ting Emma's weary but resolute face. She would scarcely sleep. Her anx

s the in

Enterp

steaming her blazer until it stopped wrinkling and looked sleek. She tucked her hair into a tidy ponytail and applied mak

aid softly to her mir

one vi

today, Em. I adore you. Yo

was not about aspirations or status. It was about survival. There was medication, food, and

s. The train shook and hummed as passengers in stylish jackets and Bluetooth headp

that it had never experienced failure. She walked through the rotating doors into the marble-floored l

ht hairdo and a tighter g

have an interview wit

e is awaiting you." The receptionist har

urney up was smooth and silent. She could see her reflection in the stai

i

r. A secretary welcomed her cordially and moti

her lap like a shield. Every second seemed

door of the CEO'

Wolfe. The guy she would read about is featured in news stories. He resembled a storm in human form, with black hair, pale g

se

g. Sharp.

nced. His voice was low

ing not to sha

e in

nd a view of Manhattan's pulse. There is no clutter. No personalized tou

e a

ot. He stood by the

d to be my execu

es

hy

ccomplish it. I am well-organized, discreet, efficien

uated in the top five per cent of your class. "No corporate experience

ot offer excuses." I do not take shortcuts. I have worked for all I have. I understand r

onse. But I do not employ based on potentia

ked you to postpone a meal with my business partner's wife at the las

then make sure your calendar accommodated the new supper. I would contact both parties individually, handle any disappoi

le

ed up at her f

rely there. But di

ent," he remarked finally. Tell me. "Why

s let go from my f

hy

kept her voice level. "And I was n

er. "Are you a perso

them. "And I l

behind his chin. "You are either precisely wh

nched. "All I wan

of quie

y at 7:00 a.m. "

inked.

ocumentation. The post is probationary for

folder. Thank you. "Yo

will

side and di

The secretary grinned as if she had j

paperwork. "Congratulations," sh

raced. She had done it. After all the doo

to show she h

5 a.m. on the following Monday, dressed in the s

ynchronization. Wolfe's office manager gave her a rapid review of expectations: anticipate everythi

conflicting meetings, rectified a data mistake in the financial

Alexander ente

t her as he passed.

s,

minute later. He

went on, some

d, "Did you arran

to Thursday based on

d, "Where is the A

sk, ready f

aking with questions r

ived confirmation f

n email 10 minutes

ut. Emma was still at her desk, polishing the follo

esit

remai

e some stuff

ed once

ok, however, remaine

l he left before

er. And she had mana

t home in

ced something she ha

o