Rozenn let out a deep sigh before stepping out of the elevator, gripping her bag tightly.
She had just arrived on the floor where she would now be working—the Litigation Department of Grey Law Firm. Which was more like a specialized department were important cases are referred to and was headed by the Managing Partner and Son of the CEO, Evander Grey.
Grey Law Firm was one of the top firms in the country, renowned for its numerous departments and elite lawyers. Getting in at the entry level was nearly impossible—only the top 1% made it through.
Her years of hard work had paid off. Graduating top of her class and earning the title of Best Graduating Student from law school had secured her this position. And she wasn't about to mess it up.
She walked further into the expansive office space.
"Hello, how may I help you?" a voice called out. Rozenn turned toward the sound.
A woman at the reception desk greeted her with a polite smile. How had she missed her?
Rozenn quickly made her way over.
"Hi, I'm so sorry. I'm Rozenn—Rozenn Eirwen. I'm supposed to start work in this department today."
"Oh, you're the newbie? Hold on a second while I inform the Senior manager," the receptionist replied. Rozenn nodded and quietly said thank you.
Just then, a man who looked like he hadn't slept in days stormed into the reception area, brushing past Rozenn.
"Trisha, I need these photocopied ASAP. And where is Onda? This is supposed to be her job!"
"Uh, Mr. Collin, you asked Onda to get you iced coffee a few minutes ago and I was just about to call your office," Trisha—the receptionist, as Rozenn had now gathered—replied calmly.
"This is Rozenn Elwan?" Trisha's face twisted slightly as she struggled with the name.
"Eirwen," Rozenn corrected gently.
"Yes, that—she's the new one under Mr. Grey," Trisha clarified.
"Oh right, Roseanne!"
"It's Roz—"
"Come with me right now. We've been waiting for you." Mr. Collin cut her off and walked briskly past her. Rozenn hurried after him, just in time to slip through the glass door that required an ID keycard to open—and would lock immediately after use.
Does he live on triple espresso or what? Rozenn wondered. Why's he so impatient?
She followed Mr. Collin into the general office and was instantly struck by its size and energy. From the reception, it was already clear how impressive this place was. Employees were busy on phone calls, typing rapidly, and monitors beeped quietly. Though it was still early and clients hadn't arrived, the air buzzed with productivity.
She was about to be one of them.
"Hurry up now, would ya?" Mr. Collin called from the door to his office. Rozenn was still standing in awe in the middle of the office.
She ran to catch up.
Inside, Mr. Collin walked to his desk, grabbed a few items, and returned to where Rozenn stood awkwardly by the door.
"Here's your ID. The barcode on the back gives you building access. Here's your journal—inside, you'll find the Wi-Fi password and credentials for the department database. You'll be assisting the head of this department, who's also the director of the entire firm. He's in court at the moment but will return soon. He'll give you further instructions when he arrives. Your performance over the next few months—or years—will determine whether you get your own office. With an assistant. Welcome to Grey, Roseanne."
He spoke so fast Rozenn had to work hard just to keep up.
"Thank you, Mr. Collin. Um…how about my desk, sir?" she asked, accepting the items.
"In the general office, of course. Pick any free desk. Good luck, Roseanne," he said, putting on his glasses and returning to his seat.
"Thank you, Mr. Collin," she said again, smiling.
"Uh, Mr. Collin?" Rozenn called hesitantly.
"What?" he snapped, peering at her over the rim of his glasses.
She shifted nervously, debating whether to correct him. But if she didn't, he'd keep mispronouncing it.
"It's Rozenn. Not Roseanne," she said, showing him her staff ID.
"Yeah, I get it, Roseanne. Now get out," he deadpanned, eyes back on his screen.
Sheesh. He's a whole box of attitude, she thought as she walked back into the general office.
She quickly found an empty desk, dropped her things, took a deep breath, and said loudly:
"Hello, everyone! I'm Rozenn Eirwen. I'm starting here today, and I hope we all have a great time working together!"
Heads turned.
"Hey, you're the one with Mr. Collin earlier. A newbie, huh?"
"Fresh graduate?"
"Eirwen? The top graduating student who made the news?"
"You shouldn't be so happy to be here."
"Hey, let her have her moment—it's her first day."
"I'm just kidding. I love my job."
Multiple voices chimed in at once, and Rozenn was relieved. She had worried she'd be ignored.
"I'm Alan. Mr. Ryan's assistant. I love my boss. Alan and Ryan—see? We match. A match made in heaven," he said, eyes dreamy with admiration.
"You have no idea how stupid you look right now," a pretty brunette teased, entering with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
"I'm Lisa, Miss Lent's assistant. Nice to meet you," she said, smiling. Rozenn returned the smile.
"I'm Larry, that's Gabe, Soren, Edna, and Kim. The other assistants are out with their bosses—you'll meet them later," Larry said as the others waved.
"Welcome to Grey," Edna said warmly.
"You're Mr. Grey's assistant, right?" Soren asked.
Rozenn nodded. "What's he like, if I may ask?"
"Oh, he's…" Soren trailed off, searching for words.
"He's fine. At least not as hotheaded as our dear Mr. Collin," Larry helped.
Rozenn had seen Evander Grey on the news and social media, but never in person. She was eager to meet her new boss.
"Zenn? Can we call you that? Rozenn might be hard for some to pronounce," Kim finally spoke up.
"Yes, definitely. I don't mind," Rozenn replied with a big smile.
After some lighthearted introductions—and a few warnings about the other bosses—Rozenn settled in and began arranging her desk.
Just as she finished, a girl walked in, headed straight for her desk, and collapsed into the chair.
"Onda? You're back?" Gabe said, making everyone glance up.
"What took you so long?"
Oh, so she's Onda, Rozenn thought. Mr. Collin's assistant.
"You look like hell, girl," Soren said with a wince.
"Well, maybe because I had to sprint a mile to and from his "special café—" Onda air-quoted—"after he changed his mind midway and demanded a new coffee before the foam melted. Why does he even do that when there's a café right in the lobby?!"
She looked utterly drained. The others exchanged knowing glances. Clearly, this was routine.
The phone on Onda's desk rang. She picked it up instantly.
"Yes, Mr. Collin," she said, then slammed it down with a dramatic eye roll.
She grabbed a file from her desk and groaned as she stood.
"I did not sign up for this," she muttered, dragging herself toward his office. She took a deep breath, knocked, and stepped inside.
"Poor Onda," Edna sighed.
"Fiery Collin works her too hard."
"Well, on the bright side, she gets to go to court often and work with major clients. She might be promoted," Larry said. "Now, speaking of coffee—does anyone want real coffee? Not instant?"
"And you'll pay for it?" Lisa asked.
"Of course not!" Larry grinned. Everyone rolled their eyes.
"I'll buy!" Rozenn volunteered brightly. "I'll treat everyone to coffee after lunch."
Alan gasped. Cheers erupted.
"Honey, you have no idea what you've just gotten yourself into," he said, shaking his head.
Lisa smacked him lightly.
Rozenn just laughed, basking in the warmth of her new team.
She loved it here.
*****************************
Rozenn was still trying to set up her monitor when a tall figure walked briskly past her.
What is it with people here? Does everyone walk at triple speed or what?
"Welcome back, Mr. Grey."
"Good morning, Mr. Grey."
His arrival was met with several respectful greetings, which he returned with a firm nod and a faint smile.
"That's Mr. Grey," Onda whispered to Rozenn.
"What do I do? Do I follow him?" Rozenn whispered back, unsure of the protocol.
"I think you should wait until he calls you in," Kim suggested from across the desk, and Rozenn nodded.
After about two minutes, the door to Evander Grey's office opened again, and he stepped into the general office.
"The new assistant—where is she?" he asked calmly, his eyes scanning the room.
Rozenn shot up from her seat.
"Mr. Grey, sir," she said, raising her hand slightly.
He gave her a once-over, then said, "Come with me."
She hurried after him into his office.
"Rozenn Eirwen," he began, and Rozenn couldn't help but smile.
Evan looked up.
"Why are you smiling? Did I say something funny? Is there something on my face?" He picked up his phone and checked his reflection.
Rozenn shook her head quickly.
"No, sir. I'm just… pleased. You're the first person who's pronounced my name correctly since I arrived."
"Oh. I see." His lips curved into a faint line, and Rozenn bit her lip, trying to suppress the smile still threatening to break through.
"Anyway. Do you know why you're here?" he asked.
"To work?" she replied, tilting her head slightly.
"Technically correct—but not what I meant. Yes, you're here to work, but more importantly, you're here because you chose this path. You were brought in directly—no interview—because of your academic performance and, as I've heard, as part of a reward from my father. Is that correct?" He met her eyes directly.
Rozenn nodded.
"Have a seat," he instructed, gesturing to the chair across from him. She sat without hesitation.
"Just one question for you: why law? What's your purpose?"
That's two questions, Rozenn thought.
"Well, uh… my dad's a judge," she began.
Evan nodded. "Lord Eirwen. Well-known."
Rozenn smiled softly.
"Growing up, I watched my dad be a really cool judge. Back when he was still a professor of law, I'd sometimes follow him to class and sit at the back, watching him teach. I thought he was the coolest person alive. And while he was busy, I'd sit with some of his students who'd offered to keep an eye on me, and I'd listen to them talk about all sorts of legal stuff. To me, it was all just… cool. So, I guess I followed in his footsteps."
She paused, then added more thoughtfully, "Why law? There's no one specific reason. It piqued my interest and I pursued it. And I guess, in a strange way, I find satisfaction in seeing justice served—seeing people who've done wrong held accountable. As for my purpose… it's simple. I want to be successful and respected, just like my father."
Evan nodded again.
"Honest and simple. I won't say anything to discourage you. You've chosen the right path. The rest is up to you."
He leaned back slightly.
"My working style is straightforward. I do things quickly and cleanly. Quick doesn't mean sloppy—I expect quality. You won't be representing clients or speaking in court just yet. But you'll shadow me—sit in on my client meetings and attend court sessions. For now, you'll begin with research."
He shuffled through the files on his desk and pulled one out.
"This is a defamation case. Read through the facts and give me your opinion."
He dropped the orange file in front of her. Rozenn picked it up and quickly scanned the first page.
"There's more," he added, rising from his seat and moving to the bookshelf.
Rozenn took the opportunity to observe him properly. He was tall—she barely reached his chest. Perfect height for a good hug. His broad shoulders filled out his dress shirt, and his sleeves strained slightly at his biceps. His hands were large, veined, and strong. His hair—long, black, and silky—looked like it belonged in a magazine.
God really took His time with this one, she thought, just as Evan turned back around.
Their eyes met, and Rozenn's face flushed. She quickly looked away, focusing on anything but the man now standing directly in front of her.
Get a grip, Rozenn.
Evan slammed a stack of files on the desk, making her jump slightly.
Her eyes widened.
How many files is that? One, two, three, four, fi—
"These are cases I'm handling this week. Read through them. You'll be coming with me to court," he said, cutting into her thoughts.
"Yes, Mr. Grey," she replied, standing to gather the files.
"You can go. Good luck, Rozenn."
She nodded, arms full, and exited his office.
Back in the general office, her pile of files was met with amused stares.
"I see your work has begun," Larry grinned.
"That's Grey for you. He doesn't waste time," Soren added.
"Damn, that's a lot of files. Good luck," Onda said, patting Rozenn on the back as she sat down.