Chapter 6 6 Chapter 6 - Unexpected Intrigue Morris's POV That voice. I paced my luxurious hotel suite in Tokyo, unable to focus on the Nakamura contract despite its critical importance. Something about my new assistant's voice kept replaying in my mind- melodious, calm, and unexpectedly confident despite my harsh tone. "Damn it," I muttered, tossing the tablet onto the king-sized bed and stalking to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tokyo's skyline. I'd been unnecessarily aggressive with her. Monica Hayes. The name rolled through my thoughts with surprising persistence. Why had Paula hired someone new without consulting me first? And more importantly, why was I so bothered by a simple phone call? I grabbed my phone and dialed Paula's direct line. "Morris," she answered warmly. "I see you've met Monica. "When exactly were you planning to inform me that you'd hired a new assistant?" I demanded, skipping pleasantries. A soft chuckle came through the line. "I told you last month I was retiring, remember? You said, and I quote, 'Handle it however you want, just don't bother me with the details."" I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I didn't think you meant immediately." "I'm s still here for two more weeks to train her. Monica comes highly recommended by Abel Carson. He speaks very highly of her. She's brilliant, Morris, and I have a feeling you two will work well together. If Abel vouched for her, she must be exceptional. Still, something nagged at me "Send me her resume," I said abruptly. "Already did. Check your email." I ended the call without responding and immediately opened my inbox. Monica's resume was impressively organized-bachelor's degree in business administration, exceptional references, consistent work history. But what caught my attention was what was missing: no photograph. Every professional resume these days included a headshot, but Monica Hayes remained faceless. 8 Chapter 6-Unexpected Intrigue My curiosity intensified. What did she look like? Was she young? Old? Was her face as captivating as her voice? I tossed my phone aside with frustration. Why did I even care? She was just an assistant, a tool to make my life easier. Nothing more. 10 My laptop chimed with an incoming email. Monica Hayes's name appeared in my inbox, and I opened it immediately. She had sent the Nakamura files as requested-perfectly organized, with key sections highlighted and annotated with notes about recent changes. She'd even included a brief summary of potential negotiation points that might arise during tomorrow's meeting. I leaned back, impressed despite myself. The work was thorough, precise, and showed remarkable insight given that this was supposedly her first day. Most new employees would be fumbling through basic orientation, yet she had comprehended exactly what I needed and delivered it flawlessly. But competence was only half of what I required. The assistants I've let go could file documents, but they couldn't handle pressure. They wilted, and I have no use for a wilting flower in my office. I needed to know if Monica Hayes had a spine. It was time to escalate the test-to see if she would push back or simply break. The Richardson contracts, currently stalled in legal, provided the perfect pretext. Deliberately stoking my own impatience, I reached for the phone again and dialed my office number. Comment Leave the first comment for this chapter. Rate the translation quality Good 11:50 Send Gift In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.