Whispers in the Wind

CHAPTER TWO

The following week...

As I stood outside the tall 45-floor hotel, Vynetria, I realized without a shadow of a doubt that there was little John couldn't do when it came to something he set his mind to do.

Earlier on, I had taken an online interview for a job as the personal assistant to the Chief Operating Officer of Russo Corps. and had been called for the final interview here, at their hotel.

How endearing!

I walked into the building and stood at the reception desk. "Hello, I'm here for the final interview for the post of Personal Assistant"

The white brunette behind the desk looked up at me with a scowl of contempt.

"Personal Assistant to the COO?" I nodded, "Yes"

"And you are sure you're in the right place?" My eyebrows knitted together in near annoyance.

"Yes, I am in the right place. Any problem?"

She eyed me from top to bottom, then shook her head when she met my challenging gaze. "35th floor. Office 15" she replied haughtily and turned her gaze back to her computer.

"I wonder how her racist ass hasn't been kicked out of this place" I sighed as the elevator doors opened again on a quieter floor.

A double door stood at the end of the hallway, with Office 15 carved on a wooden slate on its post.

I knocked and stepped in once given the go-ahead.

"Hello, I'm here for the final interview for the post of Personal Assistant" I stated confidently.

A bald middle-aged man was seated on one of the two chairs in front of me, and another man, tall and younger looking, facing the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

All the hair on my body stood up acknowledging the presence of the two large men by the door, no doubt armed.

My breath hitched when he turned to me.

His piercing eyes ran over my features before waving a hand in the air. In an instant, the three of them were all gone leaving only me and the hot stranger alone.

Come to think of it, hot was an understatement.

He was hauntingly beautiful, in the way fire was beautiful.

Tanned skin spread across sharp features, including a strong jaw. Loose curls dark as onyx sat neatly at the top of his head but cropped shorter near his ears. He caught my eye. His caramel eyes almost seemed golden as he noted me with amused boredom.

"Miss. Aurelius, I presume" his voice was like velvet, soft yet rough and husky in a way, and held a deep tenor.

I nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you", "The pleasure is mine."

He pointed to the seat opposite to him.

"Have a seat" he urged, and sat on his enormous armchair as well.

Pulling out a folder, he began with an inscrutable expression, "I have perused your resume with considerable interest and your performance during the previous interviews. It was impressive, but I'd like to decide for myself. What precisely motivated you to seek a position within Russo Corps?"

I took a deep breath, not allowing his stifling aura to intimidate me.

"I’m drawn to challenges and the chance to work with a top-tier company like Russo Corps. I believe my skills in organization and communication would be valuable here."

He tapped his finger slowly on the desk, musing over my answer while his unwavering stare remained fixed on mine.

"Let us delve into a hypothetical scenario. Suppose you are confronted with an array of urgent tasks, and the COO imposes a last-minute high-priority assignment. How would you prioritize and manage this situation?"

"I’d first assess the urgency and importance of each task. Then, I’d discuss with the COO to understand the new assignment’s priority. I’d reorganize my tasks and manage time effectively to handle everything in due time"

He nodded, slowly, but still not releasing the guarded expression.

"Let's test your analytical skills now, shall we?" he leaned back into his chair, eyes appraising me extensively.

He thought for a moment before continuing.

"I am evaluating the potential acquisition of a subsidiary company. This company has a good reputation and holds contracts and agreements with influential business partners. However, predictive analytics indicates that the company's sales, profit, and popularity have significantly declined in the last quarter, although it still maintains its partners and ongoing contracts and deals. Based on this information, should I purchase this company or refrain from doing so? Please justify your decision"

There was a tint of amusement in his eyes as he silently waited for my answer.

It seemed as though he was challenging me.

I liked challenges... but I couldn't allow my excitement ruin my chance of infiltrating their company and lives.

"You should refrain from purchasing the company" I answered thoughtfully. He arched a dark brow up.

As if on instinct, my brain began whirring.

"While it's true that some companies may experience an upturn after a decline, this is not guaranteed. The significant drop in sales, profit, and popularity raises concerns about underlying issues that could continue to affect the company's performance.

Predictive analytics is a crucial tool for identifying potential risks, and the current trend suggests caution. Before deciding to purchase, you should investigate the causes of the decline thoroughly and assess the company's capacity for recovery.

Factors such as market conditions, competition, and internal management capabilities must be considered. Conducting a detailed risk assessment and possibly exploring other investment opportunities might be more prudent at this stage" I concluded.

"So you're saying it's entirely impossible for me to buy this company and make a profit from it"

"You could. As I said, historical data has shown that there is usually a massive upturn after a decline, but that isn't always guaranteed and it is more or less a risk to take. It is better to take that risk after major changes have been made to the company including its marketing strategies"

The corners of his lips twitched as if resisting a smile.

"Not bad" he shrugged.

Relief ran down my spine as I began relaxing in my chair.

"One last question, Miss. Aurelius" I tensed again. That didn't miss his sharp eyes. He c****d his head to the side and leaned forward again, clasping his hands together on the table in front of him.

"As a Personal Assistant, do you possess any form of professional or work ethic or probably a code of conduct?"

"As a personal assistant, I believe that part of my job is to be confidential, punctual, diligent, reliable, accountable and professional, upholding both your image and the company's image as a whole"

He nodded again, then smiled. A terrifying cat-like smile that told me that this man was far more calculating than I could have guessed.

I used my hand to cover the other hand that was tapping against my lap rapidly.

I noticed how his caramel eyes had become molten gold with flecks of amber surrounding his pupil as he stared at me.

Tension hung heavily in the air between us, sealed by our gazes, neither of us willing to break the spell.

He was waiting, challenging me to look away, but I didn't back down easily. He'd learn that soon enough.

"I quite like you, Miss. Aurelius" he finally said. "I'm honored" I replied with a small self-satisfied smile.

"You start tomorrow, here by 10 am" he stood up and buttoned his finely tailored suit.

His aura was so strong I stood up as well feeling as though it was some sort of dismissal.

He stretched his arm out to which I accepted. "Thank you, Mr. Russo. It will be my honor to work with you" his eyes flashed, but as quickly as it came did it go.

"The pleasure is mine" he replied as I released my hand from his and turned to leave.

As soon as the doors of the elevators closed and it began going down, I released a heavy sigh of relief.

I was surprised by the sudden burst of hope, anticipation and exhilarating that had suddenly replaced the fear, anxiety and doubt I had about this entire thing.

The positive outcome of this interview had a part to play in these emotions, but it won't always be this easy and happy, I know.

This was just the first step in connecting us and the Russos. It isn't much now but with this job, it will be easier getting into the family and digging deeper into this whole web of secrets.

The cool wind brushed my face as soon as I stepped out, and I couldn't help but feel hopeful that we'll finally have answers to what happened that day.