For some unknown reason, I am anxious to meet with my cousin in his office.
We aren't supposed to know each other. I'm supposed to be a new hire in his department, a secretary who comes with a glowing recommendation.
Of course that glowing recommendation comes from our own Grandfather.
I couldn't help but grin at the thought of our little secret, it was like a grand elaborate prank we were playing on the world.
"Mr. Durfort isn't your usual boss, so don't be nervous," Cassandra said as she gave me an encouraging look.
All I could do was smile back as I held back a giggle. Of course, I knew my cousin wasn't like the normal bosses in most conglomerates. I knew he was kind and understanding of his employees, we used to talk about it in detail when we were younger.
"Let's go in," Cassandra said when she was satisfied that I wouldn't shit myself in anxiety of meeting Lex.
She led me inside and greeted Lex as we entered.
"Mr. Durfort, I have the new secretary with me," Cassandra announced as she gave me a gentle nudge forward.
"Hmmmmm," Lex said as he looked at me from head to toe. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at him. "Name?"
"Don't be such a prick boss, you're gonna scare her," Cassandra teased, not knowing that I could take Lex on all on my own if I had to.
"I think it would take a lot more to scare her," Lex said, winking at me.
This time I really did roll my eyes in annoyance.
"Oh she's definitely a tough one, guess who I saw picking on her?" Cassandra was clearly pushing my cousin to ask questions, the kind I didn't want him asking.
"Picking on her?" I glared at Lex, he had spoken a little too angrily, making Cassandra raise her eyebrow at him.
"I don't like bullies," he added, waving his hand in the air. "Who was it?"
I pursed my lips knowing that when he found out who had gone after me he would be furious that she was still working there.
It was because she worked at Durfort Inc. that I met her step-brother and ended up like this.
"Those damn receptionists," Cassandra spat as if the mere mention of their group was poison.
Lex visibly froze as he gave me a curious look, I tried to send him a message by slowly shaking my head, trying to send him a message.
Luckily Lex got it and schooled his expression.
"I've told my Grandfather time and again to fire them or put them in their place," Lex hissed. It was clear he was sending me a message. "I hope they don't wait for my cousin to get back before they learn their lesson, I'm sure she'll make sure they regret their behavior."
"If she does that I will worship her," Cassandra said, looking at Lex in awe.
I couldn't help but giggle at what she had said. If only she knew who was actually standing in the room with her.
"My cousin is a force to be reckoned with," he chuckled.
"Well if she's engaged to Alexander Harris, she's definitely something," Cassandra said, clearly in awe of who she thought I was. "Whenever your friend comes over the women in this building have two reactions, either to swoon or to hide."
Lex threw back his head and laughed.
"Those that swoon must be crazy then," Lex said, shaking his head. He then turned his gaze to me then spoke, "There is only one woman I know that can take him on and that's my cousin."
"So it's a love match?" Cassandra asked, tilting her head to the side.
I went stiff at the question.
Was it a love match? I did love him once, but he never loved me.
"It could be," Lex said as his expression turned serious. "Well enough talk, do you mind leaving Lilith with me, alone? I want to talk to the new member of our team."
Cassandra went silent as she gave Lex a curious look, I couldn't help but wonder what Cassandra was thinking.
"Sure, yeah," Cassandra shrugged before gripping her shoulder. "He won't bite, don't be so tense."
I stayed glued to my spot until the door shut.
"I swear the look on your face—"
"Lex," I said, glaring at him.
"What? It was fun," he shrugged, getting up and pouring me a glass of whiskey. "On the rocks, just as you like it."
"Work hours," I warned him.
"You own the company," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Grandpa owns the company," I countered.
"You do know that you own a significant amount of shares now that you've returned and agreed to marry Alexander, right?" he said as he pushed the glass in my direction. "Drink, Lilith, celebrate."
I sighed and shook my head, but took the glass. It wasn't like my boss could fire me over this.
"So, the receptionist…" Lex said with a wary expression on his face.
"Jason's sister," there was no use in lying to him, he would find out anyway.
"You can have her fired," he said.
"I don't think I want to," I had plans for her, big plans that involved her working in Durfort Inc. for much longer. "The higher they rise the harder they fall."
I smirked as I emptied my glass and placed it on the table with a thud.
"It's good to have you back, cousin," Lex said, smiling. "You're just what Durfort Inc. needs."
"Speaking of what Durfort Inc. Needs," I began as I recalled what Dave said. "I heard a disturbing accusation in the cafeteria today."
"There are many disturbing accusations, cousin, you better expound," Lex told me.
I could see the worry in his eyes, it was clear that these accusations were not new nor rare.
"An employee told me that the senior management was corrupt," I told him.
"Well, I know about that rumor and I do think it might be true, that's why Grandpa wanted you here, we need eyes and ears on the ground," Lex explained.
"The employee called you and Grandpa corrupt too," I blurted out, worried about how my cousin would take it.