Amused, he looked at his friend, who was sleeping on his stomach with his lips parted. Chris was completely immersed in sleep when there were only forty minutes left before the start of work.
Too much alcohol had clearly harmed him, and James had warned his friend several times to control himself in his drinking. Unfortunately, Chris was stubborn and did everything his own way, and this always led to trouble with his father.
- I must have been exhausted since I slept in the same bed with you. - James grabbed a shirt that he had borrowed from his friend's closet, since going home could expose him to being late for work. He was a director, so this would put a line under his perfect reputation.
He grabbed the doorknob, intending to leave the bedroom, when a quiet moan of pain came from behind the door. He stepped outside and opened his eyes wider when he spotted Kylie lying against the wall.
The girl was a European living in Los Angeles. For the past two years, she had been dating Chris's younger brother, who was spoiled to the extreme. This boy loved trouble and did everything to make his father's life miserable, but it backfired on his older brother.
Aaron was a ticking bomb, and his antics drove the CEO to frustration. He couldn't handle a rebellious child, so he temporarily decided to put him in the care of his older son. He thought the two of them got along great and Chris would bring him to his senses, but he didn't know how wrong he was. Since they lived together — neither of them interfered in the other's life.
- Kylie, are you all right? - He asked the gray-haired girl, leaning over her face. The girl was pale and looked ill.
- My friend, I have a hangover," she howled uncomfortably, and a slight smile appeared on the director's face.
- Have you been partying all night again? - He asked, to which she nodded. - Why are you sleeping in the hallway instead of being in Aaron's room?
- Because he was naughty. I left there and took my pillow with me," she announced, picking herself up from the floor. She staggered slightly, so James grabbed her hand to keep her from falling. The girl put her hand to her forehead and looked mercifully at the director. - Will you give me a ride home? I'm afraid they'll both be asleep for a long time until they sober up, and I feel terrible and would be happy to go to bed.
With a nod, he confirmed that he would not leave her in this state and, holding her by the forearm, led the girl out of the house.
*
Chloe left the apartment, slamming the door. She looked around in disgust at the neglected corridor that the residents of the apartment building were vandalizing. She hated the building, but it was the only place thanks to which she had a roof over her head. Her meager earnings didn't allow her to rent something better, and now that she was left without a job, she had to find something quickly so she wouldn't end up on the street.
She looked disdainfully at the young couple, who, nailed to the wall, were pusillanimously hugging each other in public without regard for the other tenants. Chloe hated lovers because she stubbornly believed there was no love. She was sure it was just a temporary infatuation that passed rather quickly.
- If you want to exchange saliva so fiercely, come inside, not disgust me with the day in the morning! - she turned to the young couple, who entirely ignored her words. Chloe felt like walking up to them and slapping them, but refrained the moment she raised her hand and looked at the thong bracelet. On it was a silver circle with the word "happiness" written on it, and on the other side was the engraved initial of the bracelet's owner, "JJ."
Irritation appeared on her face.
- I should have taken it off a long time ago. I don't know who you were and why you gave it to me, but your words were wrong. You were mistaken," she said aloud, trying to untie the bracelet. At some point, she stopped. - And damn it. I got used to it.
A quiet sigh escaped from her throat. She walked to the elevator and pressed the button. She stepped inside and rolled her eyes as she noticed the scratched interior. On every wall were the names of lovers or confessions. She felt nauseous at the sight of the word "love."
The elevator stopped at the first floor, so she got out and pressed her lips together when she spotted a drunken man who reeked of cheap alcohol. He was lying in front of the door to the apartment, probably unable to get in, as his wife did not want to see him in such a state.
She felt sorry for people who forcefully tied themselves to another person to create a family. Some did it thoughtlessly, and then caused others to suffer. They gave children life and then cruelly abandoned them. They took away their chance for happiness.
The people Chloe hated the most were her parents. If there was a situation in which she could meet them, they would definitely regret the harm they had done to her.
She was only six years old when she was placed in an orphanage. She was a frightened and lost little girl. She was unable to find her way in a new place, and suffered because she missed her mother.
Chloe doesn't remember her parents' faces and what forced her mother to abandon her, but no excuse could heal her shattered heart. Especially since the orphanage's plight and the nightmare she experienced there as a child led to a change in her personality.
Bitterness took over her heart and she was unable to trust another person. At this point, there was no way she could love anyone.
*
Isabelle smiled radiantly at the sight of the director coming out of the elevator. She got up from her chair and walked away from her desk to properly greet him. It was no secret that she was close with both of them, but this familiarity did not please the other employees, who told themselves that a secretary had more freedom in her work.
- Director, are you feeling well after last night's fun? I know you didn't drink alcohol, but you looked tired," she said in a sweet voice, trying to strike up a conversation with him. She would rather not be direct because she was aware that many employees were watching them.
- I am rested. It's rather you should ask about your well-being, since, being a woman, you drank an exorbitant amount of alcohol," he replied with amusement in his voice. - But I guess that you are unlikely to have health problems. Chris should burn with shame. Don't forget to spice him up.
The secretary showed her teeth in a beautiful smile, innocently lowering her gaze and looking at the ground. She brushed her hair back behind her ear, confident that the director had showered her with compliments but was surprised when James walked away from her without a word.
- What about Chris? Didn't he come with you? - She asked with confusion evident on her face.
- I think he will be incapacitated, so I don't expect him to show up here in the next hour. Nothing new," he announced, shrugging his shoulders. The secretary sent him a slight smile and took a seat at the desk as James entered the office.
The brunet glanced at the documents and grabbed the warm coffee his secretary had prepared from the desk. Isabelle made sure to buy coffee from a nearby coffee shop each time before he arrived at the office. She knew what kind he liked best, so this was her way of trying to please him. He was the only director she cared about in this way.
The young man walked to the window and, taking a small sip, looked with interest at the bustling street. People were hurriedly heading to work, late teenagers were running to school, and a few people were quietly strolling along the sidewalk, as they had no responsibilities.
Among them was Chloe. The girl roamed the streets of Los Angeles, not knowing what to do with herself. She was furious because she had lost her job because of a pervert on the job, and finding another one with her meager education was something downright impossible. In previous cases she had been lucky, but this time she didn't count on it.
What will be. I'll only starve to death as a homeless person, she thought, and squirmed when the young woman stepped on her foot. Not only was she irritated, but the stranger's facial expression testified that she felt no guilt. She was completely unconcerned about the harm she had caused her.
Chloe wrinkled her nose and slapped her on the back of the head with her hand. The girl lost her balance and flew forward. With clear indignation on her face, she turned to the blonde and specifically pushed her.
- Are you looking for a hitch? What do you mean?
Malice smiled dangerously and nervously rubbed her nose. She was just waiting for someone to start a fire. Nothing calmed her down more than getting rid of unnecessary anger.
- Do you know that you made a mistake? I warn you that you will feel the pain right now. - Not caring that she was in the middle of the sidewalk without thinking, she attacked the stranger girl. She punched her in the face, and when that one caught her burning cheek, she aggressively kicked her in the stomach. The brunette fell to the ground and, with pain written on her face, bent in half, so Chloe considered it a victory. - I must not be provoked. Have at it," she added, walking away from the beaten girl.
People whispered among themselves, clearly agitated by the blonde's attitude. Someone pulled out a cell phone to call the police, but the girl there rose from the sidewalk and asked him not to do so. She didn't want a fuss. She didn't have time for that and believed that in the future the blonde would be punished for it.
*
The young boy entered his brother's room and twisted his lips in an ironic smile when he noticed that Chris was still asleep. Despite the later hour he was still plunged into sleep instead of attending to business.
Aaron jumped on the bed and lay down next to his brother, watching his sleeping face with amusement in his eyes. There was a saliva stain on the pillow, as he slept with his mouth open. He looked tragic, so the boy decided to take advantage of this and, disregarding the fact that he was his older brother, took compromising photos of him to be able to blackmail him in the future.
He knew how Chris loved to shine according to girls, and these photos were perfect to scare off the ladies who wanted to get close to his brother because of his handsome looks.
Aaron loved pranks, so he came up with the perfect idea. He decided to pretend to be a girl because he knew that a hunched Chris was the dumbest man in the world.
Laughing under his breath, he ran his finger along his spine, watching as a smile appeared on his face. Chris was sure that this was another girl he had brought home while intoxicated. Unfortunately, the person who accompanied him that night was his best friend — not a woman.
The brunet began to purr with delight, and Aaron choked with laughter. With his fingers, he made circles on his skin, until finally, he couldn't stand it and slapped him on the ass. He thought this would finally wake up his brother, but Chris was unconscious.
- Honey," he whispered in his ear in a squeaky voice. - Honey, you have to get up.
The young man twisted on his back, but still did not open his eyes. He heard the voice perfectly but was unable to rouse himself for good.
The boy leaned over his brother's face and started playing with a strand of hair. He stroked it on his chin, but feeling the light stubble he finally couldn't stand it and burst out laughing.
Chris vigorously opened his eyes and, seeing his younger brother's face above him, became furious. With his hand, he pushed him away from himself, causing the boy to fall off the bed. He burst into laughter once again, watching Chris's face. The brunet looked nightmarish and looked like he was about to let loose a peacock.
- My head is going to burst," he announced, massaging his forehead. - What are you even doing here, shithead? Why aren't you at the university?
- Because I still haven't sobered up. Besides, I lost Kylie somewhere and started to worry, but James texted me that he drove her home safely.
- Did you lose your girlfriend? Only you can do such things when drunk," replied Chris with derision in his voice.
- Do you think so? I'm not the one with the huge hangover and absence from work. Your father will kill you if James doesn't save your ass.
- What are you talking about? What time is it? - He asked in a sluggish voice. He rubbed his eyes and squirmed as his head hurt again.
- It's long past twelve o'clock.
Chris's eyes visibly widened, triggered by shock. He got off the bed and, stumbling over his feet, ran into the bathroom. He washed his face with cold water and, despite his throbbing head, put on his suit at a brisk pace.
- Are you going to go uncombed? This way you present yourself like a rich man who came out of a brothel. - Aaron expressed his opinion, not sparing in insulting words. Chris had long been used to his brother's boorish behavior. At first, he tried to change him, but let go when his attempts were in vain. He realized that this kid has a terrible character that no one can remedy.
- You better pray that you don't have to open that brothel when your father finally disinherits you from the family," the older brother bit back.
- I would bet more on you. You are not fit to be a director in the company because James does all the work for you, and what will happen when you inherit the position of president? Somehow I doubt it. You can't even show up for work on time. You only know how to flip girls.
- Another word and I'll throw you out on the street. You'd better take care of yourself and start doing something with your life because you'll end up miserable. Eternal parties won't secure your future, and you're completely unsuitable for a corporate job, young one.
- I'm always left with a business in a brothel," he replied sarcastically, sending his brother a forced smile.
Chris left without saying a word. He had no intention of having a conversation with him because he still hadn't grown up enough.
*
Chloe slammed the door when another store refused to hire her. Most employers demanded a resume from her, and that involved her past. Checking the girl's data, they would know perfectly well that she had spent a year in juvie for numerous thefts. There were people who weren't concerned about the past of employees, and that they would conscientiously perform their duties, but such exceptions were very rare.
The blonde cursed under her breath and jumped onto the bench. She sat on the railing and rested her elbows on her knees.
She was at a loss. She didn't know what to do with herself.
- If I hadn't made such rash decisions.... - she muttered under her breath, throwing people a dangerous glance. She was furious with the whole world. - No, it's not my fault. It was because of this old pervert that I was left without a job.
She looked at the bracelet and touched it with her fingers.
- As a child I was scared and isolated from others, so I don't remember any faces from that time. Who were you, and why did you give me this? - She whispered to the bracelet. - And how is it possible that I remembered so perfectly the words you said to me then?
- Talking to yourself is a bad sign. - She looked with interest at the boy who sat down to her. Looking at him, she could tell that he was a student. He looked innocent, but these were only appearances, and she became convinced of this when he took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and lit one up. - Do you have an imaginary friend, or do you see ghosts?
- I'm just messed up in the head. - With her answer she amused the boy, who extended his hand to her.
- So it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Aaron and I like crazy people.
- Chloe. And I don't like smokers," she replied, looking at him with curiosity in her eyes.
- Direct girl you are. That is appreciated. I just met you, but I think we'll become friends," he stated boldly.
The blonde snorted under her breath and looked at him obliquely.
- Don't be so sure of yourself. We'll become friends when you get me a job," she announced plainly, and the boy pointed his finger at her. A sincere smile appeared on his face.
- Sure. Something for something. Nothing is free," he confirmed. - What kind of education do you have? I think I can get you something.
- Are you serious? - She looked at his face in surprise, and when he nodded, she squinted. - Aren't you making fun of me? Because if you are... I swear I'll snap your neck.
- I keep my word. I'm not trash," he stated, glancing at the passersby.
- I say right away that it won't be easy. I'm out of high school, and there's a reformatory stuck in the papers.
He shifted his gaze to the girl, and his eyes lit up. She got the impression that she impressed him.
- I'm dealing with a bad girl. Great. I need someone crazy to join my pack.
- You act as if you're insane, but I need a job. Will you be able to get me something? - She asked hopefully.
- I don't have much room for improvement, but will you grab anything?
- Without exception, however, I count on a good salary.
- I think I have something for you," he announced, and she furrowed her brow wondering if he was serious.
What makes you think he will succeed?
*
Chloe opened her mouth as the boy stood in front of one of the most powerful companies on the market, nodding, ordering her to go inside.
- Are you crazy? Did you bring me to such a place? - She asked with indignation in her voice, getting the impression that the boy was obviously mocking her.
- You admitted that you will take on any job. If the dirt is not terrible to you, I will easily get you a job as a cleaner, and believe me they pay remarkably well here.
- Should I become a cleaner! - She raised her voice, clearly surprised by his words. She didn't consider any job dishonorable, but she had two left hands for cleaning.
- You start cleaning at fifteen o'clock and finish at twenty-one. The halls are huge, so the salary is also large. They won't let you into the offices because only trusted cleaners who have worked here for years have keys to the rooms. So...
The girl squinted and looked at the boy distrustfully.
- How do you know all this?
- Because I am the son of the chairman. I will talk to the manager who takes care of the staff. She adores me.
The boy looked elegant, and she guessed that he had money, but she did not suppose that he would turn out to be the CEO's son.
- Okay, I'll do it. I need money, so if I actually get a job here, I won't be picky.
- You can always get a position at the social house I will soon open. - He wanted to make a joke, but this joke did not please the blonde.
- Did you just suggest that I will only be left with the job of a whore?
- I said that you will get a job, not be a product," he defended himself, raising his hands.
Her lip trembled, and she felt like punching him, but she relented when she realized that she might lose the chance to get a job.
She needed the money.
The boy led her inside, and she looked around with delight at the giant interior, which was dominated by white. All the rooms were glass, including the elevators, which were used to move people dressed in expensive suits all the time.
The opulence was so impressive.
- It's impressive, isn't it? - He asked, keeping pace with her. He could see the admiration in her eyes.
- Your father must be disgustingly rich.
- It's true, and what's worse he still doesn't have enough. He thinks the company is still growing. He is obsessed with money.
Chloe at one point thought about how much she envied his life. He had a family, lived in abundance and didn't have to worry about the future because he had it assured. And she? She didn't know what awaited her the next day.
Aaron smiled radiantly at the sight of the elderly woman. He walked up to her and hugged her like a child, pretending to be a good boy.
- I missed you, Miss Gomez.
- Aaron, you're an urchin. What are you doing at this hour at the company? Shouldn't you be at the university?
After his mother's death, it was this woman who was his guardian. He could rely on her, come with any problem, and that's how he became so attached to her.
- I'm here to help a certain girl," he announced, pointing with his finger to a blonde woman who was standing not far from them, looking around the lobby. - She needs a job, and I know perfectly well that you're looking for someone to clean. You'll give her a chance, won't you?
He was making buttery eyes and cozying up to the woman in every possible way, so Chloe felt like laughing at him, but refrained because she needed the money.
- Does he have any documents with him? - The older woman studied the girl with her eyes, not hiding the fact that she was evaluating her appearance. According to her, she looked vulgar, and appearance at the first meeting testified the most about a person.
Aaron noticed that the manager did not like the appearance of his new colleague. He had to think of something so that she did not cross her off the list at the very beginning.
- Miss Gomez," he began, cares singly. - Please do not suggest the appearance because she is a fellow student. Not any hooligan. - Chloe threw him a warning glance, but under the woman's gaze, her face softened. - She is single and finds it difficult to combine work and studies, and casual employment in the afternoon hours will be perfect for her. Do you know how hard life is when you don't have a family but want to achieve something? She is in just such a situation.
Although the boy was making it up, he had no idea that Chloe was indeed lonely. Without family or friends to help her through a difficult time.
- I can only give her one chance because she is in a difficult situation. If she doesn't perform her duties and does her job badly, then I will send her away. No one can tarnish my opinion.
- Miss Gomez, you are the most wonderful woman in the world. Right after my girlfriend, you are the one I love the most," he announced, giving her a kiss on the cheek. The woman looked happy, and Chloe felt like throwing up.
- I'll see you at work tomorrow at fifteen," she turned to the blonde, and her gaze became sharper. - Although I will employ you casually, you must prepare for hard work. I will watch you carefully," she said.
She warned her more than she actually planned to. Chloe knew perfectly well that she wanted to scare her, but these words did not impress her.
The woman walked away, and Aaron sent the blonde a triumphant smile. The girl crossed her arms over her chest and looked away from him, puffing out her lips. She didn't like it when someone was wallowing in victory.
The boy suddenly called out someone's name, so Chloe looked in that direction with interest and spotted a young man dressed in a suit who raised his hand in greeting.
James' attention was caught by the blonde woman who was keeping Aaron company.
He looked surprised by her presence.
He averted his gaze rather quickly as an elegant girl approached him. She handed him some documents and then led him in the opposite direction.
- Does James know you? - Chloe shifted her gaze to Aaron and shrugged her shoulders.
- If I'm not mistaken, I did him a little harm yesterday.
- James does not remember so well people who do him a little harm," he corrected the blonde, looking at her with fear in his eyes. - Admit what you did to him.
- Nothing of the sort. I just pulled some of his hair.
- Only," he stressed the word, and she forced a smile. - You'd better make sure you're polite here because with one mistake you could lose your job. Don't spoil it.