Ava stood at the front entrance of Ethan Gray's company, her heart pounding.
"Now, how do I get him to hire me after failing his test?" Ava wondered nervously as she used her hands to straighten the well-ironed designer skirt she had on.
She had left James' office and got dressed up smartly, determined to make a good impression, but inside she felt conflicted and confused.
"What exactly will I tell that cold man to make him understand that I am capable..." She was thinking when suddenly, a sleek, exotic car pulled up beside her and the driver quickly got out to open the door.
Ava held her breath as Ethan Gray himself stepped out, looking every bit the sophisticated, handsome businessman.
"If not for his personality, he would have fit in the description of an angel!" Ava mused to herself, forgetting her disturbing situation for a moment as she stared at the handsome man before her.
He looked like he had just fallen out of a fashion magazine!
"What are you doing standing out here?" Ethan asked, his tone a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
That snapped Ava out of her thoughts and she quickly averted her gaze from him, looking down.
"Didn't you know you were supposed to meet me at the penthouse first so we could come here together?" He added.
Ava's mouth went dry as she struggled to find the right words.
"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Gray. I didn't realize I was supposed to do that. And I really tried to..." She trailed off, unsure of how to explain that she had failed his initial test.
Ethan scoffed, not giving her a chance to continue.
"Well, don't just stand there. Get inside and get to work. By the way, I usually take my coffee by 10 am sharp. You have just five minutes now to get it prepared." He told her firmly.
Ava's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, does this mean... am I hired?" She asked, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion.
"Hired? Haven't you been hired already?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression.
Ava's lips parted slightly in surprise.
"What? But I thought you said..." She trailed off.
Ethan shook his head.
"Honestly, I thought you couldn't do it, but you have managed to surprise me." He began.
"I must admit, I am impressed. You have managed to convince Calix Maxwell. Something that my previous assistant couldn't achieve in five months." He informed a very stunned Ava.
"You mean... Calix agreed to work for you?" She asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"As at yesterday, he insisted vehemently, what made him change his mind?" She stated more to herself.
"Yes. He called me first thing this morning, said he was ready to come on board." Ethan said, clearing her doubt completely.
"Oh my God! I really did this!" Ava stated inwardly. She was pleased to know that her efforts, the risks she had taken - they hadn't been in vain after all.
Excitement bubbled up inside her as she realized she had succeeded in becoming Ethan Gray's personal assistant.
After the exchange, Ethan started walking towards the building, and Ava hurried to follow him, her steps light with triumph.
"I guess I am allowed to celebrate for now and be happy... Before thinking of what is about to come and how to protect Calix as well as myself." She thought as she trailed behind him.
They reached Ethan's big office that screamed luxury but simple just like his home. Ethan settled into his seat while Ava stood quietly before him, waiting eagerly for his instructions.
As Ethan looked up and saw her just standing, the man's demeanor shifted.
"Well, what are you doing just standing there?" He bellowed at her.
Ava jumped up in fright, her momentary excitement immediately evaporating.
"I... I'm waiting for your orders, Mr. Gray." She replied.
Ethan let out an annoyed sigh.
"Didn't I ask for coffee earlier?" He snapped.
"Oh, right. I will go get it right away." Ava stated as she remembered he had actually talked about it.
Ethan scoffed with a small shake of his head.
"I don't tolerate forgetfulness, Ms. Collins." He told her dismissively and focused his attention on the documents on his table.
"Pardon me sir." Ava said and quickly headed for the door.
However, she paused at the door when she realized she had no idea of where she was headed.
"Um, Mr. Gray? Pardon me for interrupting you..." Ava began gently.
Ethan looked up from the documents, angrily.
"What is it now?" He asked with disinterest. Ava cleared her throat uncomfortably.
"Sir, Where exactly do I get the coffee?" She asked him.
"Excuse me? Isn't that your business to..." Ethan was about to snap at her for asking dumb question when he remembered she was actually new at the office.
His expression softened slightly at the relaxation and he grabbed his telecom.
"Hello. I am sending my new assistant to your office now. Yes, please. Thanks." Ethan said into the telecom, then the line went dead.
Afterwards, he faced Ava who was standing quietly.
"Go see my aunt, Victoria in the next office. She will get you settled in real well. She is going to put you through and tell you everything you need to know." He told her.
"Yes sir." Ava replied curtly and made her way to the indicated office.
"So, his aunt works here too? I wonder what she is like!" She mumbled as she walked.
As she entered the said office, a sophisticated woman with piercing eyes fixed her with a disdainful gaze.
"The new assistant?" Victoria's voice dripped with skepticism. Her expression was sour.
"Your eyes ... I don't like them. And your presence reeks of falsehood! How did you wriggle your way into this company?" Victoria asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ava felt a shiver down her spine at the woman's words.
"W... What? She wouldn't know about my real mission, would she?" Ava thought, her heart sinking.