Evelyn assured me as we broke for lunch in the executive
“You’re doing won orb in one day.”
dining room. “It’s a lot to
“I never thought it would.” She checked her watch. “Now, shall we continue? There’s still the matter of Mr. Sterling’s travel arrangements to review.”
“Hazel, I meant what I said about admiring single mothers. Go. I’ll be here when you
return.”
Evelyn laughed. “Don’t worry. That’s actually a good sign. If he’d really been angry, he would have said much worse.”
The elevator whisked me upward, my stomach dropping not just from the speed but from the enormity of what I was undertaking. The doors opened to reveal a spacious reception area with floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the harbor.
“Thank you for this opportunity,” I replied, trying not to sound breathless.
He nodded enthusiastically. “I made a tower! And I have new friends!”
“When you’ve been doing this job for twenty–five years, you learn a thing or two,” she chuckled. “Now, let’s get started with your email access and security clearances.”
“New assistant?” he scoffed. “I wasn’t informed of any changes.”
“Tell Evelyn I called, he finally said. “And looks like I’m your boss!”
I stared at the receiver in my hand, then at Evelyn. “Was that…?”
My phone buzzed with a text from Chloe: “How’s the new job? Leo’s daycare just sent me this pic. Thought you might need it.
To my surprise, Evelyn shook her head. “Handle it. Tell him I’m unavailable.”
I’d woken up two hours early to make sure Leo was settled for his first day at daycare. The poor baby had clung to me, his violet–blue eyes filled with uncertainty. It had
5 Chapter 8 First Day. First Call
taken all my strength not to call and cancel my first day right then. But Chloe had swooped in, distracting him with pancakes shaped like dinosaurs while I slipped away.
Evelyn’s gaze was appraising. “I’ve trained six assistants during my career with the Sterling family. I know potential when I see it.”
The knot in my chest loosened slightly. “Thank you for understanding. I promise it won’t affect my work.”
I shook my head. “No. He doesn’t even know Leo exists.” Before she could respond, I added, “It’s complicated.”
“I’m determined to learn it all,” I promised, taking a bite of my salad. “I can’t thank you enough for selecting me for this position.”
“Everything sorted?” she asked.
“You can’t be serious.” His voice was cutting. “Put Evelyn on the phone. Now.”
I stared at her in disbelief. “Me? Tame him? After that call, I’m pretty sure he’s going to eat me alive!”
I ran my fingers lightly over the polished surface. “It’s perfect.”
“We’re loving having Leo here,” she assured me. “He’s already made friends with two other children.
I glanced at Evelyn, who was watching me carefully. “May I ask who’s calling, sir?” “Everything alright?” Evelyn asked, noticing my expression.
I peeked into the playroom where Leo was building a tower with colorful blocks, hist little face serious with concentration. My heart swelled.
“I doubt that,” I groaned. “He probably thinks I’m incompetent.”
Taking a deep breath, I picked
This is Hazel speaking. How the receiver. “Sterling
I assist you?”
Group, Mr. Sterling’s office.
I flipped through the pages, impressed by the meticulous detail. “This is incredibly thorough.”
My heart sank. “Evelyn, I’m so sorry, but there’s an issue with my son’s daycare enrollment. I need to go sign some forms.”
6 Chapter 5- First Day First Call
The phone on my desk rang shrilly, cutting her off. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “Your first call. Remember the protocol.”
Back at my desk. Evelyn walked me through the complex process of booking Mr. Sterling’s frequent business trips. Apparently, he was very particular–specific airlines, hotel rooms, and rental cars were all meticulously documented in Evelyn’s notes. Below was a photo of Leo, beaming as he painted at an casel. Relief washed over me.
She laughed. “That’s what I call it. Liam can be quite the beast when he’s focused on work. But I have a feeling you might be the one to tame him.“
“Hazel Vance,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “I’m starting today as Ms. Reed’s replacement.”
“Mr. Sterling is away on business until next week, which gives us time to get you properly trained.” She handed me a leather–bound planner. “I’ve prepared this for you -it contains everything from office protocols to Mr. Sterling’s preferences.”
I waited, my heart pounding.
“I’d be happy to help with that, sir, but company protocol requires that I verify who I’m speaking with first.”
There was a tense silence on the line. Then a harsh laugh. “Well, well. Evelyn found someone with backbone.”
I hesitated, then decided honesty was best. “It’s my son. It’s his first day at a new daycare, and I was worried. But he looks happy.”
“On the contrary.” Evelyn smiled knowingly. “You just might be exactly what he needs- someone who won’t be intimidated by his bark.”
At two o’clock, Chloe texted again: “Leo’s daycare director called. They need you to come fill out additional medical forms they forgot this morning. I’d do it, but they need the legal guardian’s signature.”
“Yes, I agreed softly. “He got them from his father.”
Swallowing hard, I returned to the call. “I’m sorry, sir, but Ms. Reed is currently unavailable. If you could please state your name and the purpose of your call, I’d be happy to assist you or take a message.”
5 Chapter 5- First Day. First Call
Leo spotted me immediately, his eyes lighting up. “Mama!” he shouted, running over and throwing his arms around my legs.
“And is his father in the picture?” Her question was gentle, not prying.
I knelt down to his level. “Are you having fun, baby?”
“Listen, whoever you are,” the voice growled, “I need information on the Chen proposal immediately. The meeting’s been moved up.”
The Sterling Group headquarters towered over Haven Harbor, a gleaming monument to success and power. I stood in front of the glass entrance doors, my heart pounding so hard I was sure the security guard could hear it.
“Right on time. I appreciate punctuality,” she said, her blue eyes twinkling. “Welcome to Sterling Group, Hazel.”
To my surprise, he didn’t cling or cry. Instead, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and ran back to his blocks. Independence already. I wasn’t sure whether to be proud or
sad.
To my relief, she nodded immediately. “Of course. These things happen, especially on first days. Take care of it and come back when you can.”
Evelyn smiled as she looked at the picture. “He has remarkable eyes.”
“His bark?”
Her demeanor changed instantly. “Oh!, We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Ms. Reed is waiting upstairs.”
“That’s wonderful,” I said, brushing his dark hair from his forehead. “Mama has to go back to work now, but I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
The morning flew by in a whirlwind of information. Evelyn was patient but exacting, explaining the complex calendar system, the phone protocols, and the filing system with methodical precision. By noon, my head was swimming with passwords, procedures, and names of important clients.
“Come, let me show you your desk before we begin the tour.
“This will be your domain, Evelyn explained. “From here, you’ll manage Mr. Sterling’s schedule, correspondence, and calls.”
5 Chapter 5 First Day, First Call
“Who the hell are you?” a deep male voice demanded. “Where’s Evelyn?”
“Are you sure?” I asked, already gathering my purse.
Hazel’s POV
The harshness of his tone caught me off guard. “I’m Mr. Sterling’s new executive assistant. Ms. Reed is right here if you’d like to speak with her.
She led me to a large, L–shaped desk positioned outside a set of imposing double doors. The workspace was immaculate, with a brand–new computer, a phone system with more buttons than I could count, and a small vase of fresh flowers.
The lobby was all marble and glass, with a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The receptionist looked up as I approached, her smile polite but guarded.
“He hung up on me!” I was mortified. “On my first day!”
“Worse than hanging up on me?” I sank into my chair. “He sounded so… intimidating.” She waved away my gratitude. “Now, let’s continue with-”
I made it back to the office in record time, relieved to find Evelyn still at her desk.
To my surprise, Evelyn reached across the table and patted my hand. “Life often is. For what it’s worth, I admire single mothers. It takes tremendous strength.”
The daycare was only ten minutes from the office. The director apologized profusely for the oversight as I signed the additional forms.
“Mr. Sterling has certain… expectations,” she explained diplomatically. “He can be demanding, but he’s fair. Always follow protocol precisely, and you’ll do fine.”
Chapter 5 – First Day, First Call
“You can do this,” I whispered to myself, smoothing down my navy pencil skirt.
I covered the mouthpiece. “He won’t identify himself and wants to speak with you.”
“Mr. Sterling himself,” she confirmed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well done, Hazel. He tested you, and you stood your ground.”
“Can I say hello quickly?” I asked.
“Yes, Leo. He’s three.” I pulled up a photo on my phone. “He’s my world.”
5 Chapter 5 First Day, First Call
“How old is he??” Evelyn’s expression was curious.
Evelyn Reed stood waiting, elegant in a cream blouse and black pants. Her smile was warm and genuine as she extended her hand.
“Of course!”
“Liam Sterling is a man who demands excellence and has little patience for those who can’t deliver it. She patted my shoulder. “But he respects those who stand their ground. Trust me, you made the right impression.”
She handed me a sleek access card with my name already printed on it. “Twenty–eighth floor. The elevator will recognize your card.”
5 Chapter 5 First Day, First Call
The line went dead.
“Yes, thank you for being so understanding”
Evelyn assured me as we broke for lunch in the executive
“You’re doing won orb in one day.”
dining room. “It’s a lot to
“I never thought it would.” She checked her watch. “Now, shall we continue? There’s still the matter of Mr. Sterling’s travel arrangements to review.”
“Hazel, I meant what I said about admiring single mothers. Go. I’ll be here when you
return.”
Evelyn laughed. “Don’t worry. That’s actually a good sign. If he’d really been angry, he would have said much worse.”
The elevator whisked me upward, my stomach dropping not just from the speed but from the enormity of what I was undertaking. The doors opened to reveal a spacious reception area with floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the harbor.
“Thank you for this opportunity,” I replied, trying not to sound breathless.
He nodded enthusiastically. “I made a tower! And I have new friends!”
“When you’ve been doing this job for twenty–five years, you learn a thing or two,” she chuckled. “Now, let’s get started with your email access and security clearances.”
“New assistant?” he scoffed. “I wasn’t informed of any changes.”
“Tell Evelyn I called, he finally said. “And looks like I’m your boss!”
I stared at the receiver in my hand, then at Evelyn. “Was that…?”
My phone buzzed with a text from Chloe: “How’s the new job? Leo’s daycare just sent me this pic. Thought you might need it.
To my surprise, Evelyn shook her head. “Handle it. Tell him I’m unavailable.”
I’d woken up two hours early to make sure Leo was settled for his first day at daycare. The poor baby had clung to me, his violet–blue eyes filled with uncertainty. It had
5 Chapter 8 First Day. First Call
taken all my strength not to call and cancel my first day right then. But Chloe had swooped in, distracting him with pancakes shaped like dinosaurs while I slipped away.
Evelyn’s gaze was appraising. “I’ve trained six assistants during my career with the Sterling family. I know potential when I see it.”
The knot in my chest loosened slightly. “Thank you for understanding. I promise it won’t affect my work.”
I shook my head. “No. He doesn’t even know Leo exists.” Before she could respond, I added, “It’s complicated.”
“I’m determined to learn it all,” I promised, taking a bite of my salad. “I can’t thank you enough for selecting me for this position.”
“Everything sorted?” she asked.
“You can’t be serious.” His voice was cutting. “Put Evelyn on the phone. Now.”
I stared at her in disbelief. “Me? Tame him? After that call, I’m pretty sure he’s going to eat me alive!”
I ran my fingers lightly over the polished surface. “It’s perfect.”
“We’re loving having Leo here,” she assured me. “He’s already made friends with two other children.
I glanced at Evelyn, who was watching me carefully. “May I ask who’s calling, sir?” “Everything alright?” Evelyn asked, noticing my expression.
I peeked into the playroom where Leo was building a tower with colorful blocks, hist little face serious with concentration. My heart swelled.
“I doubt that,” I groaned. “He probably thinks I’m incompetent.”
Taking a deep breath, I picked
This is Hazel speaking. How the receiver. “Sterling
I assist you?”
Group, Mr. Sterling’s office.
I flipped through the pages, impressed by the meticulous detail. “This is incredibly thorough.”
My heart sank. “Evelyn, I’m so sorry, but there’s an issue with my son’s daycare enrollment. I need to go sign some forms.”
6 Chapter 5- First Day First Call
The phone on my desk rang shrilly, cutting her off. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “Your first call. Remember the protocol.”
Back at my desk. Evelyn walked me through the complex process of booking Mr. Sterling’s frequent business trips. Apparently, he was very particular–specific airlines, hotel rooms, and rental cars were all meticulously documented in Evelyn’s notes. Below was a photo of Leo, beaming as he painted at an casel. Relief washed over me.
She laughed. “That’s what I call it. Liam can be quite the beast when he’s focused on work. But I have a feeling you might be the one to tame him.“
“Hazel Vance,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “I’m starting today as Ms. Reed’s replacement.”
“Mr. Sterling is away on business until next week, which gives us time to get you properly trained.” She handed me a leather–bound planner. “I’ve prepared this for you -it contains everything from office protocols to Mr. Sterling’s preferences.”
I waited, my heart pounding.
“I’d be happy to help with that, sir, but company protocol requires that I verify who I’m speaking with first.”
There was a tense silence on the line. Then a harsh laugh. “Well, well. Evelyn found someone with backbone.”
I hesitated, then decided honesty was best. “It’s my son. It’s his first day at a new daycare, and I was worried. But he looks happy.”
“On the contrary.” Evelyn smiled knowingly. “You just might be exactly what he needs- someone who won’t be intimidated by his bark.”
At two o’clock, Chloe texted again: “Leo’s daycare director called. They need you to come fill out additional medical forms they forgot this morning. I’d do it, but they need the legal guardian’s signature.”
“Yes, I agreed softly. “He got them from his father.”
Swallowing hard, I returned to the call. “I’m sorry, sir, but Ms. Reed is currently unavailable. If you could please state your name and the purpose of your call, I’d be happy to assist you or take a message.”
5 Chapter 5- First Day. First Call
Leo spotted me immediately, his eyes lighting up. “Mama!” he shouted, running over and throwing his arms around my legs.
“And is his father in the picture?” Her question was gentle, not prying.
I knelt down to his level. “Are you having fun, baby?”
“Listen, whoever you are,” the voice growled, “I need information on the Chen proposal immediately. The meeting’s been moved up.”
The Sterling Group headquarters towered over Haven Harbor, a gleaming monument to success and power. I stood in front of the glass entrance doors, my heart pounding so hard I was sure the security guard could hear it.
“Right on time. I appreciate punctuality,” she said, her blue eyes twinkling. “Welcome to Sterling Group, Hazel.”
To my surprise, he didn’t cling or cry. Instead, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and ran back to his blocks. Independence already. I wasn’t sure whether to be proud or
sad.
To my relief, she nodded immediately. “Of course. These things happen, especially on first days. Take care of it and come back when you can.”
Evelyn smiled as she looked at the picture. “He has remarkable eyes.”
“His bark?”
Her demeanor changed instantly. “Oh!, We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Ms. Reed is waiting upstairs.”
“That’s wonderful,” I said, brushing his dark hair from his forehead. “Mama has to go back to work now, but I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
The morning flew by in a whirlwind of information. Evelyn was patient but exacting, explaining the complex calendar system, the phone protocols, and the filing system with methodical precision. By noon, my head was swimming with passwords, procedures, and names of important clients.
“Come, let me show you your desk before we begin the tour.
“This will be your domain, Evelyn explained. “From here, you’ll manage Mr. Sterling’s schedule, correspondence, and calls.”
5 Chapter 5 First Day, First Call
“Who the hell are you?” a deep male voice demanded. “Where’s Evelyn?”
“Are you sure?” I asked, already gathering my purse.
Hazel’s POV
The harshness of his tone caught me off guard. “I’m Mr. Sterling’s new executive assistant. Ms. Reed is right here if you’d like to speak with her.
She led me to a large, L–shaped desk positioned outside a set of imposing double doors. The workspace was immaculate, with a brand–new computer, a phone system with more buttons than I could count, and a small vase of fresh flowers.
The lobby was all marble and glass, with a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The receptionist looked up as I approached, her smile polite but guarded.
“He hung up on me!” I was mortified. “On my first day!”
“Worse than hanging up on me?” I sank into my chair. “He sounded so… intimidating.” She waved away my gratitude. “Now, let’s continue with-”
I made it back to the office in record time, relieved to find Evelyn still at her desk.
To my surprise, Evelyn reached across the table and patted my hand. “Life often is. For what it’s worth, I admire single mothers. It takes tremendous strength.”
The daycare was only ten minutes from the office. The director apologized profusely for the oversight as I signed the additional forms.
“Mr. Sterling has certain… expectations,” she explained diplomatically. “He can be demanding, but he’s fair. Always follow protocol precisely, and you’ll do fine.”
Chapter 5 – First Day, First Call
“You can do this,” I whispered to myself, smoothing down my navy pencil skirt.
I covered the mouthpiece. “He won’t identify himself and wants to speak with you.”
“Mr. Sterling himself,” she confirmed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well done, Hazel. He tested you, and you stood your ground.”
“Can I say hello quickly?” I asked.
“Yes, Leo. He’s three.” I pulled up a photo on my phone. “He’s my world.”
5 Chapter 5 First Day, First Call
“How old is he??” Evelyn’s expression was curious.
Evelyn Reed stood waiting, elegant in a cream blouse and black pants. Her smile was warm and genuine as she extended her hand.
“Of course!”
“Liam Sterling is a man who demands excellence and has little patience for those who can’t deliver it. She patted my shoulder. “But he respects those who stand their ground. Trust me, you made the right impression.”
She handed me a sleek access card with my name already printed on it. “Twenty–eighth floor. The elevator will recognize your card.”
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