The polished charcoal gray Purosangue pulled into the Data Dynamics parking lot, its engine purring softly before coming to a halt.

  Seven stepped out first, his sleek navy Prada four-piece suit and commanding demeanor immediately drawing attention. He walked around to open the door for Sana, who emerged with her usual effortless grace. She was in a three-piece Armani Privé suit, radiating a refined elegance in a sophisticated beige hue. The structured blazer, form-fitting vest, and tapered trousers created a sleek and powerful look. Paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, the ensemble struck the perfect balance of classic professionalism and modern femininity.

  Lara and Lia followed closely behind, their presence adding an aura of authority. But the sight of Sana arriving with Seven sent ripples through the company. Employees whispered behind their screens, their fingers flying across their phones as the group chats erupted with speculation.

  [Isn’t that JVP Shahi? Why is she here with VP Kav?]

  [Are they… together?]

  [Well… they came together…]

  [Who’s the other woman with PA Wolfe? New hire?]

  Sana ignored the stares, moving with poise toward the elevator. Lara and Lia shadowed the pair, scanning the surroundings with practiced precision, subtle enough to avoid drawing attention.

  The elevator doors closed, cutting off the murmurs. Then, he turned to her. “Ready for this?” he asked quietly.

  Sana straightened. “Yup. Let’s see who can handle the pressure.”

  The conference room was set up for the interviews, and five candidates were seated in the waiting area. Leanne Brennan sat with perfect posture, her resume resting on her lap. Cora Reid scrolled through her phone, her foot tapping rapidly. Yara Mausi leaned back in her chair, projecting an air of self-importance, while Ida Joel studied the room quietly. Elena Fay, the youngest of the group, clutched her portfolio tightly, her movements tense.

  Inside, Sana and Seven took their seats at the head of the table. Lara and Lia stood by the door, their presence a silent reminder of the stakes. “Let’s begin,” Sana said, her tone commanding.

  The first candidate, Leanne Brennan, entered with a polite smile. She answered their questions with precision, her delivery professional but slightly rigid. Seven leaned forward, making her falter for a moment. “How would you handle a situation where JVP Shahi’s schedule conflicts with a last-minute request from a high-profile client?”

  Leanne thought for a beat, then replied, “I would prioritize the client’s request and adjust Ms. Sana’s schedule accordingly.”

  Sana and Seven were deadpan. Too by-the-book, the former weighed silently.

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  Next was Cora Reid, whose uneasy energy was palpable. She stumbled over her words when Seven asked, “What would you do if JVP Shahi asked you to keep something confidential, but another executive pressed you for information?”

  Cora’s voice wavered. “I… I would respect JVP Shahi’s confidentiality, of course.”

  Sana inclined her head, but her expression was unreadable. Loyal but comes across as uncertain. May cave when push comes to shove.

  Yara Mausi entered with a determined stride, her answers smooth and polished. When Sana asked, “How do you handle high-pressure situations?” she answered crisply, “I thrive under pressure. It’s where I do my best work.”

  Seven raised a brow. “Even if it means working late nights and weekends?”

  “Absolutely,” Yara chirped without hesitation.

  Sana leaned back, considering. Spunky! But who knows if she’d follow through?

  Ida Joel was next, her quiet demeanor contrasting with the others. When Seven posed a tricky question about managing conflicting priorities, Ida paused, then replied, “I would evaluate the situation, communicate with all parties involved, and find a solution that minimizes disruption.”

  Sana’s expression tightened. Thoughtful, but is she decisive enough?

  Finally, Elena Fay stepped in, her nervousness evident, but appeared steadfast. When Sana asked, “Why do you want this position?” Elena took a deep breath. “Because I believe in your vision and want to be part of something bigger than myself.”

  Sana’s lips twitched. “Even if it means dealing with my… demanding nature?”

  Elena held her ground. “I can handle it.”

  Sana gave her a small nod. Potential.

  While they deliberated behind closed doors, Lara led Lia on a tour of the company. To the casual observer, they appeared to be two personal assistants discussing office logistics.

  “This is where you’ll spend most of your time,” Lara said, gesturing to a room adjacent to Sana’s office. “You’ll need to be familiar with every corner of this building, every protocol, and every potential threat.”

  Lia absorbed every detail. “Understood. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as her… assistant?”

  Lara’s features darkened faintly. “Balancing her need for independence and privacy with the need to keep her safe. She’s not one to sit still.”

  Lia’s lips curved into a smirk. “Sounds like my kind of challenge.”

  Back in the conference room, Sana and Seven weighed their choices. “Yara is bold, but I’m not sure she’s the right fit,” Sana mused, tapping her pen against the table.

  Seven concurred. “Elena has potential, but she’s inexperienced.”

  Sana exhaled. “Leanne is too rigid, Cora is too tense, and Ida… she seems thoughtful, but I don't know if she can act decisively.”

  Seven leaned back as he asked, “Then, what do you think of Elena? She’s raw, but she has the drive. You can mold her.”

  Sana lifted her chin, a small grin forming. “Elena it is. She can start the same day I return.”

  As they left the conference room, the chatter in the office grew louder. They walked side by side, their rapport sparking more speculation. There was a subtle intimacy between them—his affectionate glances at her, palm resting lightly at the small of her back—fueling the rumors. Lara and Lia trailed, blending seamlessly into the background.

  The day had been a whirlwind, but Sana felt a sense of satisfaction. She had found her secretary, and Lia seemed a capable replacement for Lara. Stepping into the elevator, she looked at him with a smirk. “Today went well.”

  He met her gaze, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Her background’s clean. Let’s hope we didn’t pick another Wendy.”

  The doors closed, and the elevator descended, leaving behind a company buzzing with more curiosity and speculation once again.