Chapter 17

~NIKLAUS'S POV~

"The board members are currently awaiting your presence in the conference room, sir," Carlos informs me while I review the company's financial matters. My witch of a mother insists on my involvement in resolving an issue she should handle herself, and she seems determined to make my life miserable if I fail to address it. She knows clearly that I lack proficiency in management, yet she persists in pushing me into the same role she once imposed on my older brother.

"There are also some issues at our branch at Corins Hills. Several staff members are refusing to return to work, causing operational delays," Carlos informs me.

"Problems with the hotel?" I raise my head and furrow my brow at Carlos. "Are you seriously telling me this now? Why are they refusing to work?"

Carlos sighs and adjusts his oversized glasses before responding, "I initially believe it's something I can manage without burdening you further, considering your already heavy workload. However, the situation escalated as the staff's behavior worsens, and it became more than I can handle."

"I am the CEO, and it's my responsibility, Carlos. You're my personal assistant, and your role is to follow my instructions and support me."

Carlos briefly glances down before lifting his head again. "That's precisely why I attempted to address it before it became a major issue, because I am your PA, and assisting you is my duty."

I sigh and shake my head, inquiring, "Is my mother aware of this?"

Carlos shakes his head and responds, "I've ensured that she is not."

I exhale with relief and nod, "Very well."

Carlos then inquires, "Should I make arrangements to replace the staff, Sir?" I pause my activities and contemplate, rubbing my index finger against my lips briefly.

"No, please refrain from doing so," I reply.

Carlos furrows his brow in confusion and asks, "Then what course of action do you propose, Sir?"

After a moment of thought, I inquire, "What do you believe Noah would have done if he were still here?"

Carlos blinks, taken aback by the mention of my late older brother. "Um... Well, Sir Noah never made independent decisions without the chairwoman's influence, so it's difficult to predict his course of action since I never observed him making unilateral decisions."

I sigh, reflecting on Noah's lack of autonomy due to our mother's control.

"Very well, provide me with the details of the staff members who have ceased working. I will personally meet with them to ascertain the reasons behind their absence. Have they submitted formal resignation letters?"

Carlos responds, "That's the issue, Sir. They haven't submitted any resignation letters; they simply stopped showing up. If the chairwoman learns of this, she may ensure their permanent exclusion from future employment opportunities."

I nod and acknowledge, "Indeed."

Carlos suggests, "But do you need to visit them personally? I can do that on your behalf."

"No, I want to visit them personally. They might be some of our best employees, and we can't afford to lose such talent. It's the right thing to do, and I need to address this to prevent a recurrence," I insist.

Carlos nods, saying, "As you wish. We should head to the conference room now. You can continue handling the company's finances later."

I run my hands over my face, feeling the weight of the situation. "How did 20 million disappear like that?" I can't believe this. How am I supposed to handle this? Such a significant amount missing from the company's finances, and if I don't resolve it immediately, the witch will be furious. The last thing I want is for her to come to my house.

"According to the chairwoman, you only have two days to fix this," Carlos informs me.

I frown at the urgency and retort, "How is that supposed to help matters, Carlos?"

He replies calmly, "We're in this together, you know that, right? If she's angry, we both face her wrath."

I react with frustration, "Why should I care if she punishes you?" She knows I don't care if she penalizes my staff, but she does it just to make me feel guilty. They end up blaming me for their misfortune anyways, and I become the villain in their eyes."

Carlos nods, understanding my perspective. "I know you don't care, but I also know you wouldn't want that to happen."

I frown and look away, conflicted. He's right. I can't escape the nightmares – the people who lost their jobs because of me, the ones who died, suffering from poverty and starvation because they lost their jobs. The ones she made sure I witnessed being beaten nearly to death. I can't let it happen again, even though I couldn't care less who gets hurt. I haven't even recovered from the nightmares about my brother, and she just adds to the torment.

"Let's go to the conference then," I say in defeat, rising from my seat. Carlos promptly gathers my laptop and some documents before leading the way.

~CAMILLE'S POV~

"He did what?!" Alice screams, causing Carter to turn toward us.

"Hello, Misses, I'm trying to study here," Carter frowns at us, his fingers resting on the keyboard of his laptop.

Alice quickly covers her lips. "I'm sorry, scholar Carter, please don't throw me out," she says, her hand muffling her words. Carter chuckles before returning to his work.

Alice turns back to me, her eyes wide with disbelief. "He asked you to be his sex partner?! He really did that?"

I sigh at her reaction and lean back against the sofa. I've been recounting my encounter at Niklaus's house, and Alice has been expressing shock and disbelief throughout.

"Wait, wait... Give me all the details so I can understand. I thought you said he was giving you the cold shoulder after talking to his mother on the phone. How did the situation suddenly escalate to him making such a proposition?"

I sigh and move closer to her, ready to provide a full account of the situation.

"Okay, this is what happened..."

*FLASHBACK*

"Can we talk somewhere else?" I inquire.

Lester nods enthusiastically, saying, "Yeah, sure." We both walk pass Niklaus and make our way to some lounge chairs to take a seat.

"So, is there a problem, beauty?" Lester asks right away, and I can't help but smile at how charming he is.

"Well, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Camille Cooper, and I work at Artpro Editing Company as an editor..." I notice Lester's expression changing to a curious one, and it seems he already has an idea of where this conversation is heading. It's no surprise that mentioning the word "editor" would pique his interest.

"I'm aware that many editors from larger companies have tried to recruit you, and they've failed. To be honest, I'm not overly confident either, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I apologize for using Niklaus as a means to reach you, but it seemed like my only option. I've attempted numerous times to contact you through your manager, but he kept telling me that you were unavailable."

He nods, "Yeah, that's very correct."

"But may I inquire why you've been declining their offers?" I ask.

Lester pauses for a moment, then responds, "Well, uh, before I explain that, why don't you provide me with a reason why I should consider working at your company and, more importantly, under your guidance?"

I pause, considering Lester's question. Could this be the type of inquiry he posed to the companies that had been vying for his talent? What should I say? I can't simply state that our company would offer him better opportunities or make him more successful. Nor can I admit that my job might be on the line if I fail to secure his agreement.

"Uh, our company fosters a culture of collaboration and creativity. We believe in giving our writers the freedom to explore..."

"I want to hear what you think, Camille," Lester interrupts. "Why should I be under your supervision? Why should I let you be my editor?"

I pause again, taken aback by his direct question. He wants to hear my genuine thoughts? I'm not sure that's a good idea because I don't have much confidence in my abilities as an editor.

"Well," I begin hesitantly, "Honestly, the truth is, if I don't bring you over to the company, I might end up without a job..." I cover my face with my hands and feign tears, trying to lighten the atmosphere with a touch of humor.

He suddenly bursts into laughter and removes my hands from my face, saying amidst his laughter, "Are you serious?"

I nod and join in the laughter, saying, "Yes, my manager is going to bury me with my eyes open if I don't bring you on board."

Lester shakes his head, still chuckling, and says, "Wow, that's some honesty."

I stop laughing and become more serious. "But honestly, I genuinely admire your work, your unique style, and the way you carry yourself. I can't claim to have read all of your books, but I know someone who has devoured every one of them. I even had to console her when she was in tears after finishing 'Demon's Lifeline.'" I chuckle at the memory.

He chuckles as well, saying, "Oh, really?"

"Absolutely," I reply. "She just couldn't bear how the character had to meet his end."

Lester appears intrigued and asks, "Who is this friend of yours?"

"Her name is Alice; she's also an editor at the company."

He nods and says, "Well, please convey my gratitude to her. It means a lot to know there are so many people who appreciate my work."

I nod in agreement, saying, "Your works are truly remarkable. However, I must admit that I may not be the best editor for you. In fact, I wouldn't recommend working under my supervision."

Lester furrows his brow, asking, "Why do you say that?"

"I believe you're already quite skilled, and you don't necessarily need supervision, especially not from me," I explain. "Instead, if you're considering joining my company, I'd like to propose that you become my teacher. I have a desire to write a book someday, although I don't intend to quit my job as an editor. I still love what I do. But I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. So, instead of accepting me as your editor, please consider accepting me as your student."

He gazes at me for a moment and then breaks into a warm smile. "You almost got me there, beauty."

"Well, 'almost' is something and I can manage that," I reply with a smile.

He leans against the chair and lets out a sigh. "You know, others have told me how well they would treat me and how great they would make me, but here you are, asking me to be your teacher?" He chuckles lightly and shakes his head. "I didn't realize you held me in such high regard. Thank you."

I smile at him warmly. "You deserve it."

"But can I tell you something, beauty?" he continues.

"Of course," I reply.

"You are more than competent as an editor. None of the other editors have intrigued me the way you have. You excel at being yourself, and that's exactly what I've been searching for."

I smile widely and say, "That's incredibly kind of you, especially coming from you. Thank you."

"Why don't you give me some time to think about your offer, beauty? I can't promise a definite yes, but rest assured, even if I don't end up working at your company, I'll find time to be your mentor."

My excitement beams, and I flash a wide smile, revealing my white teeth. "Really?"

He nods and continues, "In addition to that, do you have time this Friday?"

"Time for what?" I ask.

"I'm hosting a party to celebrate my recent achievement at my house this Friday. Would you like to come? I might have made up my mind by then." He grins.

I nod enthusiastically, "Sure, why not? I'll definitely come."

"Great," he says. "Let me have your phone."

I hesitate for a moment and then reply, "Well, my bag isn't with me right now."

"No problem," he says. "Just give me your phone number, and I'll text you the location."

I agree, "Okay." I recite my phone number, and he saves it in his phone.

"It's settled then, nice to meet you again, beauty." He stretches out his hand for a handshake and I shake him with a smile on my face.

"You too, Lester."

XOXO