The intimidating building stood before me, and I felt my palms get clammy. No matter how many times I stood in front of this building, I knew it would always scare me. The structure was anything but inviting, and it made people want to run for the hills. I forced myself to enter the building when I realized that it was almost eight o'clock. I didn't want to be late on my first day, especially not today.

As I walked in, I was met with the same scene as yesterday: people rushing around the building wearing pretentious clothing, their faces as hard as a rock as they worked like machines. I felt intimidated again, just like before.

The people seemed so smart and well put together, making me wonder what the hell I was doing there in the first place. I felt the judgmental eyes following me, scrutinizing my every move as I made my way to the elevator. I passed the receptionist at the desk and watched as she eyed me suspiciously, probably wondering why I had returned or what business I had there again.

When I finally reached the elevator, I let out a breath that I didn't even realize I was holding. When the elevator started to ascend, I practiced some breathing exercises to calm my nerves. I kept reminding myself that everything would be fine. It would all go smoothly, and before I knew it, I would be getting my first paycheck, maybe even saving enough to help Dad and Adam. That was the plan.

I was unprepared for when the doors opened, and when they did, my stomach dropped as I realized that I was actually working at Reid Industries now. I took a deep breath before walking in, this time with a hint of newfound confidence that I was determined to hold onto.

The woman who was sitting at the marble desk raised a dark brow as she looked at me, the corners of her red-painted lips lifting slightly, almost knowingly.

She was gorgeous. Her ink-black hair flowed over her shoulders perfectly, little tendrils framed her face effortlessly, and accentuated her phenomenal bone structure. Her pale skin brought out the striking amber of her eyes and was completely blemish-free. Her makeup was done to perfection, and her lips were painted a bold red colour. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel jealous standing there.

"And who might you be?" Her tone was mocking and sarcastic, as if I didn’t belong there. I regained some of my confidence and decided to rise above her petty behavior before I answered, "Sofia Cartier. I'm Mr. Reid's new assistant.” My tone was short and clipped, straight to the point, and unapologetic.

“You don't look like you should be here.” Disgust was evident in her voice and her eyes as they judged me from head to toe, taking their time.

"I got the job here yesterday. Go ask him for yourself.” She opened her mouth as if to say something before closing it again and plastering on a sickeningly sweet smile. "I will inform him that you're here, Sofia."

I nodded as she got up from her seat to go and knock on his door. Even her body was flawless. She took long strides towards the dark mahogany door, her heels clicking against the marble floors with every elegant step she took. A few moments after she knocked on the door, I heard Mr. Reid’s powerful voice, “Come in."

Those two simple words somehow managed to send a shiver down my spine. His deep velvety voice was smooth but held authority, dominance, and power. I found myself straightening my posture before I walked closer to the door, still staying slightly hidden behind the wall.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Reid. A woman claiming to be your new assistant is here. Her name is Sofia Cartier.” She sounded bitter as she said my name, as if it were venom on her tongue that she couldn’t wait to spit out.

"Send her in."

I gulped as she moved to the side and gestured for me to go inside, her eyes taunting me as if she didn't think I had the guts to do it. I took a few hesitant steps until I was standing just inside the doorway.

"You are dismissed, Ms. Baker."

When I looked up, he was already staring at me, and when I heard the door click shut behind me, my heart started to pound loudly in my chest. His icy blue eyes assessed my face before he gestured toward the seat in front of his desk. The sound of my heels hitting the floor was all I could hear. It was nerve-wracking. As I walked, he kept his eyes glued to me, and it took all my willpower not to cower under his intense gaze.

When I finally sat down, he spoke. “Glad to see you're on time, Ms. Cartier.” I nodded slowly, trying to play it cool.

"Wouldn't want to be late on my first day." I threw in a light chuckle at the end in an attempt to ease the suffocating tension in the room, but to no avail, as his flawless face stayed emotionless, hard like stone, like a statue carved out of ice.

"Well, I would hope so, Ms. Cartier. I would also hope that you are ready to start working. I have plenty of tasks ready for you already."

All I did was nod until his eyes darkened and blazed, "Use your words.”

My heartbeat sped up as I got scolded, but before he could say anything else, I beat him to it. "Yes, Mr. Reid. I am ready to start working."

He gestured toward the thick stack of paper sitting on the corner of his desk and I dreaded his next words with every fiber of my being.

"Get started then.”