Bred By the CEO

The assistant who had finally helped her hadn’t pointed out the obvious, that she was a woman with curves and dressing her was difficult. It was the first time Rose hadn’t felt self-conscious in front of another woman. The lady had been so nice. Anna, she believed her name was. She hoped the woman was working tomorrow.

Rose didn’t know if she was going to be able to dress or feel comfortable knowing Darius was there. Would he demand to see her clothes?

Get your head back in the game.

Rose left the meeting room and immediately went to her desk to cancel and reschedule the appointments. This wasn’t good. What if Darius grew bored of having to double-check everything she did? Shopping wasn’t her strong point. Biting her lip, she finished the call to the art department just as the elevator doors opened.

Several people stepped off, and Rose put the phone down and rushed toward them, greeting them. It was time to suck up and play her new role.

“They’re a pack of wolves. Even though you’re the CEO’s assistant, they all look down on you. They don’t see you as anyone important. Most managers seem to think you’re dispensable, and to a certain extent, that is true, but, and this is important, you are the one responsible for keeping a very organized CEO. If your boss is happy, his employees are happy. Do you see what I mean here?”

Ross’s words came back to her. He didn’t want her to feel small or belittled when others came in. It was all a carefully choreographed dance.

He’d warned her many times that they would circle and tear her down if they felt she was weaker. He told her to keep her posture upright and never show her fear.

Squaring her shoulders, she didn’t avoid eye contact.

Everything was going great until she noticed one of the two women from the elevator. With her hands clenched into fists, she kept the smile on her face, but it wasn’t too bright. Before he left, Ross had told her they needed to practice her game face. Not that she knew what a game face was, but according to him, to survive the vultures, she needed to be ready for it—to smile when she felt like crying or scowling.

She didn’t know for sure who the woman was, and her badge wasn’t in place at her breast pocket. The only way to know for sure would be to wait until she sat down.

Everyone looked at her, assessing, likely trying to determine if she was a good fit or if she was easy to bulldoze over.

This woman though, with her straight blonde hair, sharp eyes, and slender figure, was perfect in every way. Her figure was showcased in a hugging pencil skirt and form-fitting blouse. In comparison, Rose felt out of place. Her suit fit her perfectly, but she made sure nothing showed off her ample bosom and too-rounded hips. She felt frumpy in comparison. A black sheep.

She couldn’t believe one look from this woman had the ability to tear her down so easily. The memory of her biting words in the elevator cut to the core.

Rather than show it, she followed behind them as they each took a seat at the table.

The woman in question was Elizabeth Juke, the head of the finance department.

Darius had stopped writing, and he had his elbows on the table, fingertips steepled together, watching everything.

Ross had given strict instructions that the only person she served was Darius. Everyone else was free to get coffee and refreshments as they wished.

“Thank you all for coming at short notice, as you can see—”

“Darius, darling, where is Ross? You know we can’t have one of these meetings without him. He knows just what we all need.”

Rose couldn’t believe she would interrupt the boss just to put in a scathing comment about her. She didn’t have a clue who Elizabeth was, or what she’d done to offend her, but clearly, the woman had an issue with her.

Heat filled her cheeks, and she glanced down at her notebook. She had taken a seat close to Darius, ready to be there waiting to present him with anything he needed.

“As you’re aware, Ross is on paternity leave, and won’t be available. However, Miss Juke, if you feel you can no longer pour yourself a coffee and grab yourself a scone, then please send up someone capable of overseeing your position.” Darius stood up. “It’s been brought to my attention that some people in this building seem to think Miss Henshaw has been given the role as my assistant due to some affirmative action. Let me make one thing clear. Miss Henshaw earned the right to be in the role I have given her. She is more than qualified to handle the tasks set out before her, and if you dare to question her position again, you question me, and seeing as I’m the one who is signing your goddamn paychecks, I suggest you squash any kind of talks about my employees. Do I make myself clear?”