A Secretary For Mr CEO

Office Hierarchy

Emma's POV:

“New girl, right?” a woman’s voice chimed in, light and breezy but with an undertone I couldn’t quite place.

I looked up.

She was tall, effortlessly chic, with rich brown skin and sleek curls pulled into a perfect bun. Her lips were glossed, her nails immaculate, and her ID badge read Sasha Lane, Executive Relations.

“Emma Grey,” I said, standing up slightly. “Just started today.”

She smiled at me. It was friendly, but the kind that made you feel like you were being evaluated at the same time.

“I know, right? You're the talk of the section girl. Welcome to the executive floor,” she said, glancing subtly at the door to Dominic Steele’s office. “Or, as we like to call it, Fire Territory.”

I managed a polite smile trying to act as if I didn't notice the eyes that lingered on me from different corners of the office.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

She leaned in slightly. “You must’ve made an impression if Cynthia picked you. I noticed how she addressed you when you walked in. And Mr. Steele, well, let’s just say he’s not exactly known for keeping assistants longer than a few months.”

My pulse ticked up. “I guess I’ll try to break the pattern.”

Sasha raised an eyebrow, amused. “Wow, cute... I'm rooting for you, Miss Grey.”

“Anyway,” she continued, straightening, “A few of us usually grab coffee around ten just downstairs in the lobby. If you’re still standing by then, you’re welcome to join.”

“I appreciate that,” I replied, trying to be as professional as I could be, as Mr Steele's rules kept ringing in my head.

She winked and stepped back. “Watch your step though, Emma. Things are not always as they seem here.” With that she walked away, leaving behind the faint trace of designer perfume and her short but heavy warning.

I sat down again, fingers brushing the edge of my keyboard.

I need to put my plan into action before the boat capsizes.

I just knew Steele Enterprises' dealings were not as clean as the whole world thought.

My phone buzzed with a message from Cynthia.

“Mr. Steele wants to see you. Now.”

I wondered why he had to put a call through to her first from the next office to reach me when I was right outside his door. He should at least have the company secretary's number saved. Well, from research and comments, I'm aware he's a tough guy.

I inhaled slowly, smoothed my dress, and knocked on the door.

“Enter,” came Mr Steele's voice from inside, nonchalant as usual.

He didn’t look up immediately as I stepped inside, his eyes were scanning a document, pen in hand. Even seated, Dominic Steele had the kind of presence that made oxygen feel optional.

“Close the door,” he said, bringing me back from my thoughts.

I cleared my throat and adjusted my poise trying to hide the fact that I had just been distracted a while ago.

“I need you to draft a response to this,” he said, sliding a printed email across the desk toward me. “It’s a delicate negotiation with the CEO of Halvorson & Co. We’re reviewing terms for a partnership deal, but they’re stalling.”

I blinked once and cleared my throat again. He could have just sent it to the marketing, the legal, or the sales team. Why me, for goodness' sake? I'm supposed to be reviewing documents and managing some of his schedules, but this?

“Sir… I’m not trained in legal negotiation.” I managed to summon courage and say.

He looked up then, slowly.

“Miss Grey, if I wanted a typist, I’d have hired one. I need someone with a brain and judgment, and if you don't measure up, you're free to walk out.”

Ohhh please, it's not that deep dear boss, walk out? Without clearing Dad's name? Never!

I swallowed the retort in my throat and moved closer, scanning the printout. The email from Halvorson’s side was passive-aggressive at best, intentionally vague at worst.

I wouldn't blame them. I understand they are one of the few businesses that know what a messed-up company Steele Enterprises is.

He watched me.

“Give me your take.”

I cleared my throat. “They’re pushing back on the profit split. They’re trying to delay without outright refusing, probably hoping to exhaust our interest so they can leverage it later.”

A long pause.

Then… he smiled.

Not the charming kind though, somehow the calculating kind. But almighty Dominic Steele smiled? At me? This just made my whole damn year.

"Interesting! That’s exactly what I thought. So, draft a reply, keep it firm, but professional. Make it clear we don’t chase ghosts but if they’re serious, they’ll meet our expectations by the end of the week. I need it on my table very early tomorrow morning.”

Holy nightmare...

“Yes, Mr. Steele,” I replied and bowed as I turned to take my leave since I didn't have a choice.

“And Miss Grey?”

I stopped in my tracks, glancing back.

“If you ever second-guess yourself again, do it outside my office. In here, you speak like you know what you’re doing. Whether you do or not.”

I nodded slowly. “Yes sir, understood.”

As I walked out, clutching the email, I couldn’t help but feel it.

The real test wasn’t writing the reply. It was seeing if I’d flinch. Something must have sparked his suspicion because the way he looked at me... He didn’t trust me fully. Not yet.

But I was not going to give up trying.

Six years ago, my family didn't have any other choice but to watch all we had fall apart. But now Dominic Steele's the one who should be ready, because I'll leave him with no option either.

After all, I'm Emma Grey.