Chapter 12: Raymond
Chloe’s car rolled smoothly to a stop in front of Stonetech Solutions, its glass towers gleaming under the morning sun like a monument of power. The wide building stretched high above the city, its surface of silver and black glass reflecting the busy streets below. It wasn’t just an office — it was a statement.
Bella sat in the passenger seat, staring up at the skyscraper, her hands clasped so tightly in her lap that her knuckles turned white. She swallowed hard, her stomach twisting.
After her conversation with Chloe two days ago, she’d tried to find whatever she could on her supposed new boss, Mr. Stones but all she could get were pictures of the old man, whom she knew wasn’t the boss.
Chloe had said the younger Mr. Stone had taken over after they took over the company from her former boss.
How possible was for someone to stay away from the Internet without even a single picture of them?
No matter how hard she’d tried to feel calm about her new job, she just couldn’t help it. Not after Chloe had said all that about him.
Chloe, ever composed, glanced at Bella from the driver’s seat with a smirk tugging at her lips. "You look like you’re about to face a firing squad, not start your first day at work."
Bella shot her a dry look, though her lips trembled faintly. "That’s because I am, Chloe," she muttered, her eyes darting back up to the intimidating building. "You said it yourself — my boss fires people for breathing wrong."
Chloe laughed. "Relax," she said, waving her hand. Her voice was firm but her eyes softened with reassurance. "Even if he does fire people that way, you’re smart, hardworking, and honestly, you’ve been through worse than any corporate devil. You’ll be fine. Besides, you’ve got me here, and if anything happens, I’ll cover for you."
That earned Chloe a weak smile from Bella. She knew Chloe was saying all that to calm her nerves.
"Alright, let’s go," Bella said, taking a deep breath.
They stepped out of the car together, the morning breeze tugging at Bella’s curly jet black hair, which she had neatly pulled back into a bun, the curls hanging down. Her cream blouse tucked into a fitted navy skirt gave her a polished look, though her forest green eyes carried an edge of worry. She’d added a thin line of eyeliner, just enough to highlight her delicate features, but her unease made her look like a doe about to bolt.
Chloe, on the other hand, looked striking as always. Her dark brown locs fell in soft lines to her waist, perfectly complementing her tailored gray dress. She walked with the air of a woman who belonged in this high-rise world, her dark brown eyes sparkling as if the building were already hers.
"Come on," Chloe said, looping her arm through Bella’s and tugging her forward. "First impressions matter, and you look like you’re about to faint. Walk tall."
Bella tried. Really, she did. Her heels clicked softly against the polished tiles of the grand lobby as they entered, and for a brief moment, she was distracted by how breathtaking it all was.
The lobby of Stonetech Solutions stretched high above them, the ceilings lined with soft golden lights that cascaded down like sunlight. A marble floor spread beneath their feet, gleaming so brightly it reflected their steps. Employees in crisp suits hurried past, their badges clipped neatly to their coats. The scent of polished wood and fresh coffee filled the air.
"Wow..." Bella whispered under her breath. "This place..."
"Feels like walking into a movie?" Chloe finished with a smile. "Welcome to corporate heaven — or hell, depending on how the day goes."
But just as Bella’s nerves began to creep back in, her shoulder bumped firmly against someone else’s as they approached the security desk. Papers shuffled to the floor, and Bella immediately gasped.
"Oh! I’m so sorry," she stammered, crouching quickly to help. Her trembling hands gathered the scattered documents as she looked up and froze.
The man towering above her was like something out of a painting. His tall frame was clothed in a tailored black suit that seemed made for him, crisp and flawless. His broad shoulders and lean build carried authority with ease. His hair was ash blond, neatly combed back yet with a hint of softness that made him look less rigid. But it was his face that startled her — sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing pale-gray eyes that seemed to study her as though he had all the time in the world.
A faint, disarming smile curved his lips, revealing his dimples.
"It’s fine," the man said smoothly, his deep voice wrapping around her like velvet. "Really, no harm done."
Bella’s cheeks warmed. She scrambled to her feet, clutching the papers she had picked up. "I wasn’t looking where I was going. I should’ve been more careful—"
She was saying but he waved her off with a small flick of his hand, his eyes still fixed on her. "I said it’s fine. You don’t have to look so worried."
Bella blinked, startled by how calmly he’d dismissed her apology.
"Bella," Chloe suddenly piped up, a hint of breathlessness in her voice. She stepped closer, her tone a little too eager. "This is your first day. You’re nervous, that’s all. She’s starting as the CEO’s new assistant," Chloe quickly explained, her cheeks warming up as well.
There has never been a time she’d bumped into Raymond and had never felt her cheeks warm up. He was a beautiful sight to behold.
Raymond’s brow arched in quiet interest, his gaze flicking back to Bella. "Is that so?"
Bella cleared her throat, shifting under his intense stare. "Yes... I guess I’m just a little tense."
"And why is that? Because of the CEO? Have you met him before?" he asked, his voice calm but probing.
Chloe answered quickly, too quickly even, making Bella raise a brow at the excitement in her friend’s voice. "I guess it’s because she’s working directly for him. You know how everyone says he’s... well, strict. Coupled with how many assistants he’s had in a month."
"Hmm," Raymond murmured, his eyes glinting. "Interesting. I don’t think you should be nervous though. He definitely can’t be that bad."