The meeting room was unusually silent.
The air felt heavy as senior executives sat around the long glass table, their eyes fixed on the large screen showing the company's quarterly ranking.
Second place. Again.
At the end of the table, the CEO — William Alexander, the man who is respected across the business world — lowered his head slightly, exhaustion visible on his face.
No one dared to speak. Silence conquered the meeting room.
Except her.
The secretary slowly stood up, holding the report file tightly against her chest. Her posture was straight, her expression calm, but her heart was beating fast.
"Sir," she said respectfully, breaking the silence, "with all due respect… this company will never reach first place if we continue like this."
Gasps filled the room. The Vice CEO, Ethan Carter, looked at her, shocked.
Several managers exchanged shocked glances. No one had ever spoken to Mr William, the CEO of the Alexander Holdings, so directly before.
Mr William lifted his eyes and looked at her quietly.
"Continue," he said.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and placed the report on the table.
"Our systems are outdated. Our younger workforce lacks guidance. Innovation is slowing down. If we want to surpass the top company, we need change — not comfort."
Her voice was firm, but not arrogant. It carried sincerity.
The room remained silent again.
After the meeting ended, Mr William asked her to come to his office.
When the door closed, he sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair.
"You speak like someone who truly cares about this company," he said softly.
She nodded. "Because I do, sir. This company feeds hundreds of families. Including mine."
He looked at her for a long moment, then stood up and walked toward the window.
"But I don't know how to reach the first place, it's not that easy" he said as he sighed.
"There is a way that could make things easy, Sir" She replied after thinking for a moment.
"What do you mean by that?" Mr. William asked as he looked surprised but attentive.
Jade replied, "Sir.. this company has changing and losing profits because of lacking energy." She paused a moment before continuing, "Sir I didn't mean to point out that you're getting old.. it's just, if there is someone who could handle things more actively, this company would've come to the first ranking."
"But who would be that one? The one who's young you're referring to? You're not saying our Vice CEO to lead the company after me or do you?"
She paused a moment to choose the right words, "It doesn't exactly have to be him, Sir. Just someone smart enough to lead this company in the future and to make it to the first ranking."
"But that doesn't answer my question.."
"I.. I really don't know, Sir."
"Jade, only if you were my son, I would've chose you, the potential you have, I really prefer you more than anyone. But fate has its own play.." he said slowly as he was disappointed.
Jade Evangeline. The loyal executive secretary that has been working with "Alexander Holdings" for 3 years. William Alexander always found Jade's presence peaceful and graceful, knowing that she could handle things more professionally and wisely.
He trusted her and has affection for her as if she is his own daughter. So, he decides to break the secret he has keeping for years..
"There is something no one here knows," he said quietly. "And I want you to know..."
"What is it, Sir?" She asked with curious.
"Jade, I have.. a son." Mr. William said ever so slowly yet felt ashamed of his own son.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"He is my only heir," He continued. "But he is spoiled, irresponsible, and uninterested in business. I kept him hidden from the company because… I am ashamed."
She remained silent for a second.
Then she spoke with determination.
"Then we should.. train him."
Mr William turned around sharply.
"He is your blood, Sir. If this company has a future, it should be in the hands of someone who will inherit it properly."
"But he is not that easy to train.. if it was possible I could've had him here years ago. Don't mind me saying this Jade, but he is a spoiled brat," Mr William said as he sighed heavily.
"But.. what if I trained him, Sir?" She asked boldly.
The CEO stared at her in disbelief.
"You're willing to take that responsibility?"
She nodded firmly.
"For this company… and for its future."
She paused briefly before saying firmly,
"I, Secretary, can change the spoiled brat!"
Neither of them knew that this decision would change everything.
And that the spoiled heir she was about to meet would become the biggest challenge of her life.