The Job I didn't Expect

Bella’s POV

He watched me for a moment, then closed my folder.

“One more thing. You and I have a history.”

“We attended the same school.”

“That's a generous description of what happened.”

“We were children.”

“We were seventeen.”

“Children with better clothes and too much free time.”

His mouth curved.

“You told the debate club I couldn't distinguish confidence from intelligence.”

“You called my presentation boring.”

“It was forty minutes long.”

“It was a complicated subject.”

“You had seventeen slides about a problem that required three.”

“And you replaced my final slide with a picture of a donkey.”

“A very intelligent donkey.”

A laugh escaped me before I could stop it.

For a moment, we were seventeen again. Then the office came back into focus, and I remembered that this man would be signing my paychecks.

Dorian's expression grew serious.

“Bella, I need someone I can trust with confidential information. I won't give you special treatment because we know each other, and I expect you to tell me when something goes wrong, even if I'm the one who made the mistake.”

That surprised me.

“You'd want me to correct you?”

“I want someone who can do the job, not someone who agrees with everything I say.”

For once, I had no clever response.

He leaned back.

“Can you keep our history separate from our work?”

“Yes. I applied because I'm qualified. Whatever happened in school has nothing to do with the work I'll do here.”

He considered my answer, then stood.

He buttoned his suit jacket before extending his hand across the desk.

“Welcome to Ashford Technologies, Bella.”

I stared at his hand before taking it.

“Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Ashford.”

“Dorian is fine when we're alone.”

“I'm sure it is. Mr. Ashford will do.”

He laughed quietly.

“Monday. Eight o'clock. Be ready to work.”

“I will.”

He released my hand, and I picked up my bag.

“Bella.”

I turned back.

“Don't assume you know what I'm thinking just because you knew me in school.”

The remark caught me off guard.

“I wasn't planning to.”

“Good.”

He sat back down and opened his folder. The interview was over.

I left without asking what he meant.

Tessa was waiting outside.

“Well?”

“I got the job.”

“Congratulations! I knew you'd do well.”

She handed me a folder containing my initial employment documents and explained that HR would send my onboarding details before Monday.

I thanked her and headed for the elevator.

Once the doors closed, I finally let myself smile. I'd faced the interview, answered the difficult questions, and earned the position.

Mum wasn't going to be pleased, but that was a problem for later.

My phone vibrated.

An email from Ashford Technologies contained my salary, working hours, confidentiality requirements, and appointment terms. I would begin with a ninety day review period.

Most responsibilities were straightforward: coordinate meetings, manage correspondence, and maintain confidential records.

Then I reached a paragraph I hadn't seen in the job advertisement.

The Executive Assistant will also provide administrative support for selected confidential executive assignments as directed by the CEO.

I read it twice.

Confidential assignments?

There was no explanation, only a link to the employee portal and instructions to complete my onboarding before Monday.

As I stepped into the lobby, another notification appeared. A message from an unknown number.

Unknown: HR should have sent your offer details.

Me: They have. Thank you.

Unknown: Read the entire document before Monday.

I frowned.

Me: I have. What are the confidential executive assignments?

The typing indicator appeared, disappeared, then returned.

Unknown: We'll discuss that in person.

Me: I'd prefer to know what I'm agreeing to before I start.

His response took longer.

Unknown: Fair point. There's a file you need to review. I'll explain the context when you arrive.

Me: What file?

Unknown: The one that explains why I need you on this job.

I stopped walking.

I'd watched him test my judgement, challenge my answers, and make decisions confidently. I had earned the position on my qualifications. I was sure of that.

But why had he specifically needed me?

I opened the employee portal link, hoping to find more information. My account wasn't active yet.

No access. No file. No explanation.

Another message appeared.

Unknown: Monday. Eight o'clock. My office.

Me: I thought I was reporting to the executive office.

Unknown: You are. There's something you need to see before you start.

I hesitated.

Me: And after I see it?

Unknown: You'll understand the job you've accepted.

I slipped my phone into my bag and walked outside into the morning traffic.

I'd come to Ashford Technologies to build a future of my own. I'd taken the first step, and I wasn't going to let an unanswered question make me doubt myself.

Still, one thing bothered me.

Dorian could have hired any qualified assistant in New York.

So why had he chosen me?