Taming the Arrogant CEO

The next morning, as Claire stepped into Zuo An Cosmetics, she immediately sensed something odd in the atmosphere. *Is something off with my outfit? Or did I wake up with a massive pimple on my face?* she wondered, feeling the weight of many eyes, both familiar and unfamiliar, following her.

But that couldn't be it. She was wearing the elegant, white knee-length suit dress Lucas himself had picked for her post-wedding. It looked great, and her skin was always smooth and clear. *So what on earth are they staring at?*

"Claire!" A familiar, cheerful voice called out behind her.

Turning around, she saw Sarah jogging over, dressed in a stylish green midi dress.

"Claire, why didn't you come in yesterday?" Sarah asked curiously.

"President Lucas had a recurring fever, so I stayed home to take care of him," Claire replied automatically, only realizing she'd said too much after it was out.

"Ohhh!" Sarah's face lit up with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "You didn't tell me you and the president were living together!"

*Oh, great,* Claire thought, nervously glancing around. Luckily, most people had already moved on to their workstations.

"Don't jump to conclusions, Sarah! I'm only staying there because I couldn't find a place after graduation. His family was just helping me out. It's not what you're thinking."

"But still, you're under the same roof," Sarah teased, clearly unfazed. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she added, "But hang on, if you two live together, why don't you just catch a ride with him to work?"

"Because the president doesn't want anyone to know about our arrangement." She quickly changed the subject, glancing at her watch. "Aren't you heading to the Baodafu counter? You'll be late."

"Oh, I took today off," Sarah replied, grinning. "I met my monthly sales quota early, so I'm treating myself to a little vacation."

Claire, who had just stepped into the elevator, froze. "Wait, you're off today? That leaves me alone at the Baodafu counter?"

"Your assignment's already been switched," Sarah said, joining her in the elevator with a touch of envy in her tone. "You're now the president's executive assistant."

"What?" Claire blinked in shock. *What on earth is going on?*

"Didn't the president tell you?" Sarah asked, surprised.

"When did this happen?" Claire stammered. *Isn't Lucas's assistant Roy Lin?*

"Assistant Roy announced it at yesterday's meeting. He'll be taking a three-month leave for his wedding, so they appointed you to fill in for him."

*No wonder everyone was giving me strange looks!* Claire thought. *That must be the reason.*

Just then, the elevator dinged, and it stopped at Sarah's floor, the sales department. As Sarah stepped out, someone else hurriedly slipped in, nearly bumping into Claire and sending her stumbling against the elevator wall.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" the person quickly apologized, reaching out to steady her.

They both spoke at once.

"Claire."

"Team Leader Tao."

They exchanged a warm smile.

"Congrats on your promotion to executive assistant," Tao Ran said with a friendly smile.

Claire felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks. "Please don't tease me, Team Leader Tao. I'm completely clueless."

"No one knows everything right from the start," he replied earnestly. "You're sharp—I'm sure you'll do great."

Encouraged, Claire's smile blossomed brightly. "Thank you, Team Leader Tao. With your support, I'll give it my all."

Tao Ran found himself momentarily dazzled by her radiant smile, like a jewel reflecting light. It wasn't until the elevator dinged again that he snapped back to reality, rubbing his nose in slight embarrassment as he followed her out.

"Wait, are you also heading to the president's office?" Claire asked, surprised.

Tao Ran nodded. "The president requested to see me."