Chapter 8 _

Ashley pushed the door slightly and stepped in. Cameron hadn't raised his head to look at her yet. He was concentrated on his phone.

"Good morning boss, these are every files needed for today" She said while placing the files on his desk. He hummed in response and didn't look up at all.

Meanwhile, Ashley still hesitated to speak. When she finally mustered enough courage she started speaking. "I'm deeply grateful for what you did for me yesterday"

Cameron finally raised his head to stare at her. He was rendered speechless for a few seconds. His eyes slowly travelled the length of her body and when he saw the length of her gown, he had this unsettling feeling at the back of his mind.

He pulled his eyes off from her immediately fisting a palm underneath the table in a tight ball. He didn't realize how annoyed he was until he tossed his phone to the table.

Ashley gulped down. His demeanor wasn't what she had expected from him. After all she was just trying to express how grateful she was nothing more, nothing less.

"I'm sorry if I said something-

"You can leave, I'll take it from here" His voice was unnecessarily cold. He didn't raise his head to stare at her until she was out of the office.

Cameron relaxed back on his chair. What was that attitude about? She only wanted to show her gratitude and he raised his voice.

****

As a lady stepped into the office space, a hush fell over the room. Conversations paused, keyboards stopped clacking, and heads turned in unison.

Her presence commanded attention, and the room's focus shifted to her. She walked with confidence, her stride purposeful and her smile subtle.

The soft glow of computer screens highlighted her features, and the hum of office chatter resumed, laced with curiosity and admiration. All eyes were on her, drawn to her poise and presence.

Ashley noticed the odd silence and raised her head up only to see a lady walking past her and heading into the CEO's office. He never mentioned to her that they were expecting someone.

She was still pondering who the lady was when she saw Cameron picking up the phone. Immediately, the phone beside her rang. She picked it up and placed it against her ear.

"Okay boss"

His voice still sounded cold to her ears. She didn't understand what exactly she had done to warrant such an attitude from him since they were moving along well in the last days.

Ashley left for his office, this time the lady was already sitting before Cameron's desk and she looked too relaxed to be a client. Or could she be his wife? Or maybe girlfriend?

"Ashley, meet Abigail Miller. Our new secretary, I figured your workload might be too much"

Ashley didn't know whether to feel grateful or annoyed because since her workload was being reduced, she might get a lesser paycheck.

Abby lifted her head to stare at her most possible competitor, that's if the assistant had anything for Cameron.

A smile spread across her lips as she stretched her hand to Ashley for a friendly handshake.

"Hi Ashley, it's a pleasure meeting you" Ashley accepted her friendly gesture with a small smile. "I've heard a lot of positive feedback from Mr Black who spoke so highly of you last night"

"Oh really? Thanks"

For some reason, Ashley felt her last statement was just to show off that she was deeply connected to the Black. Which was just insane unless the latter was trying to make her place known.

To Ashley, the presence of this lady might be the end of the love she had for her job. She looked like one of those rich heiress. So what could possibly make her come over to work when she had a lifetime long loads of fortune to spend?

Cameron cleared his throat to get back their attention. He made eye contact with Ashley and for some reason, his eyes were drawn to the scarf tied around her neck which was exposing a little part of the bruises from last night.

But to him, that looked like a hickey. That same annoyance he felt earlier when he saw her outfit kicked in once more.

"Assign her to an empty cubicle and brief her about everything she needs to know"

"Yes boss"

Abby stood up and began walking away with Ashley following behind her. Just when her hand touched the door knob, she stopped and turned around instantly.

"Uhm.. Cam, if by any chance you're free, we can have lunch to bond like old times" She said with a smile which made Ashley's brows shoot up.

"Sure"

Once they were out of sight, he picked his phone up and typed on it for a while before bringing it close to his ear.

"Get me everything you can find about Ashley Hart"