Chapter two
1068 Words
Grace raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. She was aware of Ethan's usually high standards, so the fact that he was so interested in interviewing someone himself, for the nanny job, was quite unusual.
“Right away, sir.” she replied, taking the resumé and heading out to make the necessary arrangements for the interview the next day.
As Grace left, Ethan leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips. This was going to be interesting.
……🌵
The next day, Lena arrived at the Hayes Corporation building the next morning, clutching her portfolio with trembling hands.
She had no idea the company was run by the very man she had insulted the day before. The towering skyscrapers and designs were a testament to the wealth and power the man owned. She could see HAYES CORPORATION encrypted boldly on the building.
Lena inhaled deeply as she stepped into the building, trying to ignore her nervous state.
“Ms. Roberts?” The receptionist called out, giving her a polite smile.
“Yes, that's me,” Lena replied, her voice slightly shaky.
“If you’ll follow me please,” the receptionist said, leading her to a private elevator. Lena felt a little out of place as she rode up to one of the top floors, the luxury of the building a stark contrast to her own modest life.
When the elevator opened, Lena stepped into a quiet, plush hallway that led to a large double door. The receptionist gestured for her to enter, and Lena gathered her courage and walked in.
Ethan was standing by the window, when she walked in, his back to her. Lena felt a pang of recognition but pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
“Mr Grant, thank you for…..” she began, but her voice faltered as he turned around.
The moment their eyes met, she froze. It was him. The man from the limo.
Ethan's expression was unreadable, though a flicker of amusement flickered in his eyes, “Ms Roberts.” he said, his voice smooth and controlled. “Please have a seat.
Lena’s heart raced fast as she moved stiffly on the chair opposite his desk. This can't be happening. Of all the people in New York, her potential employer had to be the very man she’d rudely confronted the other day?
Ethan sat down, his gaze never leaving hers, “I must say, I didn't expect to see you again soon.”
Lena swallowed her pride, and sat down, forcing herself to meet his gaze. His eyes were sharp, accessing her with a mix of curiosity and something she couldn't quite place.
There was a long pause for a moment, Ethan studied her, searching her eyes for something she couldn't quite identify. “So, Miss Roberts.” Ethan began, leaning back in his chair, “tell me what makes you think you’re suited for this job.”
Lena felt a rush of anxiety. She had been prepared to discuss her qualifications, her experiences, her love for children. But now, sitting in front of the man she’d so carelessly insulted, her confidence wavered.
“Well, I've worked with children before," she began, trying to keep her voice steady. “I have been a nanny for several families, and I believe I have the patience and understanding needed to….”
“Patience and understanding?” Ethan interrupted, his tone mild but with a sharp edge. “Interesting. You didn't seem to have much of that yesterday.”
Lena’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, “I’m sorry about that. Yesterday was….”
“Not your best day?” Ethan finished for her, his lips quirking into a faint smile.
Lena bit her lip, unsure whether he was mocking her or giving her a chance to explain. “It wasn't.” She admitted, her voice softer now. “But I can assure Mr. Hayes, that when it comes to children, I'm very different.”
Ethan regarded her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. He could see sincerity in her eyes. “My daughter, Sophia, is not an easy child.” he said, his tone serious now. “She’s intelligent, stubborn and has been through alot. I need someone who can handle that, who won't walk out after the first week.”
Lena nodded, a spark of determination returning to her, “I understand, Mr. Hayes. And I'm confident that I can handle it, I won't walk away.”
Ethan studied her for a moment, letting her words hang in the air before responding. Leaning forward and folding his hands on the desk, “Alright Mr Roberts. You’ve piqued my interest. But let's make one thing clear. If I hire you there’s no room for mistakes. Sophia is my top priority.”
Lena met his gaze steadily, despite the nervous energy still thrumming through her. “Understood.”
As the tension in the room eased slightly, a sharp knock on the door interrupted the moment Grace entered, holding an envelope that looked official and urgent.
“Mr Grant, I'm sorry to interrupt, but this has just arrived for you.” Grace said, handing him the envelope.
Ethan took it, his brow furrowing as he saw the return address. Kingston Industries, his rival's company.
He tore open the envelope, and quickly scanned the contents, his expression darkening with each passing second. The letter was a threat of lawsuit over a business deal that had gone sour.
He glanced at Lena, who was watching him with concern.
“Mr. Hayes” Lena called hesitantly, “Is everything okay?”
Ethan forced a calm expression, but inside, he was anything but, “Yes. Ms Roberts,” he said, standing up and smoothing over the letter. “We’ll continue the conversation later. For now, you’re hired.”
Lena blinked in surprise. “Just like that?”
Ethan nodded, his mind already shifting to the battle ahead, “Just like that. We’ll discuss the details later. Grace will show you out.”
Without another word, Ethan walked out of his office. Lena watched him go feeling an ease of triumph and unease. Just then her phone, she pulled her phone out from her bag. It was a message.
Tonight’s scheme: Venetian Masquerade. Your set starts at midnight. Don't be late.
Lena stared at the message, feeling the weight of her double life journey that had just begun.
- Writer
