Chapter 1: The First Clash

The glass doors of Archer Global Inc. slid open, and Ava Thompson stepped inside, gripping her folder tightly.

“Okay… first day. Don’t screw this up,” she whispered.

The lobby was massive—marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, people walking fast like every second mattered.

This wasn’t just an office.

It was a battlefield.

And she had just entered it.

“Miss Thompson?” the receptionist called.

“Yes.”

“Mr. Ethan Walker is expecting you.”

Ava exhaled slowly.

Ethan Walker.

CEO.

Cold. Strict. Untouchable.

“Perfect,” she muttered. “Let’s meet the devil on day one.”

<⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠↗

Inside the CEO’s Office

She knocked.

“Come in.”

The voice was deep. Controlled. Sharp.

Ava stepped in—and froze for half a second.

Ethan stood near the glass wall, overlooking the city like he owned every building in sight.

Tall. Perfect posture. Dark suit. Even darker eyes.

He turned.

And just like that… the air shifted.

“You’re late.”

Ava blinked. “Excuse me?”

“9:00 means 9:00.”

She glanced at the clock.

9:01.

She looked back at him, unimpressed. “It’s 9:01.”

“In this company,” Ethan said calmly, walking toward his desk, “one minute late is still late.”

Ava crossed her arms slightly. “And in real life, one minute doesn’t define a person.”

Silence.

Tension.

Electric.

Ethan’s gaze lingered on her a second longer than necessary.

Most people avoided eye contact with him.

She didn’t.

“Sit,” he said.

She sat—but not submissively.

The “Interview”

“I’ve reviewed your resume,” Ethan said. “You’re overqualified.”

“Then you should’ve offered me a better position,” Ava replied instantly.

A pause.

Ethan looked up.

“You’re bold.”

“I’m honest.”

“You’re going to be difficult.”

Ava smiled faintly. “Only when necessary.”

Something flickered in his expression.

Interest.

Barely visible.

“Why do you want this job?”

Ava’s confidence dropped… just a little.

“I don’t want it,” she said quietly. “I need it.”

That answer changed something.

Ethan noticed.

He always noticed.

“Fine,” he said after a moment. “You’re hired.”

Ava blinked. “That was fast.”

“I don’t waste time.”

“Good,” she said, standing up. “Neither do I.”

She turned to leave—then paused.

“Oh, and for the record,” she added, glancing back at him,

“I’m not afraid of you.”

Ethan leaned back in his chair.

“Everyone says that… on their first day.”

Ava smirked slightly. “Then I guess I’m not everyone.”

And she walked out.

Outside the Office

The moment the door closed, Ava let out a breath.

“Wow… he’s exhausting.”

“You met him already?"

A cheerful voice interrupted.

Ava turned to see a girl with a bright smile.

“I’m Chloe.”

“Ava.”

Chloe leaned closer. “So? How bad was it?”

Ava shrugged. “He’s intense. And a little dramatic.”

Chloe’s eyes widened. “You just described the CEO like that? You’re brave.”

“I’m honest,” Ava corrected.

Chloe laughed. “You’re going to survive here… or completely destroy the place.”

“Let’s aim for both.”

Back Inside

Ethan stood by the window again.

But this time… his mind wasn’t at work.

It was on her.

Ava Thompson.

Confident. Sharp. Unfiltered.

Different.

Dangerous.

He exhaled slowly.

“This is going to be interesting."

END OF CHAPTER!

.

.

.

.

Hello friends!

I'm leah the author I'm fifteen year old! I love writing i found this app and find it interesting so.... I write this short story it has only 5 parts....I mean 5 total chapters so stay connected and please like my story comment in the story and subcrise the story.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***