Avery's Silent Betrayal

Chapter 003

Today, Avery Brooks felt the strain. As the crucial moment drew near, the knot in her stomach deepened, and her palms began to perspire. This was something she had trained for. Even though she had spent the previous six months getting to know the man she would be working with, the situation remained intimidating despite her knowledge of what was expected of her. Today was the first time she had to meet Carter Enterprises president Grayson Carter.

She shuddered at the idea of being around him. Everyone had heard the stories, but she didn't know him personally. Grayson was known for expecting perfection and was strict and unforgiving. Avery had seen the assistants who came before her, the ones dismissed for even the smallest infractions. Is she afraid of making a mistake in front of him? It was enough to make her stomach turn.

"You don't seem quite right today. Is everything alright, sweetheart?" Hannah Kyle's voice startled Avery out of her nervous thoughts. For years, Hannah had served as Grayson's helper. She was training Avery to take on her responsibilities. Avery didn't want to acknowledge that her feelings were completely at odds with Hannah's soothing, calm tone.

Avery forced a confident smile and said, "I'm fine, Hannah." "I'm a little anxious about meeting Grayson."

Hannah gave Avery a shoulder pat and let out a little laugh. "That is entirely typical. But hear me out: Grayson isn't as horrible as people portray him to be. He demands perfection and only wants things done correctly. You'll be fine if you do that.

Although it didn't help much, Avery nodded. She had put in significant effort to get here. She had been striving for this position. However, the persistent fear in the back of her mind remained. Was she truly ready for this opportunity? Even with Grayson's watchful gaze on her, could she maintain her composure? She had to make an effort, even though she felt uncertain. She couldn't afford not to.

Hannah softly knocked on Grayson's office door, seemingly at the perfect moment. Anxiety surged through Avery's chest once more as she heard the deep, authoritative voice coming from within.

"Come in."

Avery's heart pounded with anticipation. That voice. She had heard it before. She was unable to pinpoint the exact moment, but something about it seemed so familiar. Before she could give it any more thought, though, she followed Hannah into the office, where Grayson was seated at his desk, his gaze fixed on the pile of papers before him.

"Grayson," Hannah started. "This is Avery Brooks, who will be taking my place as your new assistant." She will collaborate with Matt as well.

As Hannah spoke, Grayson didn't raise his head. His face was expressionless, and he was deeply focused on his work. But like a heavy weight in the room, Avery sensed his intensity and presence. He had a reputation for being intimidating, and seeing him up close with his cold gaze focused on his work only confirmed what she had heard about him.

"Grayson," Hannah asked again, this time in a softer tone. "Avery is present. She is prepared to begin.

Grayson took a moment to respond. He acknowledged their presence with a single nod. His focus remained on the papers in front of him, as if he had infinite time to deal with her. As she stood there, frozen in his stare, Avery could feel her heart pounding. She just stood there, unsure of what to say and too scared to speak.

Ever the professional, Hannah cleared her throat. "Go ahead and introduce yourself to Grayson, Avery. He'll want to hear it from you.

Avery stood up straight and inhaled deeply to relax. She moved forward, sensing Grayson's stare pressing down on her like a physical force. She was trembling on the inside, but she kept it to herself.

"Good morning, Grayson. I'm Avery Brooks, and I swear to work hard and never let you down."

Grayson's head jerked up, and their eyes locked as soon as he heard her voice. Avery felt her breath tighten in her throat. Grayson's eyes flickered with something as they met hers, yet his expression remained unchanging. For a fleeting moment, she perceived recognition—a hint of what could have been surprise or acknowledgement. However, Grayson's eyes hardened once more before she could decipher it, and Avery felt the same tension seeping back into her chest.

Despite her desire to turn away, she was unable to do so. His intense, inquisitive gaze gave the impression that he was attempting to read her and understand her. Her body went rigid. She felt the colour fade from her face, and her breathing quickened. Time seemed to have stopped. His voice pierced the atmosphere with a piercing intensity, and she barely heard his words.

"I anticipate that my assistant will always be in a positive state of mind. He emphasised the importance of avoiding distractions and partying, particularly during weekdays. Please let me know if you have any questions.

His words hit her like a bucket of icy water. Avery's heart hammered in her chest while her thoughts raced. What he was talking about last night was obvious. It was an evening she longed to forget. Her life had taken an unexpected turn that night. She wasn't ready for this.

How did he know who she was? Before today, did he know who she was? Grayson Carter was the only person she would have encountered in this city. It had to be him, of course. As she fought to maintain her composure, she could feel the shame rising in her face.

Despite the constriction in her chest, she forced herself to say, "I understand, Grayson."

With a comforting smile, Hannah intervened to ease the tension. "Avery doesn't go out or drink much, Grayson. She is incredibly responsible.

Without another word, Grayson nodded, returning his focus to his papers. Relieved that the conversation was over, Avery let out a sharp exhale, but the discomfort in her chest persisted.

Grayson's presence persisted in the room even after that uncomfortable exchange. Avery interpreted his silence as a cue to hurry. She brought him his coffee, and she was clearly nervous because her hands were still shaking when she gave him the client details a second time. He was also aware of it; she could sense his eyes following her every action, which made her feel even more self-conscious.

When they drove to the Hamilton mansion for the announcement, Avery avoided touching Grayson. Even though she could sense his eyes occasionally darting in her direction, she took care to maintain as much distance as possible between them. She hated the constant sense of surveillance he instilled in her, leaving her breathless.

However, she was intrigued by something about him at the same time. He seemed to attract her more and more the more she tried to avoid him. Although she detested the sensation, she was powerless to ignore it. She had never met anyone like Grayson Carter.

Avery wondered how much of a mess she had gotten herself into as the car raced towards their destination. She was burdened with work and demands, and now she found herself captivated by her boss. She made an effort to ignore the thought, but it kept coming back to her.

She wanted to understand Grayson Carter more and more the more she avoided him.