RILEY GROUP OF HOSPITALS

Ariana Canty pulled her worn coat tighter around her as she stood outside the towering glass structure of the Canty Group. The morning air was crisp, nipping at her exposed skin as she took in the building that loomed over her like a silent giant. For years, she had passed by this place, wondering what it would be like to step inside-not as an outsider, but as someone who belonged.

Today, she would finally find out.

She glanced down at the email on her phone for the hundredth time, her heart hammering against her ribs. Congratulations, Miss Canty. You have been selected as the secretary to the CEO of Canty Group. Report on Monday at 8:00 AM.

It still felt unreal. Just last week, she had been juggling three part-time jobs, barely scraping by. Now, she was about to step into one of the most powerful corporate empires in the country. The irony wasn't lost on her. Canty. The name she had carried all her life, yet one she had never been able to claim.

Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and stepped through the revolving glass doors.

The lobby was a masterpiece of modern architecture-sleek marble floors, high ceilings, and an enormous chandelier that sparkled under the morning sun. Employees moved about in crisp suits, their polished shoes clicking against the floor, their conversations efficient and hushed.

Ariana swallowed hard, suddenly hyper-aware of her own outfit. Her blouse was clean but secondhand, her skirt professional but slightly faded. She had done her best, but standing in the middle of this grandeur, she felt like an imposter.

You belong here. She forced the thought into her mind and approached the reception desk.

'Good morning," she said, keeping her voice steady. "I'm Ariana Canty. I'm supposed to start work today as the CEO's secretary."

The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze, looked up. Her eyes flickered over Ariana's face before landing on the screen in front of her. After a few keystrokes, she nodded.

"Welcome, Miss Canty. Take the executive elevator to the 30th floor. The CEO's office is at the end of the hall."

Ariana gave a small nod and turned toward the elevators. She ignored the curious glances thrown her way. It wasn't her fault that she shared a last name with the company.

The ride up was smooth, but her nerves twisted tighter with every passing second. She had no idea what kind of boss she was about to face. The CEO of Canty Group was a mystery, a man whose name rarely appeared in the media, but whose influence was undeniable.

When the doors slid open, she stepped out into a quiet, luxurious hallway. Her heels sank slightly into the plush carpet as she walked toward the large double doors at the end.

She hesitated for only a moment before knocking.

"Come in," a deep voice commanded.

Ariana pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The office was massive, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. A sleek black desk sat in the center, flanked by bookshelves and a minimalist seating area. Behind the desk sat a man who exuded power with every inch of his being.

Tall. Dark-haired. Sharp-jawed. And intensely focused.

His eyes lifted from the document he was reviewing, locking onto her with an unreadable expression.

"You're the new secretary?"

"Yes, sir," Ariana said, keeping her voice even.

"Sit."

She obeyed, sitting across from him as he studied her. The silence stretched between them, and Ariana forced herself not to fidget.