.
"Sir, Miss Langston is here."
Alexander looked up.
Rachel stood quietly behind Sophia, looking both confident and nervous.
For a brief moment, Alexander remembered the cheerful woman from the elevator.
He almost smiled.
"Good morning, Miss Langston."
"Good morning, Mr. Williams."
Sophia excused herself, leaving them alone.
Alexander gestured toward the chair opposite his desk.
"Sit."
"okay."
she sits down
Alexander slid a neatly organized folder across the desk.
"Your responsibilities are listed inside."
She opened it carefully.
Meetings.
Travel schedules.
Business correspondence.
Project deadlines.
There was far more work than she had expected.
She looked up.
"I'll learn quickly."
"I know."
Rachel blinked.
"You... do?"
"I don't hire people I don't believe in."
For a second, Rachel forgot to breathe.
Those simple words filled her with confidence.
"Thank you, sir."
Alexander nodded.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"I don't like being lied to."
Rachel met his gaze.
"I don't lie."
He held her eyes for a moment before saying quietly,
"Good."
The morning passed quickly.
Rachel organized files, answered calls, and updated Alexander's schedule with remarkable efficiency.
By lunchtime, even Sophia was impressed.
"You've only been here a few hours."
Rachel smiled.
"I've had plenty of practice organizing my life."
Sophia laughed.
"I can tell."
Meanwhile...
On the top floor of another building, Vanessa Carter stepped out of a luxury elevator wearing a designer dress and dark sunglasses.
She walked into a fashionable boutique where her closest friend, Bianca, was waiting.
"So," Bianca asked, "have you spoken to Alexander yet?"
Vanessa shook her head.
"Not yet."
"What are you waiting for?"
Vanessa smiled coldly.
"I'm waiting for the perfect moment."
She placed Rachel's photograph on the table.
"And first..."
"...I'm going to find out exactly what makes this girl so special."
Back at Williams Global, Rachel was delivering documents to Alexander when she noticed him rubbing his temples.
"You have a headache."
Alexander looked up.
"I'm fine."
Rachel hesitated.
"My mother always says people who say they're fine usually aren't."
Alexander let out a quiet chuckle.
"You quote your mother often."
"Because she's usually right."
Rachel glanced toward the small coffee machine in the corner.
"Would you like some coffee?"
"I've already had three."
She smiled.
"Then maybe tea."
Alexander looked at her in surprise.
"No one has ever offered to make me tea before."
Rachel shrugged.
"There's a first time for everything."
A few minutes later, she returned with a steaming cup of tea.
Alexander took a sip.
It was perfect.
He looked at Rachel.
"Thank you."
She smiled.
"You're welcome."
For the first time in years...
The office didn't feel so cold.
But outside the glass walls of Williams Global, someone was watching.
Vanessa lowered her sunglasses and stared up at the executive floor.
Her lips curved into a dangerous smile.
"Enjoy your little friendship while you can, Rachel Langston."
"Because soon..."
"...I'm going to make sure your world falls apart."
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