At precisely 9:00 am, Bethany Hohn's alarm shattered the silence. She sprang out of bed in a panic, remembering she was already running late for work. Rushing to the bathroom, she hastily showered and dressed in her favorite grey office suit. A swift application of makeup, and she was out the door, locking it behind her. She slid into her sleek blue Ferrari and sped away.
Despite her polished exterior, Bethany's past remained shrouded in mystery. Few knew that Bethany Hohn was the firstborn daughter of Atticus Hohn, London's billionaire investor, hedge fund manager, and renowned philanthropist. His vast fortune and influence had earned him a spot among the city's top ten richest businessmen.
Bethany arrived in Canada, driven by a burning ambition to forge her own path, just like her illustrious grandfather, Michael Hohn, and father, Atticus Hohn. She coveted fame and success, often recalling her grandfather's wise words: "Risk management is key to success." With unwavering determination, Bethany had risked everything to start anew.
However, her journey wasn't easy. Despite attending numerous interviews, she faced rejection due to her lack of connections. Refusing to rely on her family's influence, Bethany persevered. Six months later, her persistence paid off when she landed a secretary position at one of Canada's largest corporations.
Her boss, Julian West Miller, was a young, handsome, and affluent bachelor, known for his arrogance and hot temper. As one of Canada's youngest billionaires, Julian's ego often preceded him. Bethany was grateful to be chosen from among 100 applicants, but her ultimate goal was to leverage this role to build connections and eventually launch her own company.
As Bethany walked in, all eyes turned to her. She felt a mix of curiosity and anxiety. Harriet Fisher, her best friend and confidant, discreetly handed her a letter.
Bethany's heart sank, thinking it was a termination notice. But Harriet reassured her, "It's not what you think. Julian's just made a mountain out of a molehill. You should go to his office ASAP."
Without opening the letter, Bethany headed to Julian's office, her mind racing. As she approached, a woman in her late forties emerged, tears streaming down her face.
"Mrs. Wilson, what's wrong?" Bethany asked, concern etched on her face.
"I...I was late, and Mr. Miller fired me," Mrs. Wilson stammered between sobs.
Bethany empathized with her, feeling a pang of fear. This was the fourth time she'd been late to work this week. Julian's strictness was legendary.
Bethany entered Julian's office, her heart racing with trepidation. Julian turned to face her, his piercing gaze intensifying her anxiety.
"Miss Hohn, good you're here," Julian said, his tone firm but hinting at amusement. "I thought you'd quit. Have you read the letter I asked Miss Fisher to give you?"
Bethany shook her head, her eyes wide with uncertainty, reminiscent of a puppy chasing its own tail.
"No, sir." she replied , her voice barely above whisper.
"Check the damned letter!" Julian snapped.
Bethany retrieved the letter from her suit pocket, her hands trembling. Inside, she found a plane ticket to London and a business contract. As she opened the contract, her eyes widened in shock.
"Mr. Miller, are we going to London?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Julian's angry glare pierced through her. "Can you see, or is there something wrong with your eyesight?"
"I can see, Mr. Miller. I'm just asking if we're going together," Bethany clarified.
Julian's tone turned furious. "Actually, no. I'm taking one of my butlers. Miss Hohn, are you out of your mind? Who else would I take if not you?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Miller," Bethany apologized.
"You should be," Julian retorted, his fingers flying across his laptop keyboard.
"Harriet will brief you on the details," he continued, his voice still laced with irritation. "Pack essentials for a week-long trip. We leave tomorrow at 7 am sharp."
"Tomorrow, 7:00 am, Bethany. Don't disappoint me, and don't be late." Julian's voice was firm.
Bethany turned to leave, opening the door to find Harriet and other staff members eavesdropping.
She walked out of Julian's office, annoyance etched on her face. At her desk, she sat, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
"How did it go?" Harriet's voice broke the silence.
Bethany opened her eyes to find Harriet perched on her desk, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"Worse," Bethany replied, rubbing her forehead.
"I think Julian likes you," Harriet said, her voice dripping with intrigue.
"Harriet, stop. I'm already frustrated. Don't add to my headache," Bethany frowned.
Harriet stood up, saying, "Okay, bye. I'll be across from you when you're ready to talk."
As Harriet turned to leave, Bethany called out, "Harriet, wait."
"I'm sorry. I just...this is all overwhelming," Bethany apologized.
"Bethany apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you."
Harriet's expression turned puzzled. "Beth, what happened in that office? You're hiding something."
Bethany's voice dropped to a sad whisper. "Harriet, I lied to you."
"About what? You and Julian?" Harriet asked, excitement flickering in her eyes. "Did you two...?"
Bethany frowned, frustration etched on her face. "No, absolutely not! He's an arrogant bastard, and I don't get involved with men like that."
Harriet's tone shifted to teasing. "Okay, so what did you lie about?"
Bethany's eyes dodged Harriet's. "Remember when we first met at the airport five years ago?"
"You were waiting for your brother, and he didn't show," Bethany recalled. "You helped me find Cormac Estate."
"I lied about everything, Harriet," Bethany confessed, her voice trembling. "I told you I had no family, that I won the lottery...it was all a fabrication."
Harriet's expression darkened, her voice low and menacing. "What do you mean?"
Bethany's eyes pleaded for understanding. "I have a family, Harriet. And I'm in trouble."
Harriet's frown deepened. "What kind of trouble?"
Bethany hesitated before revealing, "I'm going on a business trip with Julian to London."
Harriet's puzzlement turned to alarm. "So?"
Bethany's worry intensified, fearing her five-year secret was on the verge of exposure.
"Harriet, I have to tell you something. Atticus Hohn, the richest man in London...he's my father."
Harriet's eyes widened in shock, followed by uncontrollable laughter.
"Why are you laughing?" Bethany asked, perplexed. "You should be angry."
Harriet's grin softened as she grasped Bethany's hand. "I'm not angry because I already knew, last year."
Bethany's jaw dropped. "What?! How?"
"Remember your birthday party last year?" Harriet's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You were quite drunk and blurted out everything – detail by detail. I'm sure you didn't leave anything out."
Bethany stared at Harriet, astonishment etched on her face.
"How did you keep this secret?" Bethany asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"why didn't you tell me you knew?" Bethany asked.
"If you didn't tell me for a whole year, you must have had a good reason," Harriet replied, tapping Bethany's shoulder.
Bethany hugged Harriet tightly. "How do I get out of this mess?"
"Just go to London; I know you miss your family," Harriet said.
Bethany looked at Harriet, expecting a solution. "I should go, okay, I've heard."
They burst into laughter.
"Yes, go! I think I should return to my desk now," Harriet said.
Harriet left Bethany's office, leaving her to ponder.