Mysterious CEO

don't care, João. She should have at least answered my damn calls. She's a fucking executive secretary, she should be prepared for every situation. If we lose this contract, I swear I will be able to lose my first offender. ─ You're being an idiot, Henry. Larissa has always been an excellent secretary, I bet it's not just you who must be feeling frustrated, she has to worry about her job and her son who is sick. Don't be a son of a bitch! I don't intend to pay to see it, I will ask HR to dismiss you, we will cover all our obligations, but I urgently need a new secretary. ─ Let's drink.

─ I get up in a hurry, I need alcohol or I'm going to take it out on the first person who appears in front of me. ─ Have you gone crazy? It's still ten in the morning, Henry. ─ If you don't want to accompany me, I'll go alone. ─ Damn, you are very stubborn. I'd better go with you, the way you're angry, you'll be able to pick a fight with everyone and tomorrow you'll have your face plastered all over the city's newspapers. I don't care, it won't be the first nor the last time I'll appear on the pages of the newspaper. I'm not the type of person who is easy to deal with and I don't care about my position, if something displeases me, I make it obvious. We leave my office and some employees greet us, I respond with a nod, heading to the parking lot. My cell phone rings and my sister's name appears on the display, it was just what was needed to make my day more fucked up. ─ Keep it brief, Luz. ─ Mom wants you to come have dinner with us tonight. ─ I'm not in the mood. It was just that? ─ I ask, getting into the car, João will follow me on his motorbike. ─ When are you going to stop acting like a grumpy teenager? Do you know how many times you refused an invitation from our mother? ─ I hear your irritated voice. ─ Stop acting like an idiot and come or I will pick you up at your house. ─ Luz, today is a bad day for you to fill my fucking patience. I had to postpone an important meeting, I don't know if we'll get this contract and my secretary let me down. So do me a favor and keep quiet. I end the call, impatient. I know I owe my mother a visit, but today, of all days, is a bad time, because I know that when I start saying that I need a wife and all the silly demands, I will release some response that will definitely hurt her. I get sex when I feel like it, so why lock myself into a relationship? CHAPTER 1 You know that day when we want to throw the alarm clock at the wall? That's my wish, but then I remember that I can't break my beloved and only cell phone. This routine is killing me, I urgently need to find a school closer, without being able to wake up at five in the morning every day. I force myself to get out of bed, go into the bathroom and take a cold shower, perfect for waking me up completely. I opt for a knee-length dress and throw a jacket in my bag, you never know when the weather might get cold. I prepare Carina's backpack, putting in some extra clothes, since my ex is going to spend the weekend with her. I have custody of our daughter, but he stays with her on the weekends. Even though he was a terrible boyfriend, I can't say the same about his father figure, at least for that he was good. I drink a good cup of coffee, I don't have time to get sick. With the clock showing six in the morning and with a heavy heart, I walk to my little one's room. ─ It's time to wake up, darling. ─ I leave kisses all over her face. ─ Come on, daughter, you don't want to be late to see Aunt Débora, do you? He mumbles something incomprehensible, turning to the other side. This girl doesn't deny that she is my daughter, if she could, she would spend the whole day sleeping, because she is only five years old. ─ Come on, daughter, mommy can't be late for work. Before we moved, I had a steady job, but I thought it would be better to look for new opportunities and that included a new job. After almost a month working as an executive secretary, I will finally meet the all-powerful Henry Bueno, one of the biggest hotel entrepreneurs in the city. We haven't met yet, all stages of the selection process were carried out by the company's HR. The man is always traveling on business and we only spoke via email and phone. It was actually good, with a man as handsome as him, the risk of not being able to concentrate on my duties would be enormous, especially because I'm not blind and I know how to appreciate what is beautiful. ─ Mom, I want to stay at home. ─ Place a pillow over your face. ─ Daughter, you know that if it were another day I would even let you, but I have to work, little one. ─ I mess up your blonde hair like mine. ─ I'm sleepy ─ he mumbles again, refusing to get up. ─ I am too, but that doesn't mean we can give up our responsibilities. ─ I kiss your forehead affectionately. ─ Go to the bathroom quickly, we can't be late. Even though she was upset, she got up from the bed and went into the bathroom. Today you didn't need me to call your favorite princess to tell her that she didn't like taking baths, that's already a big step forward. I watch her take her shower. Ever since she was four years old, she wanted to bathe alone, I've been watching from afar in case anything happens. Ready for school, we went downstairs for breakfast. I check my agenda for the day, I can't miss anything, otherwise I'll mess up Mr. Henry's schedule and I shouldn't make mistakes. Almost an hour later, I park the car in front of the school. ─ Have a good day, daughter. Once you're with your father, ask him to send me a message, please. ─ I give him a kiss on the cheek. ─ You can leave it, mother. I love you - she says, as soon as I take her out of her seat, entering the school. I have half an hour to get to the office, I hope the blessed traffic cooperates with me. As it couldn't be any different, I got into a huge traffic jam, arriving twenty minutes late. God, is today one of those unlucky days? ─ You're late, Vitória ─ Carmen, one of the secretaries says. ─ Do you swear? I thought she was early. ─ I roll my eyes in a completely childish but necessary attitude. ─ What animal bit you today? ─ I woke up at five in the morning, it took me a while to wake up my daughter, I was in a miserable traffic jam and I still forgot my damn cell phone at home. Is it good for you? I throw my bag on my desk, turning on the computer. ─ The person who spoke is no longer here. ─ Raise your hands in a false sign of surrender. ─ I heard that Mr Henry will arrive in the afternoon, apparently his flight was delayed. ─ Good news at least. ─ I'm going to work. Unlike your boss, mine arrives at any moment and will definitely fill me with work. He blows a kiss in the air, leaving my sight. Carmen is João's secretary, one of the group's directors. He is a sweet person. Slutty

first person he wants to see. ─ You're going to end up choking, Vitória ─ Carmen says calmly, drinking some of her juice. ─ I'd rather choke than be late. There are less than twenty minutes until Henry arrives, I have to hurry. ─ He was never a punctual person, tardiness should be his surname, I find it difficult for him to actually show up here. ─ Have you noticed how lucky I am today? He might show up at the right time. ─ I end up laughing at my bad luck. ─ Thinking about it that way, he is quite capable. He smiles, eating his food.

We finished eating, paid the bill and went back to the company. We entered the elevator and as it was closing, I heard someone shout: ─ Hold on, please. ─ The voice is hoarse, giving me goosebumps. I swear I wasn't prepared for that moment. Henry Bueno, with his imposing and powerful manner, enters the elevator. Its striking perfume soon takes over the place, leaving me intoxicated. Beautiful and with enigmatic green eyes, he smiles, making me take a deep breath. ─ Good afternoon, ladies. ─ Good afternoon, Mr Henry. ─ we spoke at the same time. After what seemed like an eternity, we arrived at our floor. He went to his room and I continued drooling like crazy. ─ Let me clean it up, there's some drool dripping down. ─ Carmen runs her fingertips across the corner of my lips. ─ I wasn't... ─ I was drooling. She needed to see his face, it was priceless. ─ He starts to laugh, leaving me a little embarrassed. ─ I think it's better to throw some water in your face, you can't meet your boss like that. God, am I ready to have a Greek god as my boss? CHAPTER 2 As agreed, I head to my boss's office. I knock on the door, entering as soon as I receive permission from him. I've always heard comments about his beauty, and I've seen some photos on the internet, but in person he looks more handsome, like a true Greek god. I give my clothes one last check. Yes, it could be much worse. I enter the room and Mr. Henry has his head down, analyzing some papers. I scratch my throat, getting his attention. ─ Sit down, Vitória, please ─ he says without looking in my direction. I do as he asks and sit in the chair in front of his desk. ─ I'll get straight to the point. I know it's a little late, but I was going through your folder, your experiences are really enviable, but there's something that caught my attention in an unpleasant way. ─ And what would that be, sir, Henry? ─ I ask suspiciously, what could be so bad at this point? ─ You have a daughter. He's not asking, it's a statement. ─ Yes ─ I respond hesitantly. My personal life shouldn't be part of this conversation, what difference does it make to my work if I have a daughter? They don't pay me any benefits for it. ─ I had unpleasant experiences with assistants who had children, when I least expected it, they left me hanging because of their children. Will this be a problem between us too, Vitória? ─ He rests both elbows on the table, looking at me with an arched eyebrow. ─ These situations are impossible to predict, Mr. Henry. I can't guarantee that I will never let you down, especially because children don't choose the day and time to get sick or get hurt. ─ He makes a face. ─ My daughter will always be a priority, but that has never interfered with my work. I knew this man had to have some flaw, judging me just because I'm a mother is extremely ridiculous and sexist, he speaks as if these issues were within our reach. What's more, my daughter also has a father who can help me in these situations. ─ I understand, but unfortunately I don't want to risk it, I don't have the patience for that kind of thing ─ he says while signing some papers. ─ You don't need to continue your work, as you are still under the probationary contract, I want you to go to HR to have your license discharged. ─ Wait, am I being fired? ─ I ask in shock. ─ Yes, wasn't I clear enough? ─ She speaks as if it were something simple, not the idiocy of firing me because I'm a mother. ─ Let me see if I understand. Are you firing me simply because I have a daughter? Judging me without even knowing my work properly? Or ask if I have a support network? ─ I don't need to know anything, it's my company and I make the decisions I want. ─ He gets up and walks to the huge glass window. ─ HR is already aware of your dismissal, they just need to go and sign the papers. Have a good day, Vitória. ─ You really are an idiot! ─ I speak in disbelief at what I just heard. ─ In the twenty-first century, and you are there judging a woman just because she has a child. I'm not going to lower myself by begging for this job, especially because you must be just a spoiled rich guy and a son of a hatchet. ─ I get up angrily. ─ What did you call me? ─ he asks, watching me with a serious expression. ─ Son of a hatchet. That's the only reason you're such a jerk, you must not have had a mother. ─ I face him without being intimidated. ─ Have a good time, Henry. I make a point of emphasizing your name. I turn my back leaving his room. As soon as the door closes, I let tears wet my face, I couldn't be so emotional in front of that idiot. He didn't even bother to give me the benefit of the doubt. Of course, when it comes to my Carina, I wouldn't think twice before going to meet her. But these are emergency situations that do not happen recurrently. I enter the bathroom and come face to face with Carmen, who looks at me scared. ─ What happened, Vitória? ─ she asks worriedly, seeing my condition. ─ I just got fired. ─ I give a weak smile, seeing the mess that my makeup turned out to be. ─ What? What do you mean fired? ─ That's exactly what you heard. That idiot son of a hatchet sent me away. Do you know why? ─ No, no. ─ Because I have a daughter. Do you realize how ridiculous this is? ─ That sounds ridiculous. He can't fire you for that reason, it's even illegal. Can I sue this son of a bitch? I think I'll get a lawyer, this must definitely be illegal. ─ He said he was left hanging with his assistants who had children and, this time, he wasn't going to take any chances. He didn't think twice before judging me. Be honest, in the month that I've been here, how many times have I been absent or been late? Except today was an atypical day. ─ None... Even though I hated the idea of ​​waking up with the sun rising, I always did everything possible and impossible not to be late. I would struggle to resolve things without my worthy boss being present. ─ Exactly. If

every day at five in the morning, get home at seven at night and barely have time for other things. ─ I splash water on my face, wiping off the remaining makeup. ─ All this effort, for an idiot to come and invalidate me just because I'm a mother. ─ Stay calm, we'll think of something to help you. Mr.

Henry can't just fire you, I'll talk to my boss, maybe he can change his mind. ─ I think it's very difficult, but it doesn't hurt to try. ─ I shrug, not believing he will back down. ─ Go home, get some rest. I'll keep you informed. ─ Pull me into a hug. ─ Thank you. We left the bathroom and Carmen returned to her room. I grab my bag and go straight to the parking lot, all I want is to get home and have a cold beer. I don't have the mind to go to HR, tomorrow I will resolve all the pending issues. This idiot doesn't know what he's missing. I hope he falls and breaks his face. CHAPTER 3 The Bueno group is responsible for managing and financing some hotels in the country and abroad. The reason for my last trips was to see the opening of a luxury hotel in Fortaleza, followed by Salvador and Aracaju. While I was on the plane, I realized that I had never opened the email with my new secretary's personal information. Vitória Alencar, thirty years old, resident of the city center and mother of Carina Alencar, a five-year-old child. If there was any information saying that she was married, she might try to follow through with the contract, as she would have someone to help her with the child. As this was not the case, I had to take severe measures. Because I know that often the father is not present, so the entire burden falls on them. ─ You really are an idiot! ─ she says, sounding incredulous. ─ In the twenty-first century, judging a woman just because she has a child. I'm not going to lower myself by begging for this job, especially because you must be just a spoiled rich guy and a son of a hatchet. ─ What did you call me? ─ I ask, unable to believe such audacity. ─ Son of a hatchet. That's the only reason you're such a jerk, you must not have had a mother. ─ She doesn't seem to be intimidated by me. ─ Have a good time, Henry. It wasn't a commendable attitude on my part, however, I couldn't risk it. A single mother is a magnet for confusion and right now I'm running away from it. My last two assistants were a fiasco, they left me in the middle of a meeting because of the children and I won't tolerate that again. Because I still haven't gotten over the fact that Larissa made me lose a million-dollar contract, while we postponed the meeting, one of the competitors got in touch and presented a similar project and as it couldn't be any different, they discarded us. ─ I can't believe you were that stupid, Henry. ─ Luz, my sister, says, entering my room without knocking. ─ What happened now? ─ I stop analyzing the contract I was reading. ─ I was in the bathroom when a girl came in crying, I know it's wrong to listen to other people's conversations, but I didn't want to bother her. ─ Get straight to the point, Luz, I don't have all the time in the world to listen to you. ─ She was saying that the hatchery's son fired her just because the poor thing has a daughter. I don't want to believe that this is really the reason, Henry - he says, looking at me with his arms crossed. ─ Tell me, it was all a misunderstanding, wasn't it? ─ There is no misunderstanding, that's exactly what you heard. I've had unpleasant experiences and I'm not in the mood to go through that again. Women with children only attract trouble, even in the workplace. And since I'm the CEO, I can hire and fire whoever I want. ─ Where did you get this madness from? This attitude is extremely sexist and illegal, you cannot discriminate against a person in this way. She has been working with you for a month, has she ever let you down? ─ She slapped the table. ─ No, but... ─ There is no "but" you speak as if only single mothers are prone to problems and it is not like that. Would you also fire a man because he was a father? ─ No, you know that men and women have different roles in raising a child. ─ Are you listening to your own words? ─ question possessed. I knew that the moment I found out, Luz would come with her moralistic speeches, but I thought it would take a few more days. ─ I don't care about your opinion, Luz. I already fired her and I won't go back - I say decisively. I never let my sister influence my decisions and I won't do it now. ─ Then I'm going to hire her, I really need an assistant ─ she says with her nose in the air, challenging me. ─ No, you can't go over my decisions, I'm the president of this company, Luz. ─ My voice is a little louder than normal. ─ And I'm the vice president, Henry! I can't see my brother making sexist decisions and stand by. A woman cannot have her professional performance measured by her personal life. Emergencies cannot be predicted, anyone can be prone to situations like this. ─ He places both hands on the table, facing me ─ Unfortunately, you are not the son of a brooder and mom will find out about this stupid attitude. Deep breath. I could only have thrown a stone at the cross. Luz has this obsession with being a vigilante and unfortunately today I am a victim of it. ─ I won't bother arguing with you, Luz. Do you want to hire Vitória? Feel free, just don't complain when she lets you down to run to her daughter's school or to the hospital because the child fell and hurt herself. ─ For the sake of my sanity and our sibling relationship, I'm going to my room. I can't believe you're acting like such a big idiot, that's not what Mom gave us. She turns her back, leaving my room. Our age difference isn't that big, I'm thirty-five and Luz is thirty. When dad died we inherited the company, as I was the oldest I became president. There are days when my sister is simply impossible to deal with, there is so much for her to worry about, she will pretend to be a single mother's vigilante. Because I know her well, I know that I wasn't bluffing when I said I would hire Vitória and unfortunately we have the same level of autonomy, that is, she can hire whoever she wants, even if I'm against it. There's nothing I can do. I have two rules that I won't give up for anything: Work will always be my priority. And under no circumstances should I work or have a relationship with women who have children, even if they are hot as hell. CHAPTER 4 My weekend was shit. Without Carina at home everything was too quiet, all I could think about was what a son of a bitch my boss was. I still can't believe he fired me for such a reason... I don't have the words to describe it. Of course, in emergencies she comes first, but other things, like doctors and school