Mr. Sanchez's office was interesting... Sophia thought as she looked around the room, before refocusing her gaze on the man who occupied the office- her immediate boss. There were paper wraps of chocolate everywhere, his documents pilled up to the roof of his office, slipping to the floor. He was an odd man, but he was an efficient administrator, the only problem he had was that his office was always a disaster, and so was his appearance.

He was in his fifties, his eyes a bit sunken with thick lashes that made them look unique. His nose had a little bit of crookedness to it, probably from fights while he had been a dashing young playboy... Maybe I should tell my Mom that he's the one I want to marry, Sophia grinned at the thought, shaking her head to stave off how absurd it was. He was too old, too disorganized to consider, plus he was getting bald, and the little hair he had, grew like a disease on top of his bald head. He wore suits throughout the season, even when it got extremely hot. Sweating was his second nature and dabbing at his face with his neverending supply of wipes he owned was his motto of the day. The sweating was a bit extra as she watched him squirm in his seat. She questioned if it was a good reaction, maybe it wasn't a promotion after all. She pushed it aside, smiling broadly to put him at ease.

"Leroy said you needed me urgently. Did I do anything wrong, Mr. Sanchez?" Sophia raised her eyebrows, pursing her dry lips.

Mr. Sanchez jerked as if he had been daydreaming all the while that Sophia spoke. He twined his fingers, placing them on the desk. His gaze became focused, his voice assuring.

"Nothing like that Sophia. You've been our best worker this year, and also for the previous years. It would be a shame to let you go. I plan to keep you here until you retire".

Sophia smiled, her worries subsiding. Maybe he was going to promote her after all.

"I'm relieved to hear that Mr. Sanchez and I promise to do better this year..."

"You have to quit the team" He announced, adjusting his tie which seemed to be choking him. Sophia's mouth hung open in shock before she pulled herself together.

"But you just assured me that you'd keep me here until I retired...".

"I know, I know, but something urgent came up. We had a lot of candidates that we took into consideration, but I know You are the only one capable to take on this assignment, so I recommended you, and you got accepted." Sophia nodded, waiting patiently as Mr. Sanchez struggled with his words. "You'll become the director's assistant" he dropped.

"A what..." Her eyes widened in shock. Was he demoting her? He wanted her to leave her position to become an assistant, which was almost equivalent to getting fired. "Mr. Sanchez, are you demoting me... I don't understand what I've...". She stuttered, her heart burning in her chest.

He cut her rambling short with a wave of his hand. "You haven't heard everything, Sophia. Don't worry about the paycheck because it's going to be doubled."

He got her attention enough for her to calm down. She was still skeptical of the whole thing.

"But I'm going to be just an assistant, why is my paycheck getting doubled." She queried, raising an eyebrow.

"You're not just going to be an ordinary assistant Sophia. You'll be the owner of the company's assistant. You get to work on the very top floor. Think of all the connections you can make, but you'll have to last six months with him" he sold his pitch, line, hook, and sinker, getting her interested. He watched her, waiting for a decision.

She took her time to think about it. He was right, the top bosses were all at the top level. She had always been fascinated with those who worked above her. She wanted to know how they brought her ideas to life, how they knew exactly what she was trying to showcase through her designs, how they hooked their investors and those elaborate dinner parties she always heard of. Plus a double paycheck. She was in for that alone. "Just for six months?"

Mr. Sanchez nodded.."Just for six months, then you'll get back to your little boss corner. During the duration of that six months, you'll have to adjust yourself to receiving orders, drink splashing, and verbal... The director is a very difficult man with a temper. You'll be running in a month if you don't have a backbone. You have to resume work by Five in the morning since that's the time he comes to the office to get things done, he likes to be ahead of everything and everyone. He prefers to have his way. Do you understand?"

Sophia pondered it over. He was probably an old man so how hard could it be. She knew she could take verbal abuse due to solving conflicts in the sales department. Some customers were made to tick off anger buttons you didn't know you had, Mr. Lennox couldn't be that bad. "I'll do it, Mr. Sanchez. I can handle any type of difficulty for an increase in my salary. I'll do anything" she said, smiling as she pictured her shopping list, some items she had ticked off were getting back on.

"Great" he clapped, bringing out a document, and providing her with a pen. "Just sign here and it's done" he dabbed at the sweat that dribbled down his nose.

Sophia took the pen, signing her scrawny signature onto the document. He stamped it with a flourish, looking pleased with himself. "When is he arriving?"

"He's already in his office" he deadpans in a manner that almost made Sophia burst out laughing. She swallowed it tho, surprised at the information.

"That's odd, shouldn't I have been notified of this a week earlier".

"I was notified of his arrival yesterday. A piece of advice, inform your team members to be on their toes. He's a perfectionist who'd not tolerate any form of incompetence".

Sophia nodded, he sounded like a douchebag to her. "I'll let them know to be on their best behavior."

"Good luck Sophia," he wished, swabbing at the beads of water droplets on his forehead.

"I can tell I'll be needing that, but are you sure you're alright Mr. Sanchez?" She asked in concern, his clothes were soaked through.

"I am perfect miss Sophia. You may leave now, I have to get back to work".

"Ok, Sir". She stepped out of the office, closing the door gently behind her. She stared at the closed door worrying about Mr. Sanchez.

"I was going to tell him to take off his suit or turn on the AC but he might not take it too kindly." She sighed and shrugged dramatically as she walked toward the elevator.

Mr. Sanchez's office had been like a torture chamber. The other offices were so different from his, that you'd think you were in another dimension once you got into his office. He had been working there for twenty-eight years, so he was a bit old-fashioned. There were rumors that he was connected to Lennox Ray, the owner of the company, more like he was a distant cousin, and that was the reason he was given so much liberty.

He was a good boss, so it never bothered her how he chose to run his affairs. But now that she was to work under a new boss, a director whose feedback was negative, nearly downright scary, she felt a bit disturbed. She squared her shoulders; I'm sure he's not that bad or was he?. She took a deep breath and then exhaled dispelling all the negative energy surrounding her. Sophia promised herself to be the best assistant he ever had. Not that she would quit when extra money was involved just because of a bullying boss. How hard could it be to work for an old perfectionist?. She could take him.

"Let's go get that money".

Sophia's sweat trickled down her hairline as twenty pairs of eyes stared at her, all with an intensity that made her nervous. Her team stood around her desk, watching her without blinking. Sophia had called their attention, but she hadn't considered how they'd react to seeing her go, so she hesitated, but they kept watching her until she couldn't bear it. Sophia decided not to beat around the bush. "I've been transferred from this team".

Their shocked gasp carried through the quiet room as they fidgeted at their spot, unable to decide whether to hug her in comfort or stay put. Lyka was the first to break the awkward silence, swaying slightly towards Sophia.

"But why... Which team?" The others nodded, waiting eagerly for an answer.

"It's not another team... I'll be serving as an assistant to the top boss" she answered. Her team couldn't help their horrified gasps. Their worried gazes darted to each other in anger and anxiety. Sophia knew they'd feel vindictive for her.

"A demotion?" Leroy got out aghast. Ivan just stood in the corner like a scared mouse, not daring to open his mouth.

"Mr. Sanchez can't do this to you. Are you going to quit? You should have dragged his hair for allowing it to happen. Right guys?" They all nodded, murmuring their displeasure all at once. She reached out to silence them, getting their attention.

"It's just for six months. I'll miss you guys terribly, but this is better than getting fired right. I get to work at the top flour". She tried for enthusiasm, but their expression remained the same.

"But still, you're the best team manager we have. Mr. Sanchez can't just do this" Ivan's small voice uttered from the back, drawing everyone's attention.

Mary quickly agreed. " You're right Ivan. People at the top are just assholes. They make decisions without thinking about our feelings. They push us around like pawns in a chess game... How can they just make..." Sophia stopped her flow of words by glaring at her.

"What have I said about insulting the boss... Just let it go Mary". She chastised mildly. "I'm ok with this arrangement. The pay is good". She assured. Lyka ran into her arms, hugging her tightly.

"We'll miss you, Sophia. You've been the best supervisor I've ever worked with" she cried into the embrace. Sophia patted her back, surprised by their actions. The others joined in too, almost tripping her. They finally let go, once the extended hug made everyone uncomfortable. She was quick to reassure them.

"Hey, none of that dull atmosphere in my team. You all have to be hyped ok. Treat my replacement the same way you treated me, and..." She paused, remembering the barbeque party her friends were throwing for her, another attempt of theirs to get her to hook up or find a potential mate. "You all are invited to a barbeque party at my friend's place tonight. I'll text you the address".

They got excited, giving each other a high five.

"You're the best Sophia," Leroy said, giving her a thumbs up. Sophia smiled, picking up her bag.

"Wish me luck at my new job" she got out, and they were all rushing to hug her again.

Sophia managed to calm them enough to sneak out of the department. Her new workspace was on the top floor. The offices looked extravagant, the pieces of equipment all top-notch, but the workers she came across seemed a little stuck up. Everything felt too remote. Everyone was minding their own business, it was a clear contrast to her former department where they goofed around, listened to music, and shared ideas to get inspiration.

Sophia missed her team already. She approached the elevator leading to Mr. Lennox Ray's space. He worked with only five people, with her as an assistant making it six. He was an old dictator, she thought throwing her advice of not insulting bosses out of the window. Most of the workers had never met Lennox Ray in person, probably due to his old age. But Sophia imagined him as a man with salt and pepper hair, shaky wobbly fingers, he probably sweated like Mr. Sanchez too. Sophia chuckled at the thought, getting into the elevator. "Let's meet our old new boss, and kick him where the sun doesn't shine If he gets too harsh. If that doesn't work then I'll have to improvise... Maybe spit into his coffee, and watch him drink until I simmer down." She murmured to herself, grinning at the image it brought to mind.

The elevator pinged open, she stepped out, bumping into the hard shoulder of a guy at the entrance, the glass of drink he held spilling onto her dress.

Sophia gasped, jumping back, before looking up at the culprit. Oh, my fu...freaking Zeus! Definitely, the type of guy to take home to Mom. The next events seemed to go in slow motion. He blinked in surprise, his long dark lashes fanning over a darker shade of eyeball, eyes so intense, it made her slightly breathless when they held hers... Sophia was sure she drooled a bit from how perfect he looked, he could probably star in most women's fantasy if he decided to take his face to the filming industry.

He was like those models who looked so perfect, it was hard not to watch them because everything they did was enchanting. His whole face was flawless, but his dark eyes and dark long hair made him more intense, and intimidating.

He grunted at the impact, pulling back the glass cup. His eyes scanned for any spills on his shirt, irritation staining his feature. Sophia cleared her throat, as she waited patiently for an apology, she guessed him to be one of the managers in the numerous department the company had.

He looked up at her, dark eyes probing. Sophia eyed him too until he made to move past her. Sophia scoffed at the audacity he was displaying, as her hand shot out to grab at his shirt, stopping him. He turned to face her with an incredulous look on his face, his gaze darting to the chunk of his shirt that Sophia held onto. Sophia knew his type, just because they were blessed with the face of an angel-arrogant much- they thought they could get away with anything.

"You spilled your drink on me, aren't you forgetting to say something," she asked, raising her eyebrows. His hands came over hers to pull it off, but she held on with vice. His voice came out raspy, as he tried to pry her hands off.

"Maybe next time, you should be more careful when stepping out of the elevator. Take this as a little lesson". Sophia gaped at him, the condescending way he spoke had her temper rising.

He spoke like everyone was beneath him. Was everyone at the top level rude?. Was this guy being disrespectful because he heard of her new assignment? Sophia didn't want to know the reason. She wanted his apology. He had given up trying to get her to relinquish her hold "What did you just say? I should learn from this. You spilled your drink on me, and you dare to say that to me. I'm so shocked right now, wow, this is just the worst thing I've heard in all my years of existing " she said, earning her a disbelieving look from him. He stared at the hand clutching at his shirt.

"Let go, or I call security. And trust me, you'll not only be thrown out" he threatened, his gaze serious. Sophia snorted as she let go, not wanting to get sacked on the first day of work.

Sophia was going to let it go until he muttered a curse under his breath, he also looked exultant so she decided to wipe the smug look off his face. I won't be bringing him home Mom, sorry. Her hands left her side, striking the guy's face.

The slap rang through the quiet office, earning the shocked gasp of its occupants. Some of the workers got off their seats, looking pale, their mouths hung open in shock.

"That'll teach you to apologize when you're wrong, and also to speak to your colleagues respectfully. I'll be reporting you to the director because you're not fit to work here" she searched for his identity tag, roughly shoving her hand into his pocket as he watched her in Surprise. She pulled out his wallet, yanking out his card... "You didn't even bother to put on a tag. You think you're some big shot huh, Mr..." She turned the card, her face draining as she read the name, her voice barely audible. Her hands shook, as she squinted at the writing. Lennox Jr Ray. She lifted her gaze slowly towards the dark eyes that loomed over her. They were furious. It was almost as if they would engulf her if she so much as breathed a word. How do I salvage such a situation? Her mouth dried up, making her lick at them nervously. Her brain was blank as she replayed the last few minutes. It seemed everyone held their breath with her, waiting for the director's verdict. She looked back at him, clutching his card, attempting to apologize. Sophia didn't get her chance.

"In my office. Now" he grounded out, strode away from her, rubbing at his cheek.

Sophia stared at the other workers who just shook their heads pitifully, she knew she'd screwed up. Big time.

Sophia turned to face the worker, quickly unclutching the card from her death grip. She had wrinkled it, adding to more list of offenses he could use against her.

"Why didn't you warn me that he was the director" she whispered yelled, and would have messed up her hair by pulling at it, but she restrained herself. Looking like a ghost after hitting the director was not going to cut it. The workers stared at her like she'd lost her mind. One of them finally deemed it fit to answer her, with a raised accusing finger pointed in Sophia's face.

"We used our freaking eyes to signal you, but you ignored us" she whispered back, looking mad. Sophia worried if they would get in trouble because of her.

Sophia cringed, this was just the worst thing ever. "Someone should have just shouted director" she got out, arms flailing. Talk about the first day at work disasters.

"Our boss hates voice raising. This is probably your last day here, so just get on with it" the girl replied, taking her seat. Sophia read her name tag. Park Tzuyu. She decided that their pheromones didn't rhyme, not with the condescending tone of voice she used with her. Sophia cursed as she walked towards the office, noticing the assistant spot opposite it. A beeper was on the desk, with some documents and a classy-looking laptop. She stepped into the office, Crossing her fingers behind her. Here goes nothing.

*******

Lennox tried not to notice how his cheek tingled from the slap, looking up from his desk as the door to his office opened and the occupational hazard walked in, her head bowed with hands behind her back. Lennox couldn't believe what had happened earlier. She had slapped him, treating him like some low-class worker after she had bumped into him, leading to the loss of his camomile tea. He already felt on edge without it. After going through his file, he realized that she was supposed to be his new assistant.

She met his gaze, opening her mouth to apologize.

"You're fired. Get your things and leave immediately". Lennox got out, but she just stood there, unflinching.

"I'm not leaving. I'm your assistant on a contract for six months. You can't terminate that just because I made an honest mistake".

He couldn't believe her audacity. "I don't need an assistant, especially not one like you. I prefer to do things on my own, and what do you mean by you're not leaving" he asked, feeling frustrated. He wasn't used to talking so much, but the girl had a way of making him lose his temper.

"Just what it means Mr. Lennox Ray. I am so sorry I resorted to violence, it was horrible of me and I regret it, so I'm going to make it up to you by doing my job as your assistant until you forgive me... And don't you think it will look bad on your person if you decide to fire a worker on her first day. It brings bad luck." She meant it too which made him scoff. Lennox took a deep breath, trying to relax his ticking jaw. This was not happening for real, was it?.

"You'll be miserable if you insist on this Miss Sophia.." he addressed, taking notice of her nametag. "Manager of group B textiles, fashion designer" he raised an eyebrow in question, his dark eyes probing.

"Yes Mr. Ray. I've been working here for nine years, I am very good at any task assigned to me, I get things done in time, and I also multitask. You won't find a better assistant".

"A better assistant? I'll have you know that no assistant will do what you did earlier. Physical assault, character defamation, disturbance of public peace, those are weighty charges miss Sophia" he pointed out, watching her struggle between begging and her pride. She lost the battle of acting polite, glaring at him.

"Well, I wouldn't have had to do that if you had just apologized for being wrong" she snapped, then thought better of it. "I'm sorry for that Mr. Ray, please forgive my manners. I thought you were a manager... " She trailed off, realizing that she was still defending herself. "Forgive me for my haughty behavior. I promise to do better and serve you to the best of my abilities Master Len Ray" she shouted, bowing dramatically. Lennox watched her, with no amusement at her theatrics. She raised her head slowly, her looks defeated as she met his unwavering gaze. Lennox tapped his pen against his desk, coming off as bored as he thought it over. He opened a cabinet, bringing out a bundle of files.

"I don't need an assistant, but if you insist, then here.." he flung the papers at her. She inhaled sharply as some of it hit her in the face before pooling around her. Lennox watched her clench her fist, gazing at the paper on the floor, then smiled as she looked up at him. "Those are the rules, read and abide by them. If you break any, you're out."

Her grey eyes sparkled." Really? You're not going to fire me. Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I got this" she agreed, crouching to the floor, and picking up the scattered papers. She stood up, clutching at them. "Do you need me to do anything else"?

"Get out, and refrain from raising your voice," he said coldly, making her smile drain off her face. She walked out the door, closing it gently even when he felt that she wanted to bang it shut.

Lennox found himself unable to concentrate. Why was she persisting, invading his space? He noticed the creases on his shirt where she had grabbed him earlier. Fine, let her stay. She'd leave when he made her life miserable. He watched her through the glass skeptical, a strange feeling clouding his mind. She was trouble.

*******

Sophia took her seat, arranging her stuff on the vast desk. The leader of the team walked toward her.

"Hi, I am Kyle. The team manager. You're going to keep working here?" He didn't fire you" he asked curiously, warily glancing at the office, his voice a low murmur.

Sophia gleamed. "Of course not. He was nice about my mistake, he told me to be more careful next time. Plus, I'm good at my job".

Kyle watched her in admiration. "Wow, you're so confident. We were all sure you wouldn't last here. Tzuyu placed a bet on it" he confessed. Sophia shook her head at the piece of information.

"I'd place a bet on me too if I worked for Mr. Lennox Ray. But I thought the owner was more older".

"That's his son Lennox junior. He just came back from a trip. He's taking over everything, but we're not sure if it's going to be permanent. There have been rumors that he has spies among the workers. He plans to weed out all incompetent employees".

Sophia was baffled by the news. "But he just got here, why is he taking such drastic measures? ".

"I'm not sure" he answered shrugging. "If you need help with anything, just ask me ok".

"Sure. Thank you, Kyle". He nodded, walking back to his desk, on the lower deck.

Sophia stared at the laptop, exhaling tiredly. When Mr. Sanchez had said he was difficult to work for, and that she'd be running in a month, she hadn't taken him too seriously. Now she was paying for it.