Chapter 1
My dad sent me to the branch office undercover, making me the executive assistant to the CEO.
On my second day at work, my access card wouldn't let me in and I ended up stuck outside the door.
Just then, a pampered beauty strutted out, wearing the same colors as me.
"Wow, Lynn, we're twinning today! Are you trying to make Stephen mix us up?" she taunted.
I recognized her as Mandy Summers, our CEO Stephen Guthrie's beloved girlfriend.
Not wanting any drama, I went home and changed into a different outfit.
But when I got back, I was locked out again.
"Lynn, look at the clock. You're five minutes late.
"Why bother coming at all? You can't even get in," she smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement.
I looked at her, my voice calm. "Just five minutes late and I'm locked out?"
"That's the new rule, just put in today. And on top of that, you won't get paid this month."
It all clicked for me.
She was out to get me.
Alright, I'll just mark her as a fail on my report.
I wonder what kind of face she'll make when the branch gets axed.
*****
"Fine, I'll leave then," I said.
I turned to go, but Mandy rolled her eyes, her bright red nails flashing dangerously close to my face.
"Lynn, if you leave now, that'll count as skipping work," she said.
"And if you do, you'll get written up big time and can kiss your bonuses and commissions goodbye."
I froze for a second, then let out a sneer.
"So, according to you, I can't get in and I can't leave. What am I supposed to do?" I snapped.
No company in their right mind would have a rule like this.
Figures, this must be another one of Mandy's made-up rules.
This whole branch was basically her own playground now.
She crossed her arms and gave me a look like I was the biggest idiot she'd ever seen.
The security captain quickly grabbed my arm, put on a fawning smile, and started flattering Mandy.
Then he shot me a meaningful look.
"Lynn, are you seriously this clueless, or are you just playing dumb?" he said.
"Miss Summers is the CEO's fiancée! After the way you spoke to her, you really think she'll let you in?
"If you ask me, just be polite and apologize to Miss Summers, admit you mouthed off to your boss, and volunteer to work for free for a month to make up for it."
I looked at the security captain, saw how serious he was, and couldn't help but laugh.
My dad was worried I'd get pushed around, so he sent me down from headquarters and made me the executive assistant to the CEO.
Other than Stephen, the branch CEO, no one else had the right to boss me around.
And Mandy? She was just a newbie, not even anyone important yet.
I turned to Mandy, my gaze turning icy.
"Mandy, being Stephen's girlfriend doesn't mean you get to order everyone around," I said coldly. "Now, move aside!"
Mandy was startled by the chill in my voice.
Then, furious, she stomped her foot and called Stephen.
She started whining the second he picked up.
"Stephen! She's picking on me," she whined.
"That bitch Lynn is throwing her weight around as the executive assistant and bossing me around. She even told me to get lost."
After hanging up, she shot me a smug, challenging look.
Soon enough, the HR director came barreling down the hallway, clutching two contracts.
He shoved the contracts into Mandy's hands, and she recoiled as if they were burning hot.
"Miss Summers, you've just been appointed vice president of the branch. No one can boss you around except Mr. Guthrie himself," he announced.
Mandy nodded, flashed me a triumphant look, and signed her name with a flourish.
Seeing me standing there with an icy stare, the HR director slapped the contract right in my face.
"Lynn, you're being transferred to the logistics department for grunt work. Sign this right now, then go clean out the trash cans in the restrooms!" he snapped.
He kept buttering up Mandy while scolding me for not showing proper respect.
"She's got a fancy degree, but zero emotional intelligence. Doesn't she know Miss Summers is the queen bee around here?" he sneered.
"All brains, no street smarts. Can't even read the room!"
The sharp edge of the paper cut my face.
It stung a little, but I didn't care.
What really mattered was the signature of Stephen on that contract.
Guess he's not fit for this position after all.
He's actually throwing his weight around for his fiancée over something so trivial.
With a boss like that, it was no wonder the branch office was such a mess.
I picked up the contract and gave Mandy a look.
"What if I refuse to sign?" I asked.
I barely had time to react before Mandy slapped me so hard I hit the floor.
"Then get lost!" she spat.
I just stared at Mandy, her bratty attitude on full display, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
My face was burning, and I could taste blood in my mouth.
By then, a bunch of gossip-hungry coworkers had already gathered, eager to watch the drama unfold.