THE ICE BILLIONAIRE

PARAGRAPH 4 A FATED BOND

**At Sterling Industries**

Alex sat in his dark corner on a fine Monday morning, pondering on business deals and how to get on with the days work. He picked up his phone and gives his executive assistant a call. “Bridget, come over to my office”.

“Good morning Mr Sterling” Bridget greeted in her perfectly pitched robotic voice. It never ceased to amaze Alex how she does her job so perfectly, including her voice, movements, timing and everything about her. It was almost like she was born to do this job.

“Good morning Bridget. What is my schedule for today?” He replied in his usual emotionless manner.

Bridget continued. “Well sir, you have to meet with your new secretary this morning or anytime you may want, a meeting with the board of directors by 11am, an online meeting with the marketing team in London by 12:30pm, the bi-monthly staff briefing by 1:30pm, lunch with the bank manager by 2:30pm and that about everything for now sir.”

Alex looks into his gold plated wristwatch before he continued. “Bring the secretary in right now. I hope you taught him to behave? Oh and before I forget, I need someone for errands. An entirely new staff that will clean my personal offices and run personal errands for just me. Get someone, and get her to start latest tomorrow”.

Bridget pauses for a while as though she is trying to process what the big boss had said. “Got it sir”.

She leaves the office and comes back with a young man in his late twenties.

Bridget proceeded with introductions. “Sir, this is Frank. He’s your new secretary. Frank this is Mr Alexander Sterling, the CEO Of Sterling industries and your boss.”

Frank proceeded to formally introduce himself to the big boss but gets interrupted by Bridget. “Good day Mr Sterling, I’m—“

“Uh Frank, you do not speak to the boss unless you’re asked to. I will put you through on everything you need to know concerning your job. In the meantime, you may leave”.

Frank left the room wondering if he had angered the big boss.

Bridget turned to Alex, “Sir, I’ll be outside if you need me.”

Alex nodded and motioned for Bridget to leave.

**Outside the office**

Bridget walked over to Frank’s desk. “Now listen to me Mr Frank, you’re not to engage in any conversations with the big boss, whatever you do, try not to get fired you hear me?”

Frank looking confused, responded with a little bit of fear. “I still don’t understand what I did wrong. Just lay down the ground rules for me so I don’t overstep”

Bridget sighed, “ always be early, don’t talk loudly outside the big boss’s office, don’t talk to him unless he talks to you and you must always reply with straightforward answers. Also, just get the job done properly and you’ll be good for the most part”

She proceeded to explain his duties to him and handed all the necessary paperwork he needed to get started. The rest of the day went on smoothly for both the employees of Sterling industries and their ‘big boss’.

**Over at Bella and Rosie’s apartment**

“Ahhhhh!!!” Bella squealed with excitement, making a happy dance and running over to Rosie who was working on some new designs in her ‘work corner’.

Rosie jumped out in agitation, wondering if the characters in Bella’s mysterious book of possibilities had come to life to get her out of her misery. “B!!! If you keep breaking news I’m this manner, I might just get a heart attack. Tell me, did an Angel come to save us?”

Bella hugged her ever supporting bestie “Even better Rosie!!! I just got a call from Sterling Industries… Oh my Godddd Rosieeee!!! Sterling f-ing industries. Maybe my dreams are finally coming true. I went for an interview there for like the 5th time, I’ve submitted applications there like a gazillion times. Rosie, I think someone finally noticed me. This could be my big shot in the industry, I’ve dreamt of this moment over and over again Rosieeee, what do I wear oh my God? How—“

Rosie held her hands gently and engulfed her in a hug, cutting off her ranting “—my God B! Take deep breaths, you’re going to do great. I’m happy your finally getting what you have always wished for, now let’s get you ready forrrrr—-“ she stops, confused about what the call even said.

“Oh I’m supposed to go there for a final screening and paperwork. Plus, I was ask to dress appropriately” Bella said calmly as Rosie released her from the hug.

Rosie with pride in her voice and all over her face. “Well, hello there madam Isabella, your favourite fashionista is at your service and is ready for action!”

They both laughed heartily and began to prepare for Bella to make an amazing impression in Sterling industries.

When Bella finally stood before the full-length mirror, she hardly recognized herself.

Her hair was styled to perfection, her makeup enhancing her natural beauty, and the black dress hugged her curves in all the right places. She felt like a true professional, and the reflection in the mirror affirmed that sentiment.

"Rosie, you're a miracle worker," Bella said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Rosie beamed with pride. "You were the one who nailed the interview, B. I'm just here to make sure you feel as confident on the outside as vou are on the inside."

With a final glance in the mirror, Bella was ready to face the day. Sterling Industries awaited, and Bella was determined to make the most of this opportunity. She knew that this was a moment she had dreamed of, and with Rosie by her side, she felt ready to embrace it with open arms.

Arriving at Sterling Industries, Bella was met with an imposing skyscraper that seemed to touch the sky. The lobby was pristine, and the employees moved with an air of professionalism that left no doubt about the company's status.

Bella sat in the sterile waiting room of Sterling Industries, her heart pounding with anticipation. This was her chance, the opportunity she had longed for. As she waited, she couldn't help but overhear a hushed conversation among the employees at the reception desk.

"Is Bridget handling the final screening today?" one of them asked.

The other nodded and replied, "Yes, she's in charge of the interviews today. Mr. Sterling is quite busy as always."

Bella felt a mixture of relief and curiosity. She had heard of Alexander Sterling, the enigmatic billionaire who owned the company, but it seemed she wouldn't be meeting him today. Instead, his executive assistant, Bridget, would conduct the final screening.

Moments later, Bella was called into the interview room, where she met Bridget, a poised and well-dressed woman who exuded an air of authority.

The interview proceeded smoothly, with Bella discussing her qualifications and her passion for the industry. She could see that Bridget was a shrewd and perceptive interviewer, her questions probing deeper into Bella's skills and ambitions.

Finally, the interview concluded, and Bridget stood up, her expression unreadable. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Walker. You have the job"

Bella couldn't contain her excitement. "Thank you so much! I can't believe this is happening!"

But before she could express her gratitude, Bridget continued, "However, I must clarify the nature of the position. You have been selected as Mr. Sterling's personal office keeper and messenger"

Bridget's voice remained steady. "This is the role you've been chosen for, Ms. Walker. Are you interested?"

Bella was torn. On one hand, it was an opportunity to work at Sterling Industries, but on the other, the position felt far from what she had hoped for in her career.

Bella felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. She had worked so hard to get here, and now it seemed her dreams were slipping away. But she couldn't let this opportunity pass.

"I accept," Bella said with a forced smile, though her heart ached. She was determined to prove herself and make the most of this unexpected chance.

As the call ended, Bella's thoughts swirled. She had taken a leap of faith, but this was not the path she had envisioned. She knew it was going to be a challenging journey, but she was determined to make the most of it. Bella was ready to face whatever came her way, even if it meant working as Mr. Sterling's personal office keeper and messenger.