014. A step into the unknown

Amelia felt nervous as the car approached the imposing building of the Xiting Group. The sleek and modern structure stood out in the city's financial center, its glass and steel façade reflecting the morning sun. Jason gently squeezed her hand, as if trying to transmit calm and reassurance.

"Welcome to your first day at Xiting Group," Jason said with a smile.

The car stopped in front of the main entrance, and a security guard opened the door for them. Amelia stepped out first, followed by Jason. Immediately, the building's staff greeted them with respect and professionalism. The lobby was impressive, with polished marble floors and minimalist décor that exuded elegance and power. Decorative plants and modern art adorned the space, and the murmur of business conversations filled the atmosphere.

A receptionist quickly approached. "Good morning, Mr. Xiting, Miss," he said with a nod.

"Good morning, Thomas. This is Amelia. She'll be working with me. Make sure she has everything she needs," Jason ordered firmly but with a smile.

"Of course, Mr. Xiting. Welcome, Miss," Thomas said, directing a warm smile at Amelia.

Jason guided her to the elevators and pressed the button for the top floor. While they waited, Amelia couldn't help but feel impressed by the efficiency and respect everyone showed towards Jason. Once inside the elevator, Jason gently squeezed her hand again.

"You have nothing to worry about. Santiago Rivas is one of my most trusted men. I'll show you his office and introduce you. He'll help you get settled in," Jason said, his words slightly calming Amelia's anxiety.

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened to reveal a spacious hallway leading to a series of executive offices. Jason led her to a door marked with a plaque that read "Santiago Rivas, Executive Director."

Jason knocked gently and opened the door. Santiago stood up from his desk and approached them. He was a tall and muscular man, exuding an air of confidence and authority. His light brown hair and warm brown eyes radiated a kindness that put others at ease.

"Santiago, this is Amelia. She'll be working with me, and I want her to feel welcomed and supported," Jason said.

"Pleasure to meet you, Amelia. Welcome to Xiting Group," Santiago said, extending his hand with a smile.

Amelia shook his hand, noticing the firmness and warmth of his grip. "Thank you, it's nice to meet you too, Santiago," she responded, trying to hide her nervousness.

"Santiago will show you the key areas of the building and introduce you to the important people. Then, you can accompany me as I handle some urgent matters," Jason said, giving her one last encouraging look before leaving her with Santiago.

Santiago began the tour of the building, pointing out the different areas and explaining their functions. The executive floor was a hive of activity, with employees and executives moving with almost military precision. Amelia met several department heads, all of whom greeted her with courtesy and professionalism.

"This is the heart of the Xiting Group. This is where the most important decisions are made," Santiago said as they walked through a spacious meeting room equipped with the latest technology.

During the tour, Santiago introduced her to Carla Martínez, the finance director. "Carla, this is Amelia. She'll be working with us for a while," Santiago said in a tone that made it clear he saw Amelia as someone temporary.

Carla smiled politely, but her greeting was brief and somewhat distant. "Nice to meet you, Amelia. I hope you enjoy your stay here," she said before quickly returning to her work.

Amelia observed everything attentively, trying to absorb as much information as possible. She felt a growing insecurity, as if she were being treated like a mere intern rather than Jason's future wife. Mr. Xiting hadn't mentioned their relationship when introducing her to Santiago, which increased her sense of being an outsider in this corporate world. Each time Santiago introduced her, his tone was polite but impersonal, making Amelia feel like a transient figure.

Finally, Santiago led her back to Jason's office, where he was already handling a series of important meetings and calls. Jason invited her to sit in a chair beside his desk, allowing her to observe closely how he handled urgent matters.

Amelia sat and watched Jason with growing admiration. His ability to make quick and effective decisions, his confidence, and his command of every situation were impressive. Every movement and word from Jason demonstrated his absolute control over the business and his leadership ability. She felt a mixture of respect and fascination that overwhelmed her. Watching him work so efficiently and confidently made her feel smaller, but it also sparked an unexpected feeling of excitement within her.

Every time Jason spoke to the executives or reviewed documents, Amelia couldn't help but notice his assured gestures, the firmness of his voice, and how his presence filled the room. She felt a whirlwind of emotions: insecurity, admiration, and a physical attraction she hadn't anticipated. Her thoughts became confused as she tried to focus on learning and absorbing everything happening around her.

When the last meeting of the morning ended, Jason turned to Amelia with a smile.

"Let's go to the building housing my personal businesses. It's time for you to meet Isabel Ferrer and the team that will help you manage my ventures," he said, standing up and guiding her back to the elevators.

Amelia nodded, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. She knew the real work was about to begin, but she was ready to face it with determination and courage. As they walked towards the exit, she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement for what was to come. She knew the day would be long and challenging, but also full of opportunities to prove her worth and learn alongside Jason.

Jason and Amelia left the Xiting Group building and walked a few minutes to reach the building housing Jason's personal businesses. The structure was equally imposing, though with a more modern and avant-garde design. The exterior of the building was covered in tinted glass panels that reflected the sky, giving it an air of elegance and sophistication.

"Welcome to my personal empire," Jason said with a smile as they entered the building.

The lobby was impressive, with high ceilings, white marble walls, and a central reception adorned with exotic plants and a minimalist fountain emitting a gentle murmur of water. The warm lighting and modern furniture created a welcoming yet professional atmosphere. Amelia couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by the grandeur of the place.

Jason approached the reception desk and greeted the receptionist, a young and efficient woman named Laura.

"Good morning, Mr. Xiting," Laura said with a professional smile. "Do you need anything specific today?"

"Good morning, Laura. This is Amelia. She'll be working with me. Make sure she has access to all the necessary areas," Jason said firmly but with a friendly smile.

"Of course, Mr. Xiting. Welcome, Amelia," Laura said, directing a warm smile at Amelia.

Jason took Amelia's hand again and led her to the elevators. They rode up to the top floor, where his office and the main offices of his personal ventures were located. As they exited the elevator, Amelia was impressed by the modern and elegant décor. The hallway was adorned with contemporary art and designer potted plants. Natural light flooded the space, thanks to large windows offering a panoramic view of the city.

"This is my main office," Jason said, opening a frosted glass door to reveal a spacious office with Italian-designed furniture, a large dark wooden desk, and a bookshelf full of books and documents. The space was decorated with a perfect balance of elegance and functionality.

"Your office is right next door," he continued, pointing to an adjoining door. "Come, I'll show you."

Amelia followed him to her new office. It was smaller than Jason's but equally elegant. It had a modern workstation, a comfortable ergonomic chair, and a bookshelf with enough space for her belongings. A large window offered an impressive view of the city, and a small plant in the corner added a touch of freshness to the room.

"I hope you feel comfortable here," Jason said, watching her reaction.

"It's... incredible. Thank you, Jason," Amelia replied, trying to hide her nervousness.

"Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the space. Then, I'll take you to meet Isabel Ferrer. She's my right hand here and will be essential to your training," Jason said before leaving the office, giving her a moment alone.

Amelia sat in her new chair and looked around, trying to take it all in. The desk was clean and organized, with a computer and an open planner, ready to be used. She took a deep breath, knowing this was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

A few minutes later, Jason returned and invited her to follow him. They walked through the hallways of the floor, passing by offices and meeting rooms where employees diligently worked. The atmosphere was serious yet dynamic, filled with energy and purpose.

Finally, they arrived at an office with a glass door bearing a plaque that read "Isabel Ferrer, General Director." Jason knocked softly and opened the door. Isabel Ferrer stood up from her desk and approached to greet them. She was a woman in her 40s, with an elegant and confident demeanor. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her green eyes sparkled with intelligence and determination.

"Isabel, this is Amelia. She'll be working with us," Jason said. "She should be treated as if she were me."

Amelia shivered at hearing that last phrase.

"Pleasure to meet you, Amelia. Welcome to the team," Isabel said with a warm smile, shaking Amelia's hand.

"Thank you, Isabel. I'm eager to learn from all of you," Amelia replied, feeling slightly more relaxed.

"Let's go to my office, so we can talk more comfortably," Isabel said, guiding them to a seating area in her office.

Isabel's office was spacious and bright, with minimalist yet elegant décor. The clean-lined furniture and neutral colors created an atmosphere of professionalism and calm. Isabel sat in a white leather chair and invited them to do the same.

"Amelia, my role here is to ensure that all operations run smoothly and efficiently. Jason has asked me to help you get to know the businesses and integrate into our team," Isabel began, her tone professional but friendly.

"Your training will include getting to know each of our departments, understanding our strategies, and participating in key meetings. We want you to feel confident and prepared to take on responsibilities," she continued.

Amelia nodded, feeling slightly overwhelmed but also excited about the opportunity. Isabel exuded a confidence and competence that Amelia hoped to emulate someday.

"Thank you, Isabel. I appreciate your help. I want to learn as much as I can and be a valuable asset to the team," Amelia said with determination.

"That's the right attitude. I'm sure you'll do an excellent job. We'll work together, and we'll make sure you have all the support you need," Isabel said with an approving smile.

Jason watched the interaction with a satisfied smile. "I knew you'd work well together. Isabel, I trust you to guide Amelia through this process. Amelia, learn all you can and don't hesitate to ask questions. I'm sure you'll do great," he said, standing up to give them space.

Amelia stayed with Isabel, feeling like she was taking her first steps towards a new, challenging, yet promising stage in her professional life. Isabel watched her for a moment before speaking, evaluating her expression and attitude.

"Well, Amelia. Earlier, Mr. Xiting explained your relationship to me, and knowing his culture, I understand the importance of your training. At this moment, there's a part of the company that's off-limits to you. Don't insist on knowing where certain numbers come from," Isabel said, her voice firm but not aggressive.

Amelia nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Isabel's words. "I understand. My position with Jason isn't official, and until that moment, he must have certain secrets from me. He also wants to see how I am in business, and if that part were lacking, our relationship would end," she responded, trying to stay calm.

Isabel looked at her with a mix of approval and caution. "Exactly. Although I'm not judging you for that. One thing is clear: Mr. Xiting isn't a womanizer and doesn't let himself be seduced by any woman. I reviewed your resume while you were arriving. Excellent grades in high school and at Harvard, you're fluent in English, Spanish, and French, you have Mrs. Montalbán's protection, and you've impressed Mr. Xiting. I can't consider you a harmless little thing, even if that's the impression you give," Isabel said with a smile that aimed to be reassuring.

Amelia felt a bit more at ease hearing this. "Thank you. I feel quite overwhelmed by all of this. Maybe that's why I seem harmless. When Mrs. Montalbán introduced me to Mr. Xiting, I never expected to end up here. I expected to get some low position in Mrs. Montalbán's companies after finishing my studies, but never to suddenly have all the responsibility of something so big," she confessed, nervously fiddling with a pen on the table.

Isabel nodded, understanding. "Don't worry, you're not responsible for anything as long as you don't get stubborn. All your actions will be supervised by me. Mr. Xiting has given me permission to punish you physically if you make a mistake. Between you and me, I'm not going to spank you or make you bang your head against the floor, no matter what their culture is. We're in Hesperia, not Suryavanti. I just ask that you consult me about any doubts and if you think something might go wrong, let me know," she said, her tone becoming gentler and more protective.

Amelia felt a palpable sense of relief hearing this. "Thank you so much. I hope to be a good student and not disappoint you," she said sincerely, her eyes reflecting her determination to learn and adapt.

Isabel smiled, but her expression turned serious. "Forget about not disappointing me. Don't disappoint Mr. Xiting. Even being under Mrs. Montalbán's protection, I don't think your life would be worth much if you let him down," she warned, her words carrying a weight that Amelia couldn't ignore.

Amelia looked at her, feeling a pang of fear. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Isabel shook her head, softening her expression. "Nothing. Just don't let him down," she replied in a lighter tone, but the warning was clear.

Amelia nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She knew she had a lot to learn and couldn't afford major mistakes. Jason's trust and Isabel's guidance would be crucial in this process, and she was determined to prove that she was capable of meeting their expectations.