FIRE AT THE GATES
KEIFER POV
The car rolled to a slow stop. I hadn't even realized we'd arrived until PA Pattinson's calm voice cut through the silence.
"Miss, we've reached."
His words snapped me out of my storm of thoughts.
I looked up—and there it was. White Pharma Inc.
A towering skyscraper that looked like it had been carved from cold steel and ambition. Glass windows shimmered in the morning light like armor, reflecting the clouds above. It wasn't just a building. It was a wall. A gatekeeper. A silent challenge.
If I want to achieve my goal, I told myself, I have to conquer this wall first.
I stepped out of the car with my head held high. My heels clicked against the polished tiles as I walked through the entrance, each step a drumbeat of determination. My nerves danced under my skin, but I didn't let them show.
Inside, the lobby was pristine. Quiet. Powerful. Employees moved with urgency and precision. Everything screamed elite.
I approached the reception desk and offered a polite smile.
"Hello. May I know where Mr. White's office is?"
The receptionist barely looked up from her screen. When she finally did, her eyes traveled down my figure like she was assessing me for an auction—and not finding me worthy.
Her sneer was instant. "Do you have an appointment? If not, you can leave now. Mr. White doesn't have any interest in meeting… low lives."
I blinked. Excuse me? My heart skipped, not in shock—but in rage. I didn't even know this woman. But somehow, she had already decided I didn't belong here.
Still, I inhaled slowly, keeping my expression calm. "At least send a message to him. Tell him Keifer is here to meet him."
She scoffed and turned back to her screen. "I've noted your message," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Then she ignored me completely, like I was part of the furniture.
My fingers curled into fists. Don't lose it. Not now. Not here.
I opened my mouth to speak again—but then her posture changed.
"Good morning, Miss Samuel," the receptionist chirped suddenly, her voice now sweet and bright. "Sir is waiting for you in the conference room."
Miss Samuel?
My eyes shot to the elevator just in time to catch a flash of sleek hair and a sharp silhouette stepping into the lift. By the time I blinked, she was gone.
And that's when it hit me.
Katherine Samuel. The woman listed as Davis's temporary assistant. The same woman Davis had said I would eventually replace. I had just seen her in person.
Before I could dwell on it, rage surged through me. Not because of her—but because of the way I was being treated.
I slammed my palm down on the reception desk, startling the woman.
"I said contact Mr. Davis."
The receptionist's smirk returned. "Okay, wait a moment. Let me call him." But instead of dialing Davis, she picked up the phone and muttered, "Security, come to reception. There's a woman causing a commotion."
She hung up and crossed her arms, her smile now smug and full of petty victory.
Seconds later, two security guards appeared. Their steps were fast and firm.
"Ma'am," one said, "please leave with us peacefully. If not, we'll be forced to escort you out."
My jaw dropped. Was this really happening?
I looked around at the pristine lobby, the disinterested stares, the marble beneath my feet, and the judgment in their eyes. I took a deep breath and said to myself, This is not the time to lose control.
But then—
"What is happening here?" a voice rang out from behind the crowd.
Heads turned. Everyone froze.
The receptionist immediately straightened. "Miss Samuel," she said breathlessly, "this lady refuses to leave and claims she's here to meet Mr. White."
There was a pause. Then that same clipped voice responded coldly.
"Then what are you waiting for? Throw her out."
The security guards started moving in, their hands reaching out as if I were some criminal. I stepped back, but I wasn't afraid. I was furious.
"I said," I shouted, "call Mr. Davis right now! Tell him his new PA is here to take over the job! My name is Keifer!"
The last word echoed in the lobby like thunder.
Silence.
Then another voice—sharp and commanding.
"Stop."
The sound seemed to reverberate against the glass walls.
The woman who had spoken earlier—Katherine Samuel—stepped forward, heels clicking with authority. She looked me over with fresh interest, a mixture of surprise and something else I couldn't quite name.
"I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding," she said, her tone smooth and practiced. She extended a hand toward me, all polished charm now. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Katherine Samuel."
I looked at her face—finally, the woman I'd only known by name was standing in front of me. Now I see you, Miss Samuel.
I took her hand without flinching. "I'm Keifer," I said, my voice strong. "Mr. White's new Personal Assistant."
There it was. The truth, out in the open. No more secrets. No more hiding. This was my introduction, whether they liked it or not.
Katherine's expression didn't change. But something passed behind her eyes—something unreadable.
"Welcome," she said, lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It seems… we'll be seeing more of each other."
I didn't break eye contact. "I'm looking forward to it."
For a moment, we stood like two chess players at the first move—smiling, poised, but fully aware that a game had begun.
And I had no intention of losing.