THE CEO’S GREATEST CHALLENGE

The luxury cafe smelled like white truffles and money. Elena Brooks wasn’t used to it.

She adjusted her oversized borrowed sunglasses and checked her cheap wristwatch.

Fifteen minutes late.

Perfect.

Two hours earlier, Chloe had shoved a dress into her hands and pushed her out.

“My dad set up another boring corporate date. I’m supposed to behave, but I’m going to the beach. Ruin it for me, EL. Make him lose interest”

No name. No details. Just sabotage

Elena spotted the table.

The man was already seated, scrolling on a tablet, not even looking up as she approached. Sharp profile. Expensive suit. The kind of man who didn’t wait for people.

Too bad.

Elena dropped into the seat across from him and tossed her bag onto the table, knocking the sugar shaker sideways.

"You're late," the man said,

He still didn’t look up.

“Traffic,” she replied lazily, leaning back in her chair. ”And honestly? This place is a bit tacky, too much gold”

That got his attention.

His gaze lifted, sharp, cold, cutting straight through her.

“If you’re uncomfortable, Miss Vance,” he said, voice low, “the exit is right behind you.”

Elena smiled, all fake sweetness. “Oh, I’m not leaving. Not before I order the most expensive thing on your menu. Your father is paying, isn’t he?”

His jaw tightened.

He stood.

“Tell your father the deal is off,” he said calmly.

“I don’t work with liabilities.”

Three crisp bills hit the table.

Then he walked away.

Just like that.

Elena exhaled slowly, the tension draining from her shoulders.

She stared at the money.

Groceries for three weeks.

Chloe would be happy. Her father wouldn’t.

Not her problem.

…..Right?

The next evening, Elena’s small apartment felt nothing like that cafe`

El, check your email,” Maya called from across the room.

Elena frowned. “ Why? Rent issue again?”

“Better”

Maya turned the laptop toward her, eyes bright.

“I sent out your CV last week. Executive assistant roles.”

Elena froze. “You didn’t”

“I did, and you got a response.”

Maya pointed at the screen.

“Subject: Invitation for Immediate Interview …[Executive Assistant role]."

Dear Miss Brooks,

Following a review of your application, you have been shortlisted for an interview at Cross International. Please report to Human Resources.

Cross International.”Elena shouted

Elena’s stomach dropped.

“They’ll laugh at me.”

“They won’t,” Maya said firmly. “You already do this job for Chloe. Guess what? You just don’t get paid for it.”

Elena hesitated.

Maya grabbed her hands. “Just go.”

The interview was intense.

Rapid questions.Crisis scenarios. Pressure.

Elena didn’t flinch.

She’d handled worse.

“What would you do if a client threatened to pull a multimillion-dollar deal at the last minute?” Marcus asked, watching her closely.

“I’d find out what they actually want,” Elena replied without hesitation. People don’t walk away from money without a reason. Fix the reason, you fix the problem.”

Marcus’s brow lifted slightly.

Another question.Another answer.

A pause.

“Turnover for this role is very high,” Marcus said. “The CEO is… demanding. Difficult,”

Elena allowed herself a small smile. “I’m still here.:

Something unreadable passed across his face.

Then.

“You’re hired.”

Elena blinked. “Wait… what?”

Welcome to the team, Miss Brooks,” Marcus said, standing up to shake her hand. You start immediately.

“Let's get you to the executive floor,“ Marcus added.

The elevator ride felt too fast.

When the doors opened, everything changed.

The space was Quiet, sleek. Expensive in a way that didn’t need to show off.

Power lived here.

A man stood close to the window, his back to them, speaking into his phone.

“If the team fails, replace them,” he said coldly.

“ I don’t pay for excuses.”

Elena froze..

Something about this voice...

Familiar.

He turned.

Her breath caught.

Same eyes.

Same man.

The cafe.

Julian Cross.

Recognition hit him just as fast. His expression hardened instantly.

And in that moment, everything clicked.

She hadn’t just ruined a date.

She had just sabotaged her boss.