Emma Carter had always believed in making the best out of a bad situation, but working as a personal assistant for Liam Ashford might just test the limits of her optimism.
"First rule," Liam said, striding into the guesthouse kitchen. "No surprises. I don't like surprises."
Emma, perched on a stool and nursing a hastily made cup of coffee, raised an eyebrow. "Noted. Anything else?"
"Second rule: Be punctual. If I say eight, I mean eight sharp." He adjusted the cuff of his shirt, his movements as precise as his words.
"Got it. Punctuality." Emma suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.
"And third," he said, pausing to give her a pointed look, "don't touch anything that doesn't belong to you."
She glanced around at the sleek guesthouse—everything from the stainless steel appliances to the expensive-looking abstract artwork screamed untouchable. "Loud and clear, boss."
Liam frowned at the last word, but he didn't correct her.
"Good. You start today."
"Today?" Emma choked on her coffee. "I thought I'd at least get, I don't know, a day to adjust."
"No time for that," Liam said briskly. "I have a meeting in an hour. You're coming with me."
---
An Hour Later
Emma sat in the passenger seat of Liam's luxury car, feeling completely out of place. The leather interior smelled like money, and the dashboard looked like it belonged in a spaceship.
"Do you even drive this thing yourself?" she asked, eyeing the sleek controls.
"Occasionally," Liam replied without looking at her. His hands gripped the wheel with practiced ease.
Emma glanced out the window, trying not to fidget. She was already regretting this arrangement. The man was like a robot—cold, efficient, and utterly devoid of humor. How was she supposed to survive working for him?
"So, what exactly does your assistant do?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Schedules, emails, errands," he said. "You'll handle anything I don't have time for."
"That's... vague," Emma said.
"It's not complicated," Liam said, glancing at her. "Or at least, it shouldn't be."
Emma bristled at his tone. "I'm more capable than I look, you know."
"We'll see," he said, smirking slightly.
---
The Office
When they arrived at AshTech's headquarters, Emma's jaw nearly hit the floor. The towering glass building was a modern marvel, reflecting the morning sunlight like a beacon of success. Inside, the sleek, minimalist design continued—marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and employees who looked like they'd stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Emma followed Liam through the lobby, feeling more and more like a fish out of water. She tugged at the hem of her borrowed blazer—a relic from Charlie's closet—and tried to ignore the curious stares.
"Mr. Ashford," a polished receptionist greeted them with a bright smile. "Your nine o'clock is waiting in Conference Room A."
"Thank you, Mia," Liam said, nodding once.
He turned to Emma, handing her a tablet. "Take notes. Stay quiet."
Emma opened her mouth to retort but thought better of it. Instead, she clutched the tablet and followed him into the conference room, where a group of sharply dressed executives was waiting.
---
The Meeting
Emma did her best to blend into the background as the meeting began. Liam's demeanor shifted the moment he stepped into the room—he was confident, commanding, and utterly unflappable.
"Our timeline for the product launch is tight," one executive said, sounding nervous. "But we believe it's achievable."
Liam's gaze was steady, his tone measured. "Belief isn't enough. I need results. What's your contingency plan if the beta testing fails?"
The executive faltered, and Emma bit back a smile. Watching Liam work was oddly fascinating. He wasn't just a grumpy billionaire—he was sharp, calculating, and absolutely relentless.
As the meeting continued, Emma dutifully jotted down notes, though half of the jargon went over her head. By the time it ended, she felt like she'd run a mental marathon.
"That went well," one of the executives said as they filed out.
"By whose standards?" Liam muttered under his breath.
Emma stifled a laugh, earning a sharp glance from him.
---
Back at the Guesthouse
Emma collapsed onto the couch, kicking off her shoes with a groan. "That was exhausting."
"You sat in a chair and took notes," Liam pointed out, setting his laptop on the dining table.
"Yeah, but you made it look exhausting," Emma shot back, grinning.
Liam ignored her, his focus already on his screen.
Emma watched him for a moment, her earlier frustration ebbing. Beneath the icy exterior, there was something... intriguing about Liam Ashford. He wasn't just a control freak; he was driven, maybe even lonely.
"Hey," she said, breaking the silence. "Thanks for not kicking me out."
He looked up, surprised. "Don't thank me yet."
Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. Maybe working for Liam wouldn't be so bad—if she could survive his impossible standards, that is.