DAVIS POV
I stood near the glass railing of the mezzanine floor, sipping from a porcelain cup as I looked down into the lobby. From this height, people moved like chess pieces—some knowingly, others unaware that they were already part of someone else's game.
Today was supposed to be simple.
Kiefer was to arrive. I had informed reception ahead of time that a new assistant would be joining the team. I didn't offer much detail—not even a name. I wanted to see how she would introduce herself. How she would walk into a space not meant for her… and claim it.
And there she was.
She had just stepped out of the car, tall and steady despite the weight of uncertainty. Even from two floors up, I could see the tension in her shoulders. Not fear. Not hesitation. Readiness.
Her chin lifted slightly as she approached the desk, her expression calm, but her eyes flickering like a brewing storm. Kiefer Samuel was not the girl I'd met that rainy evening anymore.
She was transforming.
I saw the moment the receptionist dismissed her. The slight roll of her eyes. The venom in her voice. It stung even from here. My jaw clenched. I was ready to step in, but I held back.
Wait. Let her navigate it.
Then came the shift—the moment when Katherine arrived. A flash of long legs and sharp suits. The receptionist practically bent over backward for her.
Katherine Samuel.
She was competent. Efficient. Dangerous in all the right ways. But she didn't have heart.
She knew how to play the game, yes—but she never once questioned the rules. That's where Kiefer was different.
And that difference… mattered to me.
I saw Kiefer try again, more forcefully this time. The way she held her ground, even when the receptionist tried to summon security.
"She's provoking her," I muttered under my breath, placing the cup on the nearby table. "Typical."
Security arrived too quickly, moving in like trained dogs. And still, Kiefer didn't falter. She didn't beg or cower. No. She raised her voice—clear, determined, furious.
"I am Mr. White's new PA. My name is Keifer."
And just like that, the spell broke.
Even Katherine flinched. I watched as she turned, surprised, and saw the girl she was meant to replace standing firm in the middle of the lobby, every eye now on her. The receptionist shrank into her chair. Security froze.
Then came the handshake.
That small exchange meant little to everyone else. But I saw it.
The power shift.
Katherine offered her hand to control the narrative, to mask her mistake with civility. But Kiefer took it like a queen accepts a crown—not as a guest, but as someone who belonged here all along.
I smirked.
She passed.
I turned on my heel and walked toward the boardroom, speaking into my comm.
"Inform the receptionist that she's on probation. Effective immediately."
"Yes, sir."
"And have someone send fresh flowers to the lobby. Something red. Something that bites."
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SCENE TRANSITION – BOARDROOM
KATHERINE SAMUEL POV, THEN DAVIS POV INTERLUDE
The boardroom door clicked open with an audible tension. Katherine stepped in first, still composed, but there was a tightness in her jaw she couldn't hide. Her usual confidence was tainted—just a little.
Behind her, Kiefer followed. She didn't look left or right. She walked as if the room had always belonged to her.
I was already seated at the head of the table, fingers steepled, watching them approach.
"Mr. White," Katherine greeted first, taking the seat to my left as usual.
Kiefer hesitated for a beat. Then walked around to the seat on my right.
Interesting.
"Good morning," I said, eyes resting on Kiefer a moment longer than necessary.
"Good morning, sir," she replied, voice calm but firm. "Apologies for the scene in the lobby."
"You handled yourself well," I said with a faint nod. "Better than most would've."
Katherine's gaze flicked sideways, but she said nothing.
"I assume the receptionist gave you a warm welcome?" I asked, a tinge of dry amusement lacing my tone.
"She gave me… a test," Kiefer replied.
"Did you pass it?" I challenged.
She smiled faintly. "You tell me, sir."
I chuckled.
"She's sharp," I said, mostly to myself.
"Shall we begin?" Katherine interrupted, ever the professional. Her pride was bruised, and she didn't like being outshone.
"Yes," I replied. "Let's."
I clicked the remote and brought up a holographic projection on the glass screen behind me.
"This," I began, "is Project Haven. The medical venture White Pharma is planning to launch next quarter. A hybrid solution integrating natural compounds with advanced nanotechnology. The board has approved Phase One. Katherine has been managing the transition strategy, but from now on—Kiefer will be involved directly."
Kiefer's eyes narrowed slightly, absorbing every detail on the screen.
Katherine's fingers tightened around her tablet. "She's unfamiliar with internal protocols. We're on a strict timeline."
"I'm confident she'll catch up quickly," I said, without even glancing at her.
Then I turned to Kiefer. "Your project proposal—herbal integrations and localized manufacturing—will be tested in Sector B Town first. It aligns with our target demographic for Haven's rollout."
Kiefer blinked. "You read my proposal?"
"I memorized it."
She didn't hide her surprise. "I didn't think you'd take it seriously."
"I don't have the luxury of dismissing brilliance."
There was a long pause.
Then Katherine stood. "I have another meeting with the compliance team. Shall I leave the files?"
"Yes, leave them," I said, still looking at Kiefer.
She placed the files down harder than necessary and exited the room with her heels clicking like gunshots.
I leaned back in my chair.
"You rattled her."
"I wasn't trying to," Kiefer said.
"That's what makes it worse for her."
She said nothing, her hands resting on the tabletop, eyes drifting across the glass, absorbing every number, diagram, and timeline projected there.
"You're still adjusting," I added after a beat. "To the shift. The mansion. The name."
She didn't reply immediately. Then—softly—"Yes."
"Good. That means you're aware of it. Which means you're still grounded."
I stood up and walked toward the window overlooking the city, the skyline like a jagged heartbeat in steel and glass.
"You'll face more walls, Keifer. Not everyone here will like you. Not everyone wants change. But you're not here to be liked."
"I'm here to build something." she said, completing the sentence for me.
I turned, and our eyes met again.
"Yes."
The fire was still there. Not out of control. Not chaotic. But steady. Growing.
And I knew then—with absolute certainty—
She was ready.