Chapter 3 HER FIRST DAY

Natalie Collins stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the collar of her white blouse.

It was her first official day at Blackwood Global, and she wanted everything to go perfectly.

Her navy-blue trousers were neatly pressed, her hair was styled in soft waves, and her handbag contained everything she believed she might need.

She checked the time on her phone.

7:15 AM.

She was early.

Very early.

But after spending four months searching for a job, she wasn't about to risk losing this opportunity because of poor time management.

Her mother appeared at the bedroom door.

"Are you ready?"

Natalie picked up her handbag.

"I think so."

Margaret looked at her from head to toe.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

"And remember, don't let anyone intimidate you."

Natalie laughed.

"Mom, I'm going to work, not war."

"Sometimes those offices are worse than war."

"You're making me nervous."

Margaret walked closer and straightened her daughter's collar.

"Just do your best. You don't have to impress everyone. Just remember who you are."

Natalie smiled.

"I will."

She kissed her mother's cheek before leaving.

Today was the beginning of something new.

And she was determined not to waste it.

---

At 8:20 AM, Natalie walked through the entrance of Blackwood Global.

The building was already busy.

Employees moved between departments, phones rang at reception, and several people stood near the coffee station discussing their schedules.

She approached the reception desk.

"Good morning. I'm Natalie Collins. I'm starting today."

The receptionist smiled.

"Welcome to Blackwood Global. Human Resources is expecting you. Take the elevator to the twenty-eighth floor."

"Thank you."

Natalie entered the elevator and pressed the button.

When the doors opened, she found Rachel waiting near the reception area.

"Good morning, Natalie."

"Good morning."

"Ready for your first day?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Rachel laughed.

"Come with me. I'll show you around before taking you to your office."

They walked down the corridor.

"This is the executive department. You'll be working closely with Mr Blackwood, so most of your responsibilities will be centred around his schedule and administrative needs."

Natalie nodded.

"Understood."

Rachel pointed towards several offices.

"That's the finance department. The conference rooms are on your left, and the employees' lounge is at the end of the corridor."

They stopped outside a glass office.

"This will be your workspace."

Natalie looked inside.

A large desk stood near the window, accompanied by a computer, two chairs and a filing cabinet.

It was simple but elegant.

"This is mine?"

Rachel smiled.

"Yes. You'll share the executive office area with Daniel Brooks, Mr Blackwood's senior assistant."

Natalie stepped inside.

"I love it."

"I'm glad. Daniel will explain the daily procedures. He knows Mr Blackwood's schedule better than anyone."

As if summoned by his name, a man appeared at the doorway.

"Rachel?"

She turned.

"Perfect timing. Daniel, this is Natalie Collins. She's joining us as Mr Blackwood's executive assistant."

Daniel offered his hand.

"Welcome aboard."

Natalie shook it.

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I hope you're ready for a busy schedule."

Natalie smiled.

"That sounds encouraging."

Daniel laughed.

"You'll understand soon enough."

Rachel excused herself, leaving the two of them together.

Daniel placed a thick folder on Natalie's desk.

"These are the basic procedures, important contacts and meeting schedules. Take some time to review them."

Natalie opened the folder.

"Alright."

"Also, Mr Blackwood likes his reports organised before meetings. He doesn't appreciate unnecessary delays."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Daniel checked his watch.

"He's expecting you in his office at nine."

Natalie looked at the clock.

8:43 AM.

"Already?"

Daniel nodded.

"Welcome to the executive floor."

---

At exactly nine, Natalie stood outside Nathaniel's office.

She knocked twice.

"Come in."

She opened the door.

Nathaniel was standing behind his desk, speaking on the phone.

He raised one finger, asking her to wait.

Natalie quietly closed the door and stood near the visitor's chair.

His voice was calm but firm.

"I don't care what the previous agreement says. The figures must be corrected before the end of the day."

He paused.

"No. I want the revised report on my desk before five."

Another pause.

"Then find a solution."

He ended the call and placed his phone on the desk.

"Ms Collins."

"Good morning, Mr Blackwood."

"Sit."

Natalie took the chair.

Nathaniel opened a document on his computer.

"How was your first morning?"

"Good so far."

"Have you reviewed the company procedures?"

"Yes. Daniel gave me the documents."

"Good. Your first responsibility is to organise my schedule for the week. There are several meetings that need to be rearranged."

He handed her a printed calendar.

Natalie examined it.

"Some of these meetings overlap."

"Exactly."

"Would you prefer I move the internal meetings or the external appointments?"

Nathaniel looked at her.

"Use your judgment. That's part of your job."

She nodded.

"Alright."

He returned to his computer.

"One more thing. I don't like people entering my office without an appointment unless it's urgent."

"Understood."

"And I expect confidentiality. Anything discussed in this office stays here."

"Of course."

Nathaniel finally looked at her.

"Do you have any questions?"

Natalie hesitated.

"Just one."

"Go ahead."

"Will I be expected to work directly with you every day, or will Daniel handle most of the arrangements?"

Nathaniel leaned back.

"You'll work with both of us. Daniel oversees several administrative operations, but my personal schedule and executive appointments will be your responsibility."

"Alright."

"Anything else?"

"No, sir."

"Then you may return to your desk."

Natalie stood.

"Thank you."

She walked towards the door.

"Ms Collins."

She turned.

"Yes?"

"Your first report is due before lunch."

Natalie looked at him.

"Before lunch?"

"Is there a problem?"

"No, sir."

"Good."

She left his office and gently closed the door.

For a few seconds, she stared at the corridor.

Her first day had barely started, and she already had a deadline.

Wonderful.

Just wonderful.

---

By eleven thirty, Natalie had discovered that organising Nathaniel Blackwood's schedule was not as simple as it sounded.

One client wanted an earlier appointment.

Another insisted on keeping the original time.

A department head had requested an urgent meeting, while two executives were unavailable for the same afternoon.

Natalie rubbed her forehead.

She had written everything down, checked the calendar twice and contacted the relevant departments.

Still, one problem remained.

Three meetings had to fit into two available time slots.

Daniel stopped beside her desk.

"How's it going?"

Natalie looked up.

"Honestly?"

"Honestly."

"Your boss has a very complicated life."

Daniel laughed.

"That's one way to describe it."

"I've been trying to rearrange these meetings for almost an hour."

"Let me see."

She turned the monitor towards him.

Daniel studied the schedule.

"Move the marketing review to Thursday morning. The finance meeting can stay on Wednesday, and the client appointment should remain at its original time."

Natalie typed the changes.

"That actually works."

"Told you."

She smiled.

"Thank you."

Daniel glanced at the clock.

"Don't forget the report. Mr Blackwood expects it before lunch."

Natalie immediately looked at her screen.

"I haven't forgotten."

"Good luck."

He returned to his office.

Natalie finished the schedule, checked the details and printed the report.

At 11:52 AM, she walked towards Nathaniel's office.

She knocked.

"Come in."

He was reviewing some documents when she entered.

"Your revised schedule, sir."

She placed the report on his desk.

Nathaniel picked it up.

He examined the pages quietly.

Natalie waited.

A few seconds passed.

Then another few.

Finally, he looked up.

"You moved the marketing review."

"Yes. Thursday morning was the only available time that worked for everyone involved."

"And the finance meeting?"

"Wednesday afternoon. I confirmed with the department."

He looked at the document again.

"Good."

Natalie tried not to look too pleased.

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't thank me. Just keep it organised."

"Of course."

She turned to leave.

"Ms Collins."

She stopped.

"Yes?"

"Your next assignment will be preparing tomorrow's board meeting documents. Daniel will provide the necessary information."

"Understood."

She left his office.

For the first time that morning, Natalie felt a little proud of herself.

Nathaniel Blackwood hadn't complained.

In his world, that was probably the closest thing to a compliment.

---

At lunchtime, Natalie went to the employees' lounge.

She bought a sandwich and a bottle of water before finding an empty table.

She had barely taken two bites when a woman approached.

"Is anyone sitting here?"

Natalie looked up.

"No. You can sit."

The woman placed her lunch on the table.

"Thanks. I'm Olivia."

"Natalie."

"You're the new assistant, right?"

Natalie nodded.

"Yes. I started today."

Olivia smiled.

"Well, welcome. I'm in the marketing department."

"It's nice to meet you."

Olivia took a sip of her drink.

"So, how is working for Nathaniel Blackwood?"

Natalie laughed softly.

"I've only been here a few hours."

"That's enough time to know what you're dealing with."

"Is he always that serious?"

Olivia leaned closer.

"Always."

Natalie smiled.

"Good to know."

"Just don't take his moods personally. He expects a lot from everyone."

"I've noticed."

Olivia laughed.

They continued talking about the company, their departments and the best places to get coffee nearby.

For the first time that day, Natalie felt comfortable.

Perhaps working at Blackwood Global wouldn't be so difficult after all.

She just needed to understand how things worked.

And learn how to survive her new boss.

---

At 5:15 PM, Natalie was preparing to leave when her office phone rang.

She picked it up.

"Good afternoon. Executive office."

"Ms Collins."

She recognised the voice immediately.

"Yes, Mr Blackwood?"

"Come to my office."

"Is everything alright?"

"I need to discuss tomorrow's schedule."

"Alright, sir. I'll be there shortly."

She hung up and grabbed her notebook.

When she entered his office, Nathaniel was standing beside the windows with his phone in one hand.

He turned when he heard the door close.

"You're leaving?"

Natalie glanced at the clock.

"Yes. I finished the tasks assigned to me."

"Have you prepared the board meeting documents?"

"Daniel gave me the information. I've started organising them, but I haven't finished."

Nathaniel checked his watch.

"I need the final documents by eight tomorrow morning."

Natalie blinked.

"Eight?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No, sir. I can have them ready."

"Good."

He returned to his desk.

Natalie waited for a moment.

"Was there anything else?"

"No."

"Alright. Have a good evening."

She walked towards the door.

"Ms Collins."

She turned again.

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow, I expect you to be more familiar with how this office operates."

Natalie nodded.

"I'll do my best."

"Good evening."

"Good evening, sir."

She left.

Outside, she released a quiet breath.

Nathaniel Blackwood was definitely not an easy man to work for.

But she wasn't giving up.

She had worked too hard to get this job.

And she intended to keep it.

What she didn't realise was that her first real challenge at Blackwood Global was only beginning.

Because the following morning, she would discover that working for Nathaniel Blackwood required much more than being organised.

It required patience.

And Natalie Collins was about to need plenty of it.