Monica's POV
The sleek glass building of Lorenzo Group towered over Paradise Port's downtown district, reflecting the morning sunlight like a beacon of ambition. My heels clicked against the marble floor of the executive lobby as I clutched my leather portfolio, heart racing with a mixture of excitement and terror.
"Monica Hayes?" A polished woman in her fifties approached with an elegant smile. "Welcome to Lorenzo Group."
I recognized Paula Williams immediately from our virtual interview, her silver-streaked dark hair arranged in a perfect chignon. Up close, her transparent blue eyes were even more striking, radiating intelligence and warmth.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Mrs. Williams," I replied, shaking her extended hand firmly.
"Please, it's Paula," she insisted, guiding me toward the executive elevator. "You'll find we're quite informal among the senior staff, though appearances matter greatly when dealing with clients."
The elevator whisked us to the top floor, where Paula gave me a brief tour before showing me to my new workspace—a stunning corner area with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Paradise Port's harbor.
"This is... mine?" I gasped, running my fingers along the sleek glass desk.
"The executive assistant's position comes with certain perks," Paula smiled. "Your office connects directly to Mr. Lorenzo's through that door, though he's traveling in Tokyo this week."
She spent the morning walking me through protocols, introducing me to key personnel, and explaining the complex filing system. By noon, my head was swimming with information.
"You're doing wonderfully," Paula assured me. "I have a lunch meeting with HR, but I'll be back in an hour. Feel free to familiarize yourself with the systems."
Alone at last, I exhaled deeply, allowing myself a moment to absorb my surroundings. The reality of my new position was sinking in—I was the executive assistant to Morris Lorenzo, CEO of a global corporation. Me, Monica Hayes, single mother from Bellwood.
I smiled, thinking of Austin safely settled at the Lorenzo Group's executive daycare center. When I'd dropped him off this morning, he'd barely glanced back at me, too excited by the colorful play area and attentive caregivers. Natalie had been right—this move was exactly what we needed.
The sharp ring of the phone jolted me from my thoughts. I stared at the complex console, momentarily panicking before remembering Paula's instructions. Taking a deep breath, I picked up the receiver.
"Lorenzo Group, CEO's office," I answered professionally.
"Where the hell is Paula?" A deep, slightly hoarse male voice demanded without preamble.
The harshness of his tone sent a shiver down my spine. "Mrs. Williams is at lunch, sir. This is Monica Hayes, the new executive assistant. May I help you?"
A brief silence followed. "New assistant? Since when?"
"Today is my first day, sir," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite my quickening pulse.
"Wonderful," he muttered sarcastically. "Listen carefully, Monica. I need the Nakamura contract files sent to me immediately. The meeting's been moved up, and I'm going in blind without those documents."
My fingers flew across the keyboard, searching frantically. "May I ask who's calling?"
An incredulous laugh echoed through the line. "Are you serious right now? This is Morris Lorenzo."
My blood turned to ice. Of course it was. My brand new boss, calling on my first day, and I'd just asked him to identify himself like some random caller.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Lorenzo," I stumbled over my words. "I didn't—"
"Save the apologies and find those files," he snapped. "Email them to my personal account, not the company one. The server access is terrible at this hotel."
I located the Nakamura folder and began scanning for the contract. "Yes, sir. Which specific documents do you need?"
"All of them! The entire contract, the amendments, the projections—everything!" His impatience crackled through the line. "And while you're at it, call Felix Eddie and tell him I need an updated financial analysis before tomorrow's meeting."
"Felix Eddie," I repeated, jotting down the name. "And when would you like me to tell him you need this by?"
"Yesterday would be ideal," he growled. "But since time travel isn't an option, tell him I need it within three hours. And make sure he knows I won't accept any excuses."
I swallowed hard. "Yes, Mr. Lorenzo. Anything else?"
"That's all for now." His tone softened marginally. "Just get me those files immediately."
"I'm sending them right now, sir," I said, attaching the documents to an email.
"Good." He paused. "And Monica?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Don't ask who's calling next time." The line went dead.
I sat frozen, receiver still pressed to my ear, heart hammering against my ribs. My first interaction with my new boss, and I'd managed to irritate him within seconds. I quickly sent the files, then located Felix Eddie's extension with trembling fingers.
The financial director was equally abrupt, though slightly less intimidating. After relaying Mr. Lorenzo's demands and weathering his complaints about "impossible deadlines," I hung up and slumped in my chair.
So much for making a good first impression.
When Paula returned from lunch, I immediately confessed to my disastrous phone encounter.
"Mr. Lorenzo called," I began, wringing my hands. "He needed the Nakamura files, and I asked him to identify himself. He sounded so... angry."
To my surprise, Paula burst into laughter. "Oh my dear, that's just Morris on a good day! You should hear him when things are actually going wrong."
"That was him on a good day?" I asked incredulously.
"He's brilliant but demanding," she explained, setting her purse down. "The company has tripled in value since he took over three years ago after his parents died. That kind of pressure would make anyone a bit... intense."
His parents died. The information struck me unexpectedly. I thought of my own son, and my heart softened slightly toward my unseen boss.
"Did you get him what he needed?" Paula asked.
"Yes, sent the files immediately and contacted Mr. Eddie about the financial analysis."
"Perfect!" She beamed at me. "You handled it exactly right. Most new assistants freeze up or burst into tears when Morris barks orders at them."
"I have a two-year-old," I said dryly. "Toddler tantrums make excellent training for difficult bosses."
Paula's eyes twinkled. "You know, Monica, I've interviewed dozens of candidates for this position. Do you know why I chose you?"
I shook my head.
"Because when I mentioned Morris's... challenging temperament, you didn't flinch. Most applicants immediately start making excuses about why they might not be able to handle it. But you—" she pointed at me, "—you just nodded and said you weren't easily intimidated."
"I meant it," I said with more confidence than I felt. "But his voice... it was so startling. Strong and a little hoarse, like he's used to people jumping when he speaks."
"That's exactly right," Paula chuckled. "But don't worry. After today's performance, I'm more convinced than ever." She leaned in conspiratorially. "You two are going to get along great! You'll tame the beast, I'm sure of it."
I managed a smile, though her words sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach. Tame the beast? The last thing I needed was another complication in my carefully planned life. Morris Lorenzo was my boss—nothing more, nothing less. And no matter how commanding his voice had been, I was here to do a job, not to get entangled with the man behind it.
Still, as I organized my desk for tomorrow, I couldn't help but wonder what the man behind that commanding voice actually looked like.