Underworld's Underlings

Chapter 1: Set to sail

Work is worship.

The bold cursive phrase screamed at Eleonora from across the room. She could not come to terms with the new Vice President's way of implementing the projects. "You work for me, Ms. Von Berg. You will listen to me." Mr. Smith's words echoed in her head. She swiped the contents of her workbench aside and laid her head down on it. She was furious when he rejected her plan. But more so when he said, "You are as worthless as a spoiled heiress. So is your work."

She could still see the smirk on his face. Oh, how she wished she could wipe it right off.

She has been losing her cool the past few weeks due to the pointless office rules being implemented. The Vice President seemed to be executing his authority.

The entire office was gossiping about 'Mr. Smith this...' and 'Mr. Smith that...'. He was seen to be flirting with the receptionist, Sarah McLeod, on his first day. She, obviously displeased, had to shove her ring in his face to get him back down. He looked good, but that was it.

Apart from his shenanigans, cutting down on essential breaks didn't sit well with the rest of the staff either.

Eleonora headed to the office canteen to ponder over her options. She was not going to trade her mental health for the job. But she didn't want to have her work go to waste. As she sipped her lemonade, her phone vibrated, interrupting her chain of thoughts.

"Yes, Mr. Von Berg, how may I help you?"

Her sarcastic drawl earned her a bark of laughter as the deep voice resounded through her phone. "Honey, are you still mad at your old man?"

"Obviously, since you forget I exist", she accused childishly, glaring aimlessly into the distance.

"Whom are you planning to kill?", the amused voice answered, making her smile.

"The Vice President." She let out a short laugh before teasing him. "And stop that mind-reading thing."

"Your creepy little old man, I know, I know." He laughed along with her before starting in a somber tone. "I need your help, Nelly."

"Please tell me I'm going to kidnap someone or commit a felony. God forbid if this is about a dude and my happily ever after, I'll disown you, Dad."

She prayed her father was not going to marry her off for business, but she couldn't deny the thrill she felt if he was. The appeal of the unknown, marriage. Still, she hoped it was not.

The loud laughter from her father assured her he was not, as he went on. "Oh, Nelly. It is about a dude. A rich, handsome, famo-". She didn't let him finish, "And imma hang up."

Her father interrupted. "Oh no, hear me out, Nelly. I promise you'll love it."

"You're testing my non-existent patience, Mr. Von Berg. Please state your purpose."

Again a hearty laugh. She sighed thinking about how she always loved their interactions and how she loved making her father laugh. It was her comfort sound. Her father's voice brought her back.

"Like I said, famous. You know him. He's hiring architects to renovate some old embellishments. You see, historical stuff." He paused as if he expected a punctuated response from his daughter. But all he got was silence.

"Nelly, honey? Are you all right?", he asked worriedly when she squealed.

"Goodness, Dad. That... That's just, just tell me the time and place."

"Breathe, Nelly. I haven't got to the interesting part yet", Mr. Von Berg took a deep breath before announcing in a solemn tone.

"He doesn't want to hire a woman."

Again a long drawn silence. To say her hope plummeted was an understatement. She could not fathom why in the world her father was making a mountain out of a molehill. Or rather a mystery out of misogyny.

"What the hell Dad? Why are you telling me then?"

"Exactly. I want you to challenge him as a man and come out the winner. As a woman."

He said proudly, as if he had not asked her to commit fraud. A felony. "You do know I have no wish to go to prison, don't you?", she spat sarcastically, earning a chuckle.

"Oh no, honey. You've mistaken the man you're challenging. He lives for it." As if the riddles were not enough he went on. "You beat him and you are the queen. Literally."

"I see why you run a winery. You're not drunk, are you Dad?" She asked, amused. Her father spoke with conviction. It sounded almost vindictive.

"Oh please, your old man isn't a sloppy git. Now, are you ready, honey?" Again an amused laugh.

"Who's this he, Dad? And how am I helping you? I don't understand why it's so important for you to prove him wrong", she voiced her thoughts confused.

"Don't get me wrong, Dad. I love trouble. But to cheat it out?"

He sighed as if he expected this. "Raul D'Ambrosio. He had quoted a price for Von Berg Winery. Five times its current value."

Ah, Raul, the heartthrob of women. She mused. How he was at the pinnacle of anything he did. Or does. She couldn't help but admire him. She thought if there was a male counterpart for the term 'Beauty with brains', it would suit him.

But hearing her father so down fired her up. Eleonora had never seen her father upset. And not now because of a pretty boy. Her next words had taken a different tone altogether. The tone of a predator, a protector.

"No, he didn't. What is the deal, Dad? What am I related to?" She spat.

"That's where you come in. To strike a deal."

"Oh", was all she could manage. Her mind was already going through the plans. What she would do and how. After a long moment, her father spoke, taking her out of her reverie.

"I've sent you the details, honey." She saw her screen flashing with a new message and her eyes narrowed on 'D & A Enterprises'.

"I'll get the plan ready, Dad. And my effing Notice for the VP."

With a chuckle as a response, the line went dead.