4. Katherine and Maximilian

Maximilian

The interview was a time-wasting mess, but she was only worth my time. She was once spotted near the entrance when our eyes just met. She looked stunning and tired, but mostly stunning. I wanted to talk to her but a certain car horn was heard. A young handsome blonde was spotted who looked annoyed. Who was he? Boyfriend? no maybe um, whoever he was, made her glad as soon as she got in the car.

That was it, that was all I heard of her until today when my computer screen popped up her image. She was assigned as my new secretary, and I was not surprised, she managed to impress two most talented co-workers. 

Her image overflowed my thoughts when two knocks were heard. 'You may enter', I said, but I wish I wouldn't. A woman with dark black hair, who wore a simple yet fashioned grey west suit, and those cold black eyes, they set my heart on flames. It was her, damn it what the hell was I doing, I should stand and greet her.

'It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Lance', she spoke first with a little bow, 'As you have been reported, I'm your new secretary and for this company, I assure you that you won't face any problem regarding your work in the future'.

She spoke like an angel, her mellifluous voice made me obsessed with her more. 'The pleasure is all mine', okay Maximilian you got this, don't screw it up, 'Also congratulations, you deserve it, so about the_'.

'Mr. Lance, your reports are due today'. Elvena, the devil's pawn, barged into my office before I could speak. 'also the councilmen are asking for the building purchase, they need the address asap'. My thoughts had millions of reasons to fire the witch but I couldn't ruin my first impression.

My attention went to Margot who looked at Elvena and frowned. I guess she was a person of privacy, I guess we have something in common. She turned her gaze to me, 'Sir if you don't mind, can I start my work, you don't have to worry about the reports, just give me an hour and I will send you, oh! and about the address, they have already been sent if you check the email under my name.'

Wow, her first day, and she is killing it. I excused her and went straight to my computer screen. Pressed Gmail and found the name Margot Willer, the address for the councilmen was sent. I checked for verification just in case, good thing they were accurate. 

Margot worked with me as my secretary for two weeks. She managed to gain everyone's favor, the co-staff, the cleaning management, the front desk accountants, the team management, and of course, the devil. If only Clark could see this, but he was gone to New Jersey, and his fiance wanted his help in booking the wedding hall.

Nevertheless, Margot was a huge help, she organized my file, visited all my staff members, and knew what my favorite beverage was, she guessed it on her first try, matcha cappuccino really does the trick in my body. She also talked to me, which was a big deal since no one cared for a conversation with me. The only people I talk with are only wealthy businessmen, cigarette-smoking wealthy heirs, and those rich aunties who always ask for their daughter's hand in marriage.

 She asked if I had any hobbies or if I had any problems with anything. She didn't know how to start a conversation but it was once a normal conversation. I don't know why but talking to her made me feel better, more relaxed, and calm. I can't believe I'm saying this but I liked her company.

Katherine

I started working for Lance Real Estate as soon as I was announced as the new secretary. Meeting with Maximilian Lance was not such a big deal as I expected. But of course, his work deadline and his reports were set up according to his prescription. 

In just two weeks I was able to befriend almost all the officers and department staff. It wasn't easy but it was worth it. Maximilian wasn't who I thought he be, I imagined a feisty, blood-thrust beast but during our small conversations, he came into being a big softy. Guess my work was going to be easy.

At the beginning of my third week, I was introduced to Clark Doven, the interviewer and the former secretary. According to Felix's reports, Clark was getting married at the age of twenty-nine, he is engaged to Rosaline Heather, a cardiologist working at Nerves Hospital.

'Miss Willer, good to meet you', Clark as a gentleman raised his hand for a simple handshake. 'Good to see you too Mr. Doven'. From that day on Clark took notes on my work, how I send the file, how I manage team security, and how I brew my coffee. It was weird but I got used to it. (No I did not).

Finally, Clark stopped to pressurize me. My work schedule was already more than was expected. My eyes were tired from all the reports I reviewed and my hands were hurting due to typing state descriptions. I found myself in the office kitchen brewing my coffee (My fourth cup) when I heard a co-worker named Fred talking to Elvena about some reports. I wasn't interested when suddenly Fred said something about stack dealing files. My eyebrows rose high and my mouth was on the cup.

'Miss, the stacks are getting low, we need to access those files, please I need your permission', Fred was eager for her approval but she didn't take it to her heart. 'Fred', Elvena stopped his talking, 'The only person who could access those files is the CEO, if you have his permission then you can do as you please'. 

'I know that, that's why I came to you, please talk to him, I need to access those files from the black case, this is imp_', 'That's enough Fred, don't ever mention the black case to me ever again, like I said, If you want to access them, talk to the CEO yourself.'

Elvena didn't wait a second for Fred to talk, she just walked away, Fred on the other hand was cursing, slamming the wall with his foot when suddenly his phone rang. He notices the screen and curses again. 'Hello sir', his phone to his ear, 'Sir about the file, well I couldn't access them, so it's quite impossible, even if it's low stack_... sir please no, I will think of something just please no'.

His voice was getting shaky, a threatened call, not my problem but what kind of stacks. Fred ended his call and returned, I stayed finishing my coffee, my migraine was getting worse and worse. Good thing Maximilian left early, now I could retire.

I returned home, and Felix was in his part-time job. He left some frozen wings, I fried them and changed my clothes to something more comfy. I was watching some serial dramas when a message clicked on my second phone. It's Willson, he wanted to talk but I already blocked him. Now it was just me, the hot wings, the serial drama, and my plan for searching for the black case.

'The only person who could access those files is the CEO, if you have his permission then you can do as you please'. 

Elvena's words played in my mind like the music playing in an opera. Mr. Lance, I wonder what kind of friend you prefer?