♦ Secretary and the CEO, Zane

Zane exhaled sharply, his fingers tapping against the thick manila folder on his desk. Inside were neatly arranged profiles of potential marriage candidates—an obligation forced upon him by his relentless parents. He had no interest in any of them, no desire to entertain a union dictated by business alliances. Yet, if he didn’t at least acknowledge the effort, his father would accuse him of failing his duty. His jaw tightened in irritation just as the intercom buzzed.

"Sir, your new secretary has arrived."

His brows furrowed. New secretary? "I don’t recall hiring one."

"The request was approved by your executive team. They’re outside your office now."

Zane’s grip on his pen tightened. Of course. His executives, growing tired of his refusal to work with a secretary, had taken matters into their own hands. He rarely kept one for long—none ever met his impossible standards. They were distractions, liabilities. He opened his mouth to reject the intrusion, but before he could issue the order, the doors to his office swung open.

And then—he saw them.

Zane’s sharp brown eyes locked onto the person standing before him. Impossible. He recognized that face. His gaze flickered downward—poised stance, polished attire, professional yet alluring. Them. From the very profile sitting beneath his fingertips. The one his father had handpicked as a potential spouse.

How… convenient.

He leaned back in his chair, his intrigue hidden behind an impassive expression. Of all the candidates, fate—or his meddling parents—had placed this one right in his office, under his command. His eyes darkened slightly, amusement barely curving his lips.

"Welcome," he said smoothly, his voice low and commanding. "I assume you're competent enough to keep up?"