She stood in front of the towering building, her breath catching in her throat. Magnificent wasn't enough to describe it. It stood like a silent promise of everything she had ever wanted. She sighed, squared her shoulders, and pushed the door open.
Inside, a woman sat neatly behind a polished desk.
"Good morning, beauty," Jessie greeted with a warm smile, handing over a folder.
"Welcome, ma'am," the woman replied politely, scanning through the documents.
FLASHBACK
Jessie had been lying lazily in bed when her phone dinged. With a tired groan, she reached for it. The moment she read the message, sleep vanished from her eyes.
She had qualified for the online interview with J&J Bveauty Palour, owned by the rumored cold and mysterious Theophilus McJunior. People claimed he was ice-hearted, untouchable. Some even exaggerated that looking into his eyes twice could make someone go blind.
Jessie didn't care about rumors.
All she cared about was the salary — enough to support herself and help her family. Smiling from ear to ear, she rushed downstairs to share the news.
Jessie was later directed to her new office. As the newly appointed manager, she was given a spacious room equipped with everything she needed. After settling in, she held a meeting with the staff and introduced herself confidently.
"A journey of miles begins with a single step," she whispered to herself.
Present Day – Jessie's POV
I didn't realize I had dozed off after work. I had been so exhausted that when I first got home, my room felt unfamiliar. It wasn't until Mum knocked on my door, calling me for dinner, that I snapped out of it.
She looked at me with concern as I dragged myself downstairs. "Is your work that difficult?" she asked gently.
I kissed her cheek and sat beside her.
"Not at all, Mum. It was just my first day. I had a lot to learn — that's why I look so haggard."
She smiled softly. "Take care of yourself, baby. If you need anything, just ask. Mummy is always here for you."
After dinner, I returned to my room and opened my laptop. Curiosity had been gnawing at me all day. THEOPHILUS MCJUNIOR, CEO OF J&J BVEAUTY PALOUR, I typed into the search bar.
Rumor had it he would be visiting the company soon.
Dozens of images of handsome men appeared. I stared at them, squinting.
"Which one are you?" I murmured.
With no confirmation and growing frustration, I shut the laptop and went to bed.
The next morning, I arrived earlier than usual to complete an unfinished file. Taking the elevator to the sixteenth floor, I entered my office and began reviewing documents.
Suddenly, the announcement system blared:
EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING!!!
My heart skipped. I rushed to the meeting room, finding almost all the executives already seated. What could be so urgent?
Then the door darkened.
A shadow stretched across the room as a tall figure stood at the entrance. Hands tucked into his pockets, aura commanding, presence overwhelming. Even with sunglasses on, he looked unreal — sculpted features, sharp jawline, an intimidating calm.
For three full minutes, I forgot how to breathe.
Miss Jessie. My office. Now.
His voice was smooth but firm.
I didn't realize he had called me until a colleague nudged me. "Hurry before you get fired," he whispered.
I stood outside his office, debating whether to knock.
"Enter, Miss Jessie," his voice came from inside.
I stepped in.
He sat elegantly behind his desk, eyes following my every move. The silence stretched uncomfortably. I remembered the rumor — never look him in the eye. Since he still wore sunglasses, I kept my head lowered.
"Why are you looking down, Miss Jessie?" he asked. I froze.
"Cat got your tongue?" he added.
I shook my head slightly.
"So cute," he muttered.
Did I hear that right?
"Where are my manners? Please, have a seat."
I sat down cautiously.
"How can I be of help, boss?" I asked nervously.
His expression changed instantly.
"What did you just call me?"
"Boss...?" I replied, confused. "Isn't that what I'm supposed to call you?"
His voice turned cold.
"I need a complete copy of all company records since I left. Detailed. Concise. No errors. If I find a single mistake, consider yourself dismissed."
My heart dropped.
"But sir, I just joined—"
"No excuses. You have twenty minutes. Your time starts... now."
I rushed to the records room in panic.
Where do I even begin?
Files were piled everywhere — dusty bundles, untouched folders, scattered documents that looked decades old. I grabbed everything that seemed important, flipping through pages frantically.
Ten minutes gone.
I ran to Alex's office for help. He had worked at J&J Bveauty Palour for over five years. But even he wasn't allowed access to the records room.
Seventeen minutes gone.
Sweat dripped down my face as I sorted through files like my life depended on it.
Three minutes left.
Clutching a stack of documents, I sprinted back to his office.
Panting.
Desperate.
A messenger stopped me."Your boss has gone home. He said you should deliver whatever you found to his house within thirty minutes."
I stood frozen.
What the hell?!
He made me scramble like that and didn't even wait? And now I had to find his house in thirty minutes? What kind of game was he playing?
I ran back to Alex. Thankfully, this time, he had the address.