She turned.
“Don’t make me regret this.”
“Yes Boss.”
For a brief moment, his gaze lingered on her—measuring, unreadable—before he inclined his head and returned to his screen.
Ishani stepped out and closed the door behind her. Only then did she release a quiet breath, the smallest curve touching her lips.
Phase one was done.
The real work could begin now.
Chapter 2
At seven twenty-five, Ishani stepped off the elevator onto the executive floor. The space was quiet, washed in early morning light. Desks were empty. The day hadn’t begun yet.
Ansh Bhasin stood waiting by the reception desk, tablet in hand, expression friendly but assessing.
“Ishani.” He nodded, checking his watch. “Five minutes early. Good start.”
“Good morning, Mr. Bhasin.”
“Ansh, please.” He gestured for her to follow. “I’ll show you around before others arrive. It’s easier without the distractions.”
She matched his pace as they moved down the corridor.
“Your card works for the executive level,” Ansh said, not looking back to confirm she was keeping up. “Anything beyond that, boss decides.”
“Understood.”
They turned a corner. He stopped, turning to face her. “Finance and Legal that side. Marketing and Development the other.” A beat. “You’ll deal with heads, not assistants.”
She nodded once.
They passed a glass-walled conference room where cleaning staff were finishing up.
“Daily management meetings happen here at nine sharp. You’ll take minutes. The format is in the templates folder.” He paused,watching her expression. “The previous assistant struggled to keep up with Boss’ pace.”
“I type ninety-five words per minute,” Ishani replied. “With near-perfect accuracy.”
Ansh’s mouth twitched, just slightly. “We’ll see.”
As they walked, Ansh gestured toward the glass-lined offices.
“HR,” he said. “Efficient. Thorough. Nothing here is ever forgotten.”
Ishani caught the message immediately.
They moved on.
“Finance,” he continued. “Accuracy over speed. Don’t guess. Ever.”
She nodded once.
“Marketing,” he said next, tone shifting slightly. “Big ideas. Flexible timelines. Follow-ups are… necessary.”
“Twice?” she asked.