Chapter 4 – First Impression

The following morning, Sarah arrived at Wilson Group earlier than usual.

The large glass building stood proudly beneath the morning sunlight, reflecting the busy city around it. Employees walked through the entrance with coffee cups and briefcases, while the reception area was already filled with the quiet sounds of phones ringing and people discussing their schedules.

Sarah stepped through the revolving doors and checked the time on her phone.

8:10 a.m.

She smiled to herself.

"Perfect. I'm early again."

She still remembered her first conversation with Alex the previous day.

I expect results.

His words had stayed in her mind throughout the night.

Sarah wasn't offended by his strict attitude. Instead, she saw it as a challenge.

She wanted to prove that she deserved her position.

"Good morning, Miss Sarah," the receptionist greeted.

"Good morning."

Sarah took the elevator to the executive floor.

When she arrived, Emma was already sitting at her desk.

"You're early again," Emma said with a smile.

Sarah laughed softly.

"I don't want to be late."

"You might fit in here better than I thought."

Sarah placed her bag beside her desk.

"I hope so."

Emma handed her several folders.

"These need to be delivered to Mr. Wilson before his nine o'clock meeting."

Sarah nodded.

"Of course."

She took the folders and walked toward Alex's office.

Before she could knock, the door opened.

Alex stepped out.

Sarah immediately stopped.

"Good morning, Mr. Wilson."

Alex looked at her.

"Good morning."

His eyes briefly moved toward the folders in her hands.

"Those are for me?"

"Yes, sir."

"Leave them on my desk."

"Yes."

Alex walked past her.

Sarah turned slightly and watched him enter the elevator.

For some reason, she felt nervous whenever he was nearby.

She shook her head.

"He's just my boss."

At nine o'clock, the first meeting began.

Alex sat at the head of the conference table while several senior executives presented their reports.

Sarah sat quietly at the side, taking notes.

The discussion focused on an upcoming international investment project.

One of the managers presented a financial report.

"The estimated return for the first year should be approximately twelve percent."

Alex looked at the document.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, Mr. Wilson."

Sarah continued writing.

But something didn't seem right.

She looked at the numbers again.

The projected costs seemed unusually low.

She hesitated.

As an intern, she wasn't sure whether she should speak.

Then Alex looked toward her.

"Sarah."

She looked up immediately.

"Yes, sir?"

"You've been checking that report for the last five minutes."

Several executives turned toward her.

Sarah felt embarrassed.

"I'm sorry."

Alex leaned back.

"If you see something, say it."

Sarah took a deep breath.

"I think there may be an error in the projected operating costs."

The manager frowned.

"An error?"

Sarah nodded.

"The transportation expenses appear to be based on last quarter's figures. If the current rates are used, the total cost would be higher."

The manager quickly opened his laptop.

After checking the figures, his expression changed.

"She's right."

The room became silent.

Alex looked at Sarah.

"How much difference?"

Sarah quickly calculated.

"Approximately three percent in total operating costs."

Alex nodded.

"Correct the report."

The manager immediately replied,

"Yes, Mr. Wilson."

Alex turned toward Sarah.

"Good observation."

Sarah smiled.

"Thank you, sir."

It was only a few words.

But to Sarah, they meant a lot.

After the meeting, Sarah returned to her desk.

She had barely sat down when Lucas appeared beside her.

"Congratulations."

Sarah looked confused.

"For what?"

"You survived another meeting with the CEO."

Sarah laughed.

"I didn't do anything special."

Neo walked over.

"Actually, you did."

Lucas nodded dramatically.

"You corrected a senior manager's report in front of everyone."

Sarah lowered her voice.

"I was just doing my job."

Neo smiled.

"That's exactly what makes it impressive."

Lucas leaned closer.

"Do you know how many people are afraid to disagree with Alex?"

Sarah thought for a moment.

"Probably everyone?"

"Exactly."

They laughed.

From across the hallway, Alex briefly looked toward them.

He noticed how comfortable Sarah seemed around his two friends.

For a moment, his expression softened.

Then he returned to his office.

That evening, Sarah stayed late to finish several documents.

Most employees had already left.

The executive floor became unusually quiet.

Sarah rubbed her tired eyes.

"I should finish this before going home."

She continued typing.

A few minutes later, Alex came out of his office.

He stopped when he saw Sarah still working.

"You're still here?"

Sarah looked up.

"Yes, sir. I just need to finish this report."

Alex glanced at the clock.

"It is almost eight."

"I know."

"You can finish it tomorrow."

Sarah shook her head.

"I'd rather finish it now so tomorrow I can start with a clean schedule."

Alex studied her for a moment.

"You don't have to prove yourself every minute."

Sarah was surprised by his words.

"I know."

"Then go home."

Sarah smiled.

"After I finish this page."

Alex sighed quietly.

"You really are stubborn."

Sarah looked at him with a small smile.

"I've been told that before."

For the first time, Alex almost smiled.

Almost.

"Good night, Sarah."

"Good night, Mr. Wilson."

Alex walked away.

Sarah watched him disappear into the elevator.

She couldn't explain why, but that simple conversation had felt different.

Meanwhile, inside the elevator, Alex stood alone.

He looked at the closing doors.

"She's certainly not like the other interns."

He didn't know why he had started paying attention to her.

He only knew that Sarah Carter had somehow become difficult to ignore.

And neither of them realized that this small change in their relationship was only the beginning.

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