1. PROLOGUE

"The Lady Devil is here!"

The whole management department is in a rush to go back to their respective work stations. As soon as someone signals her arrival in the building, all the chatters disappear and the whole department turns so silent you will be able to hear a pin drop.

"ding"

The elevator sound resonated loud since the whole floor is dead silent. Everyone can hear the stump of the Lady devil's stilettos. The pace is fast, you can hear the steps following her are trying to cope up with her yet maintaining a distance.

They all held their breath and bowed down as soon as she was near them.

"In ten minutes I want the plan for our new land acquisition."

The Lady Devil's words sent shivers down their spines. She walked past them not waiting for a reply, settled in her office, and quickly browsed her schedule for the day.

"How will we be able to come up with a plan in ten minutes?"

The department head Ms. Davis complained to Mr. Watson (the Lady Devil's secretary).

"Do we really have a choice?"

Mr. Watson answered as he sweats profusely thinking of the next possible scenario at the meeting room in 10 minutes.

Mr. Watson went to the board room to prepare the paper works and presentation for the meeting. He then asked all the concerned personnel to go to the board room. On his way to the Lady Devil's office he felt dizzy, he tried to hold on to the furniture in front of him but his vision blacked out and he fainted.

The entire management office was in chaos, "call medics" one staff shouted.

 "Is he still breathing?"

The Lady Devil asked.

 "Yes, Ms. President" one of the staff answered her.

"Are you all doctors? You're of no help in here; all the others joining the meeting proceed to the board room."

They all rushed to get to the board room, while there were a few people left to attend to Mr. Watson.  One of the staff can't stop but rant in frustration. 

"She's really the devil incarnate, how can she proceed with the meeting when she is the reason Mr. Watson passed out."

In the board room, everyone was quiet and trembling in fear. Keira was tapping her pen waiting for anyone to volunteer to start the meeting.

"Ms. Davis, please connect to the HR department I need a new secretary ASAP."  

Ms. Davis was surprised that the president was a bit respectful in her tone; she nodded and immediately went out to call the HR department.

"Let us continue with the meeting… who will take the minutes?" 

Keira was looking at all the other members, but no one was volunteering.  The frustration on her face was evident; she slammed the table, stood up, and let out a big sigh. 

"Do I also need replacements for all you? If you want to keep working here, I dare you all to step up; I am giving you one week to finish the plan." 

She headed out of the board room to go to her own office.

"knock, knock"

"Come in" Keira invited the person at the door.

"Ms. President, I have arranged with the HR to give you a new secretary; he will come to work tomorrow at 8 AM." 

Ms. Davis politely updated Keira.

Keira cleared her throat as if hesitating to ask; 

"How is Mr. Watson?"

"He is fine now, the doctors asked him to take a rest for a week."

Ms. Davis was delighted to see the president show a wee bit of compassion even if she is trying to hide it. 

Keira nodded and dived right back in her work. 

"Okay, you may go." Just like that, she returned to the stone-cold CEO that she is.

She drowned herself in work; she was focused on her papers until 8 PM. She did not even have time to eat, and no one reminded her either. She stopped when she felt a stinging pain in her stomach.

"God, I'm starving."

She glanced at her watch and was surprised to see that her day passed by so fast she barely has time for anything else. She packed her bags to prepare to end her day. She drove by herself, it is Mr. Watson who usually drives for her; provides her meals, and reminds her of her schedule.

Mr. Watson was her executive assistant for the past seven years; he was the one she relied on and not having him today felt like she has lost a limb. When she reached her home, she felt even lonelier; she is alone, hungry, and tired.

She took a hot bath to soothe her sore muscles; she closed her eyes and let her tears finally fall; the tears she held back the whole day. Her tough appearance is just that an “appearance”. She feels so sorry for Mr. Watson who dedicated most of his time to help her. She also feels bad that there are more comments on her work ethics rather the results she brings to the company.

After her bath she was back to her workaholic self again. She got herself a hot tea and continued working on her laptop; this is her daily routine, she literally works herself to sleep.

"ring.. ring.."

"Mr. Watson, Why are you calling? You should rest."

Keira was considerate as always to Mr. Watson.

"Just as I thought, you're still working; for sure you have not eaten yet. I may be sick but you can't be sick as well, you can't let your grandma down Keira, I know you know that there are so many vultures waiting for you to make a mistake."

Keira let down a sigh.

"I am aware of that Mr. Watson, but please take your time and rest well. Don't worry too much about me I will manage, I need you back a hundred percent healthy."

"I asked the HR department to send my son to work for you tomorrow."

"Mr. Watson, I told you to rest, why did you bother to talk to HR?" Keira was as stubborn as her secretary.

"Well, he pretty much knows what to expect from this job and you won't get a hard time thinking of his name; still is Mr. Watson, right?"

He was laughing while he was convincing Keira.

"Okay okay, get well soon Mr. Watson".

Keira arrived at her the building at 7:50 AM; she started working as soon as she settled in her office.

"Knock, Knock"

"Come in."

Keira glanced at her watch, it is already 8:05 am her new secretary is late, she was preparing herself to reprimand Mr. Watson's son.

"Good morning, Ms. President; I am your new secretary Stephen Clark Watson."

Keira’s heart dropped in an instant, her mind exclaimed; “Oh my! It’s him, the pervert who left me without a word!”