The Billionaire's Path: A second chance at Love.

Chapter three; Nice

"I'm your new personal assistant, Mr Hayes; it's a pleasure to start working with you."

Those were the last words said for the last 10 minutes. If Andrew was even the slightest bit surprised, he did a good job of hiding it. He simply moved aside and allowed her in. Shutting the door behind her, he made his way into the bedroom acting like this was the most normal thing in the world.

Zalia stood in the large living room, not knowing whether she was supposed to follow him or not; she didn't even know if she was waiting for him to walk in and fire her on the spot. Her palms were sweaty and she tried her best to hide how nervous she felt.

'If he doesn't come out, then I'll go to him.' it was a haste decision made in her mind, and true to her words, she started towards the door that seemed to scare her a bit, the realization that the answers to her future the other side of that door.

Andrew walked out, his head buried in a few files, his shirt now buttoned halfway, and much that she existed; he raised his head to her, his face the same perfect expression of nothing but seriousness

" Follow me."

It was a straightforward order, and he moved knowing it would be obeyed. Zalia nodded and walked in step behind him. He walked them into a different room, the house's office, and sat behind the oakwood desk.

"Have a seat, Miss Parker." He watched her, leaning back in the chair, his aura covering the room like a blanket, making him look like he was sitting on a throne.

Once she was sat down, he started "I believe you read the contract thoroughly before signing and flying across an ocean."

She nodded

"Words, please, Miss Parker. I need words."

"Uhm, of course, Mr Hayes, yes. I read through the contract."

"Good, then you're aware of the clause that you aren't allowed to quit for three months. Unless I fire you on the grounds of incompetence."

"Yes, Mr Hayes."

"You graduated from Stanford with honors." He wasn't asking, he was making a statement, and for a moment, Zalia let herself believe that he had cared enough to ask about her even after that night, she was about to reply when Andrew continued

"But you didn't work for three years according to your resumè.. my secretary informed me this morning." He sighed, locking eyes with Zalia. " I don't tolerate... mistakes Miss Parker. And I certainly don't want a novice. My time is too busy and my days too full, to train someone without experience."

Zalia's face fell... 'This is the part I get fired, isn't it?' she couldn't help the thoughts. She looked at Andrew; she couldn't help noticing how different he'd become, taller. Yes, but deeper than that, he'd become cold. Untouchable. Indifferent. He seemed ruthless.

"I um- I didn't know you'd be my new boss..." Zalia muttered out. Andrew's face didn't give way to anything he looked at her

"Is that a problem?" He asked, his eyebrow lifting a bit... his voice cool. Zalia's eyes widened as she shook her head rapidly

"No... not at all Sir."

"I expect perfection. No mistakes and no excuses. You begin immediately. Janet said she'd briefed you, so you know what you're supposed to get done. We have an event tonight at 7 pm. You are to attend with me. Take down the minutes of discussions I have with other guests about possible mergers. You're to hint me of their names and businesses. By 8:45-" Zalia got out a notepad trying her best to get everything he was saying down, or at least the most important parts. "-you are to inform me it is time to leave for the meeting held at 9 pm at the branch here in Rome. Afterward, by 11, we have to attend a club opening for a partner. Stay for about an hour before we get back. We need to be on a flight to France by 2 am. Janet will book it. You will handle the tickets and prepare the Jet."

He finished speaking, his eyes bored while he gazed at the documents laid on the desk.

Zalia finished writing, nodding gently... she got up and made her way to the door, stopping when she heard him speak again.

"I believe you already know as my assistant, you have to dress to impress and match whatever colors I wear. Tonight's event is velvet red, and the meeting is sky blue, but you don't need to match me for that. The club opening is black. Club openings are always black. You are now dismissed, Ms Parker."

"Okay, Mr Hayes."

Zalia stepped out of the office, closing the door firmly behind her... 'I guess that means I've got a job now...' she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. 'Now, where do I get a velvet red gown from?'.

~

"Give her the company card number, Janet, rent a car for her, and send her to the best designer shops in Rome." Andrew's voice was its usual indifferent tone. His hand moved on documents, highlighting and correcting the contract the way he wanted. "I can't have her turning up beside me at events in rags. Hayes Industries reputation can't go down the drain because of one employee."

"Of course, Mr Hayes." Janet rolled her eyes. 'All of a sudden, you got a new assistant. And now I'm supposed to help her get a new wardrobe...' she sighed. She knew Andrew, she'd been working with him for 7 years now, he was nicer than he let on, nice in a cold and distant way, like he was too guarded, too scared to let anyone close.

But she'd been with him through the long nights and longer days. He was tough, but he still showed that he appreciated it. When she'd gotten married two years prior, he'd bought them their first house as a wedding present. And a car as an apology gift for not attending the wedding, he had been out of the country, and she knew, she even tried to reject it, but he'd already signed it in her name...

"Thank you, Janet," his voice softened just a fraction, the way it did only with Janet, over time, he'd learned to see her as the younger sister he never had.

He ended the call and leaned back in his chair. 'she's just another staff... if she doesn't meet my expectations. I'll fire her. And that would be it.'

He had wanted to ask about her 3-year break... why it had happened... what caused the gap that made her desperate enough to sign a contract for a Job in the morning and fly out that same day. But he stopped himself, he didn't want her thinking he cared that much, or at all.