Monday.
The day was cloudy in city B.
A elegant girl held a large bag on her right arm as she entered the lobby of the LSM Enterprise.
Two bodyguards as big as a door followed behind her. The looks on his face were serious and firm.
The Hall was decorated with a large, beautiful Christmas tree, several lights flashed beautifully. The Christmas mood could be felt in the air.
The girl entered the elevator after greeting several people along the way and pressed the button that would take her to the thirteenth floor in the LSM Enterprise design department.
She left the elevator and headed to her office. A reserved room in the south corner of the building, the view was the best part of this small room. One could see a large part of city B and Avenue A, the most important and bustling street.
His secretary quickly entered and began to go over his schedule.
- Good Morning. How was the weekend? Are you alright? A gentleman called that you were at the hospital on Friday. He said it was just anemia. I was a bit worried. And who are those two closets at the door of your office? - Grace said, the secretary.
- I am fine. It was a busy weekend. I really went to the hospital. I'm fine, you do not need to worry. I those are the bodyguards that the guy I'm leaving with delivered me.
"Well, technically we're leaving. It may not be in a romantic exactly relationship, but we're dating." Diana thought.
She remembered vividly the kiss she shared with Alexander. Warm, gentle, sweet. That was his first kiss.
It is true. In those twenty-five years, she's never been with anyone. There never was a boyfriend. She always focused on her career and forgot to live like a normal young woman. Not that there was a shortage of suitors, but she'd never met someone who made her heart beat fast. At least not until I met Alexander.
It made her heart beat faster and harder, but she knew that it was not possible to get involved with a rich guy from a big family.
Well, she did not even know Alexander's last name, much less her family background, but she knew he was rich and of good family only by observing his mannerisms and possessions.
Obviously it was impossible, but she could dream and maybe even take a cone as she did, unintentionally, on Friday night.
- Someone finally got a man !? - Grace almost screamed.
- Shhh ... I do not know what's going on yet. Do not spread out.
- Okay, okay. Today we have a meeting at two o'clock in the afternoon with the directors and the vice president, who will give the last word on the competition of the design board. I heard that maybe the president will come. - Grace said excitedly.
- The president?
- Yes! Oh, God, yes, Alexander Dunkelheit! Oh, he's so handsome! He is the richest man in the country and is on the list of the richest five in the world. And the best part, he's single! The woman who marries him is a lucky bitch! - Grace commented as a fangirl who spoke of her most beloved idol. - All the unmarried women, and even some married women, are getting ready to wait for the great Emperor to arrive! Even the position of the great Emperor's concubine is worth it!
"Alexander? ... Dunkelheit ...? It must be a coincidence." Diana thought.
- So dirty! Continue with the schedule.
- Okay, spoil pleasures. Both, there was a meeting with the vice president, but Secretary Smith called canceling. Then the board meeting that would be at nine was moved to two. And the meeting with the vice president was canceled indefinitely.
- All right, thanks.
"Thank God. That disgusting old man has been trying to get into my panties a long time. I can use this for now, but I need to be careful. I'm practically on the razor's edge, a false step can cost me everything." She thought.
Previously, Diana wore her good looks and sweet smile to get benefits from the vice president. Of course, the old man in his fifties was smart and tried his hardest to get his favor. She, like a clever player, always wore an innocent face to face the old man without shame.
Every time he said he wanted to approach her, she would smile sweetly and say, "Vice President, stop bullying me and cheat! You're married and have three kids! How could I be in your heart? You're just kidding me. "She would put on a sad face, from someone who was harshly bullied, and quickly moved away.
Strangely enough, in the last three years she became manager and started contacting the vice president, that tactic worked.
The vice president asked the former design director to let her do whatever she wanted. The best designers went to your team. And her salary was much higher than any other manager.
Of course, only she, the former design director, the HR director, and the vice president, were the only and they knew it.
The truth is that the vice president wanted her to be transferred as his secretary, but thanks to the jealous wife of the vice president, he could only please Diana from a distance. Wishing that one day she would see his acts as proof of love and accept to be his mistress.
Of course it was a completely empty hope, but this hope was good for Diana, so she kept on.
Obviously, Diana never knew that someone else had discovered all this. Alexander Dunkelheit!
He asked Assistant Kim to fully investigate Diana's life. He knew clearly that she was not involved with the vice president and knew that the old man was trying to please Diana and bring her to his bed. How could he let that happen?
So he called for a meeting with the vice president that morning, canceling the old man's plans without shame of stretching his claws on Diana.
At 9:00 am, on the 20th floor of LSM Enterprise headquarters, Alexander Dunkelheit entered his little-used office.
For the past five years, since he inherited the Dunkelheit conglomerate, he rarely returned to the LSM office. He knew the capabilities of Vice President Karkaroff, and he was confident that LSM would be all right. His only job was to sign some documents and read reports once a week.
Of course now the situation has changed a bit. But was good.
It was better to cut off evil at its root.
For some time he wanted to fire Karkaroff for his faults. Why, Karkaroff was not courting only Diana. There were several other girls who received their favors in the various departments of the company and some were already in their bed.
Of course he was neglecting the situation by his competence as administrator but, everything has limit.
A few minutes later, Karkaroff entered the office.
- President.
- Karkaroff. Take a look at it and tell me your opinion. - Alexander said quietly, signaling to assistant Kim.
Kim handed a black folder to Karkaroff.
The middle-aged man opened the briefcase and read a complete report of his small deeds with the company's money.
Including your travels with your company-sponsored and non-profit company lovers.
- Should I call the police? Should I sue you? What should I do? Alexander asked hesitantly.
- P-President, this is a calumny ...
- That was personally investigated by Secretary Weber and Assistant Kim. I doubt it would be a slander, especially when none of them would have made gains in their downfall. Deliver your resignation letter quickly and wait for the contact of my lawyers.
The middle-aged man was shaking. His face was pale as a sheet of paper.
- You can go out. Alexander said coolly.
After former Vice President Karkaroff left, Alexander looked at the documents in front of him.
- Call a general board meeting.
A few minutes later, a group of four men and a woman entered the meeting room. Shortly after, Alexander walked quietly into the room.
- Director George from the design department is retiring. As a result, competition for the position was opened. I would like to know the gentlemen's ideas for this position
.
- I have two competitors in good standing. Miss Diana Aimer, team manager three. And Mr. Lucas Anderson, team manager one. - Answered the director of Marketing. - Both are good professionals. Miss Aimer is known for her good personality, kindness, she listens to everyone and looks for a turning point where to work. It is diplomatic and sincere. Very talented, but it does not strike me as a person with a strong hand to charge strongly. Of course, his team never delivered their projects late and were always done with mastery and creativity. Mr. Anderson, on the other hand, is known for his strong temperament. It charges results regardless of the means. He is good at pulling even the strength, the full potential of his team.
- I do not really like Mr. Anderson that much. - commented the only woman in the room, the director of international projects. - He has no touch. You will end up becoming a tyrant. Aimer on the other hand, is very good but, very kind too. I'm afraid the subalterns will take advantage of your kindness. I like Mr. Kevin, Team Two. He is sensible, diplomatic but temperamental.
- I'd rather Aimer. She at least will not be an arrogant mistress of the truth as I can see the other two being. Aimer is usually gentle but you can also draw strength from kindness. It is easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar. Proof of this is that teams one and two have delivered many late projects and the two rascals never look for new techniques. Unlike Aimer. Last week she went to town Y at a conference with the famous painter Li Min De. We all know that Oriental styles are on the rise, so she went looking for guidance on Eastern forms and designs. It is applied. - Said the director of HR.
- I also think Aimer is a better option. I read your portfolio and asked about the general opinion of employees about it. She is always polite and kind to everyone. From the janitor to the vice president. She treats everyone equally. - said the director of the development department.
- I'd rather Kevin. He seems more reliable for the job. - He simply commented the director of the IT department. - Even if Aimer is very good, I think she's a bit soft. Her project, "The Fantastic World Of Fairy" is a success. The game had a record of downloads on the first day of release and, even a year later, is one of the most played mmorpg produced by our company. She has talent but the personality is very kind.
- It seems Miss Aimer has a better qualification in the minds of the majority. Sugarplum. Miss Aimer is the new Design Director. I think her kind personality can make people want to do their best. I'm sending Aimer to do a month-long training at the headquarters of the Dunkelheit Conglomerate. She will come back sharper.
- Yes, President. - Answered the directors.
- Kim, send Diana Aimer to do some training in my office.
Alexander smiled brightly at the thought of staying close to his dear wife.
Yes, in Alexander's mind, Diana Aimer was already his wife. He would do his best and the impossible to accomplish his goal - to bring Diana home as his wife and put her seeds in it. He could even imagine having two or three children with her.
At two in the afternoon, the company's directors met with competitors to vacate the board to announce the new design director.
The three competitors, two men and one woman, sat down at the large meeting table and waited for the verdict.
- Well, let's not stretch ourselves. Miss Aimer is the new Design Director. Congratulations miss, here are the keys to your new office, in the folder are your inherited projects. - Said the HR director succinctly. - I ask you both to leave first so that we can pass on the activities to Principal Aimer.
Hearing this, the two men left the room and the HR director turned to Diana.
- Aimer, you are extremely talented and capable, but we have doubts about your very kind personality, so, passing our concerns to the President, he suggested that you take a month-long training in the Dunkelheit Conglomerate. The time is right, since we no longer have design projects and the team will receive vacations until January. I know you deserve a break too, but think of it as a preparation for something greater. Your salary will triple and your working hours will decrease. It is not totally a loss. - Instructed the HR director.
- Yes, you're right, Director Wagner. Those days at the Dunkelheit Conglomerate will help me grow. I do not mind doing this training.
- That's nice. You have the right to two secretaries, you can choose to keep your desk or ask for a new one, I suggest you keep one of the former director of design's secretaries. You also need to choose an assistant who will accompany you to meetings, events and your life in general. Name someone to take over your team. Send the e-mails communicating the collective vacations and tomorrow, report the headquarters of the Dunkelheit Conglomerate. As a board member, you now use vacancy number seven. The car that is in this position is yours, a company gift for your promotion. The only thing is: you can not sell this car or you will be fired and, in case of retirement, the car remains yours. The keys are along with the office keys and the documents are in the folder. Good luck, Principal Aimer.
Diana sighed. "Too bad, I can not sell this car but, I can sell my old one, it's giving trouble anyway."
What Diana did not know was that this handsome black SUV parked in its place was the most expensive, high-tech type of armored car in the world.
The car was produced by Dunkelheit motors, a subsidiary of the Dunkelheit Conglomerate.
The high-torque V10 engine, state-of-the-art front-line dampers and large wheels allow the vehicle to override various types of obstacles. The shield, which covers all the components of the car, is able to withstand fire of any caliber and explosions ensuring the safety of the crew.
The vehicle also has double glazing for added protection and an oxygen reservoir that is automatically triggered in case of chemical attacks, keeping the interior totally isolated from the contaminated external area. In addition, there is a fire suppression mechanism, some weapons stored in strategic places, encrypted communication system in case the owner needs to make an emergency call, GPS system and encrypted security cameras transmitted directly to the Dunkelheit satellite, and only Alexander has access, since it is necessary to pass through a series of access identifications.
And all this in a seemingly normal car with lines and the luxurious interior but, nothing extravagant.
The vehicle is identical to the one used by Alexander. Obviously, a controlling man, meticulous and with so many hidden and avowed enemies like Alexander Dunkelheit, would never allow the only woman he fell in love to be in danger of because of him.
It is true that all directors receive cars when they are promoted but, they are just ordinary luxury cars nothing like Diana.
She knows that Alexander dispatched bodyguards to protect her, but what she does not know is that there were eight bodyguards on her floor, the whole building where she lives suffered for an inspection, until the villagers were investigated and, in this exact At the moment, the building underwent a small renovation to increase the security of the entire site.
He had already had security cameras installed throughout the building, and at that moment in Diana's apartment, four men set up cameras and replaced the door and window panes with a bullet-proof special. In addition to installing an anti-chemical attack security systems.
The truth is that Alexander really wanted Diana to move to his house. He would only feel better knowing that she is in a residence with an anti-nuclear bunker and her entire 15,000-hectare property, with a large wall surrounding her with stations and security system, was self-sufficient. If they were not attacked by nuclear or chemical weapons, they could live under siege on that property for all eternity. And if they do not want to stay, they could leave without any difficulty, since Alexander maintains three heavily armored helicopters. He even had a private lane for his four jets inside the huge estate where he lives.
- Thank you, Director Wagner. I'm going to keep my secretary and secretary Mary Lincoln. The assistant, I have someone in mind, will not be worried.
Diana felt a bit uncomfortable about having a shadow behind her but she knows it's important and the assistant and the second secretary were basically nannies who took care of the director completely, she also knew that it was impossible to reject thanks to the tone used by the director. director Wagner to instruct. And it was even good to have a nanny. It would save you time on many things.
- The new manager of the three team will be Gabriella Johnson, she is already in the team and understands the operation well. I'll send the holiday notice. What is the period? - Diana decided in a professional tone.
- From the first of December until the third of January. Oh yeah. I suggest you start looking for a good dress. December fifteenth is the two hundred and fifty years anniversary of the Dunkelheit Conglomerate. There's going to be a masked ball. Only the first and second line executives of the subsidiary companies participate. It's a great opportunity to make relationships with the various directors and vice presidents who will be there.
- Right. Thank you, principals.
- Well, meeting closed.
After receiving the folder with all the information of the position, passwords, keys of her room, the car and the safe in her room, Diana left the meeting room and returned to her original room.
- Grace, prepare for the change. Let's go to the design board room.
Grace ran and hugged Diana. She was very happy. Being the secretary of the new Design director was to work a little more, but receive almost double the salary.
After picking up her personal belongings, Diana and Grace went to the fourteenth floor, where the design director's room was located.
The secretary standing to receive them was Mary Lincoln, a thirty-something lady with a professional smile.
- Director Aimer, congratulations on your promotion. I hope we can work well together.
- Mrs. Lincoln, I expect the same.
- I'd like you to brief yourself on your duties and Miss Grace Armstrong's duties.
- Well, the functions are divided into three. The first secretary is responsible for scheduling appointments, receiving customer requests, notifying and communicating with the other directors and the Dunkelheit Conglomerate, and taking care of the documents sent by both. This is me. The second desk takes care of the documents, communication with the managers and staff of the department. Her action is more like a supervisor, reporting on progress in the projects, however, is said as a secretary since she has a copy of her agenda and can schedule meetings according to her will and availability by serving the employees below hierarchically. And the assistant is someone who will take care of your general needs like food, health, will accompany the appointments, will be in touch with us all the time. Assistant director Hill even leads and picks up her clothes in the laundry room and takes the director's car to wash. I heard she even inspects the principal's house to see if the maids clean and cook according to the tastes of the director. - Lincoln explained.
The truth was not quite right.
The directors had only one secretary and one assistant. Director Aimer was an exception.
Mary did not know why the directive had changed and would not ask questions. All she knew was that the director of the Human Resources department called her earlier and told her that there was a change of directive, she would remain as secretary to the new director and that now the new director would have another secretary and an assistant . Of course, Mary had not seen a problem in this since her work was maintained. She simply listened to the information given by the director and went over.
- Well, it will be so. I'm leaving Mrs. Lincoln, who has more experience with the board as the first secretary herself. Grace, you're going to be the second secretary. I'm thinking of calling a friend and see if she can take over as my assistant.
Mary helped Diana to the big office.
The cherry wood table was heavy and dignified. A cherry bookcase full of design books rested on the south wall.
On the north wall, two oil paintings decorate the wall. The pieces were impressionist, one of Diana's favorite styles. A door was closed between the two frames.
The east wall was where the door was and the west wall was a glass wall with the beautiful landscape of city B and a mountain range with snowy peaks.
Diana opened the door and discovered a small hallway with three doors.
The door to the left was a dining room with a refrigerator, a large granite countertop and a fully equipped cupboard with kitchen utensils such as cutlery, glasses, dishes, an electric kettle, a microwave and several industrialized snacks. Inside the refrigerator were fresh fruit, cheese, wine and honey bread. There were even green coconuts in the vegetable drawer. Diana loves to drink coconut water when she feels headache.
The middle door is a fully equipped bathroom. It's big enough for two people to take a shower. Several thick towels and bathrobes were stacked in the bathroom closet.
The third door, to the right, was a room with a soft, fluffy rug, a King size bed full of pillows, a closet that, incredible enough, filled with clothes for her. The size was right. Beside the door, a shoe cabinet with several high and low shoes, even slippers, all of their size.
"How do they know my size? Scary!"
After arranging, Diana picked up the cell phone, went to the side of the glass wall and dialed her best friend, Anna.
- Slut, I have a job offer for you. - She said when the other person answered the phone.
- Bitch, I really need a job. You were right, that bastard was cheating on me. I was going to call you to tell you that I'm moving to city B. I can not stand being here any longer. I was just waiting for the time when you'd leave work ... by the way, you're at work, right? You do not like solving personal problems when you're at work.
- I called you at work. I told you that bastard was not worth anything. Well, let's talk about happy things. I got the promotion for Design Director and I need a nanny ... I mean, an assistant. Someone who will take care of me practically twenty-four hours a day. And you are the person I trust the most and I feel comfortable being my shadow. The salary is very good, several benefits and medical care is the best.
- I accept. I can live with you? I pay the room rent.
- I'll take your money. You consume a lot of energy.
- Bitch penny-pincher.
- Exhausting bitch. When will you arrive?
- I'm halfway there. I got a bus, I do not have money for a plane ticket. I must arrive at seven or eight at night.
- Okay. Do you want me to pick you up at the bus station?
- Yes. I'm full of suitcases.
- Okay. When you're here, call me and I'll pick you up.
Diana hung up her cell phone and rang the bell to call Mary.
And the woman entered quickly.
- Director?
- Contact the HR director and ask to cancel the search for an assistant. I've already found the right person for the job. She's coming to sign the contract tomorrow.
- Yes ma'am. Director Taylor from the IT department called and asked you to go to the department five to collect the fingerprints for the vault and other digital accesses.
- Right. - Diana glanced at her watch, four-forty-five. - I'm going to the IT department now. I'm just going to send the email telling you the vacation. By the way, are you and Grace on vacation?
- Yes ma'am. But, we are on notice. If something happens, the vacation will be canceled. Oh yeah. Good luck with your training at the Conglomerate's headquarters.
- Thanks.
After writing the holiday announcement and sending the e-mail to everyone in the department, Diana took the bag and headed for the IT department on the seventeenth floor.
She arrived in a totally different hall of the elegant salon of the design department. This place was cold and several employees wearing glasses, mostly working on computers.
A woman in her twenties and early thirties approached.
- Can I help you?
- I'm the new Design Director, Director Taylor invited me.
- Oh yeah. Director Aimer. Director Taylor warned. Can you come with me, please?
The woman walked into a half-hidden room and Diana followed.
- Director Aimer is here to see Director Taylor. - Said the woman to a handsome man sitting at a table in the living room.
- Right. Thank you. Director, I will announce your arrival.
The man knocked on the adjoining door and entered. A few seconds later, he left.
- Director Taylor is waiting.
- Thanks.
Diana came into the room and saw the almost forty-year-old man sitting behind the mahogany table and a thirty-year-old man sitting on the couch.
Director Taylor stood up.
- Aimer. This is the head of security for the Dunkelheit Conglomerate, Mr. Villas. It will carry a copy of your fingerprints and retinal scan to the seat. Security issue.
- All right, shall we start?
- Director. - Mr Villas pointed to the couch, and Diana sat elegantly. The man took the fingerprint reader and explained quietly. - Director Aimer, you received a car as a prize for the promotion, the car has the option of digital identification, in case you lose the keys, it is still possible to use the vehicle. We will subscribe to this option today. We will also register your digital for access to the safe in your room. And we will register your retina and fingerprints to access the executive elevator at the Dunkelheit Conglomerate headquarters and the maximum security safe on the nineteenth floor. Any questions?
- No sir. Please start.
The man then opened the lid of the laptop on the coffee table and instructed.
- Director, put your right thumb in the reader, please. After a few seconds, he asked to change his fingers, picking up the fingerprints of the thumbs and fingers of both hands. Then the man took a retinal scanner and asked Diana to look at the scanner lens. - All ready. I scanned the two retinas and collected four fingerprints. Thank you, Principal.
- Thank you very much.