1 A charming smile

Alice was walking so fast it looked like she was running. As Alice navigated the bustling streets, the rhythmic sounds of her footsteps reverberated against the concrete, matching the tempo of her racing heart. The morning sunlight cast long shadows, creating a mosaic of light and dark upon the pavement, but Alice paid no heed to the play of light around her. Her focus was singular, her mind consumed by the pressing tasks awaiting her arrival at the office.

The weight of the files in her arms seemed to increase with each step, their edges digging uncomfortably into her skin. Yet, she refused to let them falter, her determination fueling her resolve. With each collision, she offered a swift apology, her voice a melodic cadence amidst the chaotic symphony of the city.

Despite the urgency propelling her forward, Alice couldn't help but notice the fleeting moments of humanity that flickered around her. A mother tenderly guiding her child across the street, an elderly couple sharing a quiet laugh on a nearby bench, snippets of life unfolding amidst the hustle and bustle. Yet, she dared not pause to dwell on these fleeting moments, her focus tethered firmly to the task at hand.

With every passing block, the skyline grew closer, a beacon of hope amidst the sea of uncertainty. Each step brought her nearer to her destination, the anticipation building with every heartbeat. As she finally reached the threshold of the office building, a sense of accomplishment washed over her, tempered only by the knowledge that her journey was far from over. With a determined exhale, Alice crossed the threshold, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

She was holding more than two bags on her shoulder. She moved towards the largest building in the city. With more than two bags slung over her shoulders, Alice's burden was compounded as she hastened towards the towering edifice that dominated the city skyline. Despite her swift pace, a nagging worry gnawed at the edges of her mind. It wasn't just the fear of tardiness that gripped her, but rather the looming threat of perspiration threatening to betray the carefully applied layers of makeup adorning her face.

As she navigated the crowded streets, dodging pedestrians with practiced precision, Alice couldn't shake the perplexity surrounding her boss's insistence on makeup during working hours. It seemed incongruous amidst the demands of the corporate world, a puzzling directive that only added to her sense of unease.

With each step, the weight of her bags seemed to increase, their contents pressing heavily against her shoulders. Yet, Alice pressed onward, her determination unyielding in the face of adversity. The imposing silhouette of the office building loomed ever closer, a stark reminder of the impending deadline that awaited her arrival.

Despite her apprehension, Alice squared her shoulders and quickened her pace, her resolve unwavering as she prepared to confront whatever challenges lay ahead. For Alice, the journey was far from over, but with each passing moment, she grew more determined to conquer whatever obstacles stood in her path.

She excused everyone on the path and moved forward fast. She reached the building. Navigating through the bustling crowd with practiced ease, Alice offered polite apologies to those in her path as she forged ahead towards the towering structure ahead. With each step, her determination seemed to intensify, her pace quickening as she neared the entrance of the imposing building.

Upon reaching the entrance, Alice wasted no time, breaking into a brisk run as she made a beeline for the waiting elevator. Despite her efforts to appear composed, there was an air of urgency about her movements, hinting at her status as a newcomer to the corporate world.

As she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for her floor, Alice couldn't help but reflect on the whirlwind of events that had led her to this moment. Just last week, she had received the unexpected news of her employment at the prestigious firm, a revelation that had left her both thrilled and apprehensive in equal measure.

With each passing floor, anticipation built within her, mingling with a sense of disbelief at her newfound position. It was a role she had never imagined herself in, yet here she was, ready to seize the opportunity with both hands.

As the elevator doors slid open to reveal the bustling office beyond, Alice took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. She may have been a newcomer, but she was determined to prove herself worthy of her place in this prestigious firm. With a newfound sense of purpose, Alice stepped forward, ready to embark on this new chapter of her career journey.

As the elevator ascended towards the twenty-seventh floor, Alice's impatience grew palpable, manifesting in fidgeting movements and restless glances at the slowly ticking floor indicator. The confined space seemed to amplify her unease, causing her demeanor to verge on the abnormal.

Caught up in the throes of her impatience, Alice's actions drew the curious gaze of a man standing in front of her. His quizzical expression mirrored her own inner turmoil, prompting her to offer a sheepish apology, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her lapse in composure.

The awkward exchange served as a stark reminder of the need to rein in her impatience, especially in the professional setting of the office. With a concerted effort, Alice forced herself to adopt a calmer demeanor, focusing instead on the anticipation of reaching her destination and the challenges that awaited her on the twenty-seventh floor.

Breathless from her hurried journey, Alice practically bolted out of the elevator as soon as the doors slid open onto the twenty-seventh floor. With a determined stride, she made a beeline for the office, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

As she rounded the corner, her eyes fell upon Emma Stain, the partner of her boss, Charles Raymond Stain, standing impatiently in front of the office door. The sight of Emma waiting for her sent a jolt of nerves through Alice's already tense frame. It was clear that this encounter was more than a chance meeting; Emma's presence signaled that something important awaited Alice on the other side of that door.

With a quick swallow to steady her nerves, Alice approached Emma, her expression a mix of determination and trepidation. Whatever awaited her on the other side of that door, Alice was ready to face it head-on. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead under Emma's watchful gaze.

Emma asked her - Where were you?but no matter, get the files and get inside quickly. But remember this is an opportunity for you to prove your skills. Besides, getting this contract is a prestigious issue for our firm. It's all up to you. Remember the things I told you yesterday. And one more thing, Mister Steven Herly isn't the one who came here today. It's his son Mister Bruce Herly, is the one who came. They say he's tough. Remember to always be cooperative with him. Just don't blow this up!

Emma's words hit Alice like a wave, washing away any lingering traces of uncertainty. Straightening her posture, Alice met Emma's gaze with steely determination, ready to rise to the occasion and prove her worth.

"I understand," Alice replied, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "I'll get the files and head inside right away. This opportunity means everything to me, and I won't let you or the firm down."

Emma nodded approvingly, her expression softening slightly at Alice's resolve. "Good," she said, her tone firm yet encouraging. "Remember everything we discussed yesterday. And above all, remember to be cooperative with Mister Bruce Herly. He may be tough, but we need this contract, and you're our best chance at securing it."

With a final nod of affirmation, Alice turned on her heel and hurried towards the office door, her mind buzzing with the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders. This was her moment to shine, her chance to prove herself in the eyes of her superiors and secure a victory for the firm. With Emma's words echoing in her mind, Alice took a deep breath and prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that failure was not an option.

Emma gave the key to the office to Alice and told her to lock it right after she entered the room. She also told her to not let him leave without signing the contract no matter what. Taking the key from Emma's outstretched hand, Alice felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. With a solemn nod, she accepted the responsibility entrusted to her, fully aware of the gravity of the task ahead.

As she turned the key in the lock and stepped into the expansive office, Alice couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of her surroundings. The room seemed to stretch out before her, a testament to the power and influence wielded by the firm.

Her eyes zeroed in on Bruce, who sat perched on the couch at the far end of the room, his demeanor exuding an aura of authority and confidence. Steeling herself for the encounter ahead, Alice made her way towards him, each step imbued with purpose and resolve.

With a steady hand, she closed the door behind her and approached Bruce, her heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and determination. This was her moment to prove herself, her chance to demonstrate her value to the firm and secure a crucial victory.

As she stood before Bruce, ready to engage in negotiations, Alice knew that she would not let him leave without signing the contract. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, she was determined to emerge victorious and uphold the trust placed in her by Emma and the rest of the firm.

Alice saw Bruce and at first sight she had a crush on him. As Alice approached Bruce, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his charming smile. Despite her best efforts to maintain composure, a rush of emotions swept over her as she found herself captivated by his presence.

Returning his smile with a shy grin of her own, Alice greeted Bruce with a polite nod, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. With each step closer to him, her admiration for his charm and charisma only grew, her initial apprehension giving way to a sense of exhilaration.

Yet, as she reached out to hand him the files, a sudden tremor ran through her body, causing the stack to slip from her grasp and scatter across the floor. Mortified, Alice scrambled to pick up the fallen papers, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she apologized profusely for the mishap.

To her relief, Bruce's response was one of understanding and grace. With a reassuring smile, he motioned for her to take a seat, his demeanor warm and welcoming. In that moment, Alice couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards him for his kindness, her admiration for him only deepening with each passing moment.

She sat on the couch opposite to him and opened the files and started explaining the contract and its terms. As Alice began explaining the intricacies of the contract, her words flowed with practiced precision, each term and condition meticulously outlined. Yet, despite her best efforts to maintain focus, she couldn't shake the feeling of Bruce's intense gaze fixed upon her.

With each passing moment, the weight of his scrutiny seemed to grow, casting a shadow of doubt over her presentation. A knot of tension coiled in the pit of her stomach as she silently wondered if there was something about her explanation that failed to meet his expectations.

As she glanced up from the documents, she found Bruce rising from his seat and striding purposefully towards her. Her heart skipped a beat at his approach, her mind racing with a flurry of questions and uncertainties.

Was there a flaw in her presentation? Had she missed a crucial detail in the contract? The thought of disappointing him filled her with a sense of unease, her confidence waning in the face of his scrutiny.

As Bruce approached and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Alice felt a rush of warmth spread through her body. His touch was gentle yet firm, imbued with a sense of encouragement that washed away her doubts and insecurities.

His words of support echoed in her mind, urging her to embrace her own abilities and present herself with confidence. With each word of encouragement, Alice felt a newfound sense of self-assurance welling up within her, bolstered by his unwavering belief in her capabilities.

As Bruce withdrew his hand, a pang of reluctance swept over Alice, a fleeting desire for his touch to linger a moment longer. It was a sensation she hadn't experienced before, one that stirred unfamiliar emotions deep within her.

In that brief moment, Alice realized with startling clarity that she was undeniably drawn to Bruce in a way she had never been to anyone before. Despite her humble background and lack of experience with matters of the heart, she couldn't deny the magnetic pull he exerted over her.

With a racing heart and a newfound sense of longing, Alice grappled with the realization that she had fallen for him, captivated by his charm and charisma in a way that transcended the boundaries of their professional relationship.