BILLIONAIRE'S REDEMPTION

Chapter 2: The Chilly Meeting

Sandra’s POV

When I initially started working at Edward Enterprises, I entered via the imposing glass doors. The clean marble floors and the hum of important discussions made me feel like I had stepped into another universe, one where everything moved faster than I was used to. As I entered the elevator, my heart began to race, and I gripped my bag tightly. This was my opportunity, but the enormity of what was ahead crushed me beneath it.

“Okay, Sandra, you can do this,” I said under my breath, attempting to calm the anxiety that fluttered in my stomach. In all honesty, though, I wasn't sure I could. Not here, in this location.

The doors of the elevator slid open, revealing the busy office floor as it dinged. Individuals walked purposefully, their eyes focused forward, their faces tough. Among the fancy suits, I felt like an outsider and out of place in this world wearing my modest clothes.

“Sandra Robert,” a voice called from behind me. I turned to find an unreadable expression on the face of a middle-aged woman with neatly combed hair and a clean blouse. "Accompany me. Mr. Edward is awaiting his turn."

With a nod, I trailed behind her, my pulse palpitating. The workplace was huge, with sleek glass walls that offered a panoramic view of the downtown skyline. The vista was spectacular, but the man sitting behind the desk, Moses Edward, scarcely glanced up from his computer.

I tried to control my voice and murmured, "Good morning, Mr. Edward."

His attention was glued to the TV in front of him, so he didn't answer right away. Upon eventually raising his head, his icy gaze fixed on me firmly. With a chilly tone, he remarked, "You're late."

My stomach fell out. “I apologize. I believed that I was.

“I refuse to accept justifications,” Moses abruptly said, narrowing his eyes. You'll have to stay up if you want to work here. At Edward Enterprises, mediocrity is not tolerated.

I swiftly nodded after swallowing hard. “Comprehensive.”

He hardly gave me a look as he gave me instructions. “Your first task is to organize my calendar, arrange the files for today's meeting, and make sure the reports are ready." "You're not cut out for this job if you can't handle that.”

Even though his words hurt, I made myself stand up straighter. “I'll finish it.”

Moses dismissed me with a word and returned his focus to his computer. Heart pounding, I ran out of his office. It was going to be more difficult than I anticipated.

I was standing at the rear of the slick, modern boardroom later that morning. Senior executives flanked Moses at the head of the long table, all of them anxious to make an impression on him. Even though I was only there to take notes, it was obvious that others were also paying attention. Moses commanded the room with his piercing look that seemed like a razor cutting through the atmosphere.

A board member got to his feet and enthusiastically delivered his suggestion. With a firm but slightly apprehensive voice, he stated, "With this new venture, we believe we can expand our market share by 20% in the next quarter."

With his fingers curled under his chin, Moses reclined in his chair. He listened to the man out before he spoke. "Your calculations are incorrect."

Taken aback, the board member blinked. "Pardon me?"

Moses had a calculating, hard look in his eyes. "Your forecasts are not realistic. The market isn't expanding at the pace you're predicting, therefore investing time and money in this project would be futile. Despite his casual tone, the impact of his remarks caused the entire audience to fall silent.

The shame showed on the man's face. However,

Moses cut the conversation short with a strong "Do better research next time," terminating it in a way that left no space for debate.

I was astounded to see how brutal this setting was as I watched. Mistakes were not pardoned in this kind of environment. Everyone in this environment had to strive for their spot, and failure came with fast repercussions.

I could feel the skepticism beginning to seep in as the meeting went on. Is it truly possible for me to survive here? Was I suited for a place like Edward Enterprises, where employees were chowed down and eviscerated if their performance fell short of Moses's unattainable benchmarks?

I sent a glance his way, observing how his mere presence could dominate the space. Beneath his chilly façade, there lurked something more sinister. He was cold, cunning, and merciless. Something that eluded me completely.

I was still taking in everything when I left the room and entered the corridor. I was only a few steps ahead of someone when I almost dropped my file stack.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, scrambling to gather them.

"There's no need to apologize," a tone that was smooth and almost too nice spoke. I looked up to find a man in a tailored suit with an easy smile on his lips. But his smile belied the darkness in his eyes. Derek Collins is who I am.

I knew the name right away. Derek was one of Moses's main rivals, so why was he here? Why did he appear so... arrogant?

Derek reached out to shake my hand and remarked, "I don't think we've met." I felt the strange contrast between his too-cordial manner and the calculating gleam in his eyes, so I paused for a moment before shaking it.

I said, "Sandra," attempting to maintain my composure.

Derek grinned more, yet something was unsettling about him. The new secretary, huh? Working under Moses Edward must be fascinating, isn't it?

I tentatively nodded, not sure what he meant to say. "It's... difficult," I said, trying not to give too much away.

Derek laughed and remarked, "I bet that's challenging," but there was a hint of sharpness in his tone. Moses is a hard man to win over. I am available, though, if you ever find yourself in need of a... alternative viewpoint. He winked at me, the smile never reaching his eyes.

I smiled awkwardly, trying to find an excuse to conclude the conversation. “I should get back to work,” I responded hastily, stepping back.

Naturally, murmured Derek, his voice as silky as ever. "Remember, Sandra, that things at Edward Enterprises are not always as they seem." Watch out for who you put your trust in.

I got a shiver from what he said. By that, what did he mean? And why had he come here at all?

I quickly turned to go, turning to look over my shoulder to see Derek staring at me with the same eerie smile. I couldn't get rid of the unsettling impression that he was playing a game because there was something deadly about him. A game I had no desire to participate in.

A haze of assignments and due dates filled the day. I was worn out by the time I had sorted through the reports and dealt with Moses's hectic schedule. Before I could deliver the last report of the day, I waited for him to conclude a phone call outside his office.

Voices drifted out into the hallway from within as I hovered near the door. I didn't mean to listen in, but I couldn't help but pay attention to the intensity of the talk.

"She's starting to cause issues," Although Moses's tone was firm, there was a hint of something more. Annoyance? Fury?

"She was," Bill answered. Vanessa deceived you, and you were blind to it. We cannot afford to make the same error twice.

I scowled; my interest piqued. Vanessa? Who was she?

"And who's Derek Collins?" Moses's tone became more lowered, his rage becoming apparent. He's approaching too closely. He feels as though he can turn her against me.

Her? Were they referring to me?

“We need to be careful,” Bill added. "Derek poses a threat, and should he discover the truth"

The door suddenly flew wide, and I staggered back, almost dropping the folder I was carrying. Moses was standing in the doorway, his eyes darting directly into mine.

"What is the duration of your standing there?" His stare went straight through me, and his voice was very cold.

"I was just Feeling the heat rising to my cheeks, I mumbled. Even if I hadn't intended to overhear, it was now impossible to refute.

With a strained and unreadable countenance, he stepped closer. He said, "Come inside," in a tone that did not allow for debate.

My pulse raced as I followed him into the office, unsure of what was about to happen. With a quiet click, the door closed behind me, putting me in the room with the man whose world I had inadvertently entered.