Julie drove into the organization's compound and parked her car neatly in the lobby. Stepping out, she walked confidently into the main building, exuding authority and grace.
A few minutes later, Arinze's car pulled up. He had deliberately chosen a less expensive ride for his first day at work to avoid unnecessary attention, so he went out the day before and bought a brand-new Camry. Parking beside other staff vehicles, he adjusted his tie and headed into the building.
Inside, Julie walked past the receptionist's desk.
"Good morning, Madam," the receptionist greeted quickly, looking up from her table.
Julie didn't respond. She simply continued toward the elevator, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor. The young receptionist was slightly annoyed but hid it — everyone knew better than to show attitude to Julie if they valued their jobs. Her cold demeanor was infamous throughout the office.
But the receptionist's irritation quickly melted away the moment a tall, handsome man walked through the door. Arinze. His confident stride and magnetic smile made her blink twice.
"Hey beautiful," he said with a wink.
Her cheeks turned red, and she quickly straightened her posture. "Good day, sir. How can I help you?"
He raised his office ID card hanging around his neck. "Yeah, I'm Arinze — the new staff. I'm supposed to resume work today."
"Yes, yes! The CEO already told me about you. You're welcome," she said with a polite, flustered smile.
He smirked. "Thanks."
As he walked toward the elevator, a few female staff members passing by slowed down, whispering among themselves. Their giggles filled the hall. Arinze noticed and flashed them a charming grin.
"Hey, ladies," he said smoothly.
"Hi, handsome," they replied almost in unison, their faces lighting up.
He smiled to himself. "I'm gonna love it here," he muttered as he reached the elevator.
At that moment, Julie was looking down at her phone, waiting for the lift doors to close. When she looked up, she caught sight of Arinze approaching — just as the elevator slid shut and took her up to the first floor.
Julie walked into her office and settled behind her desk. Moments later, her secretary, Osifo, entered with a neat stack of files.
"Good morning, Madam," she greeted respectfully.
"Brief me on today's schedule," Julie said, her tone firm and precise.
Osifo adjusted her glasses and began professionally. "Here is your nine o'clock," she said, dropping the files gently on the table. "A meeting with the representative from Shinemart, and also a memo from Chiscos Company."
Julie scanned through the files as she listened.
"And the CEO has called for a board meeting by eight," Osifo added.
"How many minutes from now?" Julie asked, glancing up.
Osifo checked her wristwatch. "Twenty minutes."
"Okay. Make sure you get those signed documents from Amidu's desk," Julie instructed. She paused, then looked directly at her secretary. "And make sure they're all signed."
"Yes, Madam."
Osifo was about to leave when something crossed her mind.
"What?" Julie asked, noticing her hesitation.
"Madam, we also have a new staff working with us," she said.
"I knew that. Is he in the building?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Good."
"And I heard he's really cute and charming," Osifo added playfully, studying her boss's expression.
Julie gave a small smirk. "Hmm… I guess I'll be meeting him soon. You may leave now."
"Okay, Ma'am," Osifo said and exited quietly.
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