One of the female staff in the reception area whispered to her coworker, "Is that her? The infamous marketing manager who never did interviews?" Her glossy red lips curled into a skeptical smirk.
It was Monday morning at Copeland & Co., and the office was already buzzing with gossip, especially about the mysterious new hire, Venus Phillips.
It was a sunny day in Atlanta, and the sun was shining brightly on Copeland Tower. Inside, people wore heels, phones rang, and people had conversations while drinking coffee.
Across from the front desk, three women huddled near the coffee machine, their eyes flicking towards the front entrance every time the automatic doors slid open.
"I heard she got the job without even stepping foot into the interview room," said Tracy, the tall and slim customer relations executive known for her loud voice and louder fashion sense.
"Who does that?" added Belinda, the HR intern with a not-so-hidden obsession with the CEO. "It's not like Mr. Copeland ever bends the rules."
"Exactly," Tracy agreed. "She must be... special." Her tone was soaked with suspicion and a hint of envy.
Just then, the sleek gate of the building opened again, and a sleek black luxury car rolled to a stop right in front. The engine purred like a satisfied cat.
"Heads up, everyone," Belinda whispered. "This might be her."
The driver's door opened, and out stepped Venus Phillips.
Wearing a stylish white blazer over a fitted emerald-green dress that complemented her glowing mocha skin, Venus entered through the automatic doors with confidence, her black heels clicking crisply against the marble floor.
Her hair was pulled into a neat high bun, her makeup was flawless, and her bright pink nails flashed as she waved casually to the receptionist.
Tracy blinked. "Okay, I hate how perfect she looks already."
Venus walked to the reception desk and clocked in. A young man named Macdonald, the receptionist with thick glasses and a shy smile, was so startled by her beauty he almost dropped his tablet.
"Good morning! I'm Venus Phillips, your new marketing manager. I come in peace... unless someone hides the coffee machine. Then it's war," she joked with a playful wink.
Everyone around the lobby laughed, including Macdonald, who blushed deep red.
"Looks like she's got charm, too," Tracy muttered with a frown.
Before the laughter could settle, a sharp voice rang out from behind the staff.
"Miss Phillips? Follow me. I'll show you your office."
It was Rose, the CEO's personal assistant. Rose was in her early thirties, with icy blue eyes, platinum-blonde hair always pulled into a tight chignon, and a fashion sense as sharp as her attitude.
She wore a tailored navy suit, and her heels announced her presence a split second before her voice did.
Venus turned to face her and smiled warmly. "Yes, Rose. Thank you so much. Lead the way."
Rose gave her a stiff nod but didn't return the smile.
Venus turned to wave at the others. "Well, see you at lunch, my new beautiful people!" she said, her voice ringing out like a burst of sunshine.
The elevator doors opened. Rose stepped in without a word. Venus followed with a cheerful bounce in her step.
Inside the elevator, silence hung between them.
Rose cleared her throat. "I hope you understand that Copeland & Co. is a place of professionalism."
Venus tilted her head, amused. "Of course. That's why I wore deodorant today and not glitter. I'm trying to make a good impression."
Rose didn't laugh. Not even a twitch of her lips.
The elevator dinged at the 12th floor—the executive level.
Venus stepped out and looked around. The entire floor was sleek and modern with wide glass walls, minimalist decor, and quiet sophistication. Her new office was at the end of the hallway.
Rose opened the door, and Venus walked into a beautiful space with a view of Atlanta's skyline.
"Wow," Venus whispered. "Now this is what I call motivation."
Her desk was large and polished, a fresh bouquet of flowers sat on the corner, and a welcome packet was placed neatly besides her new laptop.
"There's your office. You'll find everything you need inside," Rose said, her tone curt.
"Thank you, Rose," Venus said sweetly. "By the way, your shoes are amazing. Very boss-babe energy."
Rose's eyebrows arched for a moment. "They're Italian," she said simply, then turned and left.
The door clicked shut, and Venus giggled. "So, no hugs then. Got it."
She sat down, opened her laptop, and started going through her emails. A few minutes later, an internal message popped up.
From: Rose Williams
Subject: CEO Meeting
Message: The CEO would like to see you at 10:00 AM. His office is at the end of the hallway. Please don't be late.
Venus read the message twice.
"Wow. First-day CEO meeting? They really don't waste time here."
She checked the time—9:52. She quickly reapplied her lip gloss, gave herself a small pep talk in the mirror, and then headed down the hallway.
As she reached the door labelled "CEO, her heart did a tiny flip.
"Okay, Venus. Smile. Speak clearly. Don't trip, unless you want your career to end before it starts."
She knocked twice.
A smooth voice called from inside, "Come in."
Venus opened the door.
And froze, she wanted to run out, but her legs didn't respond.
Behind the giant mahogany desk, seated comfortably in a tailored grey suit with a confident smile on his face... was the man from the gas station. The man from the club. Her gas station knight in shining armour.
"Good morning, Miss Phillips," Raymond said, rising from his seat.
Venus's mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again.
"Oh. My Lord. It's you, or am I seeing things?" she finally blurted.
Raymond walked around the desk and extended a hand. "Yes, it's me. Raymond Copeland. Welcome to Copeland & Co."
Venus shook his hand, her brain spinning. "So you're... the CEO?"
"I thought I told you I was responsible," he said with a wink.
Venus stared at him, then burst out laughing. "This is the most dramatic plot twist of my life."
"To think that I have been flirting around with you, sir, I was just in a happy mood at the club, you know what I mean?"
"It's okay, I liked it," Raymond said.
"I try to make Mondays exciting," Raymond said, smiling.
Venus sat down on the chair opposite his desk. "Wow. You really had me fooled. I thought you were a nice stranger with random gas station timing and club bouncer energy."
"I wear many hats," Raymond replied.
"Well, I guess I can't bring you home to Grandma now. She doesn't trust powerful men in suits."
Raymond raised an eyebrow. "That's unfortunate. I was looking forward to her stew."
Venus covered her face with both hands, groaning with laughter. "Oh no! You remember that too?"
"I remember everything," Raymond said, sitting back in his chair. "Especially when a beautiful woman threatens to name her future child after me." And he added, "I will always remember that you are a good fighter."
Venus covered her face with her hands and said, "Well..."
"Well, what? Don't you think it's too early to break a promise?" Raymond asked.
They both laughed.
After a beat, Raymond's tone turned warm and professional. "I'm really glad you accepted the offer, Venus. I've gone through your ideas and your previous campaigns."
"You're going to make waves here. And don't worry about what anyone says—your work got you here."
Venus smiled, touched. "Thank you, sir. I'll work hard. But I'll also be loud and hilarious. It's in my DNA."
"Good," Raymond said. "We need a little more of that around here."
The two exchanged one final smile before Venus stood to leave.
As she walked out of the office, she muttered under her breath, "Well, Grandma, you're not going to believe this one."