Chapter 7 7 Chapter 7 - Taming the Beast Monica's POV 1 My first day at Lorenzo Group was turning into a crash course in corporate politics. I'd spent the morning absorbing Paula's wisdom about everything from Morris Lorenzo's coffee preferences (black, no sugar, precisely 175 degrees) to the company's organizational chart. Just when I thought I had a moment to breathe, my office door swung open. "You must be the new executive assistant," a tall, lanky man with thick glasses announced, stepping into my space without invitation. "I'm Zack from IT. I need to set up your security credentials." I gestured to the chair across from my desk. "Nice to meet you, Zack.* He pulled the chair uncomfortably close before sitting down. "Wow, you're even prettier than everyone's saying," he said, eyes scanning me from head to toe. "Maybe we could grab coffee sometime? I know all the best spots near the office." I shifted in my seat, maintaining my professional smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to keep my work relationships professional. "Come on," he insisted, leaning closer. "Just one coffee. I could show you how things really work around here." Before I could respond, my phone rang. The display showed it was Morris Lorenzo's direct line, and my stomach tightened. "Excuse me, I need to take this," I said, grateful for the interruption. Zack reluctantly stood and headed for the door, calling over his shoulder, "I'll finish later. Think about that coffee!" your setup. I took a deep breath and picked up the phone. "Mr. Lorenzo's office, Monica speaking" "Where are the Richardson contracts?" His voice cut through the line like a blade, even rougher than during our first call. "Good afternoon to you too, Mr. Lorenzo," I replied, trying to maintain composure. "The Richardson contracts were sent to legal yesterday for final review, as per standard protocol." "I don't care about protocol," he snapped. "I need them now. Are you incapable of understanding simple instructions?" My cheeks burned. One thing I couldn't tolerate was being spoken to like I was stupid. "With all que respect, sir, I've been here less than six hours. The contracts were already in process when I arrived." "I don't pay you to make excuses, he barked. "If you want to last beyond your first day, learn to 7 Chapter 7-Taming the Beast anticipate what I need before I ask" Something inside me snapped. I'd left one toxic environment behind in Bellwood; I wasn't about to endure another. "Perhaps what you need, Mr. Lorenzo, is a refresher course in basic human decency, I fired back, my voice shaking with anger. "I'll locate your contracts, but I won't be spoken to as if I'm beneath you." Before he could respond, I did something that would have horrified me just hours ago I hung up on my boss. Immediately, panic set in. What had I done? I'd just jeopardized the job I desperately needed for Austin's sake. I dropped my head into my hands, certain I'd be packing my desk within the hour. "Monica?" Paula appeared in my doorway, concern etched across her elegant features. "Are you alright? You look pale." "I just hung up on Mr. Lorenzo," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. To my astonishment, Paula broke into a radiant smile. "You did? Oh, thank goodness!" I blinked in confusion. "I'm sorry?" She closed my office door and sat down. "Monica, if you had meekly accepted Morris's bullying, you would have been fired within a week. He has no respect for people who don't stand their ground." "But I just- "You just passed his first real test, she interrupted, her eyes twinkling. "Morris is brilliant but impossible. He needs someone who can handle his... intensity. Someone who pushes back." I stared at her, processing this bizarre revelation. "So you're saying he's deliberately testing me?" "Exactly. He's been through three assistants since I started looking for a replacement. None of them lasted more than three days." She leaned forward. "But something tells me you're different. Before I could respond, my phone rang again. Morris Lorenzo's name flashed on the screen. Paula squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Remember, be professional but firm. Don't let him intimidate you." With a deep breath, I answered. "Lorenzo Group, CEO's office." "Did you just hang up on me?" His voice was dangerously quiet. I'squared my shoulders. "Yes, I did, Mr. Lorenzo. And I'd do it again if necessary. I understand you're under tremendous pressure, but that doesn't entitle you to verbal abuse." 7 Chapter 7 - Taming the Beast A lengthy silence followed. I could almost feel him seething through the phone. "The Richardson contracts," he finally said, his tone marginally less hostile. "Where are they?" "I've just emailed legal to expedite their review," I replied coolly, pulling up the company directory as I spoke. "I'll have them in your email within the hour. And I've taken the liberty of organizing your Tokyo presentation materials as well, since I noticed they weren't properly. formatted for international standards." Another pause. I held my breath. "How did you know about the Tokyo presentation?" he asked, surprise evident in his voice. "It's my job to know, Mr. Lorenzo, I replied smoothly. "Just as it's my job to anticipate your needs and ensure everything runs efficiently. Perhaps if your salary reflected the stress management skills this position requires, you'd find me even more motivated. Perhaps a cup of chamomile tea might help you calm down, sir." I heard what sounded suspiciously like a choked laugh before he cleared his throat. "Don't push your luck, Ms. Hayes." "I wouldn't dream of it, sir," I replied sweetly. "Will there be anything else?" A beat of silence. "That's all for now." The line went dead. I stared at the phone, torn between triumph and terror. Had I just committed career suicide or somehow won his respect? Paula's delighted expression suggested the latter. "Oh, he's going to be absolutely insufferable when he realizes you're not intimidated by him,' she said, rising from her chair. "This is going to be fascinating to watch." As she left my office, I couldn't decide whether to feel proud or terrified. One thing was certain -my life at Lorenzo Group wouldn't be boring. With renewed determination, I reached for my phone to call legal. The Beast might have met his match, but the battle had only just begun. 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. 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