I won't be harsh on you

Hazel was caught off guard, her heart racing as she heard her own name for the first time from Francisco. His voice was like a siren's call, luring her into a world of mystery and power.

She hesitated as she tried to smile, the unfamiliar situation and the charisma of the CEO adding to her unease.

"I... I'd love to, sir," Hazel finally replied, her voice soft and filled with nervousness.

Francisco's enigmatic smile deepened, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he issued his next directive, "Then follow me."

Hazel's confusion grew as she questioned, "Where, sir?"

Francisco's smirk only became more pronounced as he replied, "Why don't you want to see my room?"

Hazel was taken aback by the CEO's suggestion. She couldn't fathom the idea of going to his room, as it was an unusual proposition given the professional setting. Her thoughts raced, and she grappled with whether to accept or decline this unexpected invitation.

Not wanting to cause any trouble and feeling a sense of curiosity, Hazel simply nodded in acceptance.

Francisco approached her, his presence magnetic and commanding. "Shall we go?" he asked, his voice once again laced with intrigue.

Hazel followed Francisco as they left the meeting room; everyone was watching them with curiosity as they made their way to the 20th floor. Hazel noticed Max among the spectators, his expression reflecting surprise.

Hazel noticed Max among the spectators. He was about to ask something, but Francisco said, "I need an extra desk in my room."

"What?" Max's eyes widened, his voice reflecting his astonishment.

However, Francisco didn't seem inclined to entertain any further questions or explanations. He simply turned and started walking, signaling for Hazel to follow.

Max noticed Hazel behind Francisco, and for a brief moment, their eyes met, sharing a coy smile that hinted at the shared intrigue of the situation.

As they entered the elevator, Max sighed and finally broached the topic that had been initially intended for their meeting, "Can we start the interview?"

But one of the managers, who had been part of the team observing their departure, couldn't contain their thoughts and piped in, "But, sir, I think she will work as our next CIO."

Max rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated by the unexpected turn of events. "Aaa… I don't think so."

Hazel and Francisco were alone in the elevator, the air between them was filled with tension. Francisco leaned against the wall, his gaze locked on Hazel, who tried to maintain a smirk despite her discomfort.

As the seconds passed, Hazel could feel the intensity of Francisco's eyes upon her, and the weight of his gaze became increasingly uncomfortable. She turned to face him and, her voice filled with apprehension, asked, "Is everything okay, sir?"

Francisco, still wearing that enigmatic smirk, paused for a moment before responding, "Yes."

The elevator doors finally opened, and Francisco stepped out, Hazel following closely behind. As she looked around, she was rendered speechless by the sight that greeted her. The space resembled a living room rather than a traditional corporate office. The ambiance was warm and inviting, in stark contrast to the usual sterile environment associated with workplaces.

Hazel couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise and intrigue. She had expected a typical office setting, but what she saw was anything but conventional.

Francisco walked toward a room and opened the door. He turned back to Hazel, who was still taking in the surroundings, and offered a warm smile.

"It's not my living room. It's my workplace."

Hazel heard Francisco's voice and turned to face him, a warm smile on her face. She approached him closely, "I am sorry. I got caught up in it," she admitted.

Francisco, still wearing a smile, uncrossed his arms and replied, "It's okay. I was engrossed in something as well."

Hazel looked up at him, sometimes struggling to fully understand the CEO's actions and intentions. However, before she could ask further questions, Francisco explained, "It's my room."

Hazel took a moment to process the revelation and, with a mixture of curiosity and excitement, slowly entered the room. The atmosphere inside was distinct. Although the room was not dark, it exuded a faint sense of intimacy. Red and black curtains covered the window, casting a unique ambiance over the space. The room felt perfect, and a pleasant aroma filled the air.

As Hazel took in her surroundings, she suddenly heard a door creak. She turned to see Francisco shutting the door and lighting a cigarette. The unexpected sight left her with a sense of trepidation.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke after exhaling, "Sir, your room is really wonderful. Where is my room? Is it on this floor?"

Francisco sighed, a hint of mystery in his expression, and responded, "This is also your room."

Hazel's eyes widened in disbelief as the revelation sank in. She was not only in the CEO's room, but she was being told that it was also her room.

"What?"

"You are my PA, so you must remain with me always," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his statement as he exhaled smoke from his cigarette.

Francisco's words hung in the air, and Hazel's face paled as she tried to process what he had just told her.

Hazel couldn't help but feel a rush of anxiety and confusion. The unexpected turn of events had left her stunned, and the prospect of serving as the CEO's personal assistant and being with him all the time was a revelation she had not anticipated.

"What?" Hazel finally managed to stammer, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Francisco, who seemed unfazed by her reaction, raised one eyebrow and asked, "Why? Would you mind serving as my secretary?"

Hazel's response was filled with a mix of emotions. "No, I mean, I'd love to, but how can I stay with you all day?" She asked, still grappling with the implications of the role he was offering her.

Francisco, wearing a mischievous smirk, approached her and leaned in closer. He spoke in a low, almost hypnotic tone, "Hazel, I won't be harsh with you."