THE TRAP IS SET
582 Words
The next morning, the digital clock on SMI LING'S bedside table glowed brightly: 6:30 AM.
SMI LING bounced out of bed with a mix of nerves and excitement. Yesterday's disaster at the coffee shop was already behind her. Today was a brand-new start. She had aced her multi-round interviews for the executive assistant position at Sterling Enterprises the week prior, and today was her official first day.
Per the onboarding instructions sent by HR late last night, her assignment started off-site. “Report to the CEO’s private residence at 8:00 AM sharp to brief him on the morning schedule and assist him with his commute to headquarters.
"At precisely 7:55 AM, "SMI LING stood outside the wrought-iron gates of a sprawling, ultra-modern luxury estate overlooking the city. The heavy gates swung open automatically, and she walked up the pristine stone pathway, clutching her tablet.
She took a deep breath, smoothing down her professional navy blue blazer, and pressed the doorbell.
A few moments later, the heavy oak door unlocked and swung wide open.
SMI LING looked up with a bright, professional smile, ready to greet her new boss. The words died in her throat.
Standing in the doorway, wearing a crisp black dress shirt coincidentally clean of any stains, was Julian.
His hair was casually tousled, and his piercing eyes locked onto hers. Slowly, a terrifying, slow-burn smirk spread across his lips.
"SMI LING blinked once. Twice. Her brain scrambled to connect the dots. The arrogant jerk from the coffee shop. The billionaire CEO of Vance Enterprises. Her new boss.
"You," she whispered, horror dawning in her eyes.
"Me," Julian replied smoothly, leaning against the doorframe, folding his arms. "Welcome to your first day, Miss... SMI LING, was it? Or should I say the coffee vandal?"
For a terrifying second, SMI LING braced herself. She was going to be fired. She hadn't even worked a full minute, and her career at Sterling Enterprises was already over. She opened her mouth to stutter out some kind of defence, waiting for the axe to fall.
Instead.
Julian chuckled softly—a cold, humourless sound.
"while looking at her, "he thought to himself. Fired her? No. Firing her was far too merciful. She had wounded his supreme ego, talked back to him, and walked away unscathed.
"He wasn't going to let her off that easy. He had spent the entire night scheming up a masterpiece of sweet, calculated revenge.
"Come in," Julian said, stepping aside to let her pass into the grand foyer.
As SMI LING stepped warily across the threshold, Julian closed the door behind her with a soft, ominous click.
"You think you can waltz into my life, ruin my clothes, and insult me without consequence?" Julian murmured, stepping close enough that she could feel the chill in his voice. "You passed the HR interview on your own merit, which means you're qualified. But you belong to me now."
He offered her a razor-sharp smile that promised absolute misery.
Are you going to fire me? "she asked.
"No, I’m not going to fire you," Julian whispered, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Instead, I have a brand-new plan. You are going to work. Day and night. No rest, no breaks, and no mercy. Let's see how long that fiery little attitude of yours lasts when you're drowning in my workload."
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