Chapter 1

When Theodore Grant showed up at the office with his new girlfriend, Cassandra Callahan, I happened to be delivering documents to his office.

She was clinging to his arm, her high heels clicking crisply against the floor. The moment she looked up and met my eyes, the smile on her face faded slightly.

"Who is this?" she asked.

Theodore answered easily, smiling as he introduced me, "My secretary, Yvette Saccone. She just graduated not long ago. She's reliable in her work."

I gave her a polite nod.

Cassandra responded with a soft hum, but her gaze lingered on my face.

Then, she suddenly leaned closer to Theodore, her voice syrupy sweet. "Theodore, is she the one they were talking about? The little birdy you keep hidden in the company?"

I paused.

Theodore frowned. "That's nonsense. Where did you hear that?"

As if realizing the mood had shifted, his tone softened. "You know exactly who I keep around me. Yvette is a colleague, nothing more. Don't joke about things like this again."

Cassandra pouted, looking wronged. "But everyone at the company is saying it. They say you take special care of a young secretary and never let her do any of the tedious work."

She shot me a glance before turning back to him, her voice growing even softer. "And look at her. She really is pretty, and you speak so highly of her abilities. Isn't it normal for me to feel a little jealous?"

Then, she smiled again and turned to me. "Still, since Theodore says so, I believe him. Ms. Saccone, just remember to keep your distance from now on."

The corner of my mouth twitched slightly. What a masterclass in pretentiousness.

She played the part of the innocent girlfriend while quietly shifting every accusation onto me, implying that I lacked boundaries and harbored ulterior motives.

I lowered my eyes and said nothing.

I didn't deny that I had my own reasons for staying close to Theodore, but they were nothing like what she imagined.

Creation Enterprises was selecting a general manager for promotion to headquarters. As the chairman's daughter, I had entered the branch company as a secretary to learn the ropes and evaluate candidates firsthand.

Theodore was the most promising candidate—capable, decisive, and highly regarded by my dad.

But after meeting his sharp-tongued and possessive girlfriend, I found myself reconsidering.

When Theodore stepped out to receive a visitor, Cassandra changed instantly.

She bounced over to my side, picked up the flowers I had just finished trimming, and brought them to her nose. "Ms. Saccone, you're not mad at me, are you?"

She tilted her head, but there was no warmth in her eyes.

I replied calmly, "Why would I be?"

She chuckled softly and lowered her voice. "Because I took the position you want most. I'm the one standing beside him now, and I'll be the one who becomes the boss' wife. And you? You've kept your head down for so long, and you'll get nothing in the end. Isn't that a shame?"

I met her gaze head-on and spoke calmly. "Ms. Callahan, I've already told you. Mr. Grant and I have a strictly professional relationship."

"Who are you fooling?"

Her smile turned cold. "Secretaries like you all look the same. You act professional at work, but behind the scenes, you're just waiting for a chance to climb higher."

She stepped closer, invading my space. "If you're smart, you'll resign on your own. Don't wait for me to make Theodore fire you."

I smiled faintly. "Ms. Callahan, this is the office. Please mind your words."

Meeting her gaze, I added, "Does Mr. Grant know you've been saying this?"

She fell silent.

Just then, the door opened, and Theodore walked back in.

Cassandra's expression changed instantly. Her eyes reddened, and she rushed toward him, her voice catching. "Theodore…"