The first day at Steel Enterprises was everything Alexis Williams had imagined and nothing like she had prepared for.She had spent months training, researching, and preparing for the opportunity to be Sebastian Steele's assistant. Landing this role was a dream, a chance to make a name for herself in a world that seemed as unyielding as it was alluring. But now, standing in the polished lobby, staring at the towering glass structure that represented everything she had ever worked for, Alexis felt as though the air itself had thickened. Each breath she took felt heavier, laden with the pressure of the high expectations surrounding her.
Her nerves were overwhelming, but there was no time to indulge in them. This was a chance to prove herself. No one would care that she was nervous. No one would care that she came from a small town and had spent her life trying to avoid the glaring spotlight of success. All that mattered now was that she would succeed or fail miserably. There was no middle ground in this world, especially not with a boss like Sebastian Steele. She adjusted her blazer, brushed her palms against her skirt to shake off the anxiety, and stepped toward the reception desk.
The receptionist barely looked up from her screen. "Alexis Williams?" she asked, her tone polite but distant. "Mr. Steele is expecting you. Take the elevator to the 30th floor. It's the second door on the left."
Alexis nodded, swallowing back her nerves. She hadn't expected to be greeted with fanfare, but this woman's aloofness only made her feel smaller. She walked to the elevator, the quiet hum of the building surrounding her, and pressed the button for the top floor.
As the elevator ascended, her reflection in the mirrored doors was the only thing she could focus on. Her heart raced. Her thoughts swirled. She had imagined this day for years, rehearsed the perfect first impression, but now that it was here, she had no idea what to expect. Would he be impressed with her? Or would he see right through her jjust another face in the crowd, another assistant meant to do his bidding?
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to the 30th floor. It felt like walking into a different world. Everything was sleek and modern steel accents, polished wood, glass partitions. It felt sterile yet sophisticated, like something straight out of a luxury magazine.
Her shoes clicked sharply on the marble floor as she walked toward the office labeled Sebastian Steele - CEO. With every step, her stomach churned. She had read about him his sharp business mind, his impossible standards, his ability to dismantle anyone who failed to meet his expectations. She had heard the rumors. Some said he was cold, others that he was downright ruthless. But no matter what she had heard, nothing could prepare her for the man himself.
She paused in front of the door. It was slightly ajar, and inside, she could hear the sound of a deep voice, commanding, dominating, a voice that made her spine straight and her breath catch in her throat.
Without a second thought, Alexis knocked softly on the door and stepped in.
Sebastian Steele didn't look up when she entered. He sat behind an immense desk, his back straight, his dark suit perfectly tailored. The room around him was quiet, clean, too clean. The floor-to-ceiling windows behind him showcased the city skyline, and the minimalist design made everything feel almost clinical. It was clear this man didn't need anything to distract him from his mission.
His cold blue eyes flickered up to meet hers briefly, but there was no warmth in them, only calculation. His gaze was sharp, like a man used to having control over everything his company, his empire, and most likely, every person in his life.
"Alexis Williams," he said, his voice as cool and crisp as his appearance. He didn't offer a greeting or a handshake. There was no pleasantry, no attempt to make her feel at ease. "You're the new assistant." "Yes, Mr. Steele," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. Don't mess this up, Alexis, she told herself.
Sebastian's eyes lingered on her face, as if assessing every detail. She could feel the weight of his gaze, measuring, judging. He finally broke the silence. "I don't have time for small talk. You're here to do a job, not to impress anyone. I expect results, nothing less."
Alexis felt a flash of discomfort, but she quickly masked it with a neutral expression. She nodded. "I understand, Mr. Steele. I'm ready to assist you in any way that I can."
He finally set down the papers in front of him and leaned back in his chair, his steely eyes never leaving hers. "I don't tolerate mistakes. You're expected to anticipate my needs. If I say something, you do it. If you can't, don't bother coming back."
The directness of his words hit her like a punch to the gut. It wasn't the kind of greeting she had hoped for, but it was real. Cold, yes, but real."Of course," she said, trying to maintain her professionalism, though she felt a slight tremble in her voice.
He didn't reply immediately. Instead, he picked up his phone, his attention returning to something else as if she were no more than a brief interruption. He dismissed her with a flick of his hand, signaling for her to leave.
"Your schedule is on the shared drive. Get familiar with it. And have the project reports prepared by 2 p.m. I don't have time to chase you for information."
Alexis stepped out of his office, the door shutting quietly behind her. The moment she was outside, she let out a long breath, unsure whether to be relieved or disappointed. He had been everything she had imagined commanding, assertive, and completely indifferent to her presence. Yet there was something else, something more subtle, something that hinted at control. Sebastian Steele wasn't just a man who ran a company. He was a man who ran everything around him, including her.