CROWNED BY THE MAFIA KING

Chapter 2 – The New Secretary Who Stands Out

That morning, the 27th floor of Valente Corporation was busier than usual. Whispering voices floated everywhere. Some employees pretended to focus on their computer screens, while others openly glanced toward the elevator.

From the elevator doors, Selena appeared in her black mini skirt, walking awkwardly. She tugged at the hem, trying to make it look longer, but it didn’t help. She knew all eyes were on her.

“Oh my… look, the boss’s new secretary is here,” whispered a female staff member to her friend.

“Poor girl, she’ll last a week at most. Every secretary before her ended the same way. Used and tossed aside.”

Selena caught the glances and whispers. Her face burned, but she clenched her teeth and pretended not to care. Focus, Selena. Remember Mom. Remember why you’re here.

She hurried toward the small reception desk in front of the large office labeled Leonardo Valente – CEO. Her hands trembled as she touched the door handle, but a familiar cold voice made her freeze.

“Enter.”

The tone was flat, emotionless, but it made her heart jump. The door opened slowly, as if reluctant to reveal the world inside.

Leonardo sat behind the massive mahogany desk, straight-backed, dressed in a sharp black suit. Sunlight streamed through the tall glass, highlighting his sharp jawline and piercing hazel eyes.

He didn’t speak right away. His gaze scanned Selena from head to toe, as if measuring, weighing… or testing her.

Finally, he spoke.

“You’re one minute late.”

Selena swallowed instinctively. He’s reminding me again? He just did… she thought, forcing herself to stand tall.

“Sorry, Sir. It won’t happen again,” she answered cautiously.

Leonardo didn’t respond. He slid a thick stack of documents toward her with a cold, precise motion. The papers landed on the small desk in front of her, nearly making Selena take a step back.

“Starting today, all of this is your responsibility. Files, meeting schedules, phone calls, even coffee. You are my secretary. That means I don’t want to hear a single mistake.”

Selena stared at the pile, her mouth slightly open. The amount was insane. Even if she worked day and night, she might not finish in one day. Her breath came out without her noticing.

“I’m a secretary, not a servant, Signore.”

The words slipped out before she could stop them. Immediately, she clamped her mouth shut, regretting it.

The room fell silent. So silent she could hear the ticking of the wall clock.

Leonardo stopped moving. His eyes narrowed, staring at her in a way that made her skin crawl. No previous secretary had dared speak like that.

Usually, they would bow, give a stiff smile, or even try to flatter him to stay longer by his side.

But this girl? With bright, wide eyes, she dared to challenge him.

Leonardo raised an eyebrow, then slowly, a thin smirk appeared on his lips. Not a friendly smile, but a faint, dangerous smirk.

“Interesting,” he murmured softly, almost inaudible.

Selena frowned. “What, Sir?”

Leonardo leaned back, crossing his arms. His movements were relaxed, but the intimidating aura still filled the room.

“Nothing. Start working.” He leaned slightly forward, gaze sharp. “And remember, I don’t like talkative secretaries.”

Selena held back a reply. But inside, she snorted. This big boss doesn’t even know the difference between a secretary and a servant. Hmph. If it weren’t for Mom, I’d leave this job already.

Her lips, however, only curved into a thin, polite smile.

“Yes, Sir.”

Leonardo watched the change in her expression. The faint smile became clearer, whether from annoyance or… admiration, no one could tell.

“You’re different,” he said suddenly.

Selena raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

Leonardo didn’t answer. He picked up a pen and started signing documents on his desk as if he hadn’t spoken at all.

Silence filled the room again.

Selena bent down and began organizing the stack of files pushed to her. Inside, her thoughts raced.

Oh my… first day already like this. Can I really survive here?

Outside, the gossip was louder than ever. Female staff were like restless sparrows, whispering while pretending to work.

They peeked as Selena walked by, carrying the heavy stack of files. Her face serious, steps quick, though still clumsy in heels and the tight mini skirt.

A staff member with wavy blonde hair muttered.

“Crazy… she dares to defy the boss?”

Her companion, a woman with bright red lipstick, laughed softly.

“She won’t last long. I give her three days, maybe a week at most. After that… bye-bye.”

Another whispered teasingly,

“Three days is too long. You know the boss gets bored fast, especially with a stubborn secretary. Definitely not his type.”

“Even her skirt seems forced. Look at her, she almost trips every five steps.”

Laughter erupted in a corner of the office.

Selena, passing by, overheard the whispers. Her ears burned. Tears threatened, but she lowered her gaze, pretending to focus on the folder in her hands.

They’re laughing at me… but no. I won’t lose.

She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and muttered almost like a mantra:

“Let them talk. I won’t lose. I have to survive.”

But one daring staff member approached, handing her some documents with a mocking smile.

“Hey, Selena, huh? Looks like you’re already running around. Hope you survive… the last secretary…” she whispered loudly, “…left crying!”

Another added from her desk, with a fake sweet tone,

“Oh, don’t worry. If you fail, we’re used to it. We’ll just find a replacement.”

A few more laughed.

Selena paused, eyes glinting slightly. Her thin smile wasn’t friendly—it was a warning.

“Thanks for your ‘prayers.’ But you’re probably wrong this time. I won’t leave crying. So don’t hope too much.”

Suddenly, the room went quiet.

The laughing staff exchanged glances. One cleared her throat awkwardly, while the others pretended to focus on their screens.

Selena continued walking, more confident. The folder in her hands felt lighter, though her heart still pounded.

Oh God… did I really just say that? I’m crazy. But if I stayed silent, they’d step on me. No. I’ll show them I can do this.

By noon, Selena carried coffee into Leonardo’s office, balancing the small tray while holding more files.

Leonardo glanced up. “Black coffee. No sugar.”

“Yes, Sir,” Selena replied shortly, placing it down. Her hand trembled slightly, and the small spoon clinked against the cup.

Hazel eyes lifted. “Nervous?”

Selena swallowed. “No, Sir.”

“But you’re shaking.”

“Not because of you. I’m just… in a hurry.”

Leonardo squinted. This woman was really different. Other secretaries would immediately apologize with pale faces. Selena instead made excuses and boldly clarified it wasn’t because of him. Something inside her refused to submit.

And strangely, it made Leonardo even more curious.

The day dragged on. Selena buried herself in files, endless ringing phones, aching legs from running back and forth. Several times, she caught Leonardo secretly watching her from behind the desk, his gaze not just cold but calculating.

When their eyes met, she quickly looked down. Why did he always stare like that? Her heart raced, a mix of fear and feelings she refused to admit.

That night, the office was quiet. Selena left exhausted. Yet in the CEO’s room, lights remained on. Leonardo sat alone, laptop open. On the screen: Selena Carter’s personal files.

Family history. Education. Work record. Data that should have been ordinary.

The more he read, the more his brow furrowed. Some parts were incomplete, with f

aint notes difficult even for his system to access.

Leonardo squinted, a thin smirk appearing again.

“You’re not an ordinary woman, Selena.”