Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband
Chapter 83: The Big Bad Boss

Chapter 83: The Big Bad Boss

"Look, I don’t care what family you belong to or that the Chairwoman made an exception for you against the nepotism policy," the human resource manager said, her lips thin and tight. "Let me warn you, if you make a single mistake, even the slightest one, there will be consequences—starting with a deduction in your bonus. All the details regarding your work benefits and responsibilities are outlined here." She slid a folder across the desk with a sharp, dismissive gesture, her eyes flicking over Serena with barely concealed disdain.

Serena smiled politely, undeterred by the woman’s obvious hostility, and thanked her with grace before rising to leave the office. As she walked out, the reality of her situation settled in. By choosing not to announce herself as Aiden’s wife, she had put herself in a position of scrutiny. But of course, if someone from the building next door were to come here and see her, they would recognise her but here, in the company in grandma’s building, she was just a new assistant who’d gained entry to the work through the back door.

If she had come here flaunting her status as the boss’s wife, the dynamic would have been completely different. They would have tripped over themselves, offering help and assistance, eager to win favor. But now, she was just another face, subject to judgment and suspicion.

As she approached the door, she couldn’t help but overhear the HR manager muttering under her breath, something about "no qualifications" and "using the back door." Serena stilled, her fingers tightening slightly on the handle. While she didn’t mind the disdain and suspicion, it did not mean she would take insults. As long as the woman could tell it to her face, she would not mind but if she spread the word maliciously, she wouldn’t back down.

And then as she reached the elevator, she stopped again. Had she really cleared business school at that age? But from what Owen had said she’d met him in a bookstore in the university...

She shook her head. No. She was not going to get back into that quagmire of what ifs and what nots. Nope. Needed to report to work. Whether she was a graduate at sixteen or not, she didn’t remember whatever it was that she had studied so it wouldn;t make a difference anyway.

As she reached grandma’s office, she couldn’t help but be almost shocked. She didn’t know what she expected but she most certainly did not expect the entire office floow to look colder than Aiden’s. Somehow, it looked even more impersonal and intimidating and she hadn’t even gone inside yet to grandma’s cabin.

Outside, she reported herself to the secretary sitting there who quickly nodded," Alright, come on in. According to the work assigned to you for today, you will be in the drafts room."The secretary stood and gestured for Serena to follow her, leading her to a small, windowless room near the end of the corridor. Inside, a large table sat in the middle of the space, covered with neatly stacked papers and files, all waiting to be dealt with. A few chairs were scattered around the perimeter, but the room itself was barren, functional to the point of discomfort.

Serena rolled her eyes. Grandma had taken her too seriously when she said that she wanted to stay hidden in the office. She would definitely be hidden here, even from oxygen.

"This is the drafts room," the secretary said. "The Chairwoman was away for quite a while, so things needing her signature and review have piled up. You’ll be sorting them today. Prioritize by urgency—things that need immediate attention versus those that can wait."

"Start with the department reports. That will help familiarize you with the company’s operations and what’s expected. If you have any doubts, you can ask the senior assistant. His extension is 147. But don’t bother him too much. And just to be clear, the Chairwoman likes things done efficiently. The last assistant who took too long with her tasks didn’t last very long."

Serena took a deep breath, surveying the pile of work before her as the secretary left. Aiden had warned her that grandma wouldn’t go easy on her and he’d been right. And so, she started by reading the various department reports, making notes as she did, making remarks as she did regarding things that she did not undertand. Surprisingly, the files were well organised so it felt more like she was studying the company instead of making a report. And it was an interesting read.

Serena spent the entire morning studying the reports, even forgetting all about lunch. towards the latter half of the day, she finally began working through the many contracts and proposals that had been sent to her.

***

Outside the office, Mabel Hawk stared at the closed door of the draft room and sighed. She’d thrown Aiden in that room without any worry when he’d joined her for training and she’d thrown Sidney into that room as well. And yet, while she had not worried about the boys, she couldn’t help but worry about Serena.

She was her precious grand daughter in law and had only recently recovered. She didn’t want her to overowrk herself. Here she was, wanting to flaunt her grand daughter while the girl wanted to hide.

"Madam. I peeked inside. Miss Serena is still sitting in there and hasn’t moved a bit. Should I go and tell her to go home for the day? It is almost tim..."

"Do you think she will have finished her work by now?"

"I doubt ma’am. Even if she was familiar with the company, it should take her at least two days to get everything in order.Or a day and a half if she is really good."

"Then let her sit there. If she chooses to work overtime, let her. But you will stay here and keep an eye on her. Has she eaten anything yet?"

"I don’t know ma’am." the assistant answered confused by the chairwoman’s behaviour. Could it be that the woman inisde was the hidden daughter of the Hawk family? Ella Hawk?

"Ahh, madam. Mr Price called. He’s requested an urgent meeting."