Billionaire's Disguise: The Next CEO

Chapter 2

"Yes, boss," Alex replied, his voice steady but his mind racing with apprehension. Asher's irritation was palpable.

"What do you take me for?" he demanded; his voice laced with frustration. Alex, feeling the weight of the moment, took a deep breath before answering.

"The next CEO of Blackwood Towers empire, sir," he said earnestly, his gaze steady and sincere. "I apologize for making you angry, but I genuinely want to see you succeed."

Asher's eyes locked with Alex's, his expression hardening as he leaned in closer.

"And?"

Alex hesitated, the silence between them stretching as he weighed his words carefully.

"Sir, I believe this plan will work," he said finally. "But there’s more to it—something you might find... uncomfortable and I’m scared of your reaction."

Asher's jaw set with determination. "I’m listening. Lay it out."

Alex took another moment, his voice dropping to a whisper as he continued, "I will temporarily assume your position—as the owner of the house, while you take on the role of the house cleaner."

Asher’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What! Are you out of your mind, Alex?

Are you planning to betray me too?" he interrupted, his voice rising with annoyance.

"You need to be careful. This plan could become more complex than you realize."

Their conversation continued, flowing like a river carving its way through rock, as they delved deeper into the details of the plan. They spoke for hours, their discussion stretching well into the day.

Asher later listened intently as Alex unfolded his strategy, his face reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Asher’s ambition to become the next CEO was under threat due to the time frame of three months left for him to marry. The only criteria that could jeopardizes his chance, if not met.

His chance to achieve his aspirations and mend his emotional scars relied on his capacity to wed before this deadline. The pressure was building up, and the stakes were at their peak.

Asher stood up from his chair, moving anxiously as he walked back and forth in front of Alex.

There was a palpable tension in the air, as his normally composed demeanor displayed signs of stress. With determination in his voice, he told Alex, "I am prepared to carry out your ideas."

At the c***k of dawn, Asher and Alex headed to a distant place to look for employment as the city started to come to life. They reached the given address and found a simple building that appeared to blend in with the busy city.

Asher, using his alias, prepared for his interaction with Miss Jacqueline, the HR manager.

When she inquired, "Your name is...?" he responded promptly, "George." "George?" Miss Jacqueline repeated, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"Are you sure you can handle the job of a janitor?"

"Yes, ma’am. I will be grateful for the opportunity," Asher replied, his enthusiasm genuine. Miss Jacqueline scrutinized Asher for a moment, her gaze sharp and assessing.

"Mr. George, are you married?" she asked. "No, ma’am," Asher answered, his voice carrying a note of eagerness and fatigue. "You have a certain charm about you," Miss Jacqueline said, her tone tinged with intrigue.

"My intuition tells me you deserve more in life." Asher managed a smile. "Physical appearance can be deceiving, ma’am. I need to survive, so I’m willing to do whatever legal work is necessary to make a living."

Miss Jacqueline’s expression softened, and she smiled. "Call me Jacqueline.

You have been hired. "I will meet you again tomorrow," she mentioned, her eyes remaining on him with a combination of affection and observation.

Alex, who had been waiting at a distance, watched with bated breath. As soon as Asher set for the car, Alex quickly dialled his number. The phone rang twice before Asher answered.

"Sir?" Alex's voice was laced with anticipation. "Do you need any help?"

Asher, now seated in the car with Alex, shared his thoughts with a mix of determination and concern.

"She gave me the job, but it seems like she expects something in return," he said, his tone measured.

"I’ll be starting tomorrow and working alongside two ladies."

"Wow!" Alex exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. "Looks like the plan is falling into place.

Soon, the billionaire’s son might be caught up in a web of his boss and colleagues. This is going to be quite a spectacle," he said, pressing the car accelerator with renewed enthusiasm.

On the third day, the city was alive with its usual bustle as the day unfolded. Asher arrived at the office precisely thirty minutes before his start time. He threw himself into his duties, learning on the job, when Lyra, a striking woman with captivating eyes and an elegant demeanour, arrived.

She watched Asher from a distance as he dabbles his tasks.

Lyra observed, "It seems like you're encountering some difficulties," with a hint of worry in her voice. "Are you certain that you understand what you're doing?"

Asher turned to face her, their eyes meeting.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed, gazing at her. "You work here too?"

Lyra nodded, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "We were told about a new colleague. I assume that’s you.

What’s your name?"

"My name is George," Asher said with a friendly smile, holding up his mop.

"I’m glad to be working with such lovely personalities."

"Personalities?" Lyra echoed, puzzled.

Asher began to explain, "I was told I’d be working alongside two la—" But before he could finish, another woman’s voice interjected. "Ladies," the newcomer said, approaching them.

"You must be George. Miss Jacqueline mentioned you when you left yesterday. She extended her hand, I’m Elena."

Asher's eyes moved from Elena's head to her toes, leaving him momentarily speechless. Elena was a tall, beautiful woman with swept-back dark hair and a confident demeanour.

"Hi," Lyra greeted, gesturing to Asher's face to bring him back to the present moment. "Mr. George, are you feeling, okay?"

"I apologize." George—Asher struggled to compose himself after feeling a bit overwhelmed by seeing both of them, he stammered.

"Why are two attractive women like yourselves here?" Asher asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You need to learn to control yourself," Lyra said firmly. "Now get back to work." Asher’s mind raced with questions: Was it Elena or Lyra who had captured his attention, and how would he navigate this situation without revealing his true identity?

Asher glanced at his watch, realizing that it was almost time for the morning briefing,

he hurriedly grabbed his mop.

In his hurry, he inadvertently caused a loud crash by knocking something to the floor, the noise echoing throughout the building. The air was filled with the sound of shattering glass as the staff gathered around, their faces showing a combination of shock and dismay.

Quietness fell upon the room, only interrupted by the faint sound of traffic in the distance. After a tense pause, a voice finally broke the silence.

"Miss Jacqueline needs to see this."

Miss Jacqueline’s voice was sharp and authoritative as she made her way toward the scene of the accident. As she entered the room, the staff parted to let her through.

Her eyes scanned the damage, her expression one of frustration. George—Asher stood in the centre of the room, the focus of everyone’s attention.

"What a disaster," Miss Jacqueline exclaimed, her voice harsh as she surveyed the scene.

The large flat-screen television lay shattered on the floor, its screen completely destroyed.

"Did you do this, George?"

Miss Jacqueline demanded; her tone unforgiving. "I don’t want to hear how it happened. Meet me in my office immediately." She turned on her heel and walked away, her frustration evident.

Murmurs of concern and speculation filled the air as the staff dispersed.

Asher encountered Elena near the door, holding a broom and a dustpan as she prepared to help clean up the rubbles.

"I know it was an accident," Elena said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "But this will cost you a fortune George. I’ll assist with tidying up the room."

"Thank you, Elena. I appreciate it," Asher replied, grateful for her support.

As he entered Miss Jacqueline’s office, she greeted him with a stern expression. "You’ve damaged the company’s property, and our policy is either dismissal or replacement. What a terrible way to start," she said, her voice laden with disappointment.

"It’s clear that you can’t afford to replace it within the stipulated time," her tone filled with dismay. "Am I wrong?" She added.

Asher remained silent, his mind racing. He knew he was more significant than the organization itself, but resolving this issue without revealing his true identity was his primary concern.

Miss Jacqueline continued her tirade, her sarcasm cutting through the air. Asher was tempted to respond in a manner that might expose his real identity, but he reminded himself of his mission and kept his composure.

"I might be able to help you," Miss Jacqueline said, a seductive smile spreading across her face. "But you’ll need to comply."

She stood up from her desk and moved closer to Asher, her voice low and enticing. Asher remembered Alex’s words:

"The billionaire’s son might become entangled in a web of his boss and colleagues. This will be an interesting episode to watch."

"Could this be true?" he wondered. "Miss Jacqueline is older and not my type. Why is she making things more complicated for me?"

"Relax, George. Don’t be nervous. I’m just trying to help," Miss Jacqueline said, reaching out and pulling him into an embrace, and forcing to grab his lips with hers.

Asher struggled to free himself. "Ma’am, what is going on? This is far beyond a joke. I’m not interested," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Be with me, or you’ll end up in debt," she warned, laughing mockingly.

"Forget about those young girls. They’re just like you—trying to impress people they can’t afford."

Asher pushed her away, anger flaring in his eyes. "No, Miss Jacqueline. I don’t want any part of this.

This isn’t why I came here," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

He stormed out of the office, his gaze meeting those of the staff who had gathered to witness the commotion. He made his way to Elena and Lyra, who were sitting in the corner of the conference room.

Their expressions were a mixture of concern and curiosity as they watched Asher approach.

"What happened in there? It took longer than expected," Lyra asked, her voice laced with concern.

Asher spoke cautiously, "I’ve decided to resign, although I haven’t informed Miss Jacqueline yet."

Elena sympathetically stated that the woman was inconsiderate and irrational. "You should not be treated like this. What are your plans for the immediate future?”

Asher sighed, his mind swirling with uncertainty. "I don’t know yet. I just need to figure out my next steps."

Lyra looked at him thoughtfully. "Perhaps you should talk to Miss Jacqueline again and try to resolve this. Maybe she’ll be more reasonable if you explain your situation."

Asher nodded, considering Lyra’s suggestion.

"I’ll think about it. For now, I need to clear my head."

With a sense of sadness, Asher exited the office building, feeling weighed down by the events of the day.

As he strolled, lost in his thoughts, the city around him appeared to blur.

The plan was falling apart, and the journey ahead was full of challenges.

Asher was aware that he needed to remain concentrated and figure out how to manoeuvre through this intricate scenario.

He had a lot to lose, and the outcome would determine his future. He breathed deeply, resolved to seek a resolution and take back control of his fate.

Out of nowhere, a tap on his back.