CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 18

“Yes you. What would you choose”? she asks me and gave a smirk. When I looked at City Ann, she's wearing her devil smile. She might have thought that I don’t know the answer to that question.
I don't know. I should be nervous but I'm not.

“I'll choose smaller profit’s but on a long run.” I answered, trying to look smart but not arrogant.

Ms. McClaire smiled. She can smile?
”So you'd rather run two kilometers and burn just a few carbs from the cake you ate? Just as what Ms. Fleming explained.” she asked, smirking. I smiled.

“Yes if that's how she would like to explain it.” I replied, nodding my head in agreement.

Ms. McClaire crosses her arms on her chest and seems intrigue. “If that's how she would like to explain it”? she pauses quickly glancing at City Ann's who grins at her. “What about your explanations then? Enlighten us with your ideas.” She added.

I smiled and composed myself, business like. “Let's just put it this way, Corporation's mission and vision is always for the future, it means that managements are thinking for the long run of the company to be able to return the investors investment even in smaller amounts. Step by step if we would like to put it.” I paused to breath. “If we only think for just a short period of time, yes we would return our investors investments instantly but still we would not maintain the credibility of the company. It's like being at the peak of your business and the next day, you are now on the trough and I'm a hundred percent sure that no businessman would be encourage to invest on your company again.” I answered, smiling.
I didn't know that someone is behind us until someone speaks. “What if being on the short run is just a cover up”? it's a man's voice. When I look back, I saw Emerson. He's oh so delicious. Oh! Ignore the last word please? It's gorgeous not delicious. Remember g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s okay?

He's wearing a pair of navy blue suit and a white long sleeves underneath. His hair is kind of messy but his eyes, it's just so magical.

“Good morning Mr. Triumph.” that snaps me back to the reality.

The one who spoke? That's Ms. McClaire.
The woman beside me, specifically, City Ann, her mouth is slightly open. I tried not to chuckle but I can't help it, it's like she froze when she saw Emerson. Well, almost all of them. I was included but as you can see, I recovered easily.

“What can I do for you, Sir”? Ms. McClaire asked, as she approached Emerson.

“Nothing, I was just roaming around, checking what my heads are up to and I was told that you're the one conducting the interview for your future assistant and that brings me here.” Emerson replied, shrugging his shoulders. He’s in a good mood.

“Would you like to watch them to be grilled then”? Ms. McClaire said.

This. Is. Madness. Why am nervous, all of a sudden? It's just Emerson. Geez!

Emerson didn't reply but he walks towards the chair behind the table. He sat there and crosses his legs in a manly way.

“Go on. Proceed.” he said to Ms. McClaire. She was about to say something when he speaks again.

“I remember asking you a question a while ago miss?...” really? Urgh!
I smiled but he smirks out of nowhere. “Gu-gilbert.” shaking my head. What the h*ll?

“Okay then, Ms. Gilbert.” he pauses and look at me.

“Well”? he added, tilting his head to make him more look intimidating.

Sh*t. Sh*t. Sh*t. What was his question? You've got to be kidding me Love! Think!

And that shoots me. “If it just a cover up or an Anti-takeover defense, then” I think. “The company should consider the pros and cons of this decision that they're going to make. It really depends on the company's financial position and how the CFO looks at it because this kind of defense can make the company at risk.” I answered and making sure to smile.
I don't know what Emerson is thinking but his eyes looks dark.

“Now, that is a way of answering.” Ms. McClaire said as she approached the three applicants at my right and quickly glances to each of them.

“The assistant position is now taken by Ms. Gilbert.” that was fast. I am really avoiding smiling because that'll be rude for the women beside me. When I look at Emerson, he nods.

“But..” my new boss said. “The assistant's assistant is still available. If you still want that, then you need to go back here tomorrow at 8 AM.” she added.

“What about me”? City Ann interrupted.
“Oh, yes you? You're not included.” Ms. McClaire said plainly.

“Excuse me? Did I hear you right? You're hiring this...” then she eyed me up and down. “Pathetic woman? And you're dumping me like a trash? And you didn't even tell me to come back”? I saw Emerson tensed for a moment and creases his eyebrows. He's mad. Even when mad, he looks....handsome.

Ms. McClaire's eyes are now on fire, she clenched her jaw and she crosses her arms.

“Did I stutter? You heard me loud and clear. Don't come back tomorrow. Out!” Ms. McClaire countered.

City Ann looks furious. “You don't who am I, you’re crossing the wrong woman.” City Ann back fire.

“Enough.” that surprised us all, even Ms. McClaire.

Emerson stood up and walk towards City Ann who looks like she wanted the earth to just swallow her.

He looks at her in the eyes. “Go on tell your father that Ms. McClaire didn't know who you are and where you came from or who your father is. Just don't threaten any of my employees inside my own premises.” Emerson knew her father? That's why she's acting like a spoiled brat.

City Ann's face is now red. She didn't say anything but just stormed out of the office. She didn't forget to shut it out loud. Crazy b*tch.

Emerson then turns his heel and walk towards the door. Don't go yet. Shaking my head to erases thoughts of him.

I shouldn't be feeling this way.

“Continue your business.” then he went out.
Ms. McClaire specifically told me to get the names of the three other applicants, as well as their numbers.

“Be back tomorrow at 7:30 am. I don't tolerate tardiness. Your job is just to keep me on the right track, doing reports and presentations. Sometimes when needed, I'll let you handle some accounts, but be careful with it.” I nodded. “And, here.” giving me a Mac laptop. “Inside it are my schedules, files and the benefit’s you'll be receiving aside of course from your salary.” she paused and look at her watch. In a hurry? ”Your assistant will be in charge on our coffees, typing, and copying, checking and other simple stuffs.” she added.

Then she let me go home.

When I look at my phone, there's a message from Jem. I swiped it to open and read it while I'm on the elevator.

I was told by a little birdie that you're already hired. You made me proud.
P. S come to my office, we'll celebrate.
-Jem

I hit reply.

Thanks Dad! :-D I know I made you proud. Go tell that little birdie of yours to treat us dinner.
P. S on my way
Xoxo

Then while I was walking towards my car, my phone beeps. When I fished it out, it's not a text but a call. Jem.
Starting the ignition, “Yes? Miss me already”? I say teasingly.

“Sort of.” he chuckled. “Where are you”? he asked.

“I'm actually driving.” I replied.

“Oh! I'm sorry. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you to hurry up. Someone's waiting for you.” he said. I swear I can see that he's smiling.

Raising my eyebrows, “And who would it be”? maneuvering to the left then the stop light, lights. I see people passing by the busy street of New York. All kinds of people, from singles, couples, old and young ones.

“Emerson.”