Billionaire, Mr Stone.

I resist the urge to bite on my nails as I read through the newly updated company board.

The head seat has changed hands?

Worse, the new chairman who has just resumed the day before is already firing people like crazy.

It took a lot for me to get a job as the assistant of the chairman of Apex enterprise. It's been six days! Only six days and now this happens.

Sitting up, I scroll down and continue to read.

Alexander Stone is the grandson of the now ex-chairman of Apex enterprise.

Age of twenty eight and has recently returned from abroad.

That is all it says.

Closing the page, I wipe off the cold sweat clouding on my forehead.

Just six days ago I was overwhelmed with joy that I have finally landed a well paying job....and now....

'Is he going to fire me too?'

No. That can't happen.

I already signed the contract.

Everything has been stamped and there is no going back.

I really need this job, no matter what I can't afford to lose it. It took so much just for me to pass the interview. I had to fight tooth and nail against almost forty other candidates and it was sure a hellish experience.

Grabbing my phone from the desk, I enter the work group chat and like expected the main topic was on the new chairman that popped up without notice.

It seems that while I was out running errands yesterday the new chairman Alexander dropped by the company.

From the chats exchanged by those who ran into him, it isn't that hard to guess that he will be alot to handle.

"Vicky. Mom said to come down for dinner." I hear Ana's voice from outside the door and I turn off the computer, swerving around I holler.

"I am coming."

I carelessly toss my phone on the bed, which bounce hard from the strength, almost falling off the bed and giving me a heart attack.

"I need to stop doing that." I scold myself in a low voice.

That's how the last one broke.

Walking out of the room, I hurry down the stairs, heading straight for the dinning room.

"What's for dinner?" I ask more as I circle around the dinning table to take my seat.

"Pasta. Did you have something you would have liked to eat?" She asked taking off her bunny apron.

"Pasta is good." I shake my head, kicking Ana who was on her phone from under the table.

"Ouch. Why did you do that?" Ana glares at me and I gesture at her plate.

"Eat."

She mutters a string of complaints under her breath but still picks up her fork obediently.

"Come on, no fighting." Mom childes, then asks. "How was your week? The both of you?"

I could already see that coming. It is an habit of her's to make sure to ask that every Sunday.

"I hate school." Ana says quite honesty. She is sixteen and in highschool.

The smartest in her class I must add. Still she hates school.

We all hated school. Until you graduate and realize that handling a job is way worse.

"Work was fine. Pretty much everybody was nice to me." I state.

Although the chairman, who is now the ex-chairman would scold me, the old man is still kind in heart.

But now-who knows what will happen?

I let out a deep sigh, drowning my sorrows with the taste of the delicious, spicy pasta.

After eating, I go back to my room and take a bath. Changing into my spongebob squarepants pyjamas. I have just rolled into the bed and about to dive into sleep when I notice I have a new message in my phone.

The message is from an unknown number which makes me hesitate a little.

Sitting up, I tap on it, three long lines on work coming into view.

This is Alexander, save the number.

Submit on my desk tomorrow, the project analysis for the past six months.

Quick and simple.

Doubting my eyes, I do a little eye rub before reading it again.

Alexander? Alexander the new chairman!

A project analysis for the past six months!!

Is he serious?

And he wants it the next morning?

I just started my work as an assistant six days ago, and haven't fully gotten through those, how am I supposed to do that all in one night. One night!!

should I text him and try to explain? I bite down on my bottom lips hesitantly. What if he thinks I am just making and excuse and that I am incompetent then actually fire me.

"Arrrrghhh." I kick my legs in the air in frustration, rolling off the bed weakly.

I guess I have no other choice that to get this done.

**********

The next morning.

I didn't sleep all night.

Was it a good idea? I don't know.

All I know Is that I managed to finish everything somehow.

Looking at the time that says that it's a little past five, I get off the desk and start to get ready for work.

I am hit with the scent of finely brewed coffee as I walk down the stairs.

Ana who is still dressed in her pyjamas matching mine is sprawled on the counter, half asleep.

Preharps hearing me walk in, she struggles to open her eyes, spouting. "I hate Mondays."

"You hate everything Annie." I point out, calling her by her nickname.

"I don't hate you." She pushes my coffee mug over to me. Filled with the type of coffee that I like. Extra sweet.

"Isn't it because I am too lovable?" I raise a brow teasingly.

She half-roll her eyes, standing up. "You stayed up all night?"

"You did too." From the thin wall separating us I could hear the sound of constant movement through out the night.

"I have a deadline to meet." She groans.

At the age of sixteen she was already trying to work hard to make money.

Although I prefer for her to live idly like a normal sixteen years old would, I know It can't be possible.

After all we owe a lot of debt and she was only trying to help with the little she can earn.

Seeing her pull out a mug, I frown. "What did I say about drinking coffee?"

Taking a sip, she gives me an assuring look. "It's not coffee. It's tea. Helps with psychological comfort." She recites.

As far as it is not coffee. She is too young to get a coffee addiction.

"Moms still asleep?" I ask, chugging down my whole cup.

Feeling my body liven up, I grab the apron hanging behind the door.

"Hmmm...she closed up pretty late last night and must be very tired." Ana says. "Want to make breakfast? I will help."

Mom owns a small restaurant some blocks away in which she manages by herself after dad passed away.

"Grab the bread." I accept her offer without a thought.

The both of us made some toast and I am about to head out when mom walks down the stairs.

"Morning mom." I greet.

"Good morning Vicky." She smiles at me, light wrinkles forming at the corner of her eyes. "I smell something delicious-"

"We made breakfast." Ana pokes her head out from the kitchen door. "Good morning mom!"

"Good morning honey. Sorry I slept in." Her fingers trails the shape of her nose guiltily.

"It's fine." I say, grabbing my bag. "I am heading out for work. Make sure Ana doesn't drag around and go late to school."

"Got it." Mom nods. "You remember to eat lunch and not starve yourself. Try to come back early, okay?"

"Yeah mom." Stepping out of the warm comfort of my home, I let out a sigh.

This is going to be a long day.

Thankfully when I arrived at the office, Alexander wasn't in. I slip into the chairman's office and drop the newly printed files neatly on his desk.

Hurrying away to take care of the piles of work I already have going on.

While preparing slides for the next meeting, I hear a low, noiseless footsteps which I am only able to notice because I have been sitting in anticipation.

With a glance I am blown away by the man approaching. His long legs are finely wrapped in a pair of blue suit pants, his shoulders are wide and open, the white button up shirt flexing every delicate line on his waist. He is already in front of me when my eyes trails up to his face and I am immediately taken aback by the ice cold aura shooting from his eyes.

Yeah. This is definitely him.

"Good morning Mr Stone." I make sure to remember to address him formally.

He gives a curt nod, walking pass without even a pause.

I shiver at the cold air that smacks on my face, sneaking a peek at his back.

Does he eats ice or something? How come he easily defeats the top air conditioning in the office?

Barely ten minutes pass, my telephone gives a loud ring.

Ah-no matter what it is, please be good.

His cold voice is heard the moment I pick up the phone. "Come to my office."

Okay this is certainly not going to be good.

Straightening my dress, I walk to his office with light steps, placing a quiet knock on the door.

"Come in." On hearing the response, I take in a deep breath before entering.

"You called for me Mr Stone."

"Miss Victoria do you value your job?" One question. There is no hint of emotion in his voice not his face but I can feel my stomach tightening with anxiety.

Gritting my teeth, I give a reply. "I do value my job very much Mr stone."

"Do you?" He pushes a familiar file towards me. The one I spent a sleepless night trying to whip up. "This is the value you put to your work Miss Victoria?"

"I apologize Mr stone." I say fully admitting my mistake.

Although I did the best of my power, I myself am not sure about the credibility.

He leans forward, eyes piercing. "Miss Victoria, I expect competence from you. Attention to detail is not optional, but fundamental."

"I understand." My heart drums against my chest, still I fight to maintain my composure.

Please don't fire me, please-just one more chance.

"I hope you do, if you don't then I will have to find someone who does." His gaze remains unforgiving as he looks away.

I push back the blockage in my throat, picking up the file with shaking hands. "I will have this done again."

Rushing out of the office, I am finally able to take a breath.

Balling my hand into a fist, I direct my eyes to the boxes stacked beside my desk, left my the former assistant.

My inheritance!

He wants me to prove myself, and I have to make sure I don't fail.

Retrieving my glasses from the drawer, I harden myself and start all over again.

I can do this.

One hour, two hours, three hours...yet I am still not done.

At some minutes past three I finally let my fingers drumming on the keyboard rest. Letting out a long sigh.

"Done."

And for the next, I begin to compare it with the one I made before, realizing that I really had made a lot of errors and even a novice will do better.

Such terrible work. No wonder he was so mad. Guess he wasn't just been cranky or nothing.

Still, there is a lot to do.

I resume with completing the slides I was working on before, racking my sleep deprived brain while also trying to ignore the hunger bitting on my stomach.

At five, I am finish with all the pending issues. Rubbing on my red and watery eyes.

Let's go eat lunch first.

I will to the elevator, pushing the 2nd floor button where the canteen is.

The elevator is stopped by someone else on the fifth floor and a girl who I find familiar walks in.

"Victoria." She looks at me with face full of surprise.

I had worked with her at the beginning of last week, she works in the pr department. "Hey Sam."

"Are you going out?" She asks face full of curiosity.

"Lunch." I state. Too tired for long sentences.

"It's already almost six and you are just going for lunch?" She blinks comically. Then lowers her voice. "Is it because of the new chairman? Is he overworking you?"

The elevator stops and I look away as three more people walks in. They all seem indifferent to me until Sam asks.

"How is the new chairman. Is he really like they say he his? Cold and uncaring?"

From the corner of my eyes I can see their ears perks up. Clearly hungry for gossip.

Anything I say now will surely become a widely circulated rumour soon.

Damned me if I was to lose my job because of that. So I say in the most professional voice I can muster.

"I don't really know. All I know is that he is the new person who will be paying my salary and that I need to work hard." Thankfully, the elevator reaches the second floor just then, and I quickly walk out.

"That was close." I let out a sigh, heading towards the canteen.

It's already late. I hope they have still have some food remaining.

Like the other parts of the ten floored building, the canteen is build exquisitely, a nice and interactive place for the workers to have lunch.

I serve myself some salad and rice which are the only thing remaining, then find a table to sit.

Half way through the food, I receive a text from Mr stone.

CANCEL THE APPOINTMENT WITH MR WILSON.

Cancel? I should cancel it?

SHOULD I RESCHEDULE IT FOR LATER SIR? I text back.

He surely doesn't means we are not doing the deal anymore right?

Right?

CANCEL IT. Another text comes in, bringing along several headaches.

There isn't any explanation? I should just cancel it, what am I supposed to say?

Forget it.

I wolf down my food, before rushing back to the top floor where my office is.

Looking through the phone book, I find Mr Wilson's Assistant's number and dial on it.

"Hello."

"Hello. This is Victoria from Apex enterprise. Can you please tell Mr Wilson that we will like to cancel the appointment we had beforehand."

"Okay. I will rely it to him." The line goes off.

Wait. That went too smooth.

Why do I feel like there is something behind this? Too fishy.

Settling my glass back on my nose, I prepare Mr Stones schedule for the next day and replied to all the awaiting emails.

After making a few calls the sun has already gone and is fully replaced by the moon.

Mr Stone is still in his office. Is he working?

I gathered the newly made analysis, a little nervous as I walk towards his office.

Straightening my back, I place a knock on the door.

"Come in." My ears tinge on hearing the cold reply.

Thinking that I will have to work beside this man for as long as only God knows, I need to compose myself and overcome this anxiety I feel around him.

"Mr Stone here is the analysis report." I say, dropping it on the table.

He makes no reply, and when I glance up he has his eyes trained on his laptop.

He suddenly looks up, his dark gaze meeting mine, and I cut off my oxygen supply to keep my composure. Stating nervously. "I will go now."

Walking out, I draw in the much needed air.

Geez that man is scary!!

After packing up and getting ready to leave, he still hasn't come out.

Is he perhaps, a workaholic?

ALEXANDER'S POV

Those who should be a big problem have been cleaned up, the rest will be dealt with, with time.

Glancing at the watch sitting on my wrist, I see that it is already past ten.

I wont be able to pay grandfather a visit anymore then.

About to walk out, my eyes catch the file my assistance dropped on table and I pick it up.

Taking a quick browse a frown appears on my lip.

This analysis is a whole level better than the one she made this morning.

It can't be that she is a slacker right? I narrow my eyes, placing the file back on the desk.

If it is so, I can't keep her.

I grab my suit jacket sitting on the chair and walk out the room, heading towards the elevator.

★★★★★

VICTORIA'S POV.

The next morning I make sure to arrive extra early. Unfortunately I don't know if Mr Stone prefers Coffee or tea so I withhold making him a morning drink.

Running to the legal depart to get some documents, when I return he has already arrived.

"Good morning Mr Stone." I place the files that needs his signature, and the schedule for today on the table. "Would you like coffee or tea?'

"Coffee." He says curtly.

"Sweet, extra sweet or bland?" I ask.

"Bland."

"Be right back."

I walk to the break room, brewing him a cup of coffee in minutes.

Now. What do we have to do today?

Looking at my desk, I let out a sigh.

There sure is a lot.

Trying to finish as much as possible, while watching the time. I turn off my computer the moment it strikes eleven.

Heading to remind Mr stone of the meeting appointment scheduled at 11:30.

The location is a cafe not too far from the company, and I accompany him for the almost one hour meeting. The partnership was formed pretty smoothly.

When we return I check on the other departments on the ongoing hotel project, running up and down between three different floors preparing the project updates while also reporting to Mr Stone who isn't any less busy than myself.

At four we attend an appointment with a partner where I get to take notes while also trying to look as professional as possible.

At eight in the evening, everything is finally settled.

I step out from the elevator after Mr stone, as we return back to our floor. My head unsettled on my neck.

Jeez I am so tired.

"What is next?"

Hearing his question, I double check the schedule in my hand. "Nothing else. We are all done for today."

"Okay." With long strides he walks to his office, shutting the door behind him.

Today's work was extra hectic, is he not going to go home?

Bro, isn't this too much? Are you perhaps a robot or something?

While complaining under my breath, I return to my desk, firmly planting my ass on the chair.

Since the chairman is working so hard I can't slack off either.

I crack my fingers, putting on my battle glasses.

While I know this is as a result of my competitive nature, I can't resist the trait which has stuck to me after graduating as the best student in my class in uni.

Besides by helping Mr Stone prepare business reports from the past years I will able to learn them my self, which is a win, win.

Since the best way to learn it to teach others.

And now, that is how you hypnotize yourself to work.

★★★★★★

After long days of trying to put everything in order while singlehandedly supporting my workaholic boss it is finally weekend.

I mean Sunday. Since I have to work on Saturdays too and Sunday's are my only resting days.

Opening my eyes to the sight of golden sunlight pouring in from the window feels heavenly. I really don't wish to get out of the warm comfort of my bed, but my grumbling stomach violently argues against it.

Unlike the weekdays where I have to be up by at least five, the clock on the table next to my bed says it's almost ten.

Guess I really was tired uhh?

Smiling to myself, I hum a nursery rhyme under my breath as I enter the bathroom to take a bath.

Using the electric brush to brush my teeth afterwards and then combing my hair and braiding it into two loose ponytails.

Changing into a big t-shirt and an equally comfortable baggy pants, I bounce out of the room.

I just step into the living room when I see Ana walking right out of the kitchen door.

Draped in her blue blankets that drags along the floor behind her like a trail. Her messy hair covering almost the whole of her face.

Her hands are gripping a big bag of cheese balls that she must have probably stolen from the kitchens cabinet.

"Good morning Vicky " She says nasally, dragging her feet pass me and up the stairs to her room.

I guess.

"Good morning to you too?" I say hesitantly before continuing on my way.

Guess I will see her in the afternoon then. Ana really isn't a morning person.

First thing first. I need my morning coffee.

Huh....I probably need to exercise too. I need to stay healthy.

You need to stay healthy Victoria!!

First I will have the coffee. It's already late outside so I can't go for a run, but a little stress will do. Then I will check on my emails, do my pending laundry, also I should remember to shop for some sweaters, it's really getting cold lately.

After that-i will just sleep for the rest for the day.

Yeah. That's a good plan.

I have just finished my coffee, nodding along with the plan in my head when the door bell rings.

"Huh....who is it?" I say to myself, putting down my mug on the counter. I don't think I was expecting anyone.

Heading to the living room, I open the door but there is no one there.

"What the fuc-uhk-ohh..." I quickly swallow the curse as my eyes lower to the ground.

A baby? In a baby sitter.

His eyes brighten as he looks up at me. Cutely calling out. "Mama!!"

"Oh Lord!!" I mutter under my breath.

MARINA!!!!!