One by one, go after your foes - Chapter 2

Ella - POV

Water splashed over my face as I stared into the bathroom mirror. I was grateful nobody was around to witness my pale complexion. Dealing with Darcus Miller was proving to be a challenge; I found his good looks to be so insufferable that it induced hatred. What a predicament I found myself in. Yet, I couldn't afford to leave my well-paying job. I needed to muster strength and professionalism to navigate this situation. My emotions, or my past, for that matter, couldn't rule me. After freshening up my makeup and fixing my hair, I felt ready to face the day.

Footsteps echoed, and Sofia appeared beside me, applying lipstick and observing me through the mirror with a somber expression.

"Congratulations, Sofia," I said, maintaining a polite tone. We were to work closely together, after all. Sofia acknowledged me with a nod, but irritation flared in her eyes, her stoic face barely concealing it. Just as I was about to exit, she broke the silence.

"You don't deserve the position of secretary; I should be the one in charge," Sofia declared calmly, the venom apparent in her eyes.

"Your past experience with cooperative companies doesn't automatically qualify you for this role. I earned this position based on my qualifications, which, it seems, you lack. That's why the CEO chose me," I retorted. Sofia sneered in response.

"Just wait and see, I won't rest until I get the secretary position and the chance to work alongside Darcus Miller," Sofia vowed, her eyes brimming with animosity towards me and a disturbing amount of affection when she mentioned Darcus's name. His name left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"So your plan is to seduce the CEO into bed, not perform the job's responsibilities. How very clear," I shot back with a smirk.

"Shut up. I'll make your life hell from now on," Sofia spat, storming out of the restroom.

"Off to a great start," I muttered to myself.

Before heading to the CEO's office for my briefing, I called my father and fiancé to share the news of my new job. But I refrained from mentioning that the CEO of the company was my ex-boyfriend. If they knew, they would urge me to quit and seek employment elsewhere, aware of the turmoil my previous relationship caused me. I needed this job for its lucrative salary and the experience it would afford me, and I planned to switch companies once a year had passed.

Gathering myself, I ventured into the office and was met with my greatest adversary. I knocked on the door.

"Come in," a cold voice beckoned. Upon entering, I noticed Sofia in one chair and Miss Reyes in another.

"You've finally joined us, Miss Hart," Sofia murmured. I managed to maintain a neutral expression at her remark.

"We don't have time to waste, Miss Hart. Take a seat; I need to brief you and then head out for another meeting," Mr. Miller commanded. As I made eye contact with his emotionless gaze, I quickly took my seat to discuss upcoming software projects.

"Miss Hart, I want you to compile a report on the company we're meeting next week," Mr. Miller instructed. "In addition, you're to assume Miss Reyes' duties, and all pending tasks should be completed by the end of next week. Miss Reyes will be leaving us in a week."

"Good luck, Miss Hart. I have faith in your capabilities," Miss Reyes said softly. I nodded, a slight smile on my face. Sofia's eyes flashed with

 irritation, while Mr. Miller returned to his icy demeanor.

"That's all for today, Miss Hart. In an hour, you'll accompany Miss Reyes to a meeting where she will brief you," Mr. Miller stated before rising from his desk and exiting the office. I exhaled a sigh of relief; I hadn't realized I was holding my breath.

"Miss Hart, here is the file for the program we previously worked on," Miss Reyes handed over a folder.

"Sofia, go over this document one more time and let me know if there are any discrepancies before we send it out," Miss Reyes ordered Sofia, who nodded and left with the file.

Miss Reyes and I continued to prepare for the upcoming meeting in my new cabin. Before she could address me again, I chimed in, "Please call me Ella." Miss Reyes nodded. She seemed to be in her late thirties, and her professionalism was softened by a friendly demeanor.

"Call me Avery," she replied, continuing to skim through the pages. I mirrored her actions, trying to grasp the meeting's agenda.

I headed to the conference room to check the arrangements for the visiting client. Upon entering, I found Mr. Miller alone with his eyes closed. Hearing my entrance, he opened his hazel eyes to meet my gaze.

"I apologize, Mr. Miller, I didn't realize you were here," I said hurriedly. He seemed irritated, but I swallowed my annoyance and swiftly reviewed the table settings, avoiding his intense stare.

"You've changed," he muttered. I froze, looking back at him.

"In what way?" I inquired. His silence was unnerving. I wanted to demand an answer but held back, knowing I needed to maintain my professionalism. Instead, I placed the papers on the table. My engagement ring caught his attention, and he caught my hand mid-air, staring at the ring.

"Mr. Miller, let go of my hand," I said, trying to hide my discomfort.

"You're engaged?" he asked coldly, locking his gaze with mine.