8 8. Getting The Job

"You are hired." Mr. Hardy said without even looking up from his plate. I looked at him with disbelief. "But .. but... I.. I.., Are you sure, sir?" I asked a bit stunned. I never expected to get this job and it was just incredible.

"Don't you want the job?" Mr. Hardy questioned. He looked a little displeased with my reaction.

"It would be an honour to work with you,sir." I replied.

"Good, I would like you to start tomorrow. You discuss the salary details with my assistant. She'll tell about my likes and dislikes and also the terms of your employment. I will try to inform you two days prior to every trip I make but just in case, there is an emergency, you should be prepared to leave with me at my call." He pressed a button and Linda entered the room.

"Linda, please make sure Miss Lane is made sure of all that is expected of her and all that she needs to do. Also, dismiss everyone who is waiting outside and tell them the position has been filled. You both may leave now."

Linda said, " This way, Miss Lane." I followed Linda back to her office. "Take a seat, Miss Lane."

She took out a file and handed it to me.

"This is an NDA(Non Disclosure Agreement) which we would like you to sign before going forward. If you choose not to sign, you have to leave this room and never come back." Linda told me.

I looked it over. It said that whatever was discussed inside this room was highly confidential and if I violate it, the company will not only sue me for one billion dollars but I could also be imprisoned for this offence.

That was a lot to take in. I was still hesitant.

"Don't worry, we're not going to make you do anything illegal or dangerous but it's just that the information you are going to be given next can be dangerous to Mr. Hardy. So, this is just a precaution. If you don't want to follow up with the job offer, you can still leave but the NDA will stay valid." Linda tries to reassure me.

When I heard that I could still leave after reading the contract, it was enough for making me sign the agreement. The terms of my contract were discussed.

$120,000 per month salary excluding the expenses on overseas trips ( the flight tickets, groceries, food, accomodation etc.). The contract stated three years of employment which was open to extension. After all these terms were discussed, we came to the confidential parts.

Linda again handed me a file.

"This is the confidential part. Mr. Hardy is an influential man who has made many enemies along the way. He is ruthless in his business and he isn't afraid to crush anyone who comes on his path to success. So, if this information reaches the wrong hands, it could even lead to his death."

I opened the file and it was a list of foods he was highly allergic to. It included some of the famous and most sought after ingredients like truffles, caviar, peanuts, sea food, alcohol etc. It was a miracle that I was able to make a dish without triggering any of his allergies.

It all made sense now. His not going out to fine dining restaurant was not because he didn't want to but because he couldn't.

It would have made him vulnerable in front of his rivals and exposed his weakness. The more people knew about it, the more vulnerable he would become. It also became abundantly clear why he wanted a personal chef. But it still a big responsibility and I didn't think that I would be able to handle the pressure. I mean if anything happened to him due to his food, it would be blamed on me. It was a generous offer but I was still considering refusing the job when Linda's voice reached my ears.

"Do you know why Mr. Hardy choose you ,Miss Lane?" I shook my head.

"It was because you were the first person that didn't trigger any of his allergies. All the people before you were talented chefs from prominent backgrounds and had studied at culinary school I France. They all have more experience than you but they choose to make really complex dishes that are too hard to pronounce, let alone make. They wanted to show off their skills by using the most expensive delicacies but none thought of making something from the heart. Only you, Miss Lane, were courageous enough to do that. All the prospects were thoroughly vetted before they were allowed to enter the building. So, we know that you are not a spy from the rival companies and that was the main reason that you were able to learn this information.

I really do hope that you consider this offer, Miss Lane. I will be waiting for your call. Please inform me for your answer by the evening."

With those words ringing in my ears, I left the MH DIAMONDS building.