Scarlett arrived at Wolfe Enterprises the next morning with the same calm efficiency as the day before. But this time, she wasn't just adjusting—she was watching.
She had learned two things on her first day:
1. Adrian Wolfe was exacting and ruthless, with no patience for incompetence.
2. People expected her to fail.
Scarlett had no intention of giving them the satisfaction.
By 8:45 AM, she had organized Adrian's schedule, reviewed his upcoming meetings, and was waiting outside his office, ready.
The moment he stepped off the elevator, Adrian's sharp gaze landed on her.
Scarlett straightened. "Good morning, Mr. Wolfe."
He barely slowed. "Walk with me."
She followed, heels clicking in sync with his measured strides.
"I need you to review the Callahan contract and highlight any discrepancies before my 10 AM meeting," he said. "Additionally, reschedule my lunch with Langley—I don't have time for meaningless conversations."
Scarlett took note of his tone. Impatient. Dismissive. As if he fully expected her to hesitate or fumble.
She didn't. "Understood."
Adrian glanced at her, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features before he pushed open the conference room door and disappeared inside.
Scarlett exhaled slowly.
Test one: passed.
Scarlett had barely settled back at her desk when Emily appeared, a cup of coffee in hand.
"You're already following him around," Emily teased. "Impressive. Most people don't get past one-word responses."
Scarlett took the coffee, lips twitching. "I don't get intimidated easily."
"Clearly." Emily leaned in. "Langley made a bet yesterday that you wouldn't last the week."
Scarlett raised a brow. "And what did you say?"
Emily grinned. "I said you'd last at least a month." I have been here for two years and I must say you strike me as different.
Scarlett huffed a quiet laugh. "Good to know I have some support."
Emily winked. "Don't make me regret it."
Scarlett spent the next few hours meticulously going through the Callahan contract.
Adrian's expectations were clear—no mistakes, no wasted time. She worked quickly, scanning for loopholes or vague clauses.
By the time 9:50 AM rolled around, she had her notes prepared.
She stepped into Adrian's office just as he adjusted his cufflinks, preparing to leave.
There are discrepancies in clauses three and seven," she said, placing the document on his desk. "Callahan's team left vague language that could be exploited in negotiations. I marked them for your review."
Adrian stilled, his fingers pausing over his watch strap.
Then, without a word, he picked up the document and scanned it.
The silence stretched.
Finally, he set it down, giving her an assessing look.
"You're thorough," he said.
Scarlett met his gaze evenly. "It's my job."
A beat of silence.
Then Adrian simply nodded, picked up the file, and left.
Scarlett released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
After Hours
The day continued without incident—until nearly 8 PM.
Scarlett was still at her desk, finishing up loose tasks, when she heard Adrian's voice from his office.
"I need those reports by morning." A pause. "No excuses."
A moment later, he stepped out, looking briefly surprised to see her still there.
"You don't leave at six?" he asked.
Scarlett arched a brow. "You don't?"
His lips twitched—almost a smirk. But it was gone before she could be sure.
He didn't say anything else, just nodded once before heading toward the elevators.
Scarlett watched him go, exhaling slowly.
She loved his professionalism. No warmth. No unnecessary words.
Because she wasn't looking for either.
She was here to do a job.
And if Adrian Wolfe was beginning to take notice of her efficiency?
Well.
That was just good business
What do you think of this Chapter Three – A Game of Expectations
Scarlett was beginning to understand the rhythm of Wolfe Enterprises.
It wasn't just a company. It was a battlefield.
Adrian Wolfe set the standard, and everyone beneath him scrambled to keep up. Efficiency was rewarded with silence. Mistakes were met with cold dismissal.
She had no intention of making mistakes.
Morning Meetings & Unspoken Tests
At precisely 8:30 AM, Scarlett walked into Adrian's office with his schedule prepared.
He was reviewing financial reports, his sleeves rolled up, cufflinks abandoned on the desk.
She placed his coffee beside him. "Your schedule for the day."
He didn't glance up. "Any conflicts?"
"No, but you have a board meeting at 3 PM that may run over. If it does, I'll adjust your evening calls."
Adrian hummed, taking a sip of coffee. His brows lifted slightly, just a flicker of surprise.
"You fixed it."
Scarlett hesitated. "Fixed what?"
He finally looked at her. "Yesterday's coffee was terrible."
Ah. So he'd noticed.
"I asked Emily how you take it," she admitted.
Adrian studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Good."
Just that—nothing more.
But Scarlett felt the weight of it.
Not approval. Not praise.
Just the quiet acknowledgment that she had passed another unspoken test.
By lunchtime, the office was buzzing. Everyone seemed to be surprised about the new secretary, rather than looking depressed, she came back looking stronger.
Langley, the same executive who had bet against her, strolled past her desk with an insincere smile.
"Still here, Ms. Hayes?" he mused. "I figured Wolfe would've chewed you up by now."
Scarlett didn't bother looking up. "Disappointed?"
Langley chuckled. "You'll learn soon enough—he doesn't keep secretaries for long."