5. Alice Riley Impresses Her Boss

ALICE RILEY

"You are determined. Beauty with intelligence. Vivian Scott isn’t an easy man. I’m impressed you got the signatures on time."

Alexis Segal, the head of Lexis Consultants, praised my work in front of the entire department. I’d just returned to the office the next day after that awkward, yet successful, meeting with Mr. Vivian Scott, the CEO of Scott Group.

Only two months into my internship, and I’d already earned enough goodwill with Mr. Segal for him to assign me to assist with the company’s key accounts. He wasn’t always the hard-nosed leader he pretended to be, but when critical clients weren’t handled properly, his wrath was legendary. I knew working at Lexis Consultants was a stepping stone to my ambitious career plans. One day, I wanted to run the best legal firm in the city.

Thanking Mr. Segal, I smiled politely and returned to my section. Maria and Sofia, my fellow interns, waved at me as I settled into my seat.

"How did it go?" Maria asked eagerly.

"Success," I said with a grin.

"Thank god, we’re saved. I was not ready to face Segal’s wrath," Sofia muttered, throwing a cautious glance toward his office.

"Relax. I’ve got it covered," I replied with a smirk, exuding confidence I wasn’t entirely sure I felt.

A week ago, I was added to the Scott Group account when Sussane Donovan, the account manager, went on sudden medical leave. While Maria and Sofia had been assisting her for six months, I was the new addition, eager to prove myself. The infringement case involving Scott Group was up for hearing next week, and we were still scrambling to get the required documentation in order. The last-minute chaos had infuriated Mr. Segal, creating the perfect opportunity for me to step up.

When I volunteered to visit Scott Group’s office and secure Mr. Scott’s signatures, I knew it was a calculated risk. Fortunately, it paid off, and I had earned my boss’s approval. Yet, despite the success, I felt far from satisfied.

"So, tell us, Alice," Maria leaned in conspiratorially, distracting my thoughts. "Did you actually get to meet him? The infamous Vivian Scott?"

I gave her a questioning look. "Why does that sound so dramatic?"

"Because Sussane Donovan said he’s the kind of guy you don’t forget after the meeting," Sofia interjected. "She said he’s ridiculously handsome—like unfairly handsome. Is that true?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to appear nonchalant. "I met him. He’s fine. Nothing to write home about." A blatant lie, but I wasn’t about to fuel their curiosity.

"Come on!" Maria nudged my arm. "Fine? That’s all you’re going to give us? Wasn’t he intimidating? Or charming? Or both?"

"Maybe a little intimidating," I admitted grudgingly. "But honestly, I was just focused on getting the signatures."

"Sure, sure," Sofia said, smirking. "Focused on work while standing in front of a Greek god. I totally believe you."

I shook my head, forcing a laugh. "You two have active imaginations. Trust me, he’s just another CEO—rich and arrogant."

In reality, I was furious with myself for letting Vivian Scott intimidate me. In my twenty-one years, I’d never allowed anyone to rattle my confidence. Life taught me to be strong and self-reliant, and I lived by those rules. Men flirting with me wasn’t new, but the way my body reacted to Mr. Scott’s words and proximity was something I couldn’t ignore.

I didn’t want to feel those fluttering butterflies or entertain any romantic thoughts. Emotions led to vulnerabilities, and I refused to let anyone have that kind of power over me. I was stubborn, driven, and fiercely independent—qualities most men would likely find off-putting. So, I’d always kept my guard up, and it worked. But then, why had Vivian Scott’s whispered words and smirking gaze left me breathless?

I cursed myself, replaying the encounter in my mind. Yes, the day was a professional success, but I couldn’t shake the lingering embarrassment. It had to be a one-time lapse in control—a moment where I let my hormones override my senses. That wouldn’t happen again.

With a deep sigh, I pushed the memory aside. This was no time to dwell on distractions. Turning back to the stack of work on my desk, I steeled my focus. There was no room for weakness in my plans, and Vivian Scott, no matter how charming, was not going to be the exception.