The second day at Velasco Enterprises began with rain tapping gently against the office windows. Elena arrived early, her blouse damp at the shoulders, her hair curling slightly from the humidity. She didn't mind. The rain felt honest—unlike the lie she carried in her name.
She settled at her desk, booted up her computer, and tried to focus on the spreadsheet Maya had helped her with yesterday. But her mind kept drifting to the moment Adrian Velasco had looked at her. It had been brief, but something in his eyes—sharp, unreadable—had pierced through her disguise.
He saw me, she thought. Not Elena Cruz. Just… me.
"Morning!" Maya chirped, dropping her bag onto her chair. "You survived Day One. That's a win."
Elena smiled. "Barely."
Maya leaned in conspiratorially. "Rumor is, the CEO's reviewing department reports today. If he calls for marketing, we might get a visit."
Elena's stomach flipped. "He reviews reports personally?"
"Sometimes. Especially if numbers dip. He's got this sixth sense for inefficiency."
Elena glanced at her screen. Her report wasn't perfect. She had triple-checked the figures, but formatting errors still haunted her. What if he sees it? What if he questions me?
By midmorning, tension rippled through the floor. The executive assistant strode past the cubicles, heels clicking like a metronome of doom.
"Elena Ramirez?" she said, stopping at Elena's desk.
Elena blinked. "Yes?"
"Mr. Velasco would like to speak with you. Now."
Maya's eyes widened. Elena stood slowly, heart pounding. Why me? What did I do wrong?
She followed the assistant down the corridor, past glass-walled offices and silent conference rooms. Adrian's door loomed ahead, sleek and dark, with his name etched in silver.
The assistant knocked once, then opened the door. "Miss Ramirez, sir."
Adrian Velasco looked up from his desk. He was dressed in a charcoal suit today, no tie, sleeves rolled slightly. His gaze was calm, but Elena felt its weight immediately.
"Thank you," he said to the assistant, who nodded and left.
Elena stepped inside, unsure whether to sit or speak. Adrian gestured to the chair across from him.
"I reviewed your report," he said. "The numbers are accurate. The formatting, however, is inconsistent."
"I—I'm sorry," Elena stammered. "I'm still learning the system."
He studied her. "You're new, yes. But you're not careless."
Elena swallowed. "I try not to be."
Adrian leaned back, fingers steepled. "Where did you study?"
"University of San Carlos," she replied, using the name she had prepared. It was true—she had taken summer courses there under her alias.
"And before that?"
She hesitated. "Private tutoring. My family moved often."
He nodded slowly, as if filing away the answer. "You're not like the others."
Elena's breath caught. "What do you mean?"
"You observe. You listen. Most new hires try to impress. You try to understand."
She didn't know what to say. Compliments from a CEO weren't part of her script.
Adrian stood, walked to the window. The rain had stopped, leaving streaks across the glass.
"This company rewards effort. Not pedigree. Not charm. Just results." Elena nodded, unsure if he was warning her or encouraging her. He turned back. "I'll expect your next report by Friday. Clean formatting. No errors."
"Yes, sir."
As she stood to leave, he added, "And Miss Ramirez?"
She paused.
"Don't let nerves ruin your potential."
She met his eyes. "I won't."
Back at her desk, Maya pounced. "What happened? Did he yell? Did he fire you?"
Elena shook her head, dazed. "No. He… noticed me."
Maya blinked. "Noticed you? Like, in a good way?"
"I think so."
Maya grinned. "Girl, you just got Velasco'd. That's rare."
Elena smiled faintly, but inside, her thoughts churned. Adrian Velasco was perceptive. Too perceptive. If he kept looking at her like that, he might see past Elena Ramirez and glimpse the truth she was hiding.
And yet… a part of her wanted him to.