The event that transpired at the hotel the past week lingered in Anthony's mind. For some strange reason he was finding it really difficult to get Claire out of his mind. He had pondered continuously on how prudent it would be to hand out the role of his personal assistant to someone so inexperienced. His previous choices of assistants had always been ladies who had prior experiences in such roles, as they always tended to know just what to do.
But here he was seriously considering hiring a green horn. He had conducted interviews after the encounter at the Hotel, and he definitely came across much more qualified candidates, but something about Claire stood out. He couldn't exactly place his fingers on it, but there was something about her that left a lasting impression on him. Could it be her boldness in pitching for the job or the polished way she spoke? He had come across equally or more sophisticated applicants, so it couldn't necessarily be that. So what was it?
"You have a visitor sir," Anthony's thought was disrupted by his receptionist. "Who is it?" He wasn't expecting anyone by this time. "He said his name is Michael Porter." Anthony's expression suddenly changed, he looked quite flustered "Oh Shit!" He cursed beneath his breath. He had a meeting with a representative of Ellison Enterprises which was meant to seal a lucrative business deal, and he had completely forgotten. It was usually the job of his personal assistant to remind him of these meetings, but he currently had none, and was struggling to keep up with all his schedules. "Let him in," Anthony told his receptionist.
"Good day Mr. Porter. Please here, have your seat." Anthony stood up from his seat to extend a handshake to the bald chubby man who served as the Director of Ellison Enterprises. "Good day Mr. Gordon. The President is not quite pleased with you. We agreed and scheduled a meeting for 10:00 am this morning, and you did not show up." The man said while taking his seat. "I'm deeply sorry about that. I had to let my personal assistant go and haven't been able to replace her, it's been tough keeping up with all my meeting schedules, I mixed up the timing." Anthony said apologetically.
"Well, you have to get your act together, Mr Gordon, and try to hire a new assistant as soon as possible. The President was really displeased and the only reason he didn't terminate the deal and send me here was because of the good relationship we've built up over the years."
Anthony heaved a sigh of relief, he was close to losing a huge business deal just because he had forgotten about a meeting. Ellison Enterprises is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, and securing this contract would cement his company's dominance in the market. "I apologize once again, I'll personally call the President and tell him how sorry I am." Anthony said, slightly embarrassed.
"Well, Mr Gordon. Since you couldn't make it to the meeting earlier today, the President sent me here to inform you of the new development." Anthony sat upright. He felt a little tensed. Something about the word "new development " did not sit right with him.
"The board of Ellison Enterprises is leaning towards signing the contract with our competitor. Apparently, Mr. Ellison's wife has a lot of influence over his decisions, and she's pushing for a more 'family-oriented' partnership."
"Family-oriented? Since when did business deals have anything to do with personal lives?"Anthony questioned. "Since now, apparently. Mr. Ellison wants to ensure his company's legacy is tied to a stable and reputable family. He thinks it sends a good message to the public and his shareholders." Mr. Porter continued
Anthony was anxious, he could feel balls of sweats forming on his face. He had always been a lone wolf, fiercely private about his personal life, but he felt this deal was too crucial to let slip away. "So you mean I risk losing this deal because I don't currently have a family of my own?" Anthony asked as he took a white handkerchief to wipe the sweat of his face.
"Well, I can't say for certain that you'd lose the deal, but it would definitely help a great deal if you did have a family of your own. You're an eligible bachelor, Mr. Gordon, you sure wouldn't have trouble finding a suitable wife for yourself. That would certainly help your chances. Mrs Ellison is set on giving your competitors the deal, but the President has a soft spot for you and has sent me to inform you about this. So I'd advise you to act on the information and do so fast." Mr. Porter concluded as he stood up to take his leave.
"Thank you so much Mr. Porter, i really appreciate it and I apologize once again for missing the meeting." Anthony said as he shook Mr. Porter's hands and saw him out.
Anthony came back to his office feeling uneasy. He walked to the window, staring at the city below. What was he to do? He thought about reaching to Joe, his best friend since college and ask for advice on what to do. Joe was away on an important business trip and Anthony hoped he'd be able to pick up and answer his phone.
"What's up Pal," Anthony heaved a sigh a relief as he heard Joe's voice. "Hey man, I'm good. How are you doing?" Anthony asked Joe "I'm exhausted, my friend, this business trip is making me stressed. I need to go out and have some fun after all this. I heard Miami has some cool spots." Anthony chuckled on hearing this. He knew his friend. He partied and played as hard as he worked.
"I need your advice on something very important. " Anthony said as he narrated his whole dilemma to Joe, informing him about his situation with the personal assistant and the more important matter surrounding the business deal. "So, what do you think I should do?" Anthony asked after he was done narrating the whole situation."
"I have a situation I need your advice on bro," Anthony said, punctuating the pleasantries. "No problem friend, let me hear it." Anthony narrated his dilemma to Joe, ensuring not to leave out any detail. "So, what do you think I should do?" Anthony asked after he was done narrating the whole situation."
Joe let out a loud laugh which surprised Anthony at first, "Hey man, this is not a trivial matter to laugh about, I'm being serious here." Anthony said in a stern tone slightly crossed and slightly puzzled as to what Joe found funny about what he just said. "I know it's quite serious, I'm just quite amused as to how you found yourself in this dilemma, " Joe responded still chuckling.
"Well, I think you should give them what they want." Joe said, in a more serious tone now. "So, what are you suggesting? That I parade a fake family in front of them?" Anthony quizzed. "Not exactly. But…what if you were to marry? A strategic marriage could not only appease Mrs. Ellison but also align with your company's image."
"Marry, huh? And who would be willing to marry me on such short notice, let alone for business reasons?" Anthony asked Joe. "There's someone who might be perfect. The lady you met at the Hotel. You said she's smart, presentable, and… she's desperate to make ends meet. This could be a mutually beneficial arrangement."
After the call, Anthony pondered on Joe's proposition. He finally made up his mind on what to do and picked up his phone to call Jessica, the HR manager.