Raghav’s jaw eased by a fraction. “Your assessment?”
“Strong,” she said. “But underperforming against market potential. Your competitors averaged sixteen percent in the same sector.”
He folded his hands, studying her. “First week,” he asked quietly. “What do you do?”
She leaned forward slightly, palms open. “I map your information flow. Build reporting templates. Learn your communication preferences. Draft protocols for recurring scenarios so you never have to answer the same question twice.”
The answer landed cleanly.
Raghav closed the report, nodded once, and finally allowed the faintest curve of acknowledgement to cross his face. He watched her for a beat longer than necessary.
Assistants rarely lasted. Six months, if he was lucky. Competence dulled into carelessness. Confidence turned intoentitlement. This one felt different. Not impressive. Just… steady. The kind that held.
“Tell me what you know about me,” he said, abruptly.
She didn’t blink. “Professionally or otherwise?”
“Both.”
She paused only long enough to choose.
“You expanded internationally at twenty-eight. You prefer written updates. You don’t waste time on office politics.”
A beat.
“You donate quietly. And you never miss the fundraisers your mother hosts.”
The room went still.
Raghav’s finger tapped the desk once.
It was the only reaction he allowed himself.
“And what don’t I know about you,” he asked, “that matters for this role?”
This time, she took a moment.
“I won’t soften facts to make them easier to hear,” she said. “I focus on getting things right. And I don’t take work personally.”
Something in his expression shifted. Not approval.
Decision.
He held her gaze, reached for his phone, and pressed a single button.
“Ansh, prepare the employment contract for Ms. Rao. Executive assistant, standard terms, immediate start.” He disconnected without waiting for a response.
“You start tomorrow,” he stated, not a question but a verdict. “Seven-thirty. Ansh will provide security clearance and system access.”
Ishani nodded once, unhurried. “What would you like me to prioritize?” she asked.
“The Maxwell acquisition,” Raghav replied. “It closes next week. Go through the file.”
He looked back down at his tablet, the conversation clearly over.
Ishani rose, tucking her folder under her arm. Her movements were calm, deliberate, exactly as they had been throughout the interview. She reached the door before his voice stopped her.
“Ms. Rao.”