His Ruthless Obsession

Chapter 4

DAISY’S POV

For a moment, I simply stared at him. Was this man serious? I just started working here today. A few hours ago, I didn't even know how things worked yet, and now he wanted me to work directly under him?

“Why me?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

Darrell raised an eyebrow.

“Do you always question your superiors?”

“Only when they suddenly change my job description,” I said without thinking.

His lips twitched slightly. I wasn’t sure if he was surprised or annoyed.

Oh Lord. Why do I keep saying things that might get him annoyed? My sharp tongue will definitely push me to hell someday.

He stared at me for a few seconds.

“My former secretary resigned yesterday,” he said calmly. “I need a replacement.”

That sounded reasonable though.

But…

Something about it didn’t sit right with me.

Before I could say anything else, Sarah cleared her throat.

“Sir, the board members are waiting.”

Darrell glanced at his watch, then back at me.

“Miss Carter, Sarah will show you your new workstation.”

I nodded quickly.

Then just like that he dismissed me and walked out.

As if our conversation was over.

As if he hadn’t just turned my first day upside down.

I followed Sarah out of the office.

The moment the door closed behind us, she looked at me strangely.

“What?” I asked.

“How was the meeting?” She answered with a question.

“He's a nightmare,” I muttered.

Sarah offered a small, knowing smile.

I can tell she actually expected me to say that.

“It's just that… Mr Blackwood usually doesn't choose people personally,” she explained.

I didn't really understand what she said.

“What does that mean?”

“It means exactly what I said,” she answered.

Her answer wasn't helpful at all.

Sarah stopped in front of a desk.

My desk.

I looked at my new desk and immediately frowned. It was positioned directly outside Darrell’s office, close enough for him to summon me at any time.

The dark wooden desk with a glass top was spotless, with a computer, a telephone and neatly arranged office supplies.

I ran my fingers lightly over the smooth surface, unable to stop myself from comparing it to the tiny table squeezed into the corner of my bedroom at home.

This desk alone probably costs more than all the furniture in our apartment combined.

I actually love the desk, I won't lie.

But…unfortunately, its location made it feel less like a workstation and more like a prison cell with a good view.

I stared at the desk, then at Darrell's massive office door.

I'm actually thinking about the kind of suffering patiently waiting for me.

“Welcome to Blackwood Corp,” Sarah said. “Try not to get fired before lunch.”

I rolled my eyes.

I'm going nowhere.

I had a family to feed and a life to rebuild. I can handle a cold, arrogant billionaire like him.

I slowly sat down.

Almost immediately, I felt eyes on me.

Everywhere.

Employees walking past slowed down.

Some whispered. Others openly stared.

Wonderful.

The gossip had already started.

I pretended not to notice and switched on my computer.

Unfortunately, their voices carried.

“Isn't she the new employee?”

“Why would the CEO choose her?”

I ignored them and looked back at the computer unsure of what to do.

A few minutes later, someone suddenly dropped into the empty chair beside me.

I looked up.

A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair and bright blue eyes was staring at me curiously.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then she smiled.

"Okay, I have to ask," she said.

I sighed.

"Ask what?"

"How are you still alive?"

I blinked.

"What?"

She pointed toward Darrell's office.

"You were in there for almost thirty minutes."

"Oh."

"Most people come out looking like they've survived a war."

Despite myself, I laughed.

The woman grinned and stretched out her hand.

"I'm Emily Brooks."

I shook it.

"Daisy Carter."

"Nice to meet you."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Now tell me what kind of black magic you used to become the CEO's secretary on your first day."

I nearly choked.

"If I knew, I'd use it to get a better salary."

Emily burst out laughing.

"I like you already," she said smiling.

Before I could reply, my desk phone suddenly rang.

Both of us jumped.

I stared at the phone suspiciously.

Emily stared at it too. Then her eyes widened.

"Oh no."

"What?" I asked curiously.

"That's his line."

My stomach dropped.

Of course, it was.

Slowly, I picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Miss Carter."

I closed my eyes briefly.

"Y-yes, sir?"

"My office. Now."

The line went dead.

I stared at the phone. He's extremely rude.

Emily looked at me with sympathy.

“Good luck,” she said and left immediately.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up and entered his office.

Darrell was seated behind his desk, reviewing documents.

I stood there quietly staring at him, saying nothing.

He closed the document he was reviewing and leaned back in his chair.

“As my new secretary, you'll be working directly under me from now on, Miss Carter.”

My stomach tightened. Why does he have to repeat that again?

That sounded less like good news and more like the beginning of my suffering.

“Yes, sir,” I replied carefully.

He stood up slowly and walked toward the large window behind him, his hands tucked into his pockets.

“There are rules,” he said, staring at the New York skyline through the glass window.

Something about the way he said it made a chill run down my spine.

This was Darrell Blackwood.

Nothing about him has been easy so far.

And somehow, I doubted his rules would be any different. Maybe accepting this job wasn't the smartest decision I had ever made.