LAPD, los Angeles police department
10:35 am
"How could you betray me like this, Christina?" the billionaire gasped, his voice trembling with anger. "I trusted you more than anyone, but you repaid my loyalty with betrayal. You've ruined everything."
Christina wept, but her tears were lost on Grey. His rage was a tempest, consuming any semblance of compassion.
"Grey, please, give me another chance," she pleaded, her voice a desperate whisper. "I'm so sorry. I promise to make it right."
"Stay away from me," Grey roared, his eyes filled with fury. "I can't forgive you. You betrayed my trust, stole from me, and shattered my heart. You're a monster."
Christina's sobs grew louder, but Grey was unmoved. "I loved you with all my heart, but you threw it away. You're done. Get out of my sight."
With a wave of his hand, Grey dismissed the officers. Christina was handcuffed and led away, her cries echoing through the interrogation room.
As Grey left the building, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Christina's parting words haunted him: "You'll regret this, Grey. I'll destroy everything you love."
Grey's mansion,
The morning sun cast a golden glow over Grey's opulent mansion. He awoke from a nightmare, his heart pounding in his chest. "Just a dream," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Grey rose from bed and glanced at the clock. "Eight o'clock already? I'm late!" he exclaimed, rushing to get ready.
Grey stepped out of bed, slipping on his flip-flops. As he walked towards his luxurious bathroom, he grumbled to himself, "I shouldn't have consumed so much coffee over the past three days. All that fatigue wouldn't have occurred, and I wouldn't have overslept."
As Grey reached the dining table, his maid, Mandy, approached him. "Excuse me, Mr. Grey, are you speaking to someone there?" she inquired.
"Absolutely not, Mandy," Grey replied. "I'm alone as usual."
"Oh, I apologize. I heard you talking, so I assumed you were with someone," Mandy said, giving him a peculiar look. Grey was oblivious to the reason for her expression.
"Mr. Grey, is everything alright? You typically wake up early for your morning jog," Mandy asked.
"Yes, well, about that," Grey responded. "I don't know what's gotten into me, but I believe it's all the coffee I've been drinking. It's made me oversleep, but it's fine now."
"Alright, Mr. Grey. I must be on my way," Mandy said nervously.
The day took a gloomy turn as dark clouds obscured the morning sun and rain began to fall. Grey had barely finished his breakfast when he was forced to abandon his leisurely meal and rush to get dressed. Donning his signature black suit and tie, complemented by a golden Rolex and Italian classic shoes, Grey exuded the air of a young billionaire. From his balcony, he watched the rain fall upon his expansive estate.
"Your ride is here Mr Grey, his butler said from behind the door,
Your ride is here, Mr. Grey," his butler, Alfred, announced from behind the door.
"Oh, Alfred," Grey replied. "I believe this pool requires a cleaning. Please contact the cleaning crew again, and also the gardener. The flowers need a more precise trim." With that, Grey exited the house.
His black limousine was waiting outside, parked beside his gargoyle fountain. Grey entered the vehicle and departed for work.
"The Grey Telecommunications Plaza," Grey read aloud as he arrived. "I think this could have used a more imaginative name," he muttered as his receptionist approached with an umbrella.
"Morning, Mr. Grey," the receptionist said. "I hope this doesn't inconvenience you. The hallway is currently under construction."
"It's fine, as long as it's completed promptly," Grey replied, stepping outside and entering the plaza. The receptionist remained outside, smiling to herself. Grey was in a particularly good mood that day.
Grey proceeded directly to the elevator and ascended to the top floor, where his office was located. As the elevator bell chimed, he stepped out and walked towards his office.
"Morning, Mr. Grey. Would you like some coffee?" Clarence inquired.
"No thanks, Clarence. I'm fine," Grey responded, continuing his journey to his office.
"Morning Mr Grey, here's some coffee for you", his sales manager said as grey walked to his office,
No, no, no more coffee! I'm fed up with coffee," Grey exclaimed loudly.
"I apologize, Mr. Grey, but you mentioned that you would only be drinking coffee at work," Jane replied.
"Well, I did, but I didn't specify right now," Grey countered.
"Sir, you said you would be having it first thing in the morning," Jane reminded him.
"Oh, I did. I'm sorry, but I believe I'm fine now, Jane," Grey said to his sales manager. Although she acted as his personal secretary, she was not officially in that role.
"Very well, Mr. Grey. Is there anything else you would like?" Jane asked.
"I think I'm fine for now, but I'll let you know if I need anything. However, before I go, Jane, I require a presentation for this evening's meeting with the shareholders. Please have it ready by this afternoon," Grey instructed, then proceeded directly to his office. "Really," Jane muttered to herself as Grey departed.
"Morning, Mr. Grey," his secretary knocked on the door before entering.
"I hope it's not more coffee," she said, staring at Grey. "Actually, Mr. Grey, it was your mother on the phone. She wanted to speak with you. It wasn't coffee," the secretary informed Grey, who was disappointed.
"Oh, sorry for that I guess I was mistaken, you'll excuse me ", "it's alright Mr Grey" she said as she went out of the office, grey took the phone and answered it.
"What took you so long Grey", his mom said
"Mom, I'm kind of having a very stressful day right now",
"What it's not even midday yet",
"I know mom but you better believe me", "you know what grey I'm on my way to the plaza right now" she interrupted and ended the call. Grey breathed heavily, "what's she now up to" grey said and placed his phone down.
Four months had passed since Grey had last seen his mother in person. They had maintained their connection through phone calls, but Grey was eager to make a good impression and ensure the building was presentable for her visit. He instructed his secretary to arrange for elegant floral decorations and a new carpet for his office.
A woman more focused on style than age, Grey's mother arrived within an hour of his preparations. Her driver parked her sleek black Porsche beside Grey's limousine, and together, they made their way to his office
"Nice decor, scarlet carpet, impressive, looks like you were busy in preparations son" she said as she entered the office, Grey went closer to greet her, "and I'm used to all of these, except the perfume, it's a new scent that I don't recognize it", " I definitely got you there mom , it's a new perfume I got for the office you like it", he said as he went closer to his mom and hugged her, "anything for my son, bring it in".
"So, how's it been going mom", he said,
"you said you had stress earlier but you have no idea of what I've been going through these days", she said as she sipped her tea.
"And what could it be then mom", "nothing much I've been firing all my maids you want to know the reason why",
"I bet it's all about style again right", said Grey,
"of course it is and they really deserved it messing up with my wardrobe and other stuff", "come on mom, I know you're into style but maybe you should take it slow you know", "oh you may be right but never mind I came to talk to you sunny".
"I really want to know how you've been doing you look kind of exhausted these days what have you been going through",
"Mom you would never know, I had lots of work to do, I ended up taking too much coffee and absolutely overslept this morning yet I'm always punctual" he said,
"Oh, so that's why you answered none of my calls huh",
"My bad mom",
"you know what Grey you should get rid of coffee it's really bad for you, and you could use a day off if you want because I think it would be better", she said to Grey.
"Grey I'm really proud of you, there's a time when I used to look at you and saw a young boy but now, all I see is that you've become a man, just as your father was, all I could ever wish for is now at hand Grey,"
"yes mom, by the way I know you really miss him by now," Grey said gently,
"of course, I do grey but all I care about is that I have my own son who resembles him, Grey after he had passed away, I took my only option to hand over his wealth to my son, and now I think all my courage paid off,"
"of course, mom, it did and I will never disappoint you for sure,"
"Okay sunny I think I'll have to step to the mall for some shopping,"his mom said,
"Really mom more shopping again", Grey laughed softly
"Yeah, I've not even bought a single stiletto since I came from Houston even though I kind of did some shopping there",
"Yeah, and it's not been a week since you came back right,"
"well I'll have to agree and I have to get going sunny" she said as she went back outside.
"Thanks for the visit mom I totally thank you for this,"
"anytime sunny, any time" she said as she went into her car and went back,
"now back to business", Grey said to himself as he went back to the building.
The entire day was a blur for Grey, as his initial low spirits were exacerbated by the stress of the shareholder meeting. His mind was preoccupied, and he struggled to focus on the proceedings. Jane was visibly upset that Grey had canceled her presentation, especially given her own upcoming presentation. Frustrated, Grey abruptly left the meeting, much to the annoyance of the shareholders.
Grey decided to take the rest of the week off, a decision his mother had previously suggested. As the owner of the company, he had the flexibility to do so, and he hoped a break would help him recharge and avoid further mistakes.
The rest of the week off was a blast for he reconnected with his best friends and rebuilt a relationship he had brought down for a couple of months, it was such a relaxing weekend, but still came to an end.
Grey arrived at work as he usually did every morning, he went to his office as his daily routine, but his secretary wasn't there, she would always come early but she was even more than late that day, Grey was pissed off as time passed, he looked for May office but he still couldn't find her.
Grey walked back to his office, "Mr Grey", jane called from behind before he opened the door, "Mr Grey I think I forgot to tell you",
"What is it then", he said as he turned back, "Mr Grey I think it is obvious, you've not been seeing May around",
"Yeah, make it quick jane,"
"Okay then, may said she's moving to San Francisco this Wednesday, so she had to make some preparations before she left".
"Alright let me think this straight, she's moving to San Francisco and never told me she was moving out, then what was she thinking, who was supposed to do all the work in my office, come on, who would get all the documents ready, it's been days since I came to work" he said furiously.
"Mr Grey don't get angry I promise I'll do what she had to do in the meantime, and I'll make sure that an interview for a new secretary, is held right away and don't get stressed, I'll get it organized right" jane said to cool grey down,
"Thanks jane, you really make it easy for me, hope I'll get some good news this afternoon right,"
"All the best Mr Grey" jane said as Grey returned to his office.
Jane followed Grey to his office and took on all of May's responsibilities. Grey was impressed by Jane's exceptional abilities, which surpassed even May's performance. Her warm smile was also a refreshing change.
Numerous candidates had applied for the position of Grey's personal secretary, but none met the ideal qualifications. The situation was particularly challenging for Jane, as she had to manage her own workload while also ensuring Grey received the necessary support.
A whole day had passed still no secretary, it seemed like jane had to keep on doing what was meant for May.
May flew to San Francisco on Wednesday making Thursday the last day of interviews, and they would randomly choose any of the candidates because no one really showed the guts to be the best secretary there was.
It went as suggested Thursday was useless, all application about to be closed and it would be done with interviews, Suzie was done with arranging documents and interviews were closed as work day was ending.
A young beautiful lady dressed in a yellow came in and approached the reception hall,
"How may I help you lady,"Suzie said, the young lady waves her hair and looked at Suzie,
"I'm here for the interview madam", Suzie stayed quiet as the lady spoke.
"Sorry we're closed lady don't you know how to read it's written on the entrance door", Suzie said rudely,
"please madam, I really need this job, and you're the only one that can help me", the lady said, Suzie stood up and looked at her,
"You don't know what you're talking about young lady, do you, I've been working all day and this is when you show up, you've got to take things seriously the whole past three days and you didn't show up, I'm sorry but I won't be helping you,"
"Please madam, I'm sure that I've got the skills you're looking for" the lady pleaded.
"Listen to me lady and listen very well, you're not so special, all the others have come and they took their chances, I've not seen a bit of a skill in all these lunatics yet they all came speaking like you right", Suzie said.
"Please madam this isn't my first job I really will work to impress you and the company just give the chance",
"You heard my words lady, I can't help you", Suzie still wouldn't let her.
"But it's not even the closing time you're still on duty",
"Excuse me young lady you don't make the orders here, and I've said it out you, you better get going lady or I'll call the security, understand me".
The lady took her bag and started walking to the exit door, "before I go can I use the bathroom please" she stammered,
"Help yourself lady but don't disturb me again", said Suzie, she stepped towards the bathroom and kept on looking back staring at Suzie and banged into Grey.
As the woman fumbled, her files scattered across the floor. Suzie's eyes widened in alarm as she began to gather them. Grey, engrossed in a phone call, abruptly hung up and turned to face the woman with a look of fury. The woman recoiled, her fear palpable as she anticipated Grey's next move.
"I'm so sorry Mr Grey, I didn't mean to do it, it is by accident" she spoke hurriedly as she looked at Grey.
"is everything alright lady" she said in amazement of the lady's calm attitude and beauty,
"Yes, sorry I didn't mean to do it," the lady said to Grey,
"What brought you here lady",
"I was …" she looked at Suzie before answering Grey, "I just wanted to use the bathroom",
"Okay so go on then, and watch your step, you don't want to bang into people again" said Grey,
"And next time be careful" Grey said and left, the lady came back from the bathroom and went straight out, without looking at Suzie's chamber.
Despite the previous day's unsuccessful interviews, Grey decided to extend the process by one more day. This would be the final opportunity for candidates to present themselves. Just as the office was about to close, the same woman who had been turned away the day before returned. Suzie, covering for her previous mistake, allowed her to enter.
The young woman's performance was exceptional, leaving Suzie astonished. Her work background was impressive, unlike any candidate Suzie had encountered before. The woman's qualifications were as impressive as she had claimed.
The young woman left after the interview, and Grey was disheartened by the lack of a suitable secretary for three days. Fortunately, Jane's ability to handle both her own duties and those of the absent secretary ensured the office continued to function smoothly. Grey was looking forward to a weekend getaway with friends, as Danny was scheduled to depart for Miami on Monday. The previous weekend had been enjoyable, and Grey anticipated another fantastic time with his friends.
On Monday, the results of the interview were to be announced. Grey arrived at the airport to accompany Danny before returning to work.
As soon as Grey arrived at his office, he called Jane inside. His expression suggested he had something important to share. Jane was intrigued and approached him, taking a seat.
"Jane, I really owe you a lot, you've really been there for me and helped me in all when there was no secretary",
"Yes boss", "jane you could say it was your duty, but you also had many more things to do, so jane I want you to close your eyes for a second", he said jane smiled and closed her eyes,
"Now you can open", jane opened her eyes and starred silently and surprised
"Jane, I wanted to say thanks for helping me not waiting for any prize or a promotion", Grey said as he hands over a box to jane,
"Open it up jane", jane seemed to be speechless as she opened the box, it was a new mac book.,
"So, all you're giving me is a computer, to use at work right" she said with a smile,
"No, not at all, it's yours, do what you want with it, it's all yours and keep your private stuff in it",
"Thanks Mr Grey I really appreciate it, Mr Grey" jane said and stood up then hugged Mr Grey, she was very happy for such a gift and hurriedly hugged his boss in excitement.
"Umm Mr Grey, I think I better get going I have some more work to do" jane nervously said and went out of the room. Suzie was done with collecting the results for the interview, she cancelled the candidates one by one and remained with only one file in her hands, it had the names carmen Henderson on it, she called her inside her office.
"Oh, it is you", Suzie said as she saw the lady came in it was the same lady that she sent back, and the same lady whose performance and working background shocked her,
"I surely wasn't expecting this" Suzie kept on saying as she came closer, Suzie was indeed surprised that the lady she almost sent back and made her loose her chance for the job was the best one to be Grey's personal secretary.
"So, you're Carmen huh", she said as the lady took a seat,
"Yes, madam carmen Henderson is my name", the lady said softly,
"You're the perfect candidate, Carmen," the woman declared, her approval evident. "Your performance was exceptional." A satisfied smile spread across her face as she confirmed Carmen's new position as secretary. However, her joy faded as she turned to Suzie, her expression demanding an apology. Carmen, recognizing the familiar look, anticipated Suzie's impending reaction.
"Sorry madam I was just so thankful, I really needed the job badly" said carmen,
"By the way you can call me Suzie from now on, so to make it faster you're going to meet a lady dressed in grey, she'll guide you to the changing room so that you get dressed for work right", Suzie gently said
"Yes, thank you Suzie", carmen said as she stood up and approached the door.
"Carmen" Suzie said as carmen was about to open the door, she looked back at Suzie,
"Umm, before you go carmen, there's something that I want to confess to you, carmen I'm really sorry for my bad attitude lately on Thursday, my behavior was mediocre but it wasn't my fault I was having a hard time, you know working all day and all the work doesn't pay off it gave me a head ache
Carmen nodded as a sign of agreement as she went.