Chapter 1

HAILEY

At nineteen, Hailey had already completed her studies at Harvard, having started her education at a young age. She wasn’t one for socializing much.

Her life hadn’t been a bed of roses, but she was determined to change that. From a young age, she’d been resolved to create a better life for herself. The only things she lacked were the resources and the money to make it happen.

She had her fair share of suitors, but she wasn’t interested. Books were her main focus, and her life revolved around them. She hadn’t dated much, always prioritizing her studies over romance.

She’d always dreamed of making it big, and she hoped this would be her chance. Today was a big day, and she was filled with nerves.

She approached the reception desk and introduced herself. “Good morning, I’m Hailey Hartfield.”

“We’ve been expecting you,” replied the blonde receptionist, her name tag reading Clara.

Hailey was escorted to an office and told to wait for the boss. The office was grand, radiating an air of wealth that she aspired to have one day.

Today marked her first day as an assistant, the first step on her journey to becoming a CEO. Now, she sat in a grand office, waiting to meet her new boss.

She hoped this wouldn’t turn into a competition of who could impress the boss the most. She wanted to make a good first impression, so she sat up straight, trying to project confidence.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of a man in a sleek black tuxedo. His hair was stunning, and his eyes were a mesmerizing blue. He looked to be in his late twenties.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” he asked.

“No, thank you,” Hailey responded. “I’m waiting for the boss, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to wait in peace.”

“Really?” he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Yes,” she retorted, a bit of sass in her tone. “I don’t want to make a bad impression.”

He chuckled. “You’re quite the go-getter, aren’t you?”

~He’s probably just an intern. I can respond however I want.~

“Yes, asshole, as you can see.”

Just then, another figure entered the room.

~Maybe he’s the tea boy.~ “You know, I really don’t like people like you. You act like you have authority when you don’t.”

“Is that so?” he responded, a look of disbelief on his face. Hailey had to suppress a laugh—people like him needed to be put in their place.

“You even look like a pervert,” she continued. Before he could respond, a pretty blonde woman entered the room. Hailey recognized her as Clara from earlier.

~She’s probably here to tell me the boss is running late.~ But to Hailey’s horror, Clara addressed the man in the tuxedo. “Sir, you have a meeting in five minutes.”

“Thank you, Clara. That will be all.”

~Oh my God… I didn’t just call my boss an asshole, did I?~ ~Guess I’m not getting this job.~ Hailey couldn’t bring herself to look up. ~How am I going to play this off?~

~How is he so young and already running a huge firm? I was expecting some old man, not him.~ Hailey cringed inwardly, mortified.

He was now perched on the corner of the desk in front of her. “So, where were we... Ms. Hatfield? I’m,” he said, smirking, “Mr. Asshole, as you so eloquently put it.”