Chapter3
1157 Words
“You overstepped it. That woman is a liability and I don't need liabilities around me,” Mr Nash declared.
The boardroom was almost empty. Only two men stood in the room. While one looked fiery, the other looked like he was about to lose his life.
Mr Nash questioned the lead panelist, Bernard causing him to shiver beyond control.
“A-a-apologies sir,” Bernard stammered. “But the panel and I–we reviewed her qualifications thoroughly, alongside many others even,” Bernard said, uncontrollable fear creeping through his voice.
“With all due respect sir, we came to a solid conclusion that she is the most qualified candidate for this position,”
Bernard tensed, as his words trailed off.
Mr Nash shot him an icy, cold look and immediately, Bernard froze.
The heat of intensity that burned within Marcus’ eyes was unmistakable. “She can't work here.”
“Ohh-okay sir,” Bernard complied. “But we already took down the advertisements we had up for vacancy. Moreover, considering how delicate this position is, it may take us a while to find someone as good as Miss Parker.”
“I don't care how long it would take to find a replacement,” Mr Nash bursted.
Bunch of fools…but why did Bernard keep singing her praises?She talked me down in the hallway. She doesn't deserve to work at Nash Enterprises. And why does she look so awfully familiar?
He turned to face Bernard, head on. His voice was calm, in contrast to his demeaning countenance.
“I didn't call you out here for a negotiation, Mr Bernard,” Marcus pointed out.
“But because I trust the panel review, I'm placing her on a three month probation.”
Something beyond excitement flooded Bernard’s features–a fleeting wave of relief.
“If she doesn't deliver her work efficiently, I will personally fire her.” Mr Nash declared. With a wave of dismissal, Bernard scurried out from the board room.
***
5:27pm, Mrs Adeline’s Residence
“You don't look fine my dear,” Mrs Adeline complained. “How did the interview go?”
Ria dragged herself as she recollected the minutes of her day. From the tense morning, to the interview itself and the man she bumped into in the hallway who turned out to be her boss.
Did I bag the job? I mean, of course I did but now that I know who the CEO of Nash Enterprises is–scrap that. Now that the CEO of Nash Enterprises, Mr Marcus Nash knows I work for him, is he going to let me keep the job?
Ria pondered, as uncertainty filled her thoughts.
“It went well ma,” she replied with a fake smile.
Mrs Adeline was a smart woman. She could tell that something was fishy. “So you got the job, huh?”
Ria stared blankly at the old woman. Besides Chantelle and the kids, Mrs Adeline was the only other person that meant something to her. Although Ria didn't want her to worry, she knew that lying to her wasn't the best option either.
“I'm not sure my new boss likes me,“ Ria cried.
“What happened, my daughter?” Mrs Adeline asked.
“We got off on the wrong foot and now, he's not letting me breathe at work.”
Mrs Adeline patted Ria's back, consoling her. “It's okay my dear. You're a very hardworking and determined young woman. You're good at what you do too. Keep at it and eventually, he'll come around.”
Like a crying baby,Ria sniffed countless times.
“Congratulationd dear, I'm here for you each and every step of the way.”
Mrs Adeline stretched out her arms towards Ria, as a sign of support and warmth. Ria quickly embraced the elderly woman and sniffled on her shoulder.
“Thank you so much Mrs Adeline,” Ria replied as she dabbed her teary face.
“Oh please, don't call me Mrs Adeline,” she laughed. “It makes me feel old.”
“So what should I call you instead, ma'am?” Ria asked, her time laced in utter curiosity.
Buzz. Buzz. Ria detached her hands from Mrs Adeline's shoulder, as she reached out for her phone. It was an official memorandum from Nash Enterprises.
From the HR department. Work Protocol–Secretary to Mr Nash:
“I resume very early tomorrow Mrs Adeline. I don’t know if I can meet up with your early morning tea rou–”
“Oh nonsense,” the old woman retorted. “You go out there and make me proud.”
Ria smiled. “I have a name for you now. Nana.”
Mrs Adeline's smile lit up, like a teenage secondary school girl in love. She gave Ria a reassuring nod, and walked off, leaving her to study the memo.
The memo read:
“Congratulations once again. You have been placed on a three-month probation under the direct supervision of Mr Nash. Please take note of the following requirements as they will be strictly enforced.
1.You are expected to clock in by 7:30 AM sharp. (Note: official office hours begin at 8:00 AM. This exception is non-negotiable.)
2. Prepare Mr. Nash’s morning coffee personally. Specifications:Colombian roast, medium grind. Water boiled to exactly 95°C (not 100). Two teaspoons of raw brown sugar, stirred clockwise, not counterclockwise. No milk. No cream. No exceptions.
3. All external calls must be screened by you first. Messages summarized into a single report and sent to him by noon daily.
4. All physical files must be alphabetized and color-coded by project priority—by hand.
5. At any point in the day, if Mr. Nash calls, you are to be within immediate reach. Delays will not be tolerated.
Ria’s jaw dropped. “Is this a job or a prison sentence?” she muttered. Her stomach twisted, but she clenched her fists fighting back every tear.
“No. I need this. I won’t give him the satisfaction of quitting,” she determined. “Never.”
***
The next morning. 7:29am
Ria signs in and waits for the rest of the employees to come in.
The building seemed empty, so she decided to walk herself around. Round a bend, she bumped into a wall of hard muscle as she struggled to regain her balance.
Fear enveloped her as the last time this happened, it didn't end well.
“First day?” The young man smiled.
Ria nodded.“Yes. Personal secretary to Mr Marcus Nash.”
“Ahh,” the man chuckled knowingly. “I'm Daniel Cole, the Senior Financial Analyst. I work directly with Mr Nash though not as closely as you would.”
“Lucky you,” Ria gasped under her breath.
Daniel sm
iled, feigning ignorance.“What was that?”
“Oh, nothing,” she lied.
“Come, I'll show you around.” Daniel offered.
- Writer
