EPISODE 2 – PART 2: “The CEO Notices”

EPISODE 2 – PART 2: “The CEO Notices”

Clara

The rest of the morning went by in a blur of files, emails, and photocopies. I kept replaying the morning coffee incident in my head—and the way he had guided me so carefully without snapping.

I couldn’t help it—every time I thought about it, my cheeks burned.

By lunchtime, I found myself alone in the small pantry, reheating a sandwich, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

“Clara?”

I jumped. There he was. Alexander Steele, standing by the pantry door, looking… casual? He wasn’t in full suit today—just a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled up. Somehow, it made him look less intimidating and more human.

“Uh… good afternoon, sir,” I stammered, clutching my sandwich like a shield.

He raised an eyebrow. “Eating alone?”

“Yes, po… I just… wanted a quiet lunch,” I replied.

“You do realize you’re in the building’s most public area, right?” he said. Then, softer this time: “Sit.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Uh… okay, sir.”

⸻

Alexander

He gestured to the empty chair across from him. Clara sat hesitantly, sandwich in hand.

“Why are you always so flustered around me?” he asked, casual but cutting.

I blinked. “Flustered po? Me? I… I don’t think—”

“Yes, you do,” he interrupted with a slight smirk. “And it’s quite… endearing.”

My cheeks burned. “Sir!”

He didn’t respond, just leaned back against the counter. Something in his posture was relaxed, approachable—yet still commanding.

He continued, softer now: “You have a way of being… honest. Unpretentious. Most people would pretend, but you don’t.”

I swallowed. “I… I just try to do my best, sir.”

“Good. Don’t ever change that.”

⸻

Clara (first-person thoughts)

I couldn’t believe I was having lunch with him… and he’s actually talking to me.

And not just giving orders—he’s… noticing me.

Somehow, my brain refused to process it.

This is Alexander Steele. CEO. Billionaire. Cold. Untouchable.

And yet here he was… talking to me like I mattered.

⸻

Afternoon Crisis

By mid-afternoon, a problem arose. A critical project spreadsheet had gone missing from the server. Panic erupted across the finance department.

“Clara, can you handle this?” Mara whispered frantically.

I froze. Me? Why me?

Before I could answer, a deep, commanding voice called:

“Ms. Villanueva.”

I turned to see Alexander at the doorway, arms crossed. “Show me the problem.”

I gulped. “Uh… yes, sir.”

We walked to the server room together. Every step felt electric. Somehow, the earlier fluster faded, replaced by focus.

⸻

Alexander

Watching her work was… unusual.

Most employees freeze under pressure. She didn’t. She took a deep breath, analyzed the problem, and began checking the logs.

He noted her methodical approach. “Interesting. You think logically under pressure.”

She looked up briefly. “I… I try, sir.”

There it was again—that spark in her eyes: determination, courage, and a hint of stubbornness.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, it fascinated him.

⸻

Clara

I scanned through the files, sweat forming on my palms.

Okay, Clara. Focus. Just… don’t break anything.

“Here!” I exclaimed. “Found it! Someone accidentally saved the new version under an old folder. That’s why the data disappeared.”

Alexander leaned over my shoulder. “Good. Smart. Quick.”

I bit my lip. “Thank you, sir.”

For a moment, our eyes met, and I swear… the world paused.

⸻

Alexander

He straightened. “See? This is why I assigned you to assist me. Most would’ve panicked and made it worse.”

“I-I just… wanted to help, sir.”

He studied her, noting the sincerity in her voice. Not everyone tried so hard to do well. Not everyone cared.

And for some reason, that… unsettled him.

⸻

The First Tease

Later, back in the office, he handed her a cup of coffee—his own way of acknowledging her work.

“You made it through the crisis,” he said.

I took the cup, nervously. “Uh… thank you, sir. I… I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”

“Guidance?” he said with a smirk. “I mostly watched.”

I blinked. “Sir?”

“I let you figure it out. I wanted to see if you could think on your feet.”

Heat rose to my cheeks. “Sir, I… I hope I did okay.”

“You did more than okay,” he said simply.

And just like that, he turned away, leaving me flustered and smiling like a fool.

⸻

Clara (first-person thoughts)

What is happening to me?

He’s cold, intimidating, billionaire… untouchable. And yet, he’s noticing me. Watching me. Letting me prove myself.

And why does that feel so… good?

⸻

Evening Reflection

After work, I stayed late to finish a report. The office was empty and quiet, except for the faint hum of the aircon.

I glanced at his empty office—Alexander Steele’s empire, his kingdom. And somehow, I felt… connected. A small part of me belonged there now.

This is dangerous, I thought.

But also… exciting.

⸻

Alexander

He lingered at his office window, watching her leave earlier.

She didn’t realize it, but she had captured his attention in a way few ever did.

Why her? he asked himself.

She was ordinary. Unremarkable. But there was a spark he couldn’t ignore.

He clenched his jaw. Focus.

But even as he said it, he knew: she had changed something inside him. Something he wasn’t ready to admit.