Chapter 896

Childhood Sweethearts.
Hilaria Vargas felt her heart skip a beat, but she kept her professional smile firmly in place. “I’m sorry, Ms. Rivera. Mr. Davis hasn’t mentioned anything about this to me. For the sake of protocol, I have to ask you to wait out here. I hope you understand.”
Cynthia Rivera crossed her arms and let out a cold huff. “You’d better remember my face-all of you. Especially you, since you’re Tristan Davis’s secretary. I never want to be kept waiting by any of you again.”
A flicker of irritation passed through Hilaria’s eyes, but she stepped aside and gestured politely. “This way, Ms. Rivera.”
As they reached Tristan Davis’s office, Cynthia swept past Hilaria without a second glance. Before Hilaria could stop her, Cynthia had already pushed open the door and strode inside, calling out Tristan’s name as if she owned the place.
Hilaria bit her lip and followed her in.
Cynthia marched right up to Tristan’s desk and slapped her palm down on the polished surface. “Tristan Davis.”
She announced, with a flourish, “I’m here to be your new secretary!”
Tristan set down his pen and let out an exasperated sigh. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Unbothered, Cynthia flopped into the chair across from him, arms folded, one leg crossed over the other. “I’m not joking. I already talked to Steven Davis and he agreed. So hurry up and have someone get my paperwork started-I can’t wait to begin.”
Tristan rubbed his forehead, patience thinning. “Go home, Cynthia. Don’t make a scene here.”
She frowned stubbornly. “I’m not making a scene. I’m serious. I want to work with you, side by side.”
Hilaria quietly placed a glass of water in front of Cynthia. “Here, Ms. Rivera. Have a drink.”
Cynthia pushed the glass away and looked up at Hilaria with a pout. “I couldn’t help but notice—all your secretaries are stunning. Are you saying I’m not pretty enough?”
Even Hilaria couldn’t hide the little spark of delight at the compliment.
But a moment later, Tristan dismissed her with a curt nod. Clearly, he wanted to talk to Cynthia alone.
The smile faded from Hilaria’s lips. She murmured an awkward “Of course,” and slipped out, closing the door behind her.
Once the door clicked shut, Tristan stood and moved to the sitting area, pouring himself a cup of tea. “Cynthia, be reasonable. Don’t make impulsive decisions you’ll regret.”
Cynthia plopped down beside him, looping her arms around his. “I’m not being impulsive! I just can’t stand seeing all these beautiful secretaries hanging around you. What if you fall for one of them? That’s why I want to be your secretary-to keep an eye on you, and help you at work.”
Tristan edged away, pried his arm free, and fixed her with a weary, sharp look. “What kind of nonsense is that? Go home, Cynthia. Stop making trouble.”
Cynthia glared, smacking her hand angrily on the couch. “I’m not leaving! I want this job, and Steven Davis already said yes. He’s the CEO-your boss. You have to listen to him!”
Tristan clicked his tongue in annoyance.
He moved to the single armchair, his gaze cool and piercing. “You should focus on your own career, Cynthia. Don’t throw it away on a whim. You’re an adult now—start acting like one. I shouldn’t have to tell you that.”
She took a deep breath. “I do have my own career. But right now, you’re what matters most.”
Tristan didn’t bother arguing further. His tone turned cold. “Go home. I’ll talk to Grandpa. From now on, stay out of my office. I have work to do—I don’t have time for this.”