“I hear you, you don't need to have the requisite certification. I already see all I need in a personal assistant. Can you give it a try with ten thousand dollars? Housing and wardrobe allowance, inclusive per month? Sam said as she reached the door.
Iva turned in shock. That's all far more than the pay of the three jobs she is doing right now put together!
Sam was excited about the reaction he was getting. He thought she would be harder to c***k, but money did the magic.
“Twenty thousand dollars,” Iva said suddenly, almost regretting the words as they came.
“Okay, twenty thousand dollars”, Iva’s eyes widened in unbelievable. “I look forward to getting the value of the money,” he added before she could say a word.
“I will get back to you before the end of today. Meanwhile, drop your credentials and CV with Emily before leaving.”
With that, he took his keys and walked out. Iva was surprised. “Such a rude way to dismiss someone,” she murmured as she stood up to leave. Just then, Emily walked in with her plastered smile.
“Welcome to the team! She said warmly, “You can drop your credentials with me. Thanks for coming.”
Iva's heart beat faster as she walked out of the office building. She couldn't believe she had just agreed to work for Sam Everest. What had she gotten into? But an undercurrent of excitement raced through her: she could not let this opportunity go.
At home, she had found a package near her doorstep. She looked around and then opened it without wasting time. A note dropped out. It read: "Looking forward to working with you. Read the contract carefully and sign it before commencing tomorrow.
Sam.”
Iva shivered as she read the note despite the warm weather. It was something about a familiar handwriting. What would it be like to have a job with Sam, be with him day in and day out?
Taking a deep breath, she began to read the contract. It was a standard employment agreement, but there were a few statements that caught her eye. She would be required to work long hours, often on short notice, and expected to maintain confidentiality about Sam's business dealings.
What was he hiding? And why did he need her to sign a confidentiality agreement?
As she read on, Iva grew uneasy. The contract seemed to be getting more and more restrictive, with statements that seemed to limit her freedom and autonomy.
But despite her uneasiness, Iva knew she had to sign the contract. She needed the job, and she was willing to do whatever it took to keep it. As she signed the contract, Iva felt a pang of regret. Was she making a mistake? Was she selling herself out?
She pushed the thoughts aside and faxed the contract back to Sam's office. What had she just gotten herself into?
Just then, her phone rang. It was a number she didn't recognize.
"Iva, I just got the contract," he said, "you made the right choice, congratulations."
She paused. She didn't remember giving him her number... "So much for a man who feels he can get whatever he wants," she thought.
"I'm looking forward to working with you, Sam," she said, trying to sound confident.
"Good," Sam said. "See you tomorrow."
Iva smiled at her phone. This was news to share with her friends. She decided to text immediately.
“Hi, Katie!
I just got a job as an assistant.”
She smiled as she anticipated replies. This was a big milestone for her.
Sam was happy that everything was working according to his plan. He knew the minute he caught sight of her entering La Grande that she was the one he had been searching for. His feelings towards her when they were together were even strange for him. Sam was confident things would turn out like this.
After the meeting at La Grande, it was confirmed that she was the one. He had someone tail her and dig up all there was about her. He was surprised at what he was feeling towards her. He had never felt so close to anybody like this. How does she do this?
The investigations into every aspect of her life gave him satisfaction. Now, all he had to do was refine his plan and go to the final step with her.
Iva entered Sam's office with feelings all over her head. She was excited to start her new job, but she was also nervous. As she stepped into the office, she was greeted by Sam's assistant, Emily.
"Hi, Iva," Emily said, smiling. "Welcome to the family."
Iva smiled back, feeling a sort of relief. Maybe this job would not be so horrible after all.
But once again, following Emily to her new office, feelings of uneasiness were off her mind.
What was Sam hiding? And what if she disclosed his secrets?
“Here you go,” Emily said as she led her into the office.
“Mr Sam loves a lot of privacy, so this will be your office. If your help is needed, he will ring you. But ensure you call before going into his office,” Emily added with her plastered smile.
Iva wondered if Emily slept with a smile on her face.
“Thank you, Emily,” Iva responded. She felt a bit confused and out of the world.
“Good Luck,” Emily said as though she was expecting her to have a bad experience, and walked out.
Alone in the office, Iva began rehearsing her speech to Sam when he entered the office.
Sam stood for some minutes in amusement as Iva walked around the office and rehearsed what to say to him. He could watch this forever, but he had an appointment in an hour and needed to be ready.
“Shouldn't you become an actress instead?” He interrupted her rehearsal.
Iva stopped; she had never been this embarrassed in her life.
“Good Morning, Sir,” she managed to say.
“Sam, not Sir,” he corrected as he walked to her.
Iva was alarmed. Why was he coming closer?
Sam closed up the space between them, giving him the chance to perceive the scent of her body - Cheap Rose. Reminded him of his days of humble beginnings.
He could feel her shivering and could see how uncomfortable she had become. He loved it when he had such an effect on people.
“Let's start with a cup of coffee,” he said, giving her a small space to move.
Iva could hear him laughing as she almost raced past him. Indeed, he was ruthless, and she needed to learn to protect herself, but how?