Rude Missy

Jade's POV

"I'm looking to expand some of my side businesses into a more... Unconventional market." He straightened in his seat before adding, "I've heard around that you're just the man for that."

I interlocked my fingers in front of me, studying him.

"And where did you get that information from?" I asked, raising a brow.

He let out a small chuckle.

"Well, word of good services and business opportunities does spread around very quickly," he replied with an easy smile.

"Hmm." I gave a small nod. "I see. What kind of business are you looking to expand into?" I asked, keeping my tone even.

"For now, I'm just looking for a way to move my goods without attracting attention," he answered carefully.

I nodded, listening without interrupting.

Mr. Cross seemed to be a smart man. He still wasn't revealing what his actual business really was, though he looked almost desperate, like he truly needed my services. Men like him rarely revealed everything during a first meeting.

"So..." He folded his hands on the table. "Would you be able to work with me?"

"Hmm." I leaned back slightly, considering his request. "Let me think."

A brief silence settled between us.

"In this line of work, trust and reliability are two very important things," I said at last. "I've heard your business proposal, and I'll need some time to think about it."

He nodded, waiting for me to continue.

"I'll get back to you by this time on Wednesday. If not, one of my people will call you and reschedule another meeting."

"I understand." He pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. "Thank you very much for meeting with me. I'm truly grateful."

He extended his hand toward me.

I stood and accepted the handshake.

"Likewise," I replied.

******

Myra's POV

"This is my stop," I informed the taxi driver as the Dantrix Tech building came into view.

He pulled over to the curb.

I handed him the fare before stepping out of the taxi.

"Thank you," I said, closing the door behind me.

Instead of heading straight inside, I looked across the street toward a small café.

After checking the time on my phone, I crossed the road, deciding to grab a coffee before starting my day.

I pushed the glass door open and stepped into the café.

A soft chime rang above my head as the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wrapped around me. The place was already buzzing with the morning rush.

A few persons stood in line waiting to order, while others sat by the windows, sipping their drinks and tapping away on their laptops or chatting quietly with friends.

I hurried toward the counter, where a young barista greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good morning, and welcome to Hallies. What can I get for you today?" she asked politely.

"I would like a black coffee to go, and one slice of lime cheesecake, please. Thank you."

The barista tapped everything into the register before flashing me a friendly smile.

"Coming right up."

I stepped aside and waited patiently, pulling out my phone to check the time.

I still had a good five minutes before work officially started.

Since most businessmen preferred their coffee black, I assumed Jade would like his black too.

...Right?

"Here's your order."

The barista slid a paper bag across the counter toward me.

"Thank you."

I took it and paid before turning to leave.

But after taking only two steps, I immediately stopped. I looked down at the paper bag again. What if he doesn't like his coffee black?

Shit.

I turned back around.

"I'd like another coffee," I said. "With cream this time."

"Of course."

I checked the time on my phone again. There was still a good two minutes left.

The barista returned shortly with another takeaway cup.

"Here you go. Your cream coffee."

"Thank you."

I paid for it and left the café. Crossing the street once again, I entered the towering Dantrix Tech building.

"Good morning, Claire," I greeted the receptionist, whom I'd become acquainted with just yesterday.

Turns out she wasn't so bad.

She smiled. "Good morning, Myra. You're almost late," she teased, glancing at the clock behind her.

"I had to stop for coffee." I lifted the paper bags in my hands.

"Oh." She laughed. "Then you'd better hurry."

I smiled back before walking past the reception desk toward the elevators.

I pressed the button for the executive floor, impatiently tapping my heels as the elevator climbed higher and higher.

Now I was a minute late.

I stopped by my desk first to set down my handbag before making my way toward Jade's office.

Through the transparent glass walls, I could already see him seated behind his desk, reading through a stack of documents.

I slowed my pace as I reached his door and knocked softly before pushing it open.

"Good morning, Mr. Dantrix," I greeted, walking over with the paper bags.

He barely looked up.

"You're late by two minutes," he commented.

"I'm sorry, sir," I apologized quickly. "I stopped to get coffee for you."

"I don't like excuses," he said, his expression stern.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

I carefully took both coffee cups out of the paper bag.

"I got two different kinds." I placed them on his desk. "Which do you prefer, sir? Black or cream?"

He finally had his full attention on me.

"Cream." He responded.

I immediately handed him the cream coffee before placing the slice of lime cheesecake beside it.

"I thought you might like a small morning snack."

The words left my mouth, and I instantly felt stupid for saying them.

Seriously, Myra. Morning snack?

To my surprise, he simply looked at the cheesecake before lifting his eyes to me.

"Thank you."

He picked up a file from his desk and slid it toward me.

"Make three additional copies of this. Bring the original back to my office, and send two copies to the management team."

"Okay, boss."

I gathered the documents and left his office.

The moment the door closed behind me, I let out a quiet sigh.

At least I didn't get scolded that badly.

I returned to my desk and resumed work.

Around noon, just before lunch, I heard someone clear their throat in front of my desk.

I looked up.

A beautiful blonde woman stood there, staring at me with an annoyed expression.

"Who are you?" she asked, her gaze traveling from my face down to my chest, making me feel strangely exposed.

Instinctively, I adjusted my blouse, making sure my cleavage was covered, even though I was certain it already was.

"I'm Mr. Dantrix's secretary."

"Oh." She crossed her arms. "You must be the new secretary." She tilted her chin up. "I'm here to see Mr. Dantrix. I have an appointment with him."

"Okay." I smiled politely. "Let me just check his schedule to confirm your appointment."

"What?" she snapped. "Shouldn't you have his entire schedule memorized with that thick brain of yours? What kind of secretary are you?"

I forced myself to remain calm despite her rude words.

"I apologize, miss. Just give me a moment."

I searched through his schedule and quickly found her appointment.

"What is your name, miss?" I asked for confirmation.

"Daniela."

Her name was indeed on the schedule.

"Yes, you're on Mr. Dantrix's schedule." I pushed back my chair and stood. "But I need to check whether he's finished with his conference call before I can let you in."

"Ugh." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "You know what? Forget it. He's expecting me at this time anyway. I'll just find my way to his office."

Before I could stop her, she brushed past me.

"Miss, you can't just go in like that," I called, hurrying after her. "Please wait while I check with Mr. Dantrix first."

"Can you just shut up and go back to your desk?" she snapped over her shoulder, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor.

I couldn't exactly grab her and drag her back. All I could do was follow. When we reached Jade's office, he was still on his conference call.

"If we add this new initiative, we could increase our capital by another 2.5%..."

His voice trailed off as his eyes lifted toward us through the glass door.

I mouthed a silent sorry.

"Can you all give me a second?" he said before muting himself from the call.

Daniela folded her arms.

"This new secretary bitch wouldn't let me in," she complained, glaring at me.

"I apologize," I said immediately. "I told her I needed to make sure you'd finished your conference call before letting her in, but she wouldn't listen."

"It's fine." His gaze shifted to me. "You can return to your desk, Myra."

"Okay."

I nodded. Before leaving, I glanced once at Daniela. She was still glaring at me as though she wanted to claw my eyes out.

I wonder who she is.