The New CEO

Lilith narrating...

We arrived at the company's grand hall shortly before the ceremony began.

The place was impeccable.

Enormous chandeliers illuminated the sophisticated venue, waiters circulated elegantly with trays of expensive drinks, and dozens of important businessmen chatted in small groups scattered throughout the hall.

The decor followed gold and black tones, conveying power and elegance.

M.C. Holding knew how to impress.

I observed everything in silence while discreetly adjusting my black dress.

Kiara, beside me, looked like she was about to burst with curiosity.

"Has the hot arrogant guy arrived yet?" she whispered.

I held back a laugh.

"You don't even know the man."

"I don't need to. Italian, millionaire, and mysterious? That's already enough material to suffer over."

I rolled my eyes in amusement.

"You desperately need therapy."

"And you desperately need to kiss someone."

"Kiara..."

She raised her hands in surrender but kept smiling.

We went to our seats near the main stage. As secretaries to the president and vice president, we had reserved seats in the front rows.

People began arriving little by little.

Directors.

Investors.

Foreign businessmen.

Italian politicians.

The atmosphere was far too important for a simple corporate event. It felt more like a royal succession ceremony.

Mr. Genaro Conti appeared a few minutes later.

Even close to retirement, he still maintained that elegant and respectable posture that made everyone admire him.

As soon as he saw us, he approached with a smile.

"Miss Lilith."

I stood up immediately.

"Mr. Genaro."

He held my hands affectionately.

"You look beautiful tonight."

I smiled politely.

"Thank you, sir."

He then looked at Kiara.

"And you as well, Miss Kiara. I hope you don't cause any fires tonight."

Kiara placed her hand on her chest dramatically.

"No promises."

Mr. Genaro laughed before turning his attention back to me.

"After the ceremony, I might need your help with some French guests."

I nodded promptly.

"Of course."

He smiled with satisfaction and walked toward the stage.

A few minutes later, the lights dimmed slightly.

The hall fell silent.

Genaro began his speech.

He spoke about the years dedicated to the company, about growth, legacy, hard work, and trust.

Many people seemed moved.

He truly was respected in there.

Then came the most anticipated moment of the night.

"Today, I officially hand over the leadership of M.C. Holding to my son and successor... Alessandro Morelli Conti."

The entire hall erupted in applause.

Alessandro Morelli Conti

And then he appeared.

For a second...

I simply forgot to breathe.

Alessandro Conti was absurdly handsome.

Tall, strong.

Imposing.

His blond hair was perfectly styled. His light eyes had a cold and intense shade that was impossible to ignore.

He wore a flawless Italian suit that looked like it had been made exactly for that muscular body.

But it wasn't just beauty.

It was presence.

The kind of man who dominated an entire room without needing to say a single word.

I immediately understood why everyone talked about him so much.

Kiara discreetly squeezed my arm.

"Oh my God..."

I ignored the comment, but inside I was equally impressed.

He began his speech with a deep, firm voice.

He spoke little.

Objective.

Direct.

But every word carried authority.

"M.C. Holding will continue to grow. There's no room for complacency, repeated mistakes, or lack of commitment. Those willing to evolve will have my respect. Those who aren't... won't remain here."

Some people exchanged tense glances.

The rumors about him were definitely not exaggerated.

When the speech ended, Alessandro received another round of applause, though many seemed too intimidated to react naturally.

He stepped down from the stage accompanied by his father.

And then Genaro made a point of calling me over.

"Alessandro, I want to introduce someone important."

I approached calmly.

His light eyes landed on me for the first time.

And I felt something strange in the way he observed me.

It wasn't a vulgar look.

Nor a superficial one.

It was intense.

Analytical.

As if he were trying to decipher me.

"This is Lilith Miller. My secretary and personal assistant for four years."

Alessandro continued observing me.

"She'll be your secretary now."

He merely gave a slight nod.

He didn't even smile.

"Miss."

"Mr. Conti."

And then he simply walked away.

Kiara appeared at my side seconds later.

"Lord have mercy... he's even more gorgeous up close."

I ignored the comment as I picked up a glass of water.

"And extremely friendly," I said sarcastically.

"Oh, I like the cold and troubled ones."

"That explains a lot about your failed relationships."

She made an indignant face.

The party continued normally for some time.

I chatted with some businessmen, organized details on Mr. Genaro's schedule, and discreetly helped some foreign guests.

Until Genaro appeared again, this time visibly worried.

"Lilith, we had a problem with the French."

I frowned.

"What happened?"

"A contractual disagreement. I need your help before this turns into a diplomatic disaster."

I took a deep breath.

"Of course. Where are they?"

He pointed to a private room farther from the main hall.

As soon as I entered, I found two men arguing in French with one of the company's executives.

The atmosphere was tense.

The French representative seemed extremely irritated.

I immediately began speaking in fluent French, trying to understand the problem.

I spent almost twenty minutes calmly mediating the entire situation until I finally managed to resolve the impasse.

The French businessman sighed with relief.

"Merci beaucoup, mademoiselle. Vous avez evite une catastrophe ce soir."

(Thank you so much, Miss. You prevented a catastrophe tonight.)

I smiled politely.

"Ce n'etait qu'un malentendu. Je suis heureuse d'avoir pu aider."

(It was just a misunderstanding. I'm happy I could help.)

When the conversation ended and the men left the room, I felt a presence behind me.

I turned slowly.

And found Alessandro leaning discreetly near the door.

Watching everything in silence.

My heart skipped a beat.

I hadn't even noticed he was there.

He approached slowly.

His light eyes locked on mine.

Then he spoke in perfect French.

"Tres impressionnant, mademoiselle. Vous parlez la langue avec une grande aisance. Ou avez-vous appris le francais?"

(Very impressive, Miss. You speak the language with great ease. Where did you learn French?)

I took a deep breath before answering in the same language.

"A New York. J'ai etudie dans une ecole internationale de langues. En plus du francais, je parle aussi italien et allemand."

(In New York. I studied at an international language school. In addition to French, I also speak Italian and German.)

A faint gleam crossed his eyes.

Almost imperceptible.

"Interessant."

(Interesting.)

I waited for him to say something more.

But Alessandro merely held my gaze for a few seconds.

As if he were evaluating every detail of me.

Then he nodded slowly.

"Bonne nuit, mademoiselle Lilith."

(Good night, Miss Lilith.)

And he left the room.

Just like that.

I stood there staring at the closed door, completely unable to understand what had just happened.

I didn't know if it had gone well.

If he had liked my work.

Or if I had done something wrong...

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