In a beautiful world of Manhattan's Society and cut-throat business, Alexander Thompson, the most influential CEO of Thompson Industries, meets Ruby Wilson, a very beautiful and shy secretary with an ugly past....... Who got hired by luck in spite of her late arrival at the scheduled interview, Ruby finds it challenging to keep up with Alex's demanding expectations. Yet, as Alex coached her, she became determined and passionate about the job. But their budding connection became threatened when Alex's controlling ex-girlfriend, Vicky Lee, found her way back into Alex's life under the pretence of reconciliation but secretly plotting revenge. Coincidentally, James Parker, a ruthless business competitor, conspired to take over Thompson Industries. As tension rise, Ruby exposed Vicky's schemes and tried to warn Alex to retrieve his steps only to be dismissed admits the confusion that set in. Her past as a stripper was used against her, shaking her confidence and also trying to jeopardize her growing relationship with Alex. Meanwhile, Alex faces the devastating consequences of James attempt to frame him up for fraud, putting the company at risk and thereby trying to damage his reputation. With courage and resilience, Ruby embarks on a daring mission to expose James and Vicky. Her bravery earns Alex's trust and admiration, leading him to reevaluate his feelings for her. Together, they confront their enemies, reclaim Thompson Industries and uncover a love that transcend class and adversity. Immediately they won the battle against their enemies, Alex and Ruby's bond become stronger, with Ruby taking over the leadership position of the company. Their journey from hardship to victory signals a promising future, blending romance, drama and corporate intrigue against the backdrop of New York City's high stake world.
Chapter 1 1
A CHANCE ENCOUNTER
The hustle and bustle of a New York morning spilled into the vast lobby of Thompson Industries. As she entered the building, Ruby Wilson tightened the straps of her leather bag. Her chest thumped with her heartbeat. She arrived at the interview just fifteen minutes late. It is a major transgression in the corporate world. Her anxious steps reflected on the marble floor, and the towering glass walls seemed to mock her with its ancient perfection. In this realm of power and privilege, Ruby felt like an impostor.
She wore a simple navy blue dress and black heels that was on sale last year. She walked to the reception.
"Ruby Wilson, here for the secretary position," she said barely raising her voice above a whisper.
The receptionist raised her eyebrows unimpressed but pointed her to the 45th floor. Ruby entered the elevator, trying to adjust her outfit and remain calm. The mirror-lined wall revealed her freckled face. She had put her red hair back into a tidy ponytail. She felt her past ingrained in her skin, even if she couldn't see the scars.
When the elevator door opened, she found a large office bustling with various activities. She rushed to the designated room and froze when she saw a man standing next to the floor-to-ceiling window. His tailored suit clung to him with precision, and his presence seemed to control the air around him. Alexander Thompson.
She recognized him from magazine covers and from the news. He is the CEO, mastermind and youngest billionaire of Thompson Industries. His chipped jaw and piercing blue eyes could frighten anyone, and Ruby felt her palms tighten.
"You're late," he said, turning to face her. His voice was clipped, but was full of curiosity.
"I'm so sorry," Ruby stammered, "There was-"
Alex cut in, "I don't care about excuses." He focused his eyes on her as he folded his arms across his chest. "You have five minutes to convince me not to dismiss you immediately."
Ruby swallowed hard. Her mind was racing. She was not ready for this. But then wasn't that her whole life? Improvising! Survival!
"I'm late," she began, lifting her chin slightly. "But I am not incapable. I worked hard to get here. And if you give me a chance I will work harder to prove myself."
Alex's lip twitched, almost smiled, but he was quick to conceal it with his trademark stubbornness.
"Fine," he replied, "You've been hired. But don't think for a second that I can tolerate mediocrity. Be at your workstation tomorrow at 8:00 a.m."
Ruby gasped, but Alex left the room before she could respond, leaving her speechless. Hired? Just like that? Before she could even comprehend what was happening, the HR manager entered, congratulated her, and gave her the paperwork to fill out.
Ruby realized the truth of her predicament when she exited the building that afternoon. She was hired by one of the most prominent corporations in the city.
She would work directly for Alexander Thompson. But as she walked the busy streets of Manhattan, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just stepped foot in a world where every move is scrutinized. Every mistake... magnified.
****
That evening, she stood in her small studio apartment, staring at her reflection in the broken mirror. Scars from her past stared back-not physically. But the memory of the nights under the neon lights, dancing for strangers just to pay the bills. She had buried that life. Or so she thought. Would she be able to bury it here, in this new world of ambition and brutal competition?
The next morning, Ruby arrived at Thompson Industries fifteen minutes early. She memorized the history of the company. Brushed up on workplace etiquette and practiced how to answer calls professionally. But nothing could prepare her for the hurricane named Alexander Thompson.
He is precise and demanding. Every job must be carried out properly. Every email should be drafted with precise language. Ruby struggled at first, feeling the heat of his gaze every time she did something wrong. But beneath his cold exterior she began to feel something else-a quiet patience when he reprimanded her, and the subtle acknowledgment on his face when she got it right.
Ruby quickly learned that working for Alexander Thompson is like standing on a razor's edge. One mistake can bring you down. But she would not let herself fail, not after she had fought so hard to get here.
By the second week she was so busy with schedules, emails, and learning the timings of her boss. Alex didn't waste words, but his sharp eyes didn't miss anything. If he asks for coffee, it must be strong, black, and just the right temperature. If he wants a report, he expects the report to be in the correct format, wiith every possible question anticipated.
Ruby stayed up late most nights, studying the company's policy, memorizing the names of important clients, and practicing how her voice should sound when answering calls. For the first time she went a day without Alex correcting her, she let out a small smile of victory as she walked into the elevator.
"Do we feel like we have succeeded?"
Ruby was startled and turned to see Alex leaning casually against the elevator wall. She didn't notice him approaching. His blue eyes shone with something unreadable.
"I-uh, yeah," she admitted, "I think I did everything right today."
"Good," he said in a low but firm voice. "But don't get comfortable. Success is not a finish line. It is a moving target."
The door downstairs opened. And Alex walked away without another word. Leaving Ruby to replay his words in her mind.
****
Over the past several weeks, Ruby's confidence had grown. She learned to anticipate Alex's needs to stay one step ahead. He was still a mystery, though, but she saw a small crack on his armor-on the rare occasion that his smile lasted too long. Or when he looked at her as if she were more than his secretary.
But when Ruby started to find her footing, a shadow appeared on the horizon: Alex's ex-girlfriend, Vicky Lee, reappeared in his life. Her presence was like a storm cloud, creating doubt and tension. But even as Ruby tried to stay focused on her work, she couldn't ignore the unease creeping into her heart.
Ruby had no idea that this was just the beginning of a fight for his place in Alex's world-and her own salvation.
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