CHAPTER TEN

MICHAEL 

Jenny sent me a text this morning, reminding me about her friend who would be filling the secretary position. I'm grateful for her help. She knows how selective I am about the people I allow into my space, which is why she initially decided to take the role herself despite not needing it.

I built my company from the ground up at 21, and five years later, it's one of the most prominent in the business world. Forbes named me one of their Top 50 Youngest and Most Successful CEOs, and New York crowned me as its most eligible bachelor.

Women constantly hover around me, but I don't have the time or interest to indulge in relationships. Work is my life, and everything else comes second. When I need a distraction, I visit exclusive clubs designed for the elite, select a willing woman for the night, and leave it at that. No strings. No attachments. And certainly, no one ever crosses the threshold of my home—that's my sanctuary.

I barely glanced at Jenny's friend yesterday, mostly because I wasn't interested. But now that we'll be working together, boundaries need to be established.

When I arrived at the office, she was already seated at the small reception area outside my door.

"Good morning," she greeted politely, hurrying to open the door for me.

"Morning," I replied with a curt nod, stepping inside.

Settling into my chair, I looked up—and our eyes met.

A beat passed. Neither of us spoke. I took the chance to properly assess her for the first time. Mid-twenties, I guessed. Her eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence, and my gaze involuntarily dropped to her lips—full, soft, undeniably alluring. She smelled fresh and enticing, a subtle scent that lingered in the air between us.

Realizing my obvious stare, she cleared her throat, snapping me back to reality. Yes, I was attracted to her. That was undeniable. But I had rules—clear, ironclad ones. I never mixed business with pleasure, and I most definitely didn't sleep with my secretaries.

"Like I mentioned yesterday," I began briskly, "this is a two-week trial. If you prove capable, the job is yours. If not, I'll let you go without hesitation."

"Understood," she said firmly.

The next two hours were spent going over her responsibilities. I couldn't help but notice the furrow of concentration she wore whenever she didn't fully grasp something—it was oddly endearing.

"Did Jenny give you my schedule?" I asked.

"Yes." She pulled out a folder. "I've already reviewed it. You have a board meeting this morning, followed by lunch at 1:30 with the CEO of Supreme Hotels."

She rattled off the rest of my day with impressive efficiency. I was intrigued. Her preparation spoke volumes.

"Did you book a restaurant for lunch?" I inquired.

"Not yet. Just let me know your preference, and I'll handle it."

We spent the next thirty minutes wrapping up the briefing. By lunchtime, I felt more in sync with her than I had with previous secretaries.

"You're coming with me to lunch," I informed her as I passed her desk.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't object.

Outside, my driver was already waiting.

The business lunch with the Supreme Hotels CEO went smoothly. On our way back to the car, she was engrossed in her phone when her expression suddenly shifted—confusion, then distress.

She froze mid-step.

Her expression shifted—eyes wide, lips parted, the color draining from her face so fast it was like someone had flipped a switch. Whatever she saw on that screen hit her hard.

"Everything okay?" I asked sharply, sensing trouble before she even responded.

She didn't answer.

Instead, her breath hitched audibly, and without warning, she let out a sharp, gut-wrenching scream that cut through the noise of passing pedestrians.

Before I could react, she clutched her belly with both hands, her body curling in on itself as though someone had physically struck her.

"Hey!" my voice rose above the chaos. "What's wrong?"

Her knees gave out, and she crumpled toward the pavement. I moved on instinct, catching her just before she hit the ground.

"Hey, come on, stay with me," I urged, my voice rough with panic as I lowered her gently onto the sidewalk.

Her breathing was shallow, her face twisted in pain.

What the hell just happened?

A few people nearby stopped, their curious stares morphing into concern.

"Call an ambulance!" I barked at a bystander fumbling with their phone.

The stranger nodded, dialing frantically.

I turned back to her, shaking her shoulder lightly. "Listen to me. What's wrong? Can you hear me?"

No response. Her eyes fluttered closed, her body frighteningly limp in my arms.