All Chapters of Before He Was My Boss.: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Aurélie Tess Blackwood “Miss Aurélie Blackwood?”A female voice called out—sharp, immediate, surprisingly rude.I looked up from my desk, already exhausted even though the day had barely even started.“That’s me,” I said, my voice flat.The next thing I knew, she was piling huge boxes onto my desk.One box. Then another. Then another. Then a fourth. And then a fifth. A finally a sixth.Each one landed with a heavy thud that made my coffee cup rattle.Great.“Hate to say this, Miss Blackwood, but I’ll have to work with you today,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “And it’s not a pleasure working with the most incompetent, privileged secretary in this company.”I blinked.“I’m sorry, a privileged what now?” I snapped, stunned by the sudden audacity.“You heard me.”Unbelievable.I let out a shaky laugh, trying desperately to calm myself before I said something I’d regret. “I’m sorry, do I... do you know me from somewhere? Did I offend you? Do I know you?”Because what did she

Donovan Reynor.I walked back into my office, not a care in the world.But the truth? The truth was that I was thinking of new ways to torture Aurélie. Because it seemed like the only effective way to get her out of my goddamn head.I knew damn well who’d sorted those minutes out.I knew it was her.Because I knew how she worked. And I hated to admit it, but I actually paid attention to her writing style and tone.Anyone with half a brain could tell that it was her. The thoroughness. The detail. The way every loophole was outlined with precision, every error highlighted with clarity.Something none of my past secretaries could give me.Not even close.I knew the redhead always had a personal vendetta against whoever became my secretary. Always had. It was pathetic, really. Some twisted jealousy that made her sabotage anyone who sat at that desk outside my office.And I knew that the only person who would break a bone, the only person who’d go that far to get that ridiculous amount of

Donovan Reynor.I hated myself right now.God, I did.The moment replayed in my head on a vicious loop, and every time it did, my stomach tightened and my chest cracked open a little bit more.I’d seen her laughing with Rand.Smiling at him like he was someone worth smiling at.And I’d never felt so much anger in my life before.It wasn’t even rational. It was primal. Sickening. Consuming.I’d seen Aurélie smile with other clients and partners before. I’d watched her laugh politely at their jokes, engage them in pleasant conversation, be warm and professional in ways that made my company look good.And every time, it made me sick.But today? Today I was terrified.And I didn’t know why.Or maybe I did.Because Rand was a cunning, deceitful bastard, and all he did was take by every means necessary.And I was terrified he’d do the same to Aurélie.Because that was what he did. Take and take and take and take. That was what his record showed. That was what his entire life and name was bu

Aurélie Tess Blackwood.“Awww, Tess,” Addison gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth in disbelief. “You look amazing.”“Thank you, Addie,” I said, feeling my cheeks burn with warmth.I wore an off-shoulder black gown that fit me perfectly, dipping lower at the neckline and exposing a hint of cleavage unapologetically. The sheer lace sleeves hugged my arms in delicate patterns that felt both elegant and daring. Around my waist, the corset pulled me in, cinched tight with see-through lace that showed just enough skin to feel bold without overdoing it. The rest of the dress fell in a smooth, suede-like flow to the floor, with a thigh-high slit revealing my leg as I moved and a slight train trailing behind me.My heels were simple yet intimidating—black stiletto heels with red bottoms, elegant and just high enough to make me stand taller and feel more confident.My hair fell down my back in a butterfly cut, styled in a soft blowout. The layers were light and full, framing my face in

Donovan ReynorI’d called her multiple times.And for a moment, I thought she’d bailed. Abandoned me.But I didn’t let the thought settle.“She’s fine. She’s probably just running a little late,” I reassured myself, staring at my phone, watching it ring with no answer.And she better just be late and nothing else.God, is she okay? I hope she is.But then my phone rang, and the minute I heard the voice on the other end, I knew it was him.Rand.Why the hell is he calling me? And how the fuck did he get my private number?He started by complimenting my suit, his tone dripping with false civility, and it got me wondering exactly how he’d managed to get past security after I’d given strict orders not to let him through that door if he did show up.But then he started talking about her.About how Aurélie had chosen to go with him. About how beautiful she looked in the dress I got for her.My fear and frustration quickly morphed into anger in a matter of seconds.Chose to go with him? Why t