C1 Her

Alexa's POV

I felt as if I had been stabbed in the eyes by a thousand mirrors as I pushed open the doors. It was one of the most talked-about five-star hotels in Taipei. As I looked around, I found myself gawking. There were hundreds of lights above me. I have never seen a place so bright but also so beautiful. Western media doesn't do justice to Asia. I could see my reflection on the walls.

"Alexa, what are you doing?" Lin, one of my colleagues, called me as she walked past me. I was stunned like a child in Disney world.

"Just watching," I replied as I gathered myself.

"Come on. We are going to be late!" She dragged me to the conference hall where many companies showed their products, including ours. I was glad that I was a part of the team, even though I joined about a week ago. I was born and brought up in the USA. My friends thought it was very dramatic for me to move to another continent.

We made it to where our colleagues had gathered, which was, of course, near the coffee machine. "Hey, Boss!" One of the guys greeted me. I was indeed the head of the R&D Department. But, I treated them as friends. They thought it was cool of me but to be honest, that's how you got works done.

"So, have you met the big boss yet?" Xan, another colleague, asked. He was talking about Ms. Maggie Chan, the CEO of the company. I have read about her before joining the company. To be honest, I was a fan of her. She had two PhDs at such a young age and handed over the CEO position from her father, Mr. Chan, also the company's co-founder. I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting her as she was out of the country for a meeting. I was told she was giving the opening speech today.

"No, I haven't. But, I have heard she isn't friendly to employees. So, I will keep my distance," I shrugged. They all chuckled in response. Suddenly, a gush of wind diverted my attention. I watched the door open up, and four big guys in suits entered. They were surrounding a lady in red. I was trying to see who that watch. Of course, this place was crawling with CIPs. But I was curious. One of the guys moved to give me my chance. The lady was none other than the devil herself, Ms. Chan. Her dark eyes seemed cold. The dress hugged all the right spots, and I was sure she could make any guy dance in her little fingers. As they started walking in our direction, I found my heart beating out of the chest, which was odd. As she came closer, I noticed her beauty closely. I mean, there were beautiful girls all over the place, but she was something else. And, I couldn't stop staring. She looked in our direction for a brief moment and smiled, and I found myself weak in the knees. What was happening to me?

"Don't even think about it!" Lin warned, which made me confused. What was she talking about?

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"I know you. But, she's the boss. So, as a friend, I am looking out for you."

She read me like I was transparent. "As if!" I rolled my eyes.

She is the first friend I have made in college. She went to the same university as me and returned here after graduation. Thanks to her, I learned about the job opening here.

Then we went to socialize with people from other companies for the next hour. It was almost time for the opening speech. I was told that Ms. Chan was delivering a speech. I was curious about what she had to say. Then there she was, looking magnificent as ever. She radiated power and glamour all over the hall. God, did I just say that? I need to stop fangirling.

The day was dragging, and I just needed it to be over. It was exhausting to think about some unpacking later. My feet were also killing me. I wanted nothing more than to go to my room and crash.

"Earth to Alexa! Are you here?" Lin waved her hand before my face. Everyone chuckled.

"I was sleeping in my head as that's all I'm going to get," I rolled my eyes at her.

"Tired only in a week?" We all were startled by a voice. It was the devil herself. Everyone stood straight. I was at a loss for words, mostly because I didn't want to lose my job.

"Relax, I was only joking," she smiled, sensing the tension. "I came to say hi to you guys. I hope you guys enjoyed today." There was a sparkle in her eyes. I felt as if her dark black eyes could see my soul.

"It was amazing. Thank you for including us on the team. It's my first year!" Lin exclaimed.

Ms. Chan then turned her attention to me, "I don't think we have met. Dr. Scott, I assume?" She held her hand to me, and of course, I took it. Thank God I came out of my trance at the right moment.

"Yes. Great speech, by the way," I smiled, trying to maintain my composure. Why was I so nervous? I could sense Lin rolling her eyes.

"I have heard great things about you. What do you think of our new flagship?" she asked all too calmly.

"To be honest, I don't think it's good enough," I said as a matter of fact. Everyone looked as if they had seen a ghost.

"Hmm, interesting. Let's talk about this later, ok?" she left hurriedly as she had got a call.

"I'm going to buy you a plane ticket. You, obviously, don't like here!" Lin shouted at me when Ms. Chan was out of earshot.

"What? I'm just honest," I shrugged.

I was already regretting my unfiltered mouth when I came to my room. I should as well pack to leave the country. Then, suddenly, the phone rang. It was weird.

Nonetheless, I picked up, "Hello?"

"Hell. It's Maggie. I know it's late, but can you come down to the lobby for a coffee?" she asked all too politely.

"Of course, Ma'am. I will be right there," as I said it, I thought I heard a small giggle on the other end.

Well, the termination was quick.

As I went down, I saw her sitting on a chair alone. I wondered where her guards were, and she was in her sweatpants. I thought she only looked more gorgeous.

"Please don't call me ma'am," she laughed.

"Ok, Ms. Chan," I smiled at sat on the opposite chair.

"So, I wanted to discuss what you said earlier. I know it's late, but I hope that's ok," she looked into my eyes as if she was genuinely feeling bad. I was surprised to see that side of her, given her reputation.

"Of course," the more I looked at her, the more I was at a loss of words.

"Should we order some coffee? It might take a while," she asked too politely. I just nodded.

She opened her notebook and took a pen. She came prepared!

"So, why do you think our product is not up to the mark?" she asked with a crinkle on her forehead.

"Can I write this down?"

"Sure." She handed me her notebook and pen. I wrote down the entire thing, and she listened. She didn't even say a word but listened. At some point, she looked annoyed, but she didn't say a thing. That was professionalism in her. We kind of started talking over unrelated stuff while sipping our coffee at one in the morning. But I didn't feel tired.

"So, you have been friends with Dr. Wu since university?" she meant Lin.

"Yes. She told me about the job opening," I said as I put down my cup.

She looked at her watch and frowned but tried to hide it.

"Well, Dr. Scott, I'm glad she told you. We better call it a night," she said as she stood up. A wide grin plastered on her face.

"Good night, Ms. Chan," I smiled widely. Damn, those dimples!

Oh my God, It was 2:15!

Maggie's POV

I was annoyed at the fact that I had to come to a conference directly from the airport. I was so exhausted that I wanted to die so I could get a decent sleep. This was becoming exhausting. Like seriously, I needed to sleep for 48 hours straight. And, here's everyone is annoying me. I even had to deliver a speech. My father thought it would be great for our flagship launch, which was happening on the last day of the conference. I was informed that we had got a new R&D head as the last one decided to leave the job as it was getting too stressful. I didn't blame him. Being one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers, we did pressurize our people. It wasn't for everyone. I hoped the new one could handle it. As I was lost in my thoughts, the car came to a stop. My bodyguards rushed outside, securing my exit. I exited the vehicle as one of them opened the door. They seemed like they were always on steroids. I laughed internally at my thought. I entered the building with the lights blinding me. That was the last thing I needed seeing I was exhausted.

The hotel manager came to greet me, "Welcome, Ms. Chan. I'm glad you could make it."

"The pleasure is all mine," I smiled, keeping my stone-cold posture.

"I will take you to your room to freshen up. Do you need anything?" He asked, sensing my exhaustion.

"I would be grateful for a cup of coffee," I smiled at the guy.

"Of course, Ma'am!" He hurried in front of me, and we decided to follow.

We came across the people from our company. I was seeing everyone I knew until my eyes landed on her. Her icy blue eyes looked calm as the ocean, and her blonde hair was in a high ponytail. She must be the new R&D head, Dr. Alexa Scott. My eyes darted through her long legs, which looked great in a navy pantsuit. I smiled when I passed them. Oh my God! Did I just smile at my employee? Damn, I might be losing it. I hurried to my room.

I fell flat on the king-size bed. I would have to shower and change within an hour. And prepare my speech. I rolled my eyes at the thought and decided just to swing it. I closed my eyes again, only awoken by a loud banging on my door. I checked, and there were several missed calls. I probably had been dead. Thankfully, I didn't rub my eyes even when I wanted to. My pa entered the room as I opened the door. She brought coffee along with her and my suit for the night. I was so grateful to her. I didn't have the time to shower. I got changed as she was on her phone. We were out within 10 minutes.

I felt elated as everyone applauded after my speech. After hundreds of speeches, I didn't know why it felt good to make your words reach across the room. But then, I saw Dr. Scott, along with other team members, standing with others. I thought of introducing myself, but I didn't want to talk to anyone else. But, in the end, I decided it was worth it.

As I approached, I heard her laugh. Then, my heart started beating erratically, which was weird. So, I blamed it on exhaustion. Finally, she talked about how tired she was, and I decided to have some fun.

"Tired only in a week?" I asked, smirking. But, all of them stood frozen as if I was the principal. I internally rolled my eyes.

She told me that our product was bullshit. I was so angry. I would have done something if not my phone rang. My sister was calling, and I got worried. I left in a hurry.

"Lilly, are you ok?" I asked with concern. I was always worried about that devil spawn.

"Gee, Sis. Hello to you too," she answered sarcastically.

"Never mind."

"What's wrong with you?" she asked with concern in her voice this time.

"I got mad at someone," I said to her.

"You and mad? That's a bit odd," she commented. It was true. I hardly let words affect me. But, what was wrong this time?

"Just the new R&D head. She said something.."

Even before I finished my sentence, Lilly asked, "Is she hot?"

"Gee Lilly. But yes, she is beautiful," I said quietly lest anyone hear.

"I knew it!" she screamed like a child.

I only rolled my eyes, "It's not that ok? Get your mind out of the gutter!"

My sister only laughed.

I couldn't help but stop thinking about what Dr. Scott had told me. Was there something wrong with our product? It was due to launch in two days, for God's sake! I dressed in sweatpants and went downstairs. I asked someone to dial her room number, and I asked her to come downstairs. Why was I being so happy? What was different about this woman? She came downstairs within five minutes. I was amused as she called me "Ma'am." I was about to tell her to call me Maggie, but I didn't know if that would be appropriate.

She pointed out some significant flaws, and I was shocked that they didn't come to anyone's notice till now. I would have to delay the launch, which made me a little annoyed. But, as I looked up, I saw those blue eyes watching intently. I could get lost in those. I figured I began to stare, so I averted my eyes and saw the time. It was 2:15 already. Time flew fast.

"Good night," She said with a broad smile ad for some reason, I returned it. We talked about her last job and her friendship with Dr. Wu. I had never spoken to anyone from the company besides work. But this made me confused. Maybe I thought she was attractive. But I couldn't act on it. I preferred to keep my personal life a thousand miles away from my professional life. I also didn't know if she batted for the same team. But, I found those eyes haunting me in the back of my mind.