Between Two Billionaires

CHAPTER 4: UNEXPECTED VISITOR

ELLA'S POV

The office was quiet this morning. The morning lights seeped across my desk, and the smell of paper and coffee sat heavy in the air. I stared at my computer screen, but I wasn't attentive to what was displayed. My mind was on last night's call.



My Dad had called last night, to ask for money. Last night's call replayed in a loop.



“Hello Ella.”



Dad's voice from last night was deep and careful, as if trying to sound okay.



“Hey Dad, It's quite late to be calling you know. How are you though?” I responded. I sat on my bed, crossing both my legs. The hum of the radiator was a persistent tune in the room.



“I know dear. It's just…” he paused, as if holding back weight he didn't want to let out. 



“The hospital bill came around. And right now, I'm in a tough place.” He added, his tone burdened with his own request.



“What about Mum, have you asked her if she could support?” I questioned. Still maintaining a respectful and warm tone.



“Your mum and brother are honestly useless when it comes to finances.” He mentioned with a sigh. His voice seemed to carry forced weight.



“They're trying Dad, we're all trying,” I said. But I knew within me that what he said was indeed somewhat true.



“The only one trying is you, Ella. Your mum is only good at nagging, and your brother…I wonder if he's got any plans for the future.” Dad responded. His tone seemed to have become lighter.



“Please lend me anything you have. I'll pay back when I can,"he added. 



I took a deep breath and let out a sigh. “I can help with fifty bucks. And don't worry about paying…”



“Ella!” A co-worker called out, snapping me back to my desk.



“I've been standing here for the last 3 minutes, even calling your name trying to get your attention.” She said, crossing her arms and leaning against the door post. Her face held an ambiguous note of dissatisfaction and impatience.



“Seems you've been daydreaming a lot,” she continued, letting out a hollow hysterical laugh. “Mrs. Moore needs you in her office. Now.” She snapped, leaving in a hurry.



I didn't move for 3 seconds, then I stood, straightened my blouse and went to her office.



“You sent for me,” I said, as I stood before her desk in her office.



“Yes I did. Someone important will be visiting today.” She said with a little smile, leaning forward into her seat. Admiration could be seen written all over her face.



“Who would that be?” I asked, curious of the visitor that had lightened Mrs Moore's mood.



“Norman…the assistant to Ethan Hunt,” She responded. leaning back into her chair. Her eyes were fixed on me, like she expected an elated reaction.



But I was indeed surprised.



“Ethan Hunt is visiting?” I asked, my voice laced with surprise.



“Not Ethan. I said Norman, his assistant. Keep your head in the game Ella.” She emphasized, standing up from her seat. She came around the desk towards me, and leaned backwards on the desk. Her gaze still locked on me.



“Ethan Hunt would be making a charitable donation today and Norman would be coming on his behalf. Very soon he'll arrive and I'll need you with me.” She said as she went back around her desk and adjusted her skirt, then sat cautiously.



“Alright ma, I'll get set.” I responded, already leaving as her hand cut through the air.



Norman arrived a few minutes later.



My chair was still warm when the front door nudged open.



“Ella,” my co-worker called. 

“Mr Norman has arrived. Mrs. Moore awaits you in her office.”



I crossed the hallway as quickly as I could. Through the glass wall I could see her desk, and the back of a man in a dark suit sitting across from her.



I knocked once.



“Come in,” Mrs. Moore called. Her voice was sharp but relaxed.



I stepped in. The room was filled with a new scent. His cologne filled the air. 



He looked up at me, our eyes met.

He looked exactly as I remembered him from the gala. Sharp-eyed, dark hair, an appearance that read ‘duty’. He was dressed in a fitted navy coloured suit. He had a small brief case he had set before him, on the desk. 



He turned forward, refocusing his gaze back at Mrs. Moore.



“Ma'am,” he said, “I'm here on behalf of Mr. Hunt. He was greatly moved by the work you all are doing here and the course of this institution,” He added. He opened up his briefcase and brought out a cheque. He handed it to her without hesitation. Mrs. Moore's eyes widened.



Mrs Moore waved me over, signalling me to take a look at the cheque. I hesitated a bit, then moved gently over to her side. On the cheque was written, ‘One Million Dollars.’ a smile widened on my face. I looked up at Norman.



“Thank you sir. Very much ... .very much thank you sir,” I had stumbled on my speech.



“Thank you very much,” Mrs Moore corrected.



“This is very generous, Mr. Norman. Please on behalf of the orphanage, extend our appreciation to Mr. Hunt,” she added. She stood up and extended a hand to Mr. Norman. He stood up from his seat and shook her.



Norman then extended his hand to me and I let mine connect with his. Then he looked back at Mrs. Moore.



“Can I have a word with Miss Sheffield?” he said. 

I blinked. She glanced at me, I stared back, caught off guard.



“Of course Mr. Norman. Take your time,” She responded. 



I stepped out of her office, Norman following behind.



“Can I see you in private?” He asked from behind. I froze in my steps, my brows furrowed with nervousness.



“Privately?” I reiterated. I turned around, my hand meeting the back of my neck.



“Yes Miss Sheffield. I won't be long,” he added, his face dormant of emotion.



I led him to my office. We stepped inside and then Norman shut the door behind us.