"You will be on a trial period for one month. After that, your position will be confirmed. Do your best, and never disappoint your boss. If he is satisfied with your performance, you will be appointed as his personal secretary."
"And… if he doesn't?" Coral asked and realized immediately that it was a foolish question.
Mrs. Hill, however, smiled at her. She was the same woman who had taken her interview.
"No. You've signed a one-year contract. You won't lose your job unless… certain circumstances arise."
Coral didn't need an explanation of the circumstances she meant. She knew the rules, so she simply nodded.
She was selected by all the three companies after her interviews, but she was confused about which company to join. Knight Corporation was clearly the most profitable choice, but she hesitated to accept it. Einar gave her a long lecture about how people dreamed of working here and all. However, Coral was uneasy about working as Mr. Raymond Parker's secretary, whose interest in her seemed more than professional. But Einar reassured her over and over that she would be safe within the company.
"If he doesn't like you." Mrs. Hill continued, "you will simply be transferred somewhere else."
"Okay." Coral nodded.
"Your duties will start from tomorrow. But since you're here, I want you to take a look around. It will help, considering you have no experience. Someone will show you to your office. Try to grasp everything as much as you can. I'm warning you beforehand that your boss is a very strict man. First impressions matter."
"First impression?" Coral frowned in confusion. Hadn't she already met her boss?
"Yes... I'll take you to him myself. He's in a meeting right now. I believe you know who your boss is."
"Mr. Raymond Parker?" Coral said hesitantly.
"Raymond??.. No."
"In the interview, he said..."
"Oh... it was just for the sake of the interview." Mrs. Hill cut her off. "He's the head of the finance department. But he's not your boss."
"Oh… Then, who's my boss, ma'am?" Coral asked.
"Mr. Danzel Knight, the president of this company."
"Oh… wow. It's my pleasure." Coral replied, though she was taken aback.
The relief she felt after learning she wouldn't be working under Raymond Parker vanished. To be the president's secretary was a huge responsibility. She felt nervous now.
She left Mrs. Hill's office with Lisa, the employee assigned to guide her. The president's office was on the same floor. Lisa showed her the common room for female staff, the coffee machine, the printing facilities, and other essentials she would need in her daily work.
Eventually, they reached a more secluded section of the floor. There was no one in view and the silence was heavier. This was unmistakably the president's domain. When they finally reached her cabin, she was stunned by the grandeur. Her desk was quite large, with all the facilities she would need. What was even more impressive was that it had an adjoining private room furnished with modern comforts, including a personal bathroom.
"Wow… this's incredible." She exclaimed in awe.
"Everything here is. You'll get used to it in time." Lisa said with a smile.
Once Lisa departed, Coral began to acquaint herself with the place. Just then, the landline on her desk began to ring. She hesitated before picking it up.
"Miss Stone? It's Mrs. Hill. Come to my office now."
"Yes, ma'am." Coral replied.
.
Moments later, she was seated opposite Mrs. Hill, who handed her a file.
"This's this week's schedule. I've arranged it for you, but from next time, you'll have to create it on your own. You'll receive all the necessary details through your system. By tomorrow, your desk will be fully set up."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Mrs. Hill stood up. "Now, let's go. It's time for you to meet your boss."
Coral felt nervous. Until now, from what she had heard about Mr. Knight, she had come to the conclusion that the man was very cold, strict and short tempered. She could only hope she wouldn't make a mistake on their very first meeting.
.....
Coral stood before the door bearing the nameplate, "President, Danzel Knight" while Mrs. Hill was behind her. She knocked at the door and waited. However there was no response. She turned and looked at the elderly woman.
"Try again." She instructed.
Coral raised her hand and knocked louder this time. "May I come in, sir?" She asked as well.
A soft ping echoed as the door slid open on it's own. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
As expected, the office was large and beautiful. But the desk was empty. She looked around and found a tall man stood near the floor-to-ceiling window with his back to her. His aura was intimidating even from the back.
"Good morning, sir." She greeted softly.
He immediately turned around, hearimg the new voice, and their gazes met. Coral was struck by a strange sense of familiarity, as if she had seen him before, though she couldn't place where.
On the other hand, Danzel frowned at first, then recognition flickered in his eyes, and his expression hardened.
"You!" His voice was sharp. "How did you get here?"
Coral froze, utterly confused. Before she could answer, Mrs. Hill entered the office.
"Good morning, Mr. Knight." She greeted. "This's your new secretary." She introduced.
"What?" Danzel frowned. "What the hell is this?"
Coral flinched at his tone. Mrs. Hill stepped forward and turned to Coral.
"Can you wait outside for a moment?"
"Okay." Coral nodded.
She glanced at Danzel and instantly regretted it. He was glaring daggers at her. She hurriedly left the office, closing the door behind her.
'Why was he so furious? Did he simply dislike her as his secretary?'
Inside the office, Danzel approached the desk and sat on his chair. Mrs. Hill took a deep breath and approached the desk.
"I know you don't want a secretary but you need one. Liam can't handle everything alone especially with the upcoming product launch." She stated calmly.
"Where did you find her?" He asked.
"She applied for the job, obviously." Mrs. Hill was somewhat confused by his question.
"What if she's a spy?"
"We have checked everything. Her record is clean. She passed all three rounds of interviews. I liked her too, despite her lack of experience."
"You chose someone with zero experience as my secretary?" He arched a brow.
"She can learn. It's not a big deal."
Danzel shook his head.
"And it was Raymond who was greatly impressed by her." She added.
"Raymond?" he frowned.
"Yes. And you shouldn't judge her so quickly. You haven't even seen her work. She has already signed the contract. At least give her a chance."
Danzel remained silent, deep in thought. Mrs. Hill looked at him expectantly.
"Fine... Send her in." He said after a while, dismissing her.
He didn't elaborate, but it was obvious that he would test her himself before deciding her future in the company. Nevertheless, Mrs. Hill was relieved as she left the office with a smile. She didn't have to think about finding a secretary for the time being and could focus on other work.
Moments later, Coral stepped into the office. Danzel pinned her with his sharp gaze. She nervously approached his desk and stood there, lowering her head.
"What's your name?" He asked.
"Coral Stone, sir." She raised her head to answer, then lowered her gaze again.
He studied her intently. She was nervous but she didn't show any sign of knowing him. Danzel clenched his jaw in irritation.
"I hope you have been given the instructions. I don't tolerate mistakes, or unprofessional behavior. One mistake and you are.... gone. Is that clear?"
"Clear... sir." She said, looking at him. This time she held his gaze longer.
"Leave." He said.
Coral didn't need to be told twice. She left quickly and returned to her desk. Only then did she release the breath she had been holding.