Chapter three

I didn't turn to see who called out to me. My expression didn't falter as well. It was expected for Harley to be there, she'd always been punctual

After all, she's more than my personal assistant. She's more like my face in this country, while I was the power behind it. I'd send her to attend meetings on my behalf and sign contracts with my seal

She'd been in this company enough times to be recognized by the employees. To them, she was the boss

I glanced at the tag on the receptionist’s breast pocket and saw the name ‘Greta’ on it. When Greta saw Harley, her eyes flickered to me and moved away in a flash, she put on her professional mask and her convincing smile

“Ms Harley, you're back in the country”

But Harley didn't return the smile. She responded wryly “ Yes. I see you've met Mrs Rhea”

“Not to worry, I have things under control. I wouldn't let intruders inside. She tried, but failed. I was just about to call security when you walked in” Greta glared at me like I was some sort of thief

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at her stupidity. She didn't know what mockery she was making of herself at that point

Harley was obviously irked. I could see that from her furrowed brows and pursed lips “What do you mean intruder?”

“She tried to barge in. People like her weren't taught manners, we'd have to give her lessons on that” Great replied, clearly not catching the ugly expression on Harley’s face

I wanted to crush her ego, smash it on her face that I'm her boss and I hold her paycheck in my palms. But I waited, I wanted to see just how far she'd go.

It's always the best to let people run the race, then burn the finish line right before they get to it than to burn the finish line when they haven't made any effort to run the race

I turned to Harley and folded my arms “An intruder like myself wasn't taught manners, is that so, Ms Harley?”

Harley’s eyes rounded out, and her mouth parted “Of course not” She turned to Gerta “Apologize to her, now!”

Gerta hadn't expected Harley to say that. Her smile faltered but she was still able to keep her mask on “What? Why will I apologize to her? She was trespassing”

“Because she is Rhea Sinclair. The CEO. My boss”

The mask immediately fell off Gerta’s face. She could tell by the look on both our faces that it wasn't a joke. Her expression morphed into horror. She glanced between the both of us with her mouth parted and her breath heavy

“I'm sorry. I didn't know…. “

“You didn't need to know” I cut in “You saw someone walk in and chose to insult her. There are other professional ways to verify identity, I believe. I expect more from employees of my company”

She opened her mouth to protest but I didn't give her a chance to “You're dismissed. Pack up your things, I want your desk cleared before noon”

I didn't wait to hear her apology or excuse. I turned around and walked towards the elevator, while Harley tailed behind

“You know I love it when you go into full CEO mode” Harley said when we were alone in the elevator “You were badass back there”

I smiled. Harley and I have grown out of our professional wings into something much deeper and connected. She was more than a friend, and more like a sister

She was one of the reasons for my stability so far

I smiled “She had it coming*

“Mm-mhm” She replied “So are you going to tellme what happened last night between you and Mr Savior?”

“Who?”

“Evan Zeeler. Don't play dumb with me. Fill me in on everything”

The tip of my ears and cheeks immediately turned red. My body seemed to also remember what happened last night as goosebumps formed on my arms

“Nothing happened. This is business hours, we're to discuss work”

“Come on. I know something happened. Tell me what it is. Did you two kiss? Or did you do something more?”

“One more word about this and you're fired” Fortunately, we reached the top floor already. It wasn't difficult spotting my office as it took a large space and had a tag on the door with “CEO” intricately carved on it

I didn't waste any time in admiring its grandeur

I dropped my bag on the chair and slid behind the desk, already opening a folder

“Berlin called for an emergency board meeting” Harley reported as she scrolled through the tab in her hand

“They want to cut off our deal after everything we've invested”

“That's ridiculous. We've poured resources into it for over a year now” I looked up from the folder and said to Harley

“Yes, they're demanding for a larger cut on the commission. They know breaching the contract will cost them but they're gambling on the fact that we're too deep to walk away. And they're probably right. This project is our foot in Berlin’s market. If it crashes, we might lose our leverage”

I shut my eyes for a few seconds before opening them “Schedule a meeting with them by 4”

Harley nodded

“Oh and get me more information on Evan Zeeler. Like his job, his family, and if he's involved with anyone”

A small smirk formed on Harley’s mouth but she didn't say anything. Gratefully

“Before I forget, you were invited to the Red Gala tomorrow. Still going? This will be a great opportunity to meet elites of this country”

“I'll go” I said absently

“I don't know if it counts, but I found someone with the same surname as yours on the guest list. Isla Sinclair. Any relation with her?

I froze. That name… I haven't heard it in years. A name that'd always clouded me when I was little. Growing up, that name was like God's

“Yes. She's my sister”