Billionaire's pawn

Chapter one

"You could have turned it in since, you are stalling at this point" Marie poked her head into the kitchen while I was in an apron and pressing down on the pancake. "Even if your are rejected at least you tried."

"I can't, that will dim my ego"

"Oh, so New York trip is out of the story then?" my eyes widened at her as she said that. "Your ego would probably sponsor us"

"It's a Mega-Company you are talking about" I avoided looking at her. "I can't just carelessly apply because I want too."

"So? What's the worst that can happen?" she shrugged, walking towards me.

What's the worst that can happen? I whispered to myself as I entered the elevator to the top floor. The cool air attacked my bare legs as I tried going through the protocols again.

Fifth floor.

Wait at the reception with your required documents.

I almost panicked for a thousandth time fearing I had forgotten an important document at home.

The elevator pinged open, startling me because this wasn't the floor I picked. My fear was short-lived as I saw a group of people men, and women, waiting to enter the elevator and my anxiety went up because I tried greeting them but it came out as a whisper and they all ignored me.

Finally I was at the fifth floor, I strolled to the receptionist with my file on the fifth floor, I strolled to the receptionist with my file in my hand.

"Good morning," I said shyly.

"Good morning ma'am, please take a seat we will get back to you"

I nodded and went to sit. I scrambled through my files again to make sure I had everything in order. I was so deeply engrossed that I didn't notice time had passed until I sat up to adjust myself.

"Erm...sorry, I came for an interview" I walked to the receptionist to enquire. "How long am I to wait for?"

"Ms Sterling?" she looked up at me and then back to her laptop.

"Yes, Zaria Sterling" I puckered my lips.

"There was a slight change in the interviewing policy but you can go to the second door at your right when you walk through this hallway" she pointed towards the hallway. "And knock, We apologize for the delay" She then smiled widely at me.

I returned the smile and nodded my head, taking my file with me, and followed her directions.

When I got there, I knocked on the door and waited for a response. I didn't know if I was supposed to open it or wait until someone answers me. I raised my hand to knock again before a deep voice interrupted me.

"Come in"

I shivered a bit before opening the door.

"Good day Sir," I said when I entered the office.

The color palette of the room was dull and sexy, black, grey, and white all painted in ways that made the room alluring. A part of the room was painted completely black but splashed with white adorning it like a wild animal's claw.

The seats were arranged in a U-shape at one end of the room opposite where he was seated with a desk in front of him and a chair in front of the desk.

"Have a seat ma'am" I sat down immediately. There was just something about him that screamed that he wasn't to be disrespected.

He gestured for my documents and I gave them to him. He swiftly went through them.

"Zaria Sterling, apply for an assistant position" he read out loud.

I nodded. "Yes sir"

"So what makes you think you are perfect for this job" he asked making intense eye contact with me.

I couldn't even look at him, my eyes were wandering about but I tried to focus on his tie.

"I have good listening skills and I follow Instructions quite well. Also, I am good at multitasking. My mother almost always spanked me whenever I did different tasks at the same time. "

I smiled at the memory. "She said it could cause brain damage, I don't know who told her that but I believed and tried to stop."

"Did you?" he questioned, writing on his notepad.

"Well, I did it unconsciously. I couldn't help it."

He nodded.

"You currently work?"

"Yes. At a bakery" I noticed that his eyes lingered on my face a little longer.

"And how do you think they would describe you there?"

My mind wandered back to Ms. Patty, the owner of the bakery I worked in, and how she would scold us like children, and when we were alone she would tell me how good of a job I was doing.

"Hardworking, like I said because of the way I completed multiple tasks at once I gained Ms. Patty favors."

He nodded once more still jotting on his notepad.

"Ms. Zaria, It was nice doing this interview with you" There was a way he pronounced my name, I don't know what it was but I liked it.

"You will receive an email to know if you can proceed or if your journey ends here" he thinned his lips while offering me a hand.

As I grabbed his hand for a handshake he stood up, ultimately carrying me up with him. His hands swallowed mine and I looked petite standing in front of him.

I awkwardly smiled at him as she shook my hand before escorting him outside.

"Oh my goodness Marie" I called her the moment I stepped out of the building before I flagged a taxi. I was shaking after we bade ourselves goodbye, the interviewer and I, and I came out the way I went in.

"What is the excitement about?" she laughed.

"I just completed my interview"

"Look at you go, weren't you shivering at the thought of it before"

I scoffed. "I am still shivering, not because I completed it but -"

"But what? Don't leave me hanging girl. A fine-ass man asked for your number?"

"Even better"

"Tell me, I'm gonna die if suspense if you don't"

"So, during my interview, the interviewer who is a-" mid-sentence I realized my phone had gone off.

I caused. I really wanted to tell her, now I have to wait u til she visits me or I power my phone.

The taxi came to a stop few blocks from my house, just where I told him to stop.

"Thank you" I said to him before walking away towards my house.

Chapter Two

I hadn't heard from my brother in a while so I decided to pay him a visit. I was in a good mood and I was sure nothing could dim me.

I pulled up to my parents houses on foot and walked inside the compound heading straight to the front door. The door was unlocked, typical of them, so I just went through it.

My brother sitting on the couch greeted me as I entered the house. He looked so focused in what he was doing that I didn't want to disturb him.

I tiptoed passed him to the back garden in search of my mom but she wasn't there, only wet flowers petals glistening in the sunlight welcomed me.

"Where's dad?" I asked him when I walked back in.

"I have no idea" he replied without lifting his face from his books.

"And mum?" I lifted a brow looking at him.

"She went to get seeds" This time he raised his head to look at me.

I nodded and walked to him, sitting beside him.

"What are you working on?"

"It's nothing-" he turned his book to show me. "I'm just doodling. By the way I passed my take-in quiz"

He said that so casually that if I didn't know what he was talking about I wouldn't have understood him.

I jumped in shock, my butt was still on the chair.

"You what? Oh my goodness, Zane" I covered my mouth with my fingers before drawing him close to me and placing his head on my chest. "I am so proud of you"

I could feel his smile through my shirt and I just held him there.

Zane is smart, so smart that I am sometimes jealous of him. He plans to further his education in an institution my parents cannot afford but just because I didn't go to the university if my choice doesn't mean ge shouldn't go to the high school of his. That's why I'm working day and night to make sure his dreams are fulfilled.

As I was celebrating him Marie called.

"It's been three days and you left me hanging"

"I'm sorry, I just dropped by to say Hi to Zane"

Marie and Zane have been close? I wouldn't say that but they have a little bit if tolerance for the both of them. It's funny and cute when they fight.

"Oh, say Hi to him for me and also how was his exam?"

I was taken aback because even I had no idea he exam was upcoming until he reminded me. I brought the phone down and covered the speaker with my hand before turning to Zane.

"She knows you went to write an exam?" I whispered.

He just looked at me and shrugged before going back to his drawing. I place the phone back to my ear. "You knew he was writing an exam?"

"You must be getting old" she laughed "Everyone knew about this. Well except you" I could imagine her touching her temple and shaking her head.

"Anyways how about your interview? Have they gotten back to you yet?"

"I don't think so" my voice dimmed and I internally started to regret. "We'll talk at the bakery okay?"

"Okay!" she answered before the line went dead.

I said bye to Zane and left the house to uber to the bakery, Marie would kill me if she found out I wasted money again. Since I am low on money and she knows my financial status she insisted I minimize my spending.

At least I get to go there early.

"You're here fast" she greeted me the moment I entered. The bell connected to the door at the top that alerts us of customers coming into the bakery.

"Yeah. You were already when you called I assume." she walked around the counter to one of the tables I stood beside.

"Yeah. Ms Patty said I should be here today"

"Extra pay?" I asked, raising a brow.

"Yeah" she answered removing her apron.

I nodded in approval because as carefree as Marie can be she can be stupid. You could describe her as a crazy peoples pleaser. The last time Ms Patty requested for someone to take an extra shift, Marie offered and Ms Patty made her take the shift without an extra payment.

"You wanna check the mail?" she pointed towards my phone with her chin.

I opened my phone to my email and nodded. "Yeah"

Dear Zaria,

We are elated to inform you that you shall be resuming you seat in the prestigious Ace Fabrics$Co this coming week. We look forward to working with you.

Congratulations.

Signature

Christian. A

"Oh my gosh" my covered my mouth with my palm. I was at the verge of jumping.

Marie snatched my phone and went through the mail.

"You lucky bitch" Marie laughed and hugged me so tightly I almost lost my breathe. "I'm so happy for you, you have no idea"

Tears were pouring down my eyes because I never expected to get in. I told Marie I was doing for the plot and then this?

"We should celebrate. What do you think.."

"No!" she pushed me to the door. "Wait until after your first paycheck then we can celebrate. I'll drink wine"

I internally fist bumped the air in excitement. For the year Maria and I had been friends It's rear to get her to drink alcohol.

The last time we went out, she dragged me out if my house to a club downtown. My rejections fell on deaf hears.

When we got to the club she order for water while I took alcohol and got drunk. I was lucky she took water because she was the sober one that had to drive us home.

"Finally, I should get more jobs offers to get you to drink." I laughed.

"You wish" she joined me.

"Wait! I didn't tell you about the interview"

"Oh shit" she dragged me inside immediately. "What about him"

"Well... he is fine for sure" I blushed.

"Not shit" she scoffed.

"When I walked in there was just the aura of his and he was staring at me like-" she cut me off mid-sentence.

"Aria, you can be delusional without letting it get to you, you know?" she placed her palm on my thighs and looked at me pitifully.

I sighed. "He's a tall as a giant with brown eyes, allow me to be delusional."

She laughed.

Her phone pinged and she immediately flipped it.

"Who was that?" the speed at which she flipped her phone was suspicious.

We've never had to hide anything from each other so I wonder why her behavior was so.

"It's nothing, just a spam message. You should get going, I wouldn't want Ms Patty to see you here" she stoop up putting on her apron.

"She is coming?" I was confused.

"I think so, you can't predict her you know" that one was right, Ms. Patty is unbelievable.

"Sure, I need to prepare for Monday anyways." I said as I stood up and walked towards the door. "Call me when you get home" I waved to her.

"I will" she waved back. "Bye!"

From Zane passing his exams to me getting accepted and to Marie acting suspicious it was overwhelming and since I was going home by legs, the thoughts attacked me. I couldn't help it until I got home and flopped on my bed.

Chapter Three

Few days before

Grandmother never calls until it's important, in fact she hardly calls meetings that is why I was taken aback when Ella called me to say Grandmother fixed a meeting. A gathering if you will.

I walked inside the mansion, my privately made two-piece suit rubbing my skin as I entered the elevator.

She made us meet her at the top floor of her grand house because she is Amanda Ace and can do whatever she wants.

"Ella" I called out to her when I saw her going through the hallway to grandmother's bedroom suite. "What is Alex doing here?"

"You showed up. I didn't think you would come" she said, straightening her posture. Her silver swan hair clip complimented the black gown that reached just above her knees and her silver heels.

"Why?" I caught our reflection in the wall mirrors Grandmother made Grandpa install on almost all the walls in the house.

"You and grandmother go toes for toes, I was expecting you to flip her off and ditch the meeting."

"Says you?" I chuckled. Ella was our last born and grandmother adored her so much that she got away with anything, even countering her.

"How did you know he was here, I was expecting Quinn and Aunty not him."

"I saw his car in the garage" she hummed.

We walked towards the room, her heels filled the silence.

The door opened to reveal the people inside. Father, Mother, Quinn, my cousin, and an elder sister. Mr John Ace and his wife Claire Ace, Quinn's parents and my uncle and anuty. Mr. Alex, grandmother's personal legal practitioner. And grandmother. She sat at the edge of the couch adorned with gold stones made by professionals.

"Ah Christian" she sighed in relief.

"Grandmother" I pursed my lips and walked towards her to hug her.

"I didn't think you would come" I heard Quinn's voice behind me.

"I was saying the same thing." Ella chirped in.

I scoffed, releasing Grandmother from my hold.

"You owe me, Wilson. Hand it over"

"What?" I turned to face my parents. My mother had this satisfied look on her face, while my father looked disappointed. "I trusted you son."

"You placed a bet on me?" I watched as he wrote down a check and handed it to my mother.

"How much did you lose Wilson?" John laughed with his wife as they clicked there drinks together.

"Fifteen million and a Bugatti Chiron"

My eyes shot up in surprise so as everyone as my mother smiled.

"Make that back by evening." Grandmother said to Father and he just casually nodded.

"I want one too" Ella pouted.

By this time everyone had made themselves comfortable with wines in their hands.

"Oh, you will get one darling." Grandmother said to her smiling. I rolled my eyes and saw Quinn do the same. This was typical in the Ace household, the last-born had more powers. But I was taken aback when grandmother continued.

"But-"

She wiggled her hands for Alex to drop a file in it. She opened the file and brought out printed sheets from it. She gave them to Alex who then distributed them to us.

"You have to work for it"

This was a shock as everyone looked at each other, Grandmother had never said that to Ella especially.

"Did you change overnight Grandmother?" my deep voice echoed. "This is new"

"I know my boy. You have to eventually work if you want something, read your booklets"

I looked down to the sheet in my hands, a big bold "WILL" was staring right back at me.

"Grandmother-" I cleared my throat. "A will is after death"

"You want to query me?" she asked daringly.

"I would but I need to know your reasons. At least let me hear you out before I conclude." I stared back at her, returning the dare.

Eyes were on us, moving between her and me. As fearful as Amanda Ace is, I was the only one bold enough to challenge her.

"Read the rest, will you?" she dismissed, elegantly taking a sip of her wine.

I looked down again at the Will, and scanned through until I saw Quinn's name.

Quinn Valencia Ace as mentioned above, a tasks is being assigned to you for your own portion of the WILL. Read below for understanding.

1.Improve the Golden Crest Mansion on the east side of Haven Estate by 65% before a three month mark. The revenue chat on the board must go up by 3%

2.Ace Automotive/Automobile companies and branches must have an incremental revenue stream of 50%. Ace Automobile aka A-square must top No. 1 on the Automobile chart.

Note: These must be completed, unsealed, during a time range of three months and additional two weeks is given as grace.

"What the hell? under three months?" I queried her, my voice went up a notch. "We couldn't even get Ace Eatery out of the gutter for food poisoning for a year. And you want an increased revenue under three months?"

She looked at me unfazed, twirling the wine in her glass.

"That's why they aren't your tasks, I gave them to someone who could pull that off." she smirk mischievously at me.

This old woman, the wrinkle ls on her face isn't enough proof that she's growing old.

"Read further" she urged.

I reluctantly looked again, because I have no choice.

Christian D. Ace as foretold, here are lists of tasks you are to complete to get your own portion of the will. As previously mentioned there is a time frame to do this, should it be that there was a hindrance that prevented you from completing your tasks, your portion will be split among family members.

Below are your tasks as follows:

1.Bring a wife home. A man who is family-minded is capable of taking care of multiple companies regardless of their difficulties. Your wife will be further assessed by the family to confirm her credibility.

My mouth was opened, I hard to bring my arm up to my chin to physically close it.

"You can't be serious" I closed the Will refusing to read further.

"I don't think anyone can find a wife that fast"

"I think you can Christian" Grandmother stood up and walked towards me, drawing the attention of others to us. "You are tall, handsome, wealthy," she mentioned as she patted my shoulders. "What more could a girl ask for?"

I shook my head and walked past her. "I am not doing that, you didn't even tell us the percentage we are going to get."

"You'll find out at the end of the day," she said sternly. "But right now you either sign that Will or forget about being an Ace."

I knew I was cooked and I had nothing to say to counter her. I re-read the rest of my part signed, and left.

I wasn't going to fight back, I couldn't all I needed to do at this point was to find a wife. And find her fast.