Trial by Telephone Hazel's POV The last thing I expected during my second day at Sterling Group was to be asked out on a date . Yet here I was , staring awkwardly at Finn from IT , his hopeful expression making me squirm in my seat . " So , what do you say ? Dinner this Friday ? " he asked again , fidgeting with the company phone he'd just delivered . I smiled politely . " That's really sweet , Finn , but I'm still settling in . Plus , I have my son to think about . " His face fell slightly . " Oh ! You have a son ? I didn't know . " " Yes , Leo . He's two and keeps me pretty busy . " I held up the phone. " Thanks for setting this up ." Finn nodded , accepting the gentle rejection . " No problem . If you need anything else tech - related , just call the helpdesk and ask for me . " As he walked away , Evelyn approached with an amused smile . " First day and already breaking hearts ? " I laughed . " Hardly . Just being honest . " " Smart move keeping your personal life separate from work ," she said , placing a stack of files on my desk . " These need Mr. Sterling's signature when he returns tomorrow ." The phone Finn had just delivered rang suddenly , startling us both . I checked the screen - STERLING , LIAM . My stomach dropped . The boss himself , calling on my second day . " Remember ," Evelyn whispered , " confidence is key . " I took a deep breath and answered . " Mr. Sterling's office , Hazel Vance speaking ." " Who the hell are you and where is Evelyn ? " The voice was deep , commanding , and unmistakably irritated . 20:35 1/5 7 Trial by Telephone " I'm Mr. Sterling's new executive assistant . Evelyn is right here if you'd like to speak with her ." " Put her on immediately . " His tone was clipped , bordering on rude . I glanced at Evelyn , who nodded encouragingly . But something about his dismissive attitude sparked a flare of defiance in me . I needed this job desperately - rent wasn't cheap and Leo deserved stability - but I wouldn't be treated like dirt . " I'd be happy to connect you , but first may I ask who's calling ? " I kept my voice professionally sweet . A tense pause followed . " This is Liam Sterling . Your boss . " " I apologize , Mr. Sterling , but I need to verify all callers before transferring them . Company protocol . " " Are you seriously questioning who I am ? " His voice rose . " I don't have time for this nonsense . " That did it . No job was worth being spoken to like this . " Then perhaps , sir , you should try being more polite to the person managing your schedule and calls . Have a nice day ." I hung up . Evelyn's eyes widened to the size of saucers . " You didn't just hang up on Liam Sterling ." My momentary courage evaporated . " Oh God . I did , didn't I ? " I covered my face with my hands . " I'm going to be fired before I even meet him . " To my surprise , Evelyn burst out laughing . " In twenty - five years , I've never seen anyone stand up to him like that !" " This isn't funny ! I need this job ! " She patted my shoulder . " He tests people , Hazel . Pushes until they break . Most assistants grovel and apologize . You pushed back . " The phone rang again . I stared at it like it might explode . " Answer it , " Evelyn urged . " He respects backbone more than obedience . " I swallowed hard and picked up . " Mr. Sterling's office . " 20:36 2/5 7 Trial by Telephone " Put Evelyn on . Now . " His voice was dangerously calm . I handed the phone to Evelyn , my hand shaking slightly . મોં પર " Yes , Liam ? " she said cheerfully . " I see you've met Hazel … Yes … No … Actually, I think she handled that perfectly . " She winked at me . " She's exactly what you need … Yes , here she is . " She passed the phone back to me , whispering , " Don't back down . " I took another steadying breath . " Mr. Sterling ? " " Miss Vance ," he said , emphasizing my name with barely contained irritation . " Let me make something perfectly clear . I don't appreciate being hung up on by employees I'm paying generously to assist me . " " And I don't appreciate being spoken to disrespectfully , " I countered , my heart pounding . " I understand you're my boss , but common courtesy should still apply . " Another tense silence . " You've got nerve , " he finally said . Was that a hint of amusement in his voice ? " Tell me , Miss Vance , do you often make a habit of talking back to your employers ? " " Only when necessary , sir , " I replied , gaining confidence . " I'm exceptionally good at my job . I'm organized , efficient , and I anticipate needs before they arise . But I work with people , not for them ." Evelyn gave me a thumbs up , grinning broadly . " Is that so ? " Mr. Sterling's tone shifted subtly . " Then anticipate this need : I require the Morgan proposal on my desk with a complete analysis by 8 AM tomorrow . " " Already done , sir . I emailed it to you last night with my notes highlighting potential risk factors and three alternative strategies ." Another pause . Longer this time . " The Yamamoto meeting ? " , " Rescheduled to accommodate his early departure . All attendees have confirmed ." " The quarterly reports ? " 20:36 3/5 7 Trial by Telephone " Compiled , reviewed , and ready for your approval . I also took the liberty of preparing a summary presentation for the board . " I could almost hear him searching for something to challenge me on . " You seem quite … prepared ," he admitted grudgingly . " That's what you pay me for , Mr. Sterling . " " Indeed . " Another pause . " You still shouldn't have hung up on me . " " And you shouldn't have been rude , " I countered . " Perhaps we could both improve our phone etiquette ? " Evelyn was now silently clapping , clearly enjoying the show . " Miss Vance ," he said , his voice dropping to a dangerously soft tone , " you're either exceptionally brave or incredibly foolish . I haven't decided which yet . " " I prefer ' efficient , sir . Speaking of which , is there anything else you need before your return tomorrow ? Perhaps some chamomile tea ? You sound rather tense ." I immediately regretted my sarcastic suggestion , but it was too late to take it back . " Chamomile tea ? " he repeated slowly . " Are you mocking me , Miss Vance ? " " Not at all . Just concerned for your well - being ," I replied , trying to recover . " Stress management is important for executives . " " I manage my stress just fine , " he growled . " What I don't need is an assistant who thinks she can psychoanalyze me over the phone . " " I wouldn't dream of it , sir . I leave the psychoanalysis to professionals . I just handle your schedule , correspondence , and apparently , your temper ." The silence that followed was deafening . I'd definitely crossed a line . " Be prepared for when I return , Miss Vance ! " The threat hung in the air for a moment before the line went dead . I placed the phone down carefully , as if it might bite me . " I'm going to be looking for a new job by tomorrow , aren't I ? " Evelyn shook her head , still smiling . " On the contrary . I think you're exactly what he 20:30 4/5 7 Trial by Telephone needs . Someone who won't cower or break . " " He sounded furious . " " That's his normal state , " she assured me . " But trust me , he's impressed . Most people are too terrified to challenge him . You did , and you backed it up with competence ." I tried to believe her , but my stomach was in knots . Tomorrow I would finally meet the infamous Liam Sterling face to face . After this phone call , that prospect was equal parts terrifying and oddly exhilarating . " Come on , " Evelyn said , guiding me toward her desk . " Let's continue with the training . You'll need all the preparation you can get before the hurricane that is Liam Sterling makes landfall tomorrow . " I nodded and followed her , wondering what I'd gotten myself into . One thing was certain - my new boss was unlike anyone I'd ever encountered . Tomorrow would either be the beginning of a challenging professional relationship or the end of my brief career at Sterling Group . Either way , I wouldn't go down without a fight . Comment 0 20:38