Chapter 4 Meeting Rowan

Rowan P.O.V,

That statement squeezed the air from my lungs and I felt instant rage crawling around my body, Prickling my skin.

I'd nearly opened my mouth to fire her but then my grandmother's words reverberated in my head.

"If you dare try to fire her, you'd be forced to step down as the president of the company"

'Damn it!' I cussed, I felt my fingers digging holes through the flesh of my palm as my fingers were balled in fists.

Before now, I thought today was going to be a normal day but that instantly flushed down the drain the moment I'd walked into my grandmother settled right in my living room.

For grandmother to be in my house that early, I knew I was in for it. I'd braced myself for hearing more of her ranting about my inability to seal the deal with those clients but instead what she said caught me off guard.

"I heard you are on the lookout for a secretary But you don't have to look any longer." That dazzling smile she had on, spelled mischief.

"I've gotten you a new Secretary as there'll be no excuse this time around, she'd be resuming work today" At that very moment, a deep sense of trauma held me rigid.

There's nothing wrong with getting me a secretary.

I needed one, maybe like a drowning man who badly needs air but at the same time, I would rather drown than have a 'she' playing the secretary role. I didn't waste time trying to bandle words with her.

I objected to her offer in the most polite way I know. "I do not wish to work with a female secretary anymore, I already told Arlo last week that I needed a male secretary of which I know I would get one soon. Thanks, grandmother anyways for your concern" I expected the curtain to be drawn from there but trust Mrs madrigal to be a pain, and she'll officially deliver.

" you do not need a male secretary anymore, you have a new Secretary already" she sounded so imposing and of course, she was imposing.

" Grandmother you can't just impose your decision on me, I know it's the family's business but I'm a full-grown man and I can make my own decisions"

"At the expense of the company? I've gone through her resume, she's experienced and will add to the company's growth and that's why I employed her"

"I don't care grandmother, I'd fire her upon resumption" I can yell at anyone but it was rare to hear me yelling at my grandmother but I did and I meant every word I spoke but she tossed me in tight corners when she declared,

" I don't give a damn about your loathe towards female secretaries but IF YOU DARE FIRE HER, you'd BE FORCED TO STEP DOWN AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY"

While I took care of things in the office, I tried not to dwell on my grandmother's threat but the more I try, the more reality dawned on me. And now, I've two bloody options here.

Work with a female secretary against my will, or lose the presidency position and for the most part, I'd have seconds to decide so accepting a female secretary becomes the only option. But I'm not gonna make this easy for this bitch.

She just step on the lion's tail by applying for the post of secretary and winning my grandmother over but I'll make her realize it and regret it. Trust me, girl. Now let's bite the fucking bullet Rowan.

"Wipe that dirty smile off your ugly face and have your damn seat" I gritted my teeth, adjusting myself on the chair.

She wasn't ugly and she had an angelic smile which I would trade my net worth for, but she's gotten on my black list.

Moments ago, what I felt for her was sexual lust but right now I'm hating her with every fiber of my existence. I don't even want anything to do with her, I mean for her to be here looking for a secretary post denotes she's some lowlife. I now know I've never met her before, she may look familiar but I don't folic with her kind. I never did.

HAZEL's POV

Horizon Art gallery fulfilled my exceptions for it or even more than. The building is astronomical.

It's nearly impossible to mark the end of the floor while standing before the building, it's as if it was faded into the sky. Aside from his gigantic nature, both the exterior and interior radiated with life. it was magnificent in all regards.

If you ask, I'll rank horizon Art top one.

I've not been to other galleries except mum's but I could swear no other building could beat HORIZON ART.

Nevertheless, Mrs. Aurelia Wilbur's gallery provides the best paintings so she fairly deserves the Top 1 in the rank, and yeah, comes next is horizon art.

But I wasn't here to admire the gallery anyway, after going through the puzzle of security checkpoints, I was finally at the door of Rowan Hugo in the direction of a receptionist. I'd stood at that door battling with a whale of emotions that centers on fighting the feeling of 'backing out' yeah I'd wanted to just back out of the mission but my stubborn hands betrayed me and knocked on Rowan's door.

For the first time, I heard the very voice of the man I hated to the core.

It sent my blood steaming, My chest was heaving and I was too absorbed with my emotions that I didn't know how I'd opened the door.

The sight of Rowan made my heart sink into my stomach like that of a criminal who'd been nabbed by myriads of cobs. I've battled with living with Amnesia, but then my greatest battle was containing my deceit and wearing on a smile for this demon I hated so much.

I'd hoped he didn't notice the agitation on my face earlier. When his eyes traveled around my body, the lust in his eyes gave me a sense of satisfaction; He was already falling for the plan. but that feeling turns into bewilderment when we both locked gazes. It gave me a feeling I'd never felt before.

those emerald green eyes-I felt as if I've met them before. No, not on paper but in real life. This whole moment felt so familiar which got me a lot more confused.

Well, maybe it was my nerves acting up. trying to control different emotions isn't easy. I definitely couldn't have met this brute before and he didn't waste time displaying his ugly personality when I introduce myself as his secretary.

"So miss whatever you're called, can I have your resume?"

Was his curt demand after rudely asking me to seat down. "I beg your pardon..." damn me.

I lashed out before I could stop myself but I came to vault at the realization that I'm on a mission and I can't let Anger or hatred ruin things for me. Rowan's shaved lids had already sprung up in furry when I muffled an "I'm sorry sir," I hated apologizing.

"My name is Hazel Hanan" I bowed and thankfully my voice was calm like I intended.

Passing my fake files over to him, He scoffed and snatched them away from me in disgust. I watched, more like glaring at him as he ran his eyes through it.

When he was done, he scoffed again and flung the papers somewhere at the corners of the office.

I see he has no manners. Pfff! He should be thanking his gods those aren't my real credentials else...

he then proceeds to ask me silly questions, like my background and stuffs. which I gave befitting answers, I didn't waste time in dishing it to him that I'm some orphan who's trying to make ends meet.

You needed to see how his face hardened with disgust.

Yeah, shoot! He hates poor people but news flash Mr playboy, this commoner is about to bring you down. It wasn't hard for me to fake my smile anymore as I felt triumph over him.

" I do not know why you took up this job but since you did, you must be ready to work. I have a set of rules which you must abide by; You must be in the office at exactly 7:30 am daily.

Once I enter my office, I expect you to follow me immediately telling me my schedule for the day.

If you do not comply with any of these, you'd be fired without a second thought" Of course I wouldn't risk failing your rules sweetheart but trust me it'll mark your downfall. "

"Yes sir"

"There'll be a board meeting by 10:00 am, here are the details, arrange everything I need and be here ten minutes earlier" he threw bunches of files at my face and ordered me to get lost. More like kicking me out.

***

About hundreds of people rounded the big table at the center of the board room. They were all in corporate suits and the majority were men. Goosebumps dotted every part of my body as all eyes went in my direction the moment I walked in alongside Rowan. Everyone situated immediately sprung and greeted Rowan with a bow.

Without responding to their greetings, he took his seat. Everyone waited for him to give orders before they sat. Pfff! Some God! Pulling out the chair beside him, I made to seat down but his voice brought me to a vault.

"And who gave you the license to sit?" Everyone's eyes including mine turn to face him but He was looking straight up with a stoic face.

"Sir...?"

"You heard me right. I didn't bring you here to sit around. Your only business here is to take a record of any important stuff said here" I thought I've had enough but not until some guy among the board spoke.

Like Rowan, he was very young and got the charms but I could care less.

"But Rowan don't you think that's a bit impossible? I mean the meeting might take hours."

"Who cares?" Rowan spat and his next statement pieced through my heart like a two edge sword.

"commoners have no place among the elites. Arlo" The meeting commenced while I've to Stand all through as Rowan wanted.

All my life, I've never stood this long.

My feet were wobbling and the muscles on my leg were numbed. I was shaking like a jellyfish while battling with files upon files on a standing. After the torture of standing for like straight 7 hours, I was physically and mentally drained.

I now see why his secretaries don't stay long with him, he's just a vile monster without a heart. Words can't even describe just how much I hate him now. I felt like mutilating that defined face of his but his payment will be a million times worst than that. I just have to hold on to my control panel.