Chapter 7
I arrive early at the office, leave the door open, and watch Mrs. Olivia come in. She's about to sit down when I call her over to tell her about Chloe.
“Mrs. Olivia, please!”
“Would you like me to bring you some coffee?”
“No, thank you! I called you over to let you know a new assistant is starting today.”
She gives me a sideways look, just like Jullian does, so I rush to explain:
“Relax, she's only eighteen and studying business administration.”
“And that's supposed to stop you from keeping it in your pants?”
“It's going to be different, I promise!! She's different.” I remember yesterday, when she walked into that room and looked at me with those intense, beautiful blue eyes. A delicate, angelic face, yet a girl who, despite being so young, has already suffered so much.
“I'll believe you. But... I'll be here, keeping an eye on things.”
“Feel free!” I give a half smile while she stares at me seriously. “After all, I really need you to walk her through my entire routine.”
“Don't worry about that. If you don't need anything else, I'll wait for her to arrive.”
She leaves, closing the door behind her. Mrs. Olivia is our longest-serving employee—the first person my father ever hired. She took care of me when I used to come here to “learn how to work.” I was just a kid, running through the company hallways while she chased after me.
I smile at the memory. Two people who showed me love, even though I wasn't family, were Mrs. Olivia and Tereza, whom I consider a mother since she helped raise me.
I've always been lucky to have such dear people in my life, and after I lost my parents, even though I was older by then, they gave me all the support I ever needed.
I hear a knock at the door and snap out of my reverie.
I call out for them to enter, and Mrs. Olivia comes in with my lunch.
I got so lost in thought that I didn't even notice the time passing.
I thank her and start eating, finish my meal, and go to the bathroom to freshen up.
When I come out, there's already a coffee waiting for me on the desk.
I smile at the gesture—she knows me so well, everything I like.
I'm sitting in my comfortable chair, reading a contract on my laptop and sipping my coffee when I hear three familiar knocks at the door.
“Come in, Mrs. Olivia.”
“Chloe has arrived, sir!”
“Ask her to come in, please. And you can take my cup.”
The door opens fully and a confident girl walks through.
If she amazed me on the day of the interview, I have to confess she's even more beautiful today.
A white blouse with long puffy sleeves fitted at the wrists, black dress pants, heels, and light makeup that highlights her eyes even more.
Like yesterday, she stops and stands there admiring me, which pleases me very much.
I know I have that effect on women, but coming from her, it's a different, lighter feeling.
I feel like I lose myself when I'm near her.
It's indescribable. I push aside my conflicting thoughts—I can't make a bad impression and have her think I'm a pervert on the first day.
I stand up and gesture toward the armchair in front of me.
“Please sit down, Miss Brooks!”
“Thank you!”
She's holding a notepad, probably to write down everything we discuss, so I begin:
“Feel free to ask me anything. I don't want you to have any doubts.”
“Of course, sir. Although I've never worked at a financial firm, I've always been interested in this field.”
“I'm glad to hear you're eager to start!
I'll go over the main points and the areas where I don't tolerate mistakes.
First, contracts are fundamental. Since we're a large financial firm, we have many long-standing clients as well as new ones coming in.
Therefore, it's essential that you check each contract at least twice before the client signs.
Make sure all the details are correct, especially the amount agreed upon in the meeting and the percentage related to the investment.
Accuracy is vital in this process, and we cannot allow errors.
I want you to be extremely careful and meticulous when reviewing these documents.
Our clients' trust is something we must preserve at all costs.”
I continue talking and explaining while she writes everything down, paying attention to every word I say. At the end, I ask her to go see Mrs. Olivia, who will finish explaining the reception duties.
It's already five o'clock. I call Mrs. Olivia in to talk and finally transition her back to her old position.
“How was the day?” I ask her.
“She's very smart, picks everything up easily.”
“I noticed that too. I hope she's just as productive tomorrow.”
“She's in good hands, Alex. Don't worry.”
“Good to know. But let's wait and see—today was only the first day. Thank you for staying and helping me.”
“This was my job for years. I know it like the back of my hand. It's always a pleasure to come back.”
“But now you need something less hectic. You can go back to your old position tomorrow.”
“If you need anything, just call me. Have a good night!”
“Thank you, Olívia! You too.”
We say our goodbyes and I get up from my chair, grabbing my suit jacket. I drape it over my arm and head out of the office.
“You’re dismissed, Chloe! We’re past quitting time. I’ll see you here tomorrow.”
“Thank you for the opportunity, sir! Good night, and see you tomorrow.”
She grabs her purse and heads out. She calls the elevator and, before stepping in, waves goodbye. I smile at that gesture and remember my mother, who used to do the same when she and my father left for work.
She would stand at the door and wave until we passed through the gate.
I miss those moments so much. Only the good memories remain.
I call the elevator, and the doors open almost immediately.
I step inside that cold metal box and press the button for the basement, where the parking garage is.
From there, I head home. Today was tiring but productive.