The morning sun painted golden stripes across the 86th floor executive office as Sophie Chen clutched her tablet tighter. Her first day as executive assistant to James Montgomery, CEO of Montgomery Industries, was not going as planned.
“These quarterly projections are unacceptable,” James stated coldly, dark eyes scanning the report. “I expect perfection, Ms. Chen.”
Sophie straightened her spine. “With respect, Mr. Montgomery, these projections account for market volatilities that your previous analyses ignored. I believe they’re more accurate.”
James looked up sharply, unused to being challenged. Something flickered in his eyes – annoyance? Interest? “Explain.”
For the next ten minutes, Sophie detailed her methodology, her voice growing more confident. James listened intently, his expression unreadable.
“Impressive,” he finally said, the word clipped. “But in the future, clear major changes with me first.”
“Of course, Mr. Montgomery.” Sophie turned to leave.
“And Ms. Chen?” His deep voice stopped her. “Coffee was cold this morning.”
Sophie bit back a retort. This man was impossible. But as she strode out, she didn’t notice James watching her leave, an intrigued smile playing at his lips.
Three months later, Sophie found herself working late with James, poring over acquisition documents. Thunder rolled outside as rain lashed the windows.
“We can finish this tomorrow,” James said, noticing her stifle a yawn.
“I’m fine,” Sophie insisted, reaching for the same document as James. Their hands brushed, sending electricity through both of them. Neither moved away immediately.
“You’ve surprised me, Ms. Chen,” James said softly. “Few people challenge my decisions. Even fewer prove me wrong.”
Sophie looked up, meeting his intense gaze. “Perhaps you needed someone who wasn’t afraid to challenge you.”
The air grew thick with unspoken words. Lightning flashed, illuminating their faces inches apart. James cleared his throat and pulled back.
“We should call it a night,” he said roughly, standing. “I’ll have my driver take you home.”
“I can manage,” Sophie replied, gathering her things, trying to calm her racing heart.
“It wasn’t a suggestion.” His tone was caring but firm. Sophie nodded, knowing better than to argue with that voice.
The annual Montgomery Industries gala was in full swing. Sophie navigated the crowd in a red silk gown, acutely aware of James’s eyes following her. She’d been avoiding him since their late-night moment, focusing instead on networking with potential clients.
“May I have this dance?” asked Richard Vale, their biggest competitor’s CEO. Sophie accepted, ignoring the burning gaze she felt from across the room.
Halfway through the dance, a strong hand tapped Richard’s shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?” James’s voice was polite but his eyes were steel.
Sophie found herself swept into James’s arms, his touch possessive. “You’re playing with fire, Ms. Chen,” he murmured.
“I’m doing my job,” she countered, though her body betrayed her with a shiver.
“Is that all this is? Your job?” His grip tightened slightly.
“You’re my boss,” Sophie whispered, heart pounding.
“And if I wasn’t?” The question hung between them as the music ended. Sophie stepped back, flustered.
“I need some air,” she managed, hurrying toward the balcony.
James found Sophie on the balcony, her silhouette ethereal in the moonlight. “Running away again?” he asked softly.
“I’m not running,” Sophie turned, eyes glistening. “I’m trying to be professional.”
“I’ve tried to be professional too,” James stepped closer. “I’ve tried to ignore how you challenge me, inspire me, make me want to be better. I’ve tried to ignore how beautiful you are, inside and out.”
“James…” Sophie breathed.
“I’m not good at relationships. Power and control are what I know. But with you…” He cupped her face. “With you, I want to learn something new.”
“What about the company? The board?”
“I don’t care. Some things are worth risking everything for.” He pulled out an envelope. “My resignation as CEO, effective immediately. My brother can take over. I choose you.”
Sophie gasped, then smiled brilliantly. “Throw that away.”
“What?”
“You’re an excellent CEO. And I’m an excellent executive assistant. Maybe…” she stepped closer, “we can be excellent together.”
James’s smile was answer enough as he pulled her into a kiss, the city lights twinkling below like their own private stars.
Love, they discovered, doesn’t always follow corporate protocol. Sometimes it writes its own rules.