6. Chase Has Begun

The news must have spread before the official announcement.

"What is it with you and Scott Group, girl? Did I hear you are now the key contact for them?" Maria almost attacked me as I occupied the seat beside her the following morning.

Turning on my computer system, I flashed at her proudly. "Hard work pays off."

When I said that, I meant it. I was working my ass off to build a career for myself. More girls in Lexis Consultants worked hard, too. But unlike them, I knew how to grab the opportunities. Of course, ethically. 

Glancing long across the cubicles to the entrance and then to the cabin of Mr. Segal, I turned to Maria, who was engrossed in her system. I asked, “Has he come in yet?”

Maria reached before me today, and I hoped she might have a clue if Mr. Segal was in already. I badly wanted to talk to him. I wanted to know if my new responsibilities would mean I was in regular contact with Vivian Scott. 

“Do you mean the boss? Yes, he is in already. You could get a call anytime.” Maria replied, looking away from her computer to look at me and immediately shifting her focus back onto it.

As I waited for a call from Mr. Segal, I glanced over the contact list of the Scott Group. It had the extensions of employees from different departments, along with their names and remarks specifying when to call whom. A few of them had even shared their cell phone numbers. However, the list did not mention the office number of Mr. Vivian Scott anywhere. I let out a long sigh, feeling relieved.

Just then, my office phone started ringing, and I knew it was Mr. Segal even before answering the call. “Alice Riley,” as I kept the phone handle to my ears, I responded. 

“Come to my cabin.” A rough, dominating voice hit my ears.

“Yes, Mr. Segal, in a minute.” Grabbing a notepad and a pen, I rushed to the cabin, wasting no further time. It was the moment I had waited since yesterday after he revealed I would be the key contact for Scott Group.

With a brisk walk, I reached the cabin, my heart pounding with an unknown emotion - a mix of excitement and nervousness. Composing myself with a deep breath, I knocked on the door, waiting for permission to walk in.

"Come in," Alexis commanded from within in a rough voice.

I opened the door and slowly stepped inside the well-furnished, most spacious room in the office. Alexis looked up, seated behind his imposing desk, shifting his gaze away from the papers in his hand. I greeted cheerfully.

“Hello, Mr. Segal.”

"Sit, Alice," he gestured to the chair opposite his desk, nodding in response to my greetings.

I took the seat and made myself comfortable, my notepad and pen ready for instructions Mr. Segal might have. I noticed the subtle intensity in his eyes and felt a sense of responsibility settling over me. This was my chance to prove my efficiency, not just to Mr. Segal but to myself. 

"Congratulations on your new role," Mr. Segal said, leaning back in his chair. "The Scott Group is a vital client for us, and I’m impressed that you impressed our client. We want you to be their key contact from now onwards."

"Thank you, Mr. Segal. I feel honored.”

Flashing a smile at me, Mr. Segal continued, “Your responsibilities will include liaising between Lexis Consultants and the Scott Group, ensuring seamless communication, and addressing any concerns they may have. Vivian Scott, the CEO, is a man of detail and perfection. You'll be his main point of contact, so be prepared for intense interactions."

That was a shocker. I felt caught up in the situation, knowing my fear had come true. I couldn’t decide if I was over-smart or stupid enough to think I could easily get away after paying back. My bad. I had to manage somehow.  

“I will do my best to exceed expectations," I replied, half-confidently. Mr. Segal nodded, his expression slowly turning into a serious one.

“As part of the new job profile, for every two days a week, you will report to the client office, and the remaining three days, you will report to Lexis Consultants directly.”

“Oh, but-”

Not letting me complete, Alexis Segal announced. “Alice, you will be paid an additional fifteen hundred dollars/week in this arrangement.” 

Additional fifteen hundred dollars per week? That was beyond my expectations. There was no way I could say no to such an offer, considering my need for money. I wanted to save up a good chunk to start an office of my own in a couple of years. 

My heart jumped with joy. At that moment, I didn't worry that I had to interact with Mr. Vivian Scott as a part. I would manage anything for a promising career and to fulfill my ambition. 

I nodded, acting as if I was only absorbing the details. “Sounds good, Mr. Segal. I’m glad to accept the offer.”

"Good. Please go through all the documents related to Scott Group and make a list of follow-up requirements based on the due dates. We shall discuss this in detail tomorrow, second half.”

“Alright, Mr. Segal, thank you for the opportunity,” I said, determined to prove myself not only as a competent professional but also as someone who could foster positive relationships with clients. As I left his cabin, I could feel a surge of motivation. When I reached my desk and sat behind it, my inbox had an email from Mr. Segal with the details of my new role and responsibilities already.

Pushing my tension and nervousness to the backseat, I immersed myself in work, organizing the tasks for the day. Firstly, I would send the Minutes of the meeting and a report to Kate, the assistant of Vivian Scott, on the previous client meeting. Then, I would list out the follow-ups required. Finally, I would decide on the days I would visit Scott Group this week.

I was lost at work when my phone buzzed again. I had not even an iota of a clue of what I had got myself into.

“Alice Riley, Lexis Consultants,” I said, picking up the telephone handle.

“Ms. Riley, Kate this side, from Scott Group. Our CEO, Mr. Scott, wants to meet up with you. Shall I schedule a meeting for today?”

That was Kate, almost giving me a heart attack from the other side of the phone line.

“Ah, well…”

“If you are preoccupied until five, how about a dinner meeting?”

“No, I can make it at four today,” I said immediately. There was no way on earth that I was going to dinner with Vivian Scott again.

“Sounds good. I will arrange for your drive.” Kate disconnected the call, and my heart started thumping heavily just with anticipation of meeting Vivian Scott. How will he treat me today?