EXECUTIVE AFFAIRS

A CHANCE ENCOUNTER

she stepped into the building,her chest thumped with her heartbeat...

She arrived at the interview just fifteen minutes late.

Are you one of the applicants? The Receptionist asked.

She nodded.....

"Ruby Wilson, I'm here for the secretary position," she said, barely raising her voice above a whisper.

Sorry ma'am, I was held up by traffic.

The receptionist raised her eyebrows unimpressed, this is one of the major transgressions in the corporate world. If you must work, it means you have to be

Punctual, she pointed her to the 45th floor.

Ruby Wilson tightened the straps of her leather bag.

When the elevator door opened, she found a large office bustling with various activities. She rushed to the designated door...

She knocked on the door...

Yes! Come in!

Ruby opened the door...

Good morning Sir, she greeted....

How can I help you? Alex replied....

Her anxious steps reflected on the marble as she moved towards the CEO....

I..I'm here for the interview.

her palms tighten.

"You're late," he said, turning to face her. His voice was clipped, but was full of curiosity.

"I'm so sorry Ruby stammered, "there was...

Alex cut in, "I don't care about excuses." He focused his eyes on her as he folded his arms across his chest. "You have five minutes to convince me not to dismiss you immediately."

Ruby swallowed hard. Her mind was racing. She was not ready for this. But then wasn't that her whole life? Improvising! Survival!

"I'm late," she began, lifting her chin slightly. "But I am not incapable. I worked hard to get here. And if you give me a chance I will work harder to prove myself."

Alex's lip twitched, almost smiled, but he was quick to conceal it with his trademark stubbornness.

"Fine," he replied, "You've been hired. But don't think for a second that I can tolerate mediocrity. Be at your workstation tomorrow at 8:00 a.m."

Ruby gasped, but Alex left the room before she could respond, leaving her speechless. Hired? Just like that? Before she could even comprehend what was happening, the HR manager entered, congratulated her, and gave her the paperwork to fill out.

Ruby realized the truth of her predicament when she exited the building that afternoon. She was hired by one of the most prominent corporations in the city.

"Is that how simple it is?" "You're hired"

I had better be careful around here then, cause it doesn't seem real.....

The thought that She would work directly for Alexander Thompson keeps running through her mind, as she walked the busy streets of Manhattan, she couldn't also shake off the feeling that she had just stepped her foot in a world where every of her moves is going to be scrutinized. Every mistake... magnified.

****

That evening, she stood in her small studio apartment, staring at her reflection in the broken mirror. Scars from her past stared back-not physically. But the memory of the nights under the neon lights, dancing for strangers just to pay the bills. She had buried that life. Or so she thought. Would she be able to bury it here, in this new world of ambition and brutal competition?

The next morning, Ruby arrived at Thompson Industries fifteen minutes early. She memorized the history of the company. Brushed up on workplace etiquette and practiced how to answer calls professionally. But nothing could prepare her for the hurricane named Alexander Thompson.

He is precise and demanding. Every job must be carried out properly. Every email should be drafted with precise language. Ruby struggled at first, feeling the heat of his gaze every time she did something wrong. But beneath his cold exterior she began to feel something else-a quiet patience when he reprimanded her, and the subtle acknowledgment on his face when she got it right.

Ruby quickly learned that working for Alexander Thompson is like standing on a razor's edge. One mistake can bring you down. But she would not let herself fail, not after she had fought so hard to get here.

By the second week she was so busy with schedules, emails, and learning the timings of her boss. Alex didn't waste words, but his sharp eyes didn't miss anything. If he asks for coffee, it must be strong, black, and just the right temperature. If he wants a report, he expects the report to be in the correct format, wiith every possible question anticipated.

Ruby stayed up late most nights, studying the company's policy, memorizing the names of important clients, and practicing how her voice should sound when answering calls. For the first time she went a day without Alex correcting her, she let out a small smile of victory as she walked into the elevator.

"Do we feel like we have succeeded?"

Ruby was startled and turned to see Alex leaning casually against the elevator wall. She didn't notice him approaching. His blue eyes shone with something unreadable.

"I-uh, yeah," she admitted, "I think I did everything right today."

"Good," he said in a low but firm voice. "But don't get comfortable. Success is not a finish line. It is a moving target."

The door downstairs opened. And Alex walked away without another word. Leaving Ruby to replay his words in her mind.

****

Over the past several weeks, Ruby's confidence had grown. She learned to anticipate Alex's needs to stay one step ahead. He was still a mystery, though, but she saw a small crack on his armor-on the rare occasion that his smile lasted too long. Or when he looked at her as if she were more than his secretary.

But when Ruby started to find her footing, a shadow appeared on the horizon: Alex's ex-girlfriend, Vicky Lee, reappeared in his life. Her presence was like a storm cloud, creating doubt and tension. But even as Ruby tried to stay focused on her work, she couldn't ignore the unease creeping into her heart.

Ruby had no idea that this was just the beginning of a fight for his place in Alex's world-and her own salvation.

UNDER PRESSURE

Weeks turned into months and Ruby began to notice a pattern in Alex's behavior. He is brutal but never truly heartless. He gets angry when things go wrong but his anger was never misdirected. Although he talks little about his personal life, the occasional trembling expression of vulnerability hints at the depths he carefully conceals.

One evening, after a long day, Ruby was alone in the office finishing up some last-minute paperwork. Only the whispering of fluorescent lights could be heard in the silent building. She didn't hear Alex's footsteps until he was standing behind her since she was so focused on her task.

"Burning the midnight oil, right?"

Ruby grabbed the file in her hand and shuffled it around. "Just finished.. I didn't know you were still here."

"I practically live here," Alex said in a crooked tone. He looked at the file in her hand. "Is that Anderson's account?" he asked.

"Yes," Ruby said in a firm voice. "I saw a discrepancy in the numbers and wanted to double check before sending it."

Alex's expression softened slightly, "Good catch. Most people wouldn't pay attention."

Ruby hesitated then said. "You expect perfection. I'm just trying to reach the standard."

Alex looked at her for a moment. His sharp face was unreadable. "There is no standard of perfection, Ruby. It's effort, consistency, the ability to adapt under pressure. That is what I value."

Ruby blinked, surprised by this insight. But before she could answer, Alex took a step back. "Don't stay too late," he said and disappeared into his office.

****

The next day brought new challenges. Vicky Lee's appearance wasn't just a rumour. She arrived at the office unannounced. Her designer heels clicked against the marble floor. With flawless makeup and well-tailored outfits, she exuded a confidence that Ruby could only dream of.

Vicky crossed the reception desk, staring at Ruby like an insect under a microscope.

"You should be the new secretary," Vicky said, with a condescending tone. "Tell Alex I'm here."

Ruby forced a polite smile, "Mr. Thompson is in a meeting. But I will let him know as soon as he is free."

Vicky scoffed, flipping her curly hair over her shoulder. "Do that," she said.

When Alex finally came out of the meeting, seeing Vicky made his jaw tighten. Ruby couldn't hear their conversation, but the tension between them became clearer. As Vicky left, she gave Ruby a look that felt like a warning.

That evening, Ruby was tidying up her table when Alex approached. "If Vicky comes back send her directly to me." He cut off his voice.

"Of course," Ruby said, though she couldn't hide her curiosity.

Alex hesitated then added. "She is... stubborn. Don't let her frighten you."

Ruby nodded, smiling at the subtle reassurance in his words.

Ruby felt as though she was being put to the test by Vicky, Alex, and the relentless demands of her profession as she made her way home that evening under the city lights. But she felt a glimmer of resolve for the first time in a long time.

She wasn't just surviving anymore. She was fighting for something better, for herself and for her future. And no matter what challenges lie ahead, Ruby vowed she won't let them destroy her.

The bar was raised, and she was ready to meet them...

****

Ruby's alarm went off at 5:30 a.m., causing her to be unable to sleep. She rolled out of bed. Her body ached from the long hours she had endured the day before. She staggered to the kitchen of her small studio, where sunlight streams through cracks in the blinds. The harsh New York winter left a blanket of snow on the edges of windows, but Ruby barely noticed it. Her mind was already racing. It was her third week at Thompson Industries, and the stakes are higher than ever.

She arrived at the office before most of the employees, and the sound of the soft moaning of fluorescent lights greeted her as she sat down on her desk. She had just logged into her computer when her phone rang. Alex's name appeared on the screen.

"Good morning," she said, trying to sound calm.

"Conference room B. Ten minutes. Bring the quarterly projections."

The call went dead before she could answer. Ruby swallowed hard and fumbled for the document Alex needed. She checked the figures again, trembling slightly as she hurried to the meeting room.

When she got in, Alex was sitting at the head of the long glass table. A group of executives filed in behind her, each exuded confidence and authority. Ruby felt like a guppy in a tank full of sharks.

Alex's eyes stared at her. "Do you have the projections?"

"Yes, sir," she said, handing him the folder.

He opened it, scanning the pages, with the precision of a hawk. Ruby held her breath for a moment, afraid he'll find a mistake. But then he nodded and put the folder on the table.

"Let's get started," he said in a quick voice.

As the meeting progressed, Ruby watched as Alex instinctively commanded the room. His confidence was magnetic. And although his behavior was sharp, he listened intently to every presentation, cutting through the noise with insightful questions. It was clear why he was the CEO. Ruby wrote down notes harshly, intending to absorb everything.

As the meeting ended, Ruby felt like she had run a mental marathon. She hurried to her table, but before she could sit down, Alex appeared next to her.

"You worked well with the projections," he said.

Ruby blinked, caught off guard, "Thank you.

"But," he added. "Next time, I want you to go faster. Anticipate what I will need before I ask."

Ruby nodded. His words stung despite the tone of his voice. She reminded herself that that's how he works; there's no sugarcoating, no flattery. She couldn't dispute that, despite the hurt, it had motivated her to be better.

****

The remainder of the day passed quickly. Emails, phone calls, and constant work filling every second. Ruby barely had time to eat, not to mention breathing when it finally hit 7:00 p.m.

"Still here?" he asked, Alex's voice startling her.

She looked up and saw him standing next to the table. His tie loosened, and his jacket was draped over one arm. It was the most relaxed state she had ever seen him.

"I'm just wrapping it up," she said, trying to hide her exhaustion.He studied her for a moment, then he pointed towards the elevator, "Come with me."

Ruby hesitated but quickly grabbed her coat and followed him. The elevator ride was filled with silence, the air was thick with unspeakable tension. When they reached the lobby Alex turned to her.

"You've been doing well so far," he said in a softer tone than usual. "But you are burning the candle at both ends. This job is a marathon, not a sprint, don't burn out."

Ruby glared at him, surprised by his concern "I will remember that."

Alex nodded. His gaze lingered for a moment before he drifted off into the night. Ruby watched him leave. Her mind wandered. She couldn't tell if his advice was a warning or a challenge. Either way she knew one thing for sure: she wouldn't let him down.

****

The next morning Ruby was at her desk before sunrise, her determination had returned again. She had barely sipped her coffee when Vicky Lee walked into the office. Her presence was like a wave of cold wind.

"Is Alex inside?" Vicky asked in a sharp tone.

Ruby glanced at the clock. "Not here yet. He usually arrives around 7:30."

Vicky smiled, "Of course, always on time. Tell him I will be waiting in his office."

Ruby hesitated, "I'm afraid I can't allow you do that without his permission."

Vicky squinted her eyes. "Do you know me?"

"Yes," Ruby said evenly. "And I'm sure Mr. Thompson would be happy to see you once he arrives."

For a moment, Vicky seemed to want to argue. But then, she let out a grunt and walked towards the seating area. Ruby sighed in relief. When Alex arrived, she quickly alerted him of Vicky's presence.

He squeezed the top of his nose and sighed. "Send her in."

Ruby watched Vicky enter Alex's office, with her heels clicking on the polished floor. As the door shut behind them, Ruby's interest was aroused. Although she was unable to hear their talk, she felt uneasy due to the muffled sound of increased voices.

When Vicky finally left, her emotions were intense. She looked at Ruby before disappearing into the elevator. Alex popped out for a moment, his jaw tightened.

"Reschedule my afternoon meeting," he said wryly as he walked back to his office.

Ruby nodded, her heart pounding. It was clear from what had happened between Alex and Vicky that the storm wasn't over yet. And Ruby had a feeling that she was about to caught in the middle of it.

A LINE CROSSED

Ruby arrived at the office early. Her heart was steady but full of anticipation. Her determination strengthened overnight-she would prove her worth in this new world. Even if there are obstacles. The elevator door opened and the city skyline greeted her, bathing the floors of Thompson Industries in the golden morning light.

Her desk was full of memos, which was an evidence of the day ahead. As Ruby took care of them, Alex arrived. His commanding presence filled the room. Despite his usual impeccable attire, there was a strange tightness in his jaw.

Ruby greeted him. "Good morning, Mr. Thompson," and gave him his daily agenda.

He just nodded and paused, "Ruby, in my office. Right now."

The sharp command made her pulse race. She followed him inside, where the large windows made the bustling city seem insignificant

"Close the door," Alex said. He leaned on the table, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "Do you know who Vicky Lee is?"

Ruby hesitated, "Your ex."

Alex's eyebrows rose in slight surprise. "Simple, beautiful. Yes, she's my ex-and it's complicated. I want you to keep a close eye on her movements if she returns here. Report to me directly."

Ruby frowned. "Is she a threat to the company?"

Alex's lips tightened. "She is unpredictable. That is all you need to know right now."

The conversation made Ruby feel uncomfortable. But she nodded. "Understood.

****

At noon, Ruby was buried in office work when the peace was shattered by Vicky's arrival. She entered the office with an authoritative expression. Her designer heels bounced off the marble floor.

"Ruby," Vicky said, her voice sweet, "Be nice and tell Alex I'm here."

Ruby met her eyes evenly, "Mr. Thompson is in a meeting. I will let him know as soon as he is available."

Vicky's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Do that," she said.

As soon as Vicky was out of earshot, Ruby then picked up the phone and called Alex. "She's here," Ruby said softly.

A moment later, Alex came out of his office. His expression was unreadable. He and Vicky disappeared into the conference room, leaving Ruby to guess about the nature of their conversation. When they appeared again, Vicky's confident face had disappeared, her eyes glowed with something akin to anger.

****

That evening, as Ruby prepared to leave. Alex stopped at her table. "One word," he said.

He shut the door behind her as she followed him into his office. "Vicky isn't just my ex," he admits. "She knows things about me that can be damaging if revealed."

Ruby hesitated, "Why are you telling me?"

"Because you have to understand the stakes," Alex said in a soft voice. "If you will work for me, loyalty is non-negotiable."

Ruby's chest tightened. "I have been honest since day one, Mr. Thompson. I don't intend to stop now."

His expression softened for a moment, and Ruby saw the man behind the corporate facade. "Great," he replied, "Because we're just getting started."

That night, Ruby left the office with a mix of determination and trepidation. Shadows of Alex's past began to appear, and now she was entangled in his world.

As Ruby made her way home through the city streets, she came to the realization that she was determined to uncover any secrets Alex could be keeping-not only for him, but also for herself.

****

Ruby stood in front of the mirror the following morning, rearranging her robe while Alex's remarks from the previous evening replayed in her head. Loyalty cannot be compromised. She thought her job was just to schedule meetings and organize emails. But right now it felt like she was being thrown into a game of chess, with every piece contradicting her...

There was a noticeable tension in the air when she entered the office. Hannah, the office assistant, gave Ruby a look she couldn't explain. The entire office whispered as if following her like a shadow.

"Ruby," Hannah said, stopping her at the table. "He was called into the emergency conference room for a meeting. It is... not normal."

Ruby frowned but nodded. She gathered her notebook and stepped into the glass-walled conference room. The room was full of important executives. Everyone sat in tense silence. Alex sat at the head of the table. His sharp blue eyes scanning the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice soft. "We have a problem. An internal document detailing our next merger was leaked last night. If the media picks it up, our entire strategy is at risk."

Ruby was shocked. A leak? It's not a coincidence at all. She thought of Vicky, her cold smile, as Alex warned her.

"This is unacceptable," Alex continued in a sharp tone. "Those responsible will be found and dealt with strictly." His eyes fell on Ruby for a brief moment before lingering further.

****

By noon, Ruby's mind was racing. Could Alex be suspecting her? Her hands were shaking as she typed an email. She had never seen a merger document before, but the weight of the suspicion was choking.

That's when she noticed an email in the drafts folder. It was an email she hadn't written. Opening it, Ruby's blood ran cold. It was addressed to an important journalist and had a file attached, labeled "Thompson_Merger_Plan". Someone was framing her.

Ruby immediately printed the email and walked into Alex's office, her heart pounding. He looked up from the table, his expression was unreadable.

"Ruby," he said, "Is this about the leak?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, slamming the printout onto his desk. "But not in the way you think. I didn't do this."

Alex's eyes scanned the document before falling on her. "This was in your account."

"I know," Ruby said, her voice rising. "Someone planted it there. I don't know who, but you have to believe me."

Alex didn't say anything for a moment, his eyes boring into her. Then he snapped his fingers while leaning back in his chair. "We have a serious issue if what you said is true."

Determined to prove her innocence Ruby began her investigation. Late that night, when most of the office was cleared, she accessed the email server logs with help from the IT department. As she searched through the data, a name appeared. It was a name she hadn't expected.

Hannah.

Ruby's chest tightened. Why would the office assistant sabotage her?

The sound of footsteps made her heart skip a beat before she could even process the betrayal. She turned to see Alex standing behind her, his expression was cold.

"Explain," he demanded.

Ruby showed him the logs. "It was Hannah," she said in a slight whisper. "She sent the email from my account."

Alex studied the screen, his jaw tightened. "Leave this to me," he said finally. "And don't tell anyone what you found."

****

The next day Hannah was gone. No explanation, no farewell.

But Ruby's relief was short lived. That afternoon, a manila envelope appeared on her desk. Inside was a photograph of her past life-grainy but not unmistakable. The nights spent dancing in underground clubs, her face was lit up in glittering neon lights.

Her chest tightened as she scanned the message that came with them: "Be careful, Ruby. Everyone has a secret. Don't let yours get out."

Ruby grabbed the photo in her hand, anger and fear welled up within her. Who did this? And how much do they know?

The answer came faster than she expected. That evening, Alex called her into his office. He handed her a picture from an envelope, his face unreadable as the curtains were drawn. In a quiet voice, he inquired, "Would you like to explain this?"

Ruby looked into his eyes, her hands shaking. "I don't know who sent this. But it is not what it seems."

Alex leaned forward, his blue eyes searching hers. "So tell me what it is."

Ruby hesitated, the weight of her past pressing down on her. "I... I was desperate. I needed money to survive. And dancing was my way out, but I gave up on that life."

Alex studied her for a moment before leaning back in his chair. "Whoever is targeting you knows your past, and that makes you a liability, but I don't think you're the leak."

Ruby blinked, relief washing over her. "You believe me?" she asked.

Alex's lips twitched into a faint smile. "You're not exactly a criminal mastermind, Ruby, but you're resourceful. I need someone like you by my side."

****

That night, as Ruby left the office, a feeling of uneasiness came over her. Alex's trust in her was a small victory. But the battle was not over yet. Whoever sent those photos wasn't just trying to destroy her. They were also playing a bigger game.

And Ruby was determined to win.