The question felt loaded, like a trap disguised as curiosity.
"I'm not entirely sure," I said honestly. "He reached out about an opportunity. I accepted."
"Just like that?" A small smile played at her lips. "You didn't find it… unusual? A CEO personally recruiting someone?"
"I did, actually."
"And yet you came anyway."
She stood, smoothing her suit. "That takes either courage or desperation. Which is it?"
The directness caught me off guard.
"Maybe both," I admitted.
Vivian laughed with a soft and melodic sound that didn't quite reach her eyes. "At least you're honest. I appreciate that."
She moved toward the door and paused.
"A word of advice, Lulu. Daniel is generous with his opportunities, but he expects loyalty in return. Don't forget that."
Once again, before I could respond, she was gone.
I stared at the closed door, her words still echoing in my ears.
Loyalty.
What did that mean, exactly?
*******
The team meeting at 2 PM was held in the large conference room I had seen earlier. When I arrived, five other people were already seated around the sleek table—three men, two women, all looking polished and confident.
Conversation stopped when I entered.
"You must be Lulu."
One of the women, she was in mid thirties, had sharp features, wore designer glasses, and extended her hand.
"I'm Rachel. Senior analyst. Welcome to the team."
"Thank you."
The others introduced themselves. Marcus (not my old boss, thankfully), Felix, Bella, and Reyhan. They were all friendly enough, but I could feel the assessment in their gazes.
The new girl, and her unknown quantity.
Vivian entered at exactly 2 PM, Kevin trailing behind her with a laptop.
"Let's begin," she said, taking her seat at the head of the table.
The meeting was intense. Each analyst presented their current projects—updates on portfolio performance, market trends, and risk assessment.
The level of detail was staggering. These people were good. Really good.
When it came to my turn, I kept it brief.
"I'm reviewing the Southeast Asian holdings. Early stages, but I've identified some areas that need attention.
"Such as?" Vivian's tone was neutral, but everyone's attention sharpened.
I mentioned the Singapore properties.
Rachel frowned. "Those have been stable for years."
"The reports show stability," I said carefully. "But the underlying numbers tell a different story. Occupancy rates are dropping."
"Perhaps you're misreading the data," Marcus suggested. Not unkindly, but dismissively.
"I don't think so."
Tension rippled through the room.
Vivian leaned forward slightly. "Continue your analysis, Lulu. Present your findings next week. We'll see if your concerns are warranted."
It wasn't quite a dismissal, but it wasn't support either.
The meeting moved on, but I could feel the shift. I had challenged the status quo on my first day.
Either brave or stupid. Or maybe both.
*******
By 6 PM, I was exhausted.
Most of the office had cleared out, but I wanted to finish one more analysis before leaving. I was deep in a spreadsheet when my phone buzzed.
Daniel Tan: Still at the office?
I glanced at the time. How did he know?
Me: Just finishing up. How did you know I was still here?
Daniel Tan: I have my ways. Go home. First days are exhausting.
Me: I want to finish this analysis.
Daniel Tan: It'll still be there tomorrow. Trust me. Burnout helps no one.
I smiled despite myself.
Me: Is this CEO wisdom again?
Daniel Tan: This is someone who learned the hard way wisdom. Go home. Eat something that isn't coffee. And rest.
Me: Fine. But only because you asked nicely.
Daniel Tan: I didn't ask. I told you. There's a difference.
My stomach did that stupid flutter again.
Me: Bossy.
Daniel Tan: You have no idea.
I stared at the last message, my pulse quickening.
Was he… flirting?
No. This was professional. Friendly. Nothing more.
Right?
Dismissing my thoughts, I packed up my things and headed for the elevator.
As I waited for the doors to open, I heard voices behind me. It was low and tense.
I glanced back.
Through the glass wall of Vivian's office, I could see her on the phone. Her expression was tight, frustrated. She was pacing.
Even from here, I could read her body language. Anger that was barely contained.
The elevator dinged.
I stepped inside, but curiosity nagged at me.
Who was she talking to? Who could make someone as composed as Vivian look that rattled?
*******
At home, I collapsed on my couch with takeout noodles and pulled out my phone.
Me: Question. Is Vivian always that… intense?
Daniel Tan: She's passionate about her work. Why? Did something happen?
Me: Not exactly. Just trying to figure out how to navigate her.
Daniel Tan: Be yourself. Do good work. She'll respect that.
Me: She told me you expect loyalty.
A long pause.
Daniel Tan: I expect honesty and integrity. If that's loyalty, then yes.
Me: And if I disagree with something?
Daniel Tan: Then tell me. I hired you for your mind. Not to be a yes woman.
Something warm bloomed in my chest.
Me: Good. Because I'm terrible at keeping my mouth shut.
Daniel Tan: I'm counting on it.
Me: Also, I challenged one of the senior analysts today. Might have made some enemies.
Daniel Tan: Already? I'm impressed m
Me: Is that a good thing?
Daniel Tan: It means you're thinking critically. That's exactly what I need.
I set my phone down and stared at the ceiling.
Daniel believed in me. Vivian was testing me. The team was watching me.
The pressure should have felt crushing.
Instead, it felt… exhilarating.
My phone buzzed one more time.
Daniel Tan: Get some rest. Tomorrow will be just as intense.
Me: Any other command, boss?
Daniel Tan: Just one. Stop calling me boss. Daniel is fine
Me: We'll see about that.
Daniel Tan: Stubborn.
Me: You have no idea.
Daniel Tan: Actually, I do. Good night. Sleep well.
I smiled at the screen like an idiot.
This was dangerous territory. The way my heart raced when he texted.
The way I checked my phone constantly, hoping for his name to appear.
He was my employer. My boss. The man who had given me this opportunity.
Getting involved, even emotionally, would be a disaster.