Due to her father's untimely death, Elara Harrington, 24, was named CEO of Harrington Industries. She had no idea that the business was experiencing financial problems, which led to Ashford Industries, her rival, acquiring Harrington Industries. Sebastian Ashford, the CEO of Ashford Industries a 26-year-old playboy billionaire, is a self-centered, wicked person who believes that everything revolves around him. He is left to clean up Harrington Industries' mess and baggage after his company acquired the corporation. Elara used to be the CEO of her own company, but now she is a secretary to the most selfish and egotistical billionaire. Elara eventually starts to see the true him as they become closer and barriers fall away. Will she be able to get past the billionaire's secret once his dark secret is revealed, or will the damage be too great to undo? *18+ *Includes mature content, slightly graphic scenes, and cursing*
With a sad expression on his face, my accountant told me, "I'm afraid that's the only solution."
He gave me the most shocking news of my life when we were seated in my office.
"Not at all. I yelled back, "I don't think that's the only option.
I was experiencing my worst nightmare. It seems that my father, the CEO of Harrington Industries, had been struggling financially for some time because of his gambling addiction. Although I've always known he gambles, I had no idea it was so severe that it would require the buyout of our entire business.
It would be an understatement to say that I'm embarrassed and furious. Naturally, even in his grave, my now-deceased father had to leave me to clean up his mess.
"I apologize, but this is the only approach," my accountant said, interrupting my flow of thought.
I squeezed the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes. "Who's the buyer?"
"Ashford Industries."
My eyes snapped open at once. "Over my dead fucking body."
My dad had worked so hard to build this company, and there was no way in heaven or earth that I would let our competitor buy it out.
If I let this agreement go through, all the evenings I spent at home by myself when I was younger, all the school functions dad skipped because of this blasted firm, and missing my high school and college graduations would have all been for fucking nothing.
My father and I have always been in the picture; my mother passed away after I was born.
He was not around when I spent my whole life growing this business. Even though I detest him for not being the parent I always needed and wanted, I had to make sure that I carried on my father's legacy-albeit one that was better-because I owed it to my younger self.
I'm afraid Miss Harrington, you're stuck with no other option. You will become Ashford Industries' new secretary after they buy you out. That's the best I could have done, I apologize. He said, "Your father dug a bottomless hole that even I can't get you out of," as he started arranging papers in front of me.
I slammed my fists on the desk and spat, "I would rather work at McFuckingDonalds before I work for that narcissistic bastard."
My accountant recoiled and straightened his round glasses. "The documents I placed in front of you state that you agree to Ashford Industries buying you out, and if you work with them for two years as their secretary, they will issue a loan for you to be able to build Harrington Industries back up again."
That drew my interest. "So if I work for him for two years, I'm one hundred percent guaranteed that loan?" I inquired slowly.
He gave a nod. "That's correct."
I've always struggled to swallow my pride because I'm such a self-assured and strong-willed person. However, I can tell when I've been beaten-like in this instance, for instance-when it happens.
My father's job can be completed and my company can be bought back if I work for Crap Industries for the next two years. I'm ready to endure it for the sake of my sanity, even though getting relegated to a secretary will probably be worse than breaking up. Should I turn this opportunity down and allow Harrington Industries to be acquired indefinitely, I would never be able to live with myself.
"Where do I sign?" With a defeated tone, I inquired.
With a smile, my accountant gestured to multiple lines on the paperwork that were in front of me.
"Ashford Industries expects you to report to work tomorrow at precisely 6 AM; an employee will be available to provide you with additional information. "Remain optimistic about this company; you will overcome this obstacle," he remarked softly while gathering the signed paperwork and packing it in his briefcase.
I escorted him out of my office with a tiny grin on my face and thanked him for his good remarks. I groaned and leaned my head against the door, wondering what in the world had just transpired. It still amazes me that I essentially gave up my life for the next two years.
My new world will start tomorrow, and I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't feel nervous. This will be the biggest adjustment of my life, and I've always dreaded change. Nevertheless, I'm going to keep my half of the bargain and do whatever it takes to get my company back, even if it means giving the devil my life.
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Chapter 1 overwhelming thoughts
19/10/2024
Chapter 2 The new position
19/10/2024
Chapter 3 The familiarization
19/10/2024
Chapter 4 The name indeed
19/10/2024
Chapter 5 The tears
19/10/2024
Chapter 6 Interrupted
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Chapter 7 Reluctantly
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Chapter 8 She is in trouble
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Chapter 9 Magnificent
19/10/2024
Chapter 10 Best sleep
19/10/2024
Chapter 11 The Trip
21/10/2024
Chapter 12 Anticipation
21/10/2024
Chapter 13 Intruder
21/10/2024
Chapter 14 Whispering
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Chapter 15 Hesitated
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Chapter 16 Stiffened
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Chapter 17 Seductively
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Chapter 18 Surrendering
21/10/2024
Chapter 19 Interaction
21/10/2024
Chapter 20 The sleep
21/10/2024
Chapter 21 Getting closer
21/10/2024
Chapter 22 Weirdly
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Chapter 23 Unleash
21/10/2024
Chapter 24 Frustration
21/10/2024
Chapter 25 Pulling me closer
21/10/2024
Chapter 26 Finally spoke
21/10/2024
Chapter 27 Finishing what started
21/10/2024
Chapter 28 Punched
22/10/2024
Chapter 29 Emotions
22/10/2024
Chapter 30 Silent Prayer
22/10/2024
Chapter 31 I glanced
22/10/2024
Chapter 32 Clenched
22/10/2024
Chapter 33 lifting self
22/10/2024
Chapter 34 Backing away
22/10/2024
Chapter 35 Clutched
22/10/2024
Chapter 36 simultaneously
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Chapter 37 Freedom
22/10/2024
Chapter 38 Stumbled blindly
22/10/2024
Chapter 39 Devious smile
22/10/2024
Chapter 40 Traumatizing memories
22/10/2024