OWNED BY MY RUTHLESS BOSS

HIS RULES, HIS EMPIRE

Elena Montgomery had always believed that patience was one of her greatest strengths. She rarely raised her voice, avoided unnecessary arguments, and tried to treat everyone with kindness, even when they didn’t deserve it. Unfortunately, after spending only a few hours working for Alexander Blackwood, she was beginning to question whether patience alone would be enough to survive her new job. Her desk was positioned directly outside his enormous office, which meant she could hear almost everything happening behind those intimidating black doors. Every angry phone call, every frustrated command, and every unfortunate employee who entered looking confident and left looking completely defeated served as another reminder that her new employer was not an ordinary man.

She adjusted her glasses, opened the executive schedule on her computer, and tried to concentrate. There were dozens of emails waiting for responses, several appointments requiring confirmation, and a stack of documents Margaret had instructed her to organize before the next board meeting. Elena had barely finished arranging the folders when the telephone on her desk began ringing. She quickly picked it up, straightening her posture as though the person on the other end could somehow see her.

Elena: “Good morning, Blackwood International, executive office. Elena Montgomery speaking. How may I assist you?”

Male Voice: “Put Alexander on the phone.”

Elena blinked at the abrupt demand. She glanced toward the closed office doors before returning her attention to the caller.

Elena: “May I ask who’s calling, sir?”

Male Voice: “Richard Harrison. He knows who I am.”

Elena searched the executive contact list and immediately recognized the name. Richard Harrison was a senior director whose name appeared several times in the company’s internal correspondence. Unfortunately, Margaret had specifically instructed her not to transfer calls without Alexander’s permission, regardless of who was calling.

Elena: “Of course, Mr. Harrison. Please allow me a moment to check whether Mr. Blackwood is available.”

Richard: “Young lady, I don’t have time for this. Transfer the call.”

Elena nervously pressed her lips together. She didn’t want to offend an important company director, but she was even more frightened of disobeying Alexander’s instructions. After politely asking Richard to hold, she reached for the intercom connected to her employer’s office.

Elena: “Mr. Blackwood, I’m sorry to disturb you. Mr. Richard Harrison is calling and would like to speak with you.”

There was a brief silence before Alexander’s deep voice came through the speaker.

Alexander: “Did I authorize you to interrupt me?”

Elena’s stomach tightened. She glanced toward the telephone, where Richard was still waiting, and wished desperately that someone had provided her with a manual explaining how to communicate with a man who apparently hated every possible answer.

Elena: “No, sir. I apologize, but he said it was important.”

Alexander: “And since when do you decide what’s important to me, Miss Montgomery?”

Elena: “I don’t, sir.”

Alexander: “Then tell Harrison to send an email. If he calls again, block his number.”

The connection ended before Elena could respond. She stared at the intercom for a moment, wondering whether Alexander was serious about blocking one of his own directors. Eventually, she picked up the telephone again and carefully explained that Mr. Blackwood was unavailable. Richard responded with several unpleasant words before hanging up, leaving Elena staring at the receiver in disbelief.

She had worked in administration before, but nothing had prepared her for an environment where even answering a telephone felt like walking through a minefield. Still, she reminded herself that the salary was worth the trouble. She had already calculated how much she could save after paying her rent, clearing her outstanding bills, and purchasing groceries without checking every price tag. For the first time in months, she had something resembling financial security, and she refused to lose it because her employer happened to have the personality of a thunderstorm.

Her phone vibrated beside the keyboard. Sofia’s name appeared on the screen, accompanied by a ridiculous photograph of the two women making faces at the camera. Elena couldn’t help smiling as she opened the message.

Sofia: “Lunch with me later? Please tell me the devil hasn’t eaten you alive.”

Elena: “Not yet. But I think he’s considering it.”

Sofia: “HAHAHA! Don’t worry, babe. I’ll save you a seat.”

Elena was still smiling when the office doors suddenly opened. Alexander stepped into the corridor with his phone in one hand and a thick black folder in the other. His perfectly tailored suit emphasized his tall, broad-shouldered frame, while his expression suggested that someone had already disappointed him beyond forgiveness. Elena immediately placed her phone facedown and stood, but his sharp grey eyes had already noticed her distraction.

Alexander: “Miss Montgomery.”

Elena: “Yes, sir?”

Alexander: “Are you being paid to entertain yourself?”

Her cheeks flushed as she glanced at the phone on her desk. She had only been checking a message, but the cold expression on his face made her feel as though she had committed a serious offense.

Elena: “No, Mr. Blackwood. I was just—”

Alexander: “I didn’t ask for an explanation.”

He placed the black folder on her desk with enough force to make her flinch. Several employees walking through the corridor immediately lowered their heads and hurried past, clearly unwilling to become involved. Alexander opened the folder and pointed toward a series of financial documents, his expression remaining completely unreadable.

Alexander: “These contracts need to be reviewed, copied, and delivered to the legal department. I want the revised versions on my desk before the board meeting.”

Elena: “Of course, sir. I’ll take care of them.”

Alexander: “You’d better.”

He turned to leave, but Elena noticed that one of the documents contained a handwritten instruction she couldn’t understand. She hesitated, torn between asking for clarification and risking another insult. Unfortunately, the thought of making a mistake frightened her more than the possibility of upsetting him.

Elena: “Mr. Blackwood?”

Alexander stopped walking. He didn’t turn around immediately, and the silence that followed made Elena regret speaking.

Alexander: “What?”

Elena: “I’m sorry, sir. I just wanted to confirm whether the revised contracts should be sent to the legal department before or after your approval.”

Alexander slowly turned toward her. His eyes narrowed as he studied the nervous young woman standing behind the desk. Elena instinctively straightened, holding the folder against her chest while waiting for his response.

Alexander: “Before.”

Elena: “Thank you, sir.”

Alexander: “And Miss Montgomery?”

Elena: “Yes?”

Alexander: “Stop apologizing every time you open your mouth. It’s irritating.”

With that, he disappeared into his office, leaving Elena staring after him. She wasn’t sure whether she should feel relieved that he had answered her question or embarrassed that he had criticized her again. Eventually, she sat down and opened the folder, determined to complete the assignment without giving him another reason to complain.

By the time Elena reached the legal department, she had already memorized most of the instructions written inside Alexander’s folder. She delivered the contracts, explained which sections required revision, and carefully checked that the department understood the deadline. The employees there seemed surprisingly friendly, although several exchanged knowing glances when she introduced herself as Alexander Blackwood’s new personal assistant. One woman even offered her a sympathetic smile before wishing her good luck.

When Elena returned to the executive floor, she found Sofia waiting beside her desk with two takeaway coffees. Her best friend looked entirely too cheerful for someone working in the same building as Alexander Blackwood. Sofia wore a fitted blue blouse and black trousers, her blonde hair tied into a loose ponytail. She greeted Elena with an exaggerated smile before handing her one of the cups.

Sofia: “Emergency coffee delivery for my favorite corporate prisoner.”

Elena laughed softly and accepted the drink. She glanced toward Alexander’s closed office before lowering her voice, afraid that he might somehow hear them through the walls.

Elena: “Sofia, please. Don’t call me that here.”

Sofia: “Why? Is your terrifying boss going to arrest me?”

Elena: “He might fire me just for knowing you.”

Sofia burst into laughter, attracting a disapproving glance from an employee walking past. She quickly covered her mouth, although the amusement remained visible in her eyes. Elena shook her head, unable to understand how her best friend could remain so relaxed in a building where everyone else seemed terrified of making the smallest mistake.

Sofia: “Okay, seriously. How’s your first day going?”

Elena glanced down at her coffee. She wanted to tell Sofia that everything was wonderful, that she had settled into her new position, and that the frightening rumors about Alexander Blackwood had been exaggerated. Unfortunately, lying to her best friend had never been one of her strengths.

Elena: “He’s horrible.”

Sofia: “That bad?”

Elena: “He gets angry when I ask questions, but he also gets angry when I don’t ask questions. He doesn’t want explanations, he doesn’t want apologies, and apparently, he doesn’t want anyone breathing too loudly near his office.”

Sofia pressed her lips together, desperately trying not to laugh. Elena noticed immediately and gave her an offended look.

Elena: “It’s not funny!”

Sofia: “I’m sorry! It’s just that you sound exactly like every assistant who’s worked for him.”

Elena’s smile faded. She remembered Margaret mentioning the eleven assistants who had either resigned or been dismissed, and suddenly the possibility of becoming number twelve seemed frighteningly realistic.

Elena: “Do you think I’ll get fired?”

Sofia’s expression softened. She reached across the desk and gently squeezed Elena’s hand, understanding that her friend wasn’t simply worried about professional embarrassment. Elena needed this job, and losing it would mean returning to the financial uncertainty she had struggled through for months.

Sofia: “No, sweetheart. You’re hardworking, and you’re much more capable than you give yourself credit for. Just do your best, follow his instructions, and try not to take everything personally.”

Elena nodded, feeling slightly better. She was about to thank Sofia when the private elevator opened at the end of the corridor. A beautiful brunette stepped out wearing a short cream dress, expensive heels, and a diamond necklace that glittered beneath the ceiling lights. Her confident smile suggested that she was perfectly accustomed to receiving attention, and she walked directly toward Alexander’s office without acknowledging the curious employees watching her.

Sofia noticed the woman and immediately rolled her eyes.

Sofia: “Oh, here we go again.”

Elena followed her gaze.

Elena: “Who is she?”

Sofia: “Isabella Laurent. Model, socialite, and one of Alexander’s favorite distractions.”

Elena’s cheeks turned pink at the implication. She had heard rumors about Alexander’s reputation with women, but she hadn’t expected his personal life to become part of her working day. Before she could ask another question, Isabella approached the desk and removed her sunglasses.

Isabella: “Where’s Alexander?”

Elena immediately stood, remembering Margaret’s instructions about visitors.

Elena: “Good afternoon, ma’am. May I ask whether you have an appointment with Mr. Blackwood?”

Isabella stared at her for a moment before laughing. Her eyes traveled over Elena’s outfit, lingering briefly on her curvy figure before returning to her face.

Isabella: “An appointment? Sweetheart, I don’t need an appointment to see Alexander.”

Elena felt uncomfortable beneath the woman’s examining gaze, but she maintained a polite smile. She had no intention of being rude, especially to someone who clearly knew her employer personally.

Elena: “I’m sorry, ma’am, but Mr. Blackwood is currently working. I can inform him that you’re here.”

Isabella tilted her head, apparently amused by Elena’s attempt to follow company procedures. Without responding, she walked past the desk and headed directly toward Alexander’s office. Elena hurried after her, remembering the strict warning about entering without permission.

Elena: “Ma’am, please wait! You can’t just go inside!”

Isabella ignored her and pushed open the enormous black doors. Elena stopped at the entrance, her heart pounding as she imagined Alexander’s reaction. She was already preparing an apology when his deep voice interrupted the silence.

Alexander: “Isabella.”

The change in his tone was subtle, but Elena noticed it immediately. Alexander leaned back in his leather chair, his cold grey eyes moving over the beautiful woman standing before him. For the first time since Elena had met him, the faintest trace of amusement appeared on his face.

Isabella: “Hello, handsome. Did you miss me?”

Isabella walked around his desk and settled herself comfortably on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck as though she owned the place. Alexander made no attempt to stop her. Instead, he placed one hand against her waist and continued studying her with an arrogant half-smile.

Alexander: “I thought you were in Paris.”

Isabella: “I came back early. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

Alexander: “That depends on what you want.”

Isabella laughed before leaning forward and kissing him. Elena’s eyes widened, and she immediately looked away, embarrassed to have witnessed something so personal. She had never imagined that her first day at work would involve watching her employer kiss a woman in the middle of his office.

Unfortunately, Alexander had already noticed her standing near the doorway.

Alexander: “Miss Montgomery.”

Elena straightened immediately.

Elena: “Yes, sir?”

His expression lost every trace of amusement as his attention shifted toward her. The coldness returned so quickly that Elena wondered whether she had imagined his earlier smile.

Alexander: “Why are you standing there?”

Elena: “I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwood. I was trying to explain that your visitor—”

Alexander: “Did I ask you for an explanation?”

Elena: “No, sir.”

Alexander: “Then close the door.”

Elena nodded quickly and stepped backward. Before she could leave, Isabella glanced toward her and laughed softly.

Isabella: “Your new assistant is adorable, Alexander. She’s so nervous.”

Alexander barely looked at Elena.

Alexander: “She’s temporary.”

The words were spoken casually, without hesitation or concern. Elena felt something uncomfortable tighten inside her chest, but she forced herself to remain composed. She quietly closed the door and returned to her desk, pretending that she hadn’t heard him dismiss her so easily.

Sofia was still waiting nearby, watching her with a knowing expression. She didn’t need to ask what had happened. Elena’s flushed cheeks and disappointed eyes told her enough.

Sofia: “Let me guess. He was charming as always?”

Elena sat down and opened her computer, carefully avoiding her friend’s gaze.

Elena: “He said I’m temporary.”

Sofia’s expression changed. She knew Alexander could be cruel, but hearing him dismiss Elena on her first day made her unexpectedly angry.

Sofia: “Don’t listen to him, Elena. That man thinks everyone is replaceable.”

Elena nodded, although the words continued echoing in her mind. She wanted to prove that she was capable of handling the position, but Alexander seemed determined to make her feel unwelcome. Still, she reminded herself that she hadn’t accepted the job to earn his affection or approval. She had accepted it because she needed money, stability, and the opportunity to build a better future.

Behind the enormous black doors, Alexander Blackwood continued entertaining Isabella Laurent without giving his newest assistant another thought. To him, Elena Montgomery was simply another employee whose name would eventually disappear from the company’s payroll. He had no interest in her personal life, her feelings, or the circumstances that had brought her into his empire.

But Elena was determined to stay.

And Alexander Blackwood was determined to make sure she understood exactly who held the power.

Neither of them realized that their greatest battle had only just begun.