The executive affairs

Chapter3

Ava hurried into the office building, her heart racing with anxiety. She approached the receptionist, who gave her a warm smile. "Hi, you must be Ava. Let me show you to Rachel's office."

As they walked, Ava explained her situation, "I'm so sorry I'm late. I ran out of fuel on the way here."

Rachel's expression was understanding, but Ava detected a hint of concern in her eyes. "Don't worry, it happens. But...um...our CEO, Jaren Voss, he's not a fan of lateness."

Ava's heart sank. She had already made a terrible impression on him at the fueling station. This wasn't going to help her case.

When they arrived at Rachel's office, Ava took a deep breath and prepared herself for the introduction. Rachel knocked on the door, and a deep voice called out, "Enter."

Rachel opened the door, and Ava's eyes met Jaren Voss's piercing gaze once again. This time, he looked even more formidable, sitting behind his massive desk.

"Ah, Ava," he said, his voice firm but neutral. "Welcome to Voss Brewing Co. I trust you have a good excuse for your tardiness."

Ava's heart raced as she launched into an explanation, hoping to salvage what was left of her dignity.

Jaren's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Ava. "So, you're saying you have no relevant experience? And your family background is...unremarkable?"

Ava felt a surge of defensiveness, but she tried to remain calm. "That's correct, sir. I'm a fresh graduate, and this is my first job application. I've been rejected a few times, but I'm eager to learn and grow."

Jaren raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well, I think I know why you've been rejected. You're rude, impatient, and lack knowledge. You demonstrated that quite clearly at the fueling station this morning."

Ava's face flushed with anger, but she bit back a retort. "I apologize if I came across that way, sir. I was having a bad morning."

Jaren leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I'm not looking for apologies, Miss Ava. I'm looking for competence, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. So far, you've shown me none of those qualities."

Ava felt a sting from his words, but she refused to give up. "I understand, sir. But I assure you, I'm a quick learner, and I'm willing to work hard to prove myself."

Jaren's expression remained skeptical, but he nodded curtly. "Very well. We'll give you a chance. But let me warn you, Miss Ava: I have high standards, and if you fail to meet them, you're out. No exceptions."

Ava swallowed hard, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. She had gotten the job, but she sensed that her journey at Voss Brewing Co. would be far from easy.

Jaren's voice was firm as he dismissed Ava. "We'll be in touch before the week ends. Don't get your hopes up, though. You still have a lot to prove."

As Ava left his office, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had gotten the job, but she knew she had to work hard to keep it.

Rachel, on the other hand, looked furious as she followed Ava out of the office. "I can't believe him!" she muttered under her breath. "He's always so quick to judge people."

Ava sympathized with Rachel's frustration. "Don't worry, Rachel. I'll do my best to prove him wrong."

But Rachel just shook her head. "I'm not worried about you, Ava. I'm worried about me. He's always breathing down my neck, looking for ways to criticize me. I'm starting to feel like I'm walking on eggshells around him."

Ava's eyes widened in surprise. She had no idea Rachel was going through this. "Maybe we can work together to prove him wrong," she suggested.

Rachel smiled weakly. "I appreciate the sentiment, Ava. But I think we're both in for a rough ride with Jaren Voss as our CEO."

As they parted ways, Ava couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just entered a very challenging work environment. And Jaren's chilling warning echoed in her mind: "You're not up to my standards...I can replace you anytime."

Ava's eyes welled up with tears as she drove to Mia's bakery shop. She needed a friend to talk to, and Mia was always a good listener.

As she entered the cozy shop, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped her, providing a comforting escape from her stressful morning. Mia looked up from behind the counter, concern etched on her face.

"Ava, what's wrong? You look like you've lost your last dollar!"

Ava collapsed onto a stool, tears spilling down her cheeks. "It's just...Jaren Voss...he's so cruel! I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around him."

As Ava recounted her disastrous interview and Jaren's harsh words, Mia's expression turned from sympathetic to outraged. "That man needs a serious attitude adjustment! But don't worry, Ava. You'll show him your worth. You're an amazing person, and don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

Ava smiled through her tears, feeling a bit better with Mia's support. "Thanks, Mia. Just talking to you makes me feel better."

Mia grinned. "That's what friends are for! Now, let's get you fixed up with a sweet treat and a plan to tackle that CEO's challenges head-on!"

Rachel stormed into Jaren's office, her frustration palpable. "No one wants to work with you, Jaren! You're too intimidating, too demanding. I can't even find a replacement because of your reputation!"

Jaren's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "What are you talking about, Rachel? I'm a great boss!"

Rachel snorted. "Great boss? You're a nightmare! And I'm not sticking around to deal with it. I have a flight to catch at the end of the week, and I'm not going to miss it."

Jaren's face twisted in disbelief. "You're abandoning me, Rachel? After all I've done for you?"

Rachel shrugged. "You've done nothing but make my life miserable, Jaren. And I'm not going to take it anymore."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the office, leaving Jaren seething with anger and frustration.

But as he slumped back in his chair, he realized he had no other choice. He had to accept Ava, the only candidate who had shown up for the interview.

He gritted his teeth, swallowing his pride. "Fine. Ava it is, then."

Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a tumultuous journey with the feisty and determined Ava.

Jaren stormed out of his office, still fuming from his argument with Rachel. He needed a break from the chaos, and golf seemed like the perfect escape.

But as he passed by Rachel's office, he couldn't resist stopping and issuing one final instruction. "Rachel, call Ava and inform her that she's approved for the job. But make sure she understands that she needs to learn everything about me and my expectations before you hand over the reins."

Rachel looked up from her desk, a mix of surprise and annoyance on her face. "Really, Jaren? You're still insisting on this?"

Jaren's expression was unyielding. "Yes, really. I won't have anyone working for me who doesn't know what I expect. Make sure Ava understands that."

Rachel sighed and nodded, jotting down a note on her pad. "Fine, I'll call her. But you're not going to make this easy for her, are you?"

Jaren's smile was cold and calculating. "Easy? No, Rachel. I don't do easy. I do results. And I expect Ava to deliver."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Rachel to wonder what she had gotten herself into.

Ava's eyes snapped open as her phone rang, jolting her out of a deep sleep. She groggily reached for the phone, her heart racing as she saw Rachel's number on the screen.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice husky with sleep.

"Ava, it's Rachel. I have some great news for you," Rachel said, her voice bubbly with excitement.

Ava's heart skipped a beat as she sat up in bed, her mind racing with possibilities. "What is it?"

"You're in! You're going to be the CEO's personal assistant," Rachel announced, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Ava let out a shriek of delight, her eyes shining with tears of joy. "Oh my god, thank you so much, Rachel! I won't let you down!"

Rachel chuckled on the other end of the line. "I know you won't, Ava. But listen, I need to warn you. Jaren Voss is not an easy person to work with. He's demanding, and he expects a lot from his assistants. So, come prepared to learn everything about him, and fast."

Ava nodded, her mind racing with anticipation. "I'll be there tomorrow, Rachel. Thank you again for this opportunity!"

Rachel's voice turned serious. "Remember, Ava. Don't cross his path unless absolutely necessary. He's not someone to be trifled with."

Ava's heart skipped a beat at the warning, but she pushed aside her doubts and focused on the excitement of her new job. She was going to make this work, no matter what it took.