Chapter 1 The first meet

The man in front of me is very attractive.

With his chiseled jawline, messy-looking dark hair that wants me to run my fingers through it, and a five o'clock beard on his cheeks, he has the face of one of my ideal men. He turns the sheets idly, like a professor going over exam papers, his blue, captivating eyes focused on my file. His charisma is enhanced by the way his Rolex watch reflects the light from the enormous glass wall behind him.

His presence commands the room as he wears a deep gray three-piece suit that covers his broad shoulders and slender muscles.

He is so stunning to look at that I realized right away that if I couldn't control my imagination, this plan would never succeed. Like me, if you read too many romance books on BookTok, you start to see yourself as the heroine whenever a situation you've seen before comes up. The man's deep voice makes me tense my knees as he says, "Miss Cynthia Lucas..." He closes the file and looks directly at me. He examines me while resting his chin on top of it and placing his elbows on top of it. "I'll ask one simple question-why do you want this job?"

I stiffen in my chair and purse my lips. "Mr. Drake, I've done extensive research on your business. I believe your management and atmosphere are ideal for what I'm searching for. I'll try my hardest to prove myself worthy of the job if I'm hired."

He stops me from babbling by raising a hand and waving it in the air. Like a man who knows he controls the topic without asking permission, he reclines in his chair and says, "Miss Lucas." "You've submitted an application to be my PA. In addition to diligence and commitment, the role requires that I get along with others. I take it you get what I'm saying?" "Yes, I do.

He picks up my portfolio once more and studies it while nodding gently. I'm impressed by your qualifications; however, I'm hesitant about the section describing your interests and hobbies. Could you give me a more thorough description of them?" "I enjoy reading," I respond right away. "I enjoy reading, knitting, and blogging about various topics. I can kill time with it.

Mr. Drake raises a dark eyebrow and dismissively shakes his head. "Thirty other applicants with similar interests have come across me. Miss Lucas, tell me what makes you unique. Why should I pick you, in your opinion?

He puts down my portfolio and looks at me more intently, as though he's eager to see if I'm finally becoming tired of him. He is making this casual talk seem so official, even if my interests have nothing to do with the requirements of the position. Mr. Drake, I am aware that my credentials are not very noteworthy, but I have been told that my commitment to any task can surprise people. Almost everything I do is something I'm enthusiastic about, and my work is no exception. I work because I enjoy it, not to make money. It makes me happy. "Do you enjoy your job, Miss Lucas? A childish smirk appears on the corner of his lips. I cannot deny it. He's a charming man. "How much pleasure exactly?"

I can tell that his line of inquiry is gradually shifting. But he doesn't smile. The smallest bend is even in his smirk. This man has probably never smiled before. He never smiled in any of the magazine photos or the Forbes Top 40 Youngest Billionaires list from the previous year. I'll tell you, Mr. Drake, if you grant me the job, you'll find me quite enjoyable. I square my shoulders and respond, "I've been told I have a lot of flexibility." "For work, of course."

Mr. Drake's jaw doesn't budge as his gaze slides over my body, taking in my pricey yet inexpensive Walmart dress that I bought just for this interview. Getting the job is not my job. My task is to reach him. Like I was instructed, I gave it my all. Like a professional lady, I wear my dark brown hair in a tidy bun at the back of my head, but there are a few tendrils that perfectly frame my face in waves. Although I haven't worn much makeup, most men can't help but notice my wine-red lipstick.

However, Mr. Drake shrugs uninterestedly, showing that he is not impressed. Miss Lucas, thank you for coming in, but I doubt you will be able to fulfill my expectations. When I criticize my assistant, I want someone who can confront me, speak out when I'm wrong, and not run to the toilet in tears. Do you think you can handle that? Because you appear to me to be just as commonplace as the many other applicants that entered and sat here today. "And just by sitting here and asking me pointless questions, you were able to infer that about my personality?" I hurl back at him and then confidently lean forward to meet his stare. "You might want to ask them about something more pertinent than their interests if you're serious about hiring someone today. Give me a scenario, for instance, and ask me how I would respond to it as your future PA. "Miss Lucas, you're teaching me how to do interviews? "The man looks at me curiously, clearly insulted. " You'll do well to remember which side of this room you're sitting on. "You mentioned that you wanted someone who would confront you and call out your errors, didn't you? That's what I'm doing, Mr. Drake."

He clenches his jaw even more. He approaches and looks at me while resting his forearms on the top of the desk and crossing them over one another. I can't take my eyes off his sharp features and his intense blue eyes, which go well with every aspect of his name.

Ethan Drake.

ranked in the top 15 on Forbes' list of the youngest billionaires for 2022.

31 years old

6'2"

Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Blue

Passions: frowning and complaining

Favorite: Getting challenged

People who fear him are something that he dislikes.

Source: From a really close friend or relative. "Miss Lucas." Without trying, his voice has a sensual melody and sounds soft as it dips in depth. "This is where you're playing with fire. I'm not like the men who find your impetuous behavior attractive in your little romance novels. Since you're currently only bothering me, I'm actually the complete opposite."

I bend forward as well, placing my chin above his desk and clasping my hands on top of it, not letting his remarks hurt me. Do you intimidate anyone who points out your errors, Mr. Drake? Because that further diminishes the attractiveness of your personality. I provided you with a straightforward solution to your problem. You ought to give me thanks. "Miss Lucas, stop bickering. You're not capable of doing it."If you give me a chance, I will," I say. "You don't scare me. I'll show you if you give me a chance. I'm not going to give up."

I can tell I have him where I want him when I see the twitch in one of his eye's corner muscles and the tick of his jaw. After a little pause, he says, "Miss Lucas..." "Yes, Mr. Drake?" After saying, "The job is yours," he relaxes and leans back in his rotating chair.

This new development causes my eyes to widen. Naturally, I didn't expect it would be so simple. My mouth opens in surprise as I back away from his desk, my limbs quivering slightly. Mr. Drake, are you certain? "I ask, thinking I must have heard him wrong. "I'm positive. You have the job. Finally, the man flashes a small smile, but it's a cunning one that he should keep hidden from the world since it's terrifying to see. "...for a month."

Oh no!" "A month?" Even more surprised than the first time, I blink at him. Indeed, Miss Lucas. You have a month to demonstrate your suitability as my PA. If you can get through this month without letting me down in any manner, your pay will be quadruple what I gave in the advertisement. Along with many other benefits, the employment will cover your medical expenses, provide you with your own apartment, and provide a vacation package.

I take a big sip, thinking that all of that is truly mine. It sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I used to be uninterested in the job, but now I find it fascinating.

I have long struggled to handle my affairs because I come from a very poor background and lost my adoptive father a few years ago. I find it difficult to believe this opportunity because his offer seems so amazing. Really? The catch-what is it? " Mr. Drake looks at me more intently and raises a hand to wipe at his lower lip. "Just one, Miss Lucas." "In front of my entire staff, you will apologize to me for your impudent actions if you lose. Has that been completed?

As he rises from his chair, the millionaire jerk offers me a handshake.

I make myself grin and stand up as I examine his hand before accepting it. His grip is firm, and his skin feels warm against mine. "Yes, Mr. Drake," I reply. Miss Lucas, welcome to Drake Enterprises. He tightens his hold on my hand. "I hope you have an excellent time here."