A Wife for the Billionaire
Chapter 142

Chapter 142: Chapter 142

"Yes Sir" Vera said submissively as she walked in.

I didn’t really need her, I had just called her to dismiss Sofia. Thinking quickly, I said,

"Get Quinn on the line, tell him to come over to my office. I need him to set up a desk"

"That will be all" I added when she made no attempt at leaving. She made to leave only to turn back and ask,

"But Sir, surely you don’t mean to grant her her own brand afterwards?"

"How did you know that?"

"I... I... um"

"Answer me, goddamn it!"

"I got it from the printer. It was the last thing you printed so..."

"You reprinted it?" I cut in, "Now, listen carefully, a word of this to anyone and I swear it will be the last thing you say and no I don’t plan on granting her any brand, there’s a loophole and in her eagerness to work, she didn’t see it, now get out"

Again she turned to leave and then she turned and said,

"I just have to say, Sir. I read the contract over five times and I didn’t see any loophole, you must have hidden it quite well"

As complimenting as her words were, I dismissed,

"That will be all, Vera and I hope you do your part and help her get situated, or I might’ve to find myself another secretary. One more thing, as you are aware that I’ll be traveling tomorrow, cancel all my appointments and do so appropriately and with great care. Then every call that comes in, depending on its importance, direct it either to me or to any other who could handle it, do you understand?"

"Very clearly, Sir" and she left.

I spent the next three hours discussing with Rachel Lee on how the collection was coming along and Samantha Brown on the costs and that of Aura. But the price tag for each bottle would only be decided after the ball. The first batch would be released to the highest bidders of course and the proceeds with that of other items bid on that night, sent to the foundations, charities or organizations Edward had planned.

All these he did with hope of changing my fate. It was not only stupid, but pointless as well. My fate couldn’t be changed. The thought of its possibility was just as fruitless as thinking on what day of the week tomorrow will be, no matter how hard you think about it, tomorrow will still come and it won’t change. If it’s a Sunday, it will be a Sunday. Some things just don’t change and one can only spare himself the crush of disappointment by accepting the situation exactly as it is.

And believe me, I had. A long time ago.

"Has Sofia come by?" I asked Vera, as I made to enter my office.

"No, she hasn’t"

"Of course, she hasn’t" I thought as I opened my door. Walking to my chair, I dialed Millie using my office line.

"Hello Sir," she said, picking up after the second ring.

"Is Sofia still there?"

"Um... she..." and she giggled.

"Give her the phone"

Another fit of giggles, then,

"Hello Boss" Sofia said, inciting yet another fit of giggles. Before I could say anything, she continued, "I hope I can call you that now that’s official" and she burst into laughter.

What was wrong with her? Why was she sounding so chippy and cheerful? Anyway I didn’t have time for any of that.

"What are you still doing there after," I glanced at my watch, "three hours, are you collecting for a boutique or your own wardrobe? You have just five minutes to leave that place or"

"Or what?" She asked, cutting me off. "Or you will come here and drag me out naked, right?" Another round of laughter.

Something was definitely amiss, and then I realized they had to be drunk. Or perhaps, there was a joke about me that I wasn’t in on. But the thought of her naked did cross my mind before I shoved it away, focusing on the moment.

"Why do I need to come there when I’ve already sent Lanke and the security, they should be there any moment from now. I do hope you’re ready when they arrive or else you might’ve to trek home with your load. Lanke will drive you if you are ready by the time, he arrives and remember you are to pack lightly for tomorrow, at least clothes for three days and also get ready for tonight, one more thing, we aren’t going on a fucking vacation"

The truth was that I hadn’t called Lanke or the security guards... yet. Forethought like that was one of the makings of a successful CEO like me.

"Yes Boss," she chipped again, a sound followed like the stamping of a foot, the fool must be throwing a mock salute. I must’ve been right because another round of laughter ensued.

I intentionally didn’t cut off the call. I listened to their hysterical laughter, Sofia especially. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her laugh like that.

"He’s so bossy" I heard Millie say, "Boss Wellington" and they continued laughing, oblivious to me, listening. Surely they were high. Shaking my head in disbelief, I ended the call.

I called Lanke next and instructed them to take two guards to Millie’s office to aid Sofia with her bags, while he’s to drive her back to her home... which won’t be for much longer. I will deal with that when we return from Hong Kong.

Quinn arrived and after instructing him on what to do, I left the office.

...

As drunk as I was from three flutes, (or was it five?), of champagne, Millie had provided from a drawer she had stashed behind rows of bridal gowns. I didn’t need to be told that he meant it when he had said that his driver was well on his way.

After a few try-ons, Millie had provided the wine, insisting we celebrate my position. And things had gone a little south after that.

"Here" Millie said, offering me a bottle of water. I drank as she ordered her workers to arrange my clothes and all that I had selected.

"Hold this" she handed me a bag. I knew what was in it. The attire I was to wear tonight.

"Hurry up, you fat fucks!" She yelled, as her workers scrambled for my things, apparently even drunk, she was still bossy. If not a tad more.

"Girl, I wish I could actually style you tonight. Are you sure you can’t stay?" She whined, holding my hands.

We’ve gone through this already.

"You’ve done that already, I can’t wait to put on this" I held up the bag.

"Girl, our boss might hate you as you claim, but wait till he sees you in that dress. Or his friends, their eyes will pop... hey, careful with that shoe" and she was already matching off to the employee.

The water was helping, I could feel my mind getting clearer by the second. Lanke and two guards were shown in a few seconds later and thankfully I was ready. They carried my bags and I followed, Lanke complimented on my beauty in his language, but from his eyes I could tell he wasn’t just saying it, he meant every word.

On the drive to the Blake Mansion, we talked. Not much really, just the get-to-knows, where I was from? My parents, how life had been, etcetera. I had almost told him of the job his boss offered me, but it really wasn’t in my place. And after lying as much as I had in answering most of his questions, I really wanted silence.

I guess he took the hint when I pressed my face to the glass, taking in the sights.

Getting back to the house was a stark reminder that my life hadn’t really changed that much. I still went about my duties as a servant, except that this time around I had a purpose. Lanke was coming to pick me up by 8pm.

I helped Felix serve dinner. He was still trying to make up for unintentionally almost getting me married, and I guess I should forgive him. But I wanted to enjoy more moments of him doing my chores for me because he feels guilty. I will forgiven, in fact I already did, but I couldn’t tell him just yet.

It took a while to get ready. Especially with Alicia and her daughters yelling at me. They still couldn’t believe that a man like Richard could hire me and now, he was taking me out. Their words, not mine.

They seemed to think I did something to earn the position. And in truth I did, not one thing, several. I read, I stood up to the guy, I surprised him with my knowledge of the Wellington Fashion Empire and I was willing to help a man keep his job while also going a mile for Harry.

But of course, they didn’t know all that and even if I told them, they wouldn’t believe me. They think I did something nefarious, like sleeping my way to the position.

With time, I certainly hoped to prove them wrong.