As I left the cafeteria with a heavy heart, I longed for L''spany more than ever. She was the only one who treated me the same, whether I was a lovesick woman or Alex''s little sister. I couldn''t wait to finish work and share my day with L.


    "Serena, Mr. Hastings is looking for you."


    My face turned pale as I looked toward Alex''s office. For some reason, I felt both hesitant and eager to see him. I was torn and didn''t know why. Dragging my feet to his door, I took a deep breath before attempting to knock. But before I could even lift my hand, the door swung open from the inside.


    "Why are you standing at the door?" Alex''s brows furrowed when he saw me. He then turned around and walked back into his office.


    "Mr. Hastings," I followed Alex inside but felt somewhat uneasy, so I stood about three yards away from him. "Did you wish to see me?"


    Alex sat down in front of hisputer before looking up. His brows furrowed once more. "Why are you standing so far away? Can I hear you from there?"


    His chastising tone snapped me out of my difort, and I almost wanted to retort, "Are you deaf?"


    But I held my tongue, reminding myself of his authority and my position as an intern with little pay.


    "I''ve reviewed your academic background," Alex continued crisply. "Starting now, you''ll be responsible for overseeing the office assistant duties, with Oliver assisting you."


    Oliver Wood was Alex''s assistant. I had met him a few times before. He was always serious and stern, much like Alex himself.


    "What do you mean?" I asked, unsure of what he was getting at.


    "It means that you''ll now serve as the head office assistant and report directly to me," Alex exined. "Oliver will help you get familiar with your new role, but after that, you''ll be expected to handle all


    responsibilities independently."


    I looked at Alex in astonishment. "Mr. Hastings, this is absolutely out of the question. I''m just a neer who has just joined thepany. And... And..."


    "And people will think you got the job through connections?" Alex raised his eyebrows slightly.


    I remained silent, which was equivalent to admitting that Alex was right.


    "You''re my sister, Serena. Whether you admit it or not now, you''re already someone who got the job through connections." Alex swiveled his chair around. "Since you already have the reputation thates with it, why not reap some benefits too?"


    Alex''s eyebrows rose slightly. After pondering for a moment, I worked up the courage to ask the questions that had been guing me for some time.


    "I have two questions."


    "Before I can answer, you must agree to my terms," Alex replied without hesitation.


    "You..." I took a step forward, but Alex remained unmoved like a mountain.


    "I can''t make such an agreement so quickly," I confessed, biting my lip.


    "In that case, I can''t answer your questions."


    I wanted nothing more than tosh out at Alex, but strangely enough, as I looked


    at his handsome face, my anger dissipated.