Deadly Charm

CHAPTER TWO

Iva tapped her fingers on her small kitchen counter nervously as she stared at the business card Sam had given her, deciding whether to call or not. She had been up since dawn, thinking of their encounter the previous night. Sam seemed interested in her art, but she couldn't stop feeling that there was more to his offer.

She had taken time to search through his profiles online. He was a billionaire entrepreneur, known for his business tactics and a history of getting what he wanted. Why does she feel so... restless about him? Could it be the way he looked at her; his piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through her. Or the confident way he moves, like a man who was used to getting what he wanted? Iva shook her head, trying to think clearly. She had more important things to worry about than some rich, arrogant businessman. Like paying her rent, for instance. She was barely living on the poverty line, and her sister was in a foster home. Iva wished she didn't have to carry all the cares and thoughts of the past. She missed her parents.

She got herself busy preparing breakfast; at least it kept her from breaking down into tears and self-pity. But as she poured herself a cup of coffee, her gaze drifted back to the business card. Sam Everest. She took a sip of her coffee and, like magic, felt a rush of determination as though the coffee contained some supernatural ingredients. She would call him, all right. But she would be cautious, too. She will not let some rich, arrogant businessman take advantage of her. With a newfound sense of resolve, Iva picked up her phone and dialed the number on the business card.

"Regal Empire," a smooth, feminine voice answered.

"Hi," Iva said, trying to sound confident. "I'm Iva Richmond, I want to speak with Mr Everest."

There was a pause at the other end of the line before the voice spoke up again. "Yes. Mr. Everest has been expecting your call, Ms. Richmond. He'd like to schedule a meeting with you to discuss your art."

Iva’s heart raced as she hurried to write the details of the meeting.

“This could be her big break!” she thought. Still, Iva felt a bit uneasy. A seemingly powerful man, Sam Everest, was always going to be after something. And she could only guess that he’s not the only one who'll be getting himself tangled in a mess.

The meeting day came sooner than Iva had anticipated. No matter what Iva did to prepare herself, it was guaranteed she was not ready. Since the day the appointment was booked, she had rehearsed her speech, practiced her walking steps, and smiling elegantly. Yet, she felt that was not enough.

Iva was ready to make a better impression this time. She stood in front of her tiny mirror, making some last-minute adjustments to her hair. She put on modest heels and a necklace from her mother was also donned with her fitted black dress that was merely simple, yet accentuated her curves.

Stepping outside her small apartment, she felt a rush of anticipation. The city was alive and new, but her focus was on her meeting with Sam. Was he just having fun using her? Did he care about her art at all? What could he possibly offer? Iva took in a deep breath and decided that whatever doubt she had, she would keep hope alive.

Iva glanced at the Regal Empire Building, and these were her first words: “What a marvelous sight!” She's an enthusiast of art for sure.

Arriving at the Regal Empire building, Iva couldn't help but look around in awe. "Such beauty!" And Sam was a lover of art indeed. The lobby was adorned with modern art pieces that made her heart race with inspiration. When she asked, the receptionist showed her Sam's office.

Leaving the elevator, Iva was surprised to find a huge office space.

"Hi! I'm Iva. I am here to see Mr. Sam Everest," Iva said to the lady at the front desk.

Her face warmed into a smile. "I am Emily, you were the one on the phone yesterday."

Iva has never met a friendlier person. She was grateful her first contact was friendly already and hoped the meeting would end well.

"Here, Mr. Everest will be waiting for you now," Emily directed her to the office.

He was near the window, gazing at the city outside before him. Iva walked in and instantly felt her heart skip a beat as Sam turned to face her. The gray tailored suit sculpted his muscular frame beautifully, and his hair was new from our last encounter. There was an undeniable self-assurance about him that would get my heart racing.

"Iva," he said, his voice smooth and welcoming. “You made it.”

“Thank you for having me,” she said as she tried to maintain an even tone.

“Please, have a seat,” he said and showed with his hand a chair in front of his desk. After she sat down, she could tell how he was looking at her, as if trying to search her soul.

“You don't have the whole day to stare at me, let's get started,” He rudely interrupted her thoughts.

Iva flushed in embarrassment. She was lost in thought, staring at him. If only he were not so full of himself.

“I want you to become my assistant. I know you are an artist. I believe artists are creative people and pay attention to detail. I thought I could make use of your creativity and keen eye for details. "What do you have to say to this offer?” He said, though it sounded more like a rehearsed speech to Iva.

“Is there anything you particularly need a keen eye on?” Iva asked, curious to know what he needed her for.

“Everything! As my assistant, you will provide solutions to all my problems. Always be there when the need arises.” He replied, scanning her with his blue eyes as though wanting to uncover her soul.

For a brief moment, fear fluttered in Iva’s inner being. Something wasn't right about this job description. Moreover, she does not have the certification or qualifications to solve his problems. All that mattered was that she needed money, and she needed the job. “It's safer to come out sincere,” she thought.

“ I only have a high school certificate. I didn't go to college, though I plan to do that. "I don't think I can solve all your problems,” Iva came out straight to Sam's surprise. He had not expected her to come out so plain with boldness.

“That's a lot of boldness there. Is there more under your sleeves? He asked with amusement in his eyes. Iva was pissed. She needed a job, but she was not going to allow this man to make fun of her. She began to gather her CV to leave.

Sam watched amused as she made to leave. This was more fun than he thought. He had worked 2 years to have this moment, and all he had to do was enjoy it.