chapter 9
1151 Words
Amanda pov
One week in this company has proven to be bittersweet for me. If there's anything I learnt quickly, it was the fact that a lot of the staff weren't happy to have me on board as their CEO. Some collaborated and helped out in moments I was lost while some used it to mock me.
It was easy to see why Alvarez had wanted a new CEO aside from the staff around him.
"Gilbert Stone is here to see you." My PA's voice buzzed from the intercom.
My heart skipped. I wasn't expecting him. Why didn't he tell me he was coming? I looked around my desk. Okay, I looked busy enough and I'm sure my face looked like one that was stressed as well. I ran my hands over my hair quickly, hoping I looked presentable.
"Good morning, Mr Gilbert." I beamed a smile at him and stood on my feet to welcome him.
He was in a casual shirt and pants and I wondered if he was going to stay for long.
"Good to see you again, Miss Amanda."
"Same here too." He took the seat opposite mine and I sat as well.
"Alvarez sent me to oversee how work is going on here."
"Ohh… I see. It's been great so far."
"Good, good. That's great to hear. I'll actually be resuming the day after tomorrow."
I blinked rapidly, not expecting what he said. "Really?"
He nodded. "We figured you could need some help."
"Ohh… great! That's really appreciated." No, it wasn't. I especially appreciated it. It was quite a relief.
"Aren't you going out for lunch?" Gilbert asked as he glanced at his wristwatch.
It was already a few minutes past lunch time. "No, I'll pass. Besides, I'm not so hungry."
"Nonsense. You need food, Amanda. I'll treat you to lunch."
We sat in a restaurant twenty minutes later, eating fries and chicken. Gilbert was all cool and playful, lightening up the atmosphere and I soon got comfortable with him.
"So what made Gilbert leave the company in the hands of a new CEO?" It's one question I've asked in my mind over and over again but have gotten no answer. Now, I was expecting a good answer because it's not everyday a CEO of a multi-billion empire leaves it all for no reason.
"Family issues and responsibility." Gilbert said in a rush and looked away.
"That doesn't sound…" I paused, not knowing what to say. It's better to shut up than to say something that may sound offensive. For all I know, Gilbert had made all of these blessings possible. It's wisdom to not bite the hands that fed you.
"It's complicated, and I can't explain it to you. But just so you can understand, it's a matter of importance to him, hence his absence. However, he would be coming for inspections when certain things die down."
"No, no. It's fine. I totally understand."
He nodded in agreement. "So tell me how everything is going at the company."
"Fine so far."
"Any troubles from anybody?" He asked with a knowing smile.
I chuckled. "Yeah, a little here and there, but nothing I can't manage."
"It was expected but I want you to wear a tough skin."
We spent the next thirty minutes chatting and sharing life experiences before we said our goodbyes. Back at the office, I threw myself back into work till it was closing hours.
BAP group was built on sweat so I'm not going to ruin all of that by being lazy or wallowing in mediocrity.
I got home after work and refreshed myself with a shower and dinner. I looked around my house, not quite believing the fortune that befell me. I was really grateful for all that has happened this past week and for Gilbert.
An incoming virtual call popped up on my notification while I was busy on my laptop some hours later.
"Alvarez?" I mumbled in surprise.
"Hey, hi, oh, good evening, Sir." I was flustered and I could feel beads of sweat that were beginning to form on my forehead.
"Are you okay?" He asked with worry etched on his face.
He looked as good looking as I've known and even more handsome.
"Yes, yes, I am." I pushed back strands of hair behind my ears while struggling to keep my eyes on the screen.
It was strange that even without his presence, my body still felt funny. Was it because of his voice? He has a sound soothing voice which I'm sure no woman can hear and not adore and fall in love over.
His eyes pierced me and I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat. This didn't even feel different from him being physical.
He didn't say anything else as we were lost in our stares.
I cleared my throat causing him to blink in realisation. He looked away for a moment then faced me again. My entire body went hot and my cheeks turned red.
Why's he ogling me? Does he find me attractive? Nope, it can't be. Attractive men like Alvarez can't find a woman like me attractive. I was only a struggling middle class woman who has now made it to the top from luck and was also working for him. For goodness sake, I'm his employee! I'm sure Alvarez has more beautiful and curvier women at his disposal.
"How's work been for you?"
"It's been great so far. I met Gilbert today." I said with a light smile to loosen the tension.
His eyes turned a shade darker. It wasn't hard to miss and I stared in curiosity. How the hell did that happen?
"Yes. I sent him back to assist you. Hope he didn't annoy you?"
"No. Not at all. Instead he was friendly and charming."
"Oh, I see." He said while nodding. His eyes turned a darker shade and chill ran down my spine.
What's with him and that look?
"So tell me… how… How did you spend your day?"
Was that Alvarez stuttering?
"At the office working." How else was I supposed to spend it?
"And you're still working from home?" He didn't sound pleased about it.
I scratched my head nervously and nodded.
"I want you to go to bed." His voice was so authoritative and impossible to resist.
"There's this report I have to go through then after that, I want to…"
"Amanda, go to bed." I shivered from his domineering tone. The look in his eyes wasn't helping as well. "Have you had dinner?"
"Yes." I said and swallowed.
"Good. Now go rest. The company won't crash because you decided to make good use of your sleep time."
"Alright, Sir."
"Alvarez." He said back and I blinked in confusion.
"Call me Alvarez."
"Sir, I can't call you by your name."
"I'm your boss so you should obey my commands."
"Okay, Si… Alvarez." Gosh! This was weird.
- Writer
