CROWNED BY THE MAFIA KING

Chapter 3 – The Arrogant Boss vs The Stubborn Secretary

The lights in the CEO’s office were still on when Leonardo closed his laptop. Selena Carter’s personal file had given him enough reason to be even more curious. Incomplete family records, a work history full of gaps, and some documents that couldn’t be accessed, even though his system was almost flawless. He leaned back in his black leather chair, his long fingers tapping the mahogany desk.

“Selena Carter… you’re not just any woman,” he muttered low, almost like a threat wrapped in admiration.

The next morning, the office felt the same as always: cold, heavy, and full of pressure. Staff walked quickly, careful not to look directly at the CEO’s door. Everyone knew—the faster you finished with Leonardo Moretti, the safer your life would be.

But unlike the others, Selena walked with her head held high, a stack of files in her hands, her long brown hair falling simply over her shoulders. Even though her steps were a little stiff in her heels, she refused to look nervous.

When she entered the CEO’s office, Leonardo was already there, waiting. His gaze was sharp—but not the usual kind. There was a game in his eyes.

“Good morning, Sir,” Selena greeted shortly, placing the documents on his desk.

Leonardo didn’t reply. Instead, he picked up a pen… and let it fall to the floor.

Clack! The sound echoed in the quiet room.

Selena paused, looking at the pen, then at Leonardo. “Did you just drop that… on purpose?”

Leaning back, a small smirk curved his lips. “A good secretary knows what to do.”

Selena let out a long breath. She bent slightly, as if about to pick it up—making Leonardo think he had won. But in the next second, she kicked the pen with the tip of her shoe, sliding it neatly back to his side. It stopped right by his chair.

“A good boss,” Selena said calmly but firmly, “should be able to pick up his own things.”

Silence filled the room.

A few staff passing by happened to peek through the slightly open door. One gasped, even dropping a folder. No one had ever dared speak to Leonardo like that.

Leonardo looked down at the pen near his shoe, then back at Selena. Instead of anger, a low chuckle escaped him. Deep, rare, and strangely contagious.

“Heh…” His laugh was like foreign music to the staff outside.

Giovanni and Fabio, his loyal bodyguards, exchanged a quick glance. Standing tall, but clearly shocked inside.

“In all my years,” Fabio whispered, “I’ve never seen Signore laugh because of a woman.”

Giovanni gave a short nod, his eyes fixed on the door. “This woman… is dangerous.”

Inside, Selena tried to hide the pounding in her chest. She didn’t understand why he laughed when she had just challenged him.

“What’s so funny, Sir?” she asked sharply.

Leonardo studied her. “You. No one has ever dared to act that way with me. Do you know the risk?”

Selena lifted her chin, even though her heart was racing. “If I was afraid, I wouldn’t survive even one day in this office.”

Leonardo leaned forward, his hands clasped on the desk. “And you think you’ll survive?”

“Not think, Sir. I know.”

Silence again. Then Leonardo leaned back, another faint laugh slipping out. “Stubborn.”

“Thank you,” Selena answered quickly.

His hazel eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t a compliment.”

“For me, it is.”

Leonardo stared at her, as if peeling away every layer of her mask. But before he could say more, the phone on his desk rang. He answered it, gesturing for Selena to stay quiet.

“Yes? … Hm. Prepare it this afternoon. I’ll come myself.” His voice was flat, but full of command.

Selena used the moment to steady her breath. But once he hung up, his gaze returned to her.

“Prepare the export division’s financial report. I want it on my desk before lunch.”

Selena hesitated. “But that—”

“Is there a problem?” He raised a brow.

She took a deep breath. “No, Sir.”

The little battles between them continued all day. Leonardo deliberately spilled a bit of coffee on his desk, making Selena clean it.

“Too slow,” he commented coldly.

“If you want faster, do it yourself,” she muttered without looking up.

Later, he called her again.

“Find me yesterday’s merger file. I need it now.”

Selena sighed, walked to her desk, then glanced at him with sharp eyes. She pointed without hesitation.

“Bottom shelf, left side. Right next to your leg, Sir.”

Leonardo bent down—and yes, the blue folder was right there. He picked it up, then gave her a challenging look.

“You dare talk to your boss like that?”

Selena crossed her arms. “I’m just saving time.”

“You don’t sound like you’re saving time,” his voice dropped, almost teasing. “You sound like you’re arguing.”

She met his gaze. “Maybe that’s because I am.”

The few staff who witnessed were utterly confused.

“He’s not mad at all. He… looks like he’s enjoying it?”

“That woman is crazy. She’s asking for death.”

But behind her strong front, Selena wasn’t unaffected. Some nights she went home with trembling legs, asking herself why Leonardo seemed to enjoy provoking her.

By late afternoon, the office was quieter. Selena tidied her desk, hoping to leave early. But before she could, his deep voice called from behind the door.

“Selena. Come in.”

She froze. Her heart pounded as she slowly opened the door. Leonardo stood near the tall window, the city lights casting his silhouette.

“You called me, Sir?” Her voice was cautious.

He turned, his gaze dark but unreadable. Slowly, he walked toward her until only a few steps separated them.

“All this time,” his voice was low, “none of my secretaries dared to challenge me. They all obeyed… until I grew bored.”

Selena straightened her shoulders. “Then maybe I’m different.”

Leonardo narrowed his eyes, a cold, dangerous smile curling his lips. “Yes. You are different. And because of that…”

He paused, letting silence weigh heavy between them.

“…from now on, you’ll be my personal secretary.”

Selena swallowed. “Personal secretary…?”

He stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper—yet filled with challenge.

“Day and night.”