“Ms. Wand?” Sasha jerked out of her musings at the impatience in Karl’s voice. “Huh?”
He tossed her a set of business attire and makeup. “Change into these and put on some makeup. Mr. Hayes is waiting for you in the next cabin. Make sure that you look professional,” he instructed curtly and turned to leave without waiting for a reply.
What’s his problem? Begrudgingly, Sasha went to change into the provided outfit and applied some makeup.
Ten minutes later, she walked into the cabin where Sebastian was waiting, looking perfectly like a white-collar executive.
She looks great in any outfit. The sight of her stole his breath away. With dainty makeup on, she appeared even prettier than before. The stylish blouse highlighted her petite and slender frame, while the pencil skirt hugged her sensual hips snugly, showing off a pair of fair and shapely legs.
Sasha’s lips thinned the moment she saw Sebastian. “What’s all this about?” She gestured at her outfit. “Why are you making me dress like this?”
The subject of her displeasure remained unfazed by her glower. “You said you wanted to help with the Wand family business. I’m taking you to a business summit today,” he said matter-of-factly before leaving without waiting to see if she would follow.
Business summit? His reply took her by surprise. So he’s not holding me captive. He brought me here to help me with my business?
A smile bloomed on her face at the thought. She grabbed a nearby notebook and hastened to catch up with Sebastian. “Wait up!”
Karl shook his head inwardly as he followed them.
An hour later, Sasha found herself standing in the busiest part of the world’s most bustling city. She stared, slack-jawed, at the majestic skyscraper that was the iconic landmark of the city. “Isn’t this the Empire State Tower? This is the venue for the business summit?”
“It’s the Global Commerce Summit,” Karl said unfeelingly. “Ms. Wand, I must remind you to carry out your duties properly as a secretary later at the summit. You represent Hayes Corporation. Please watch your conduct.”
Eyes wide, Sasha closed her jaw with an audible click. Whoa, a global summit? That’s huge. She fidgeted with her clothes and hair, feeling her hands turn clammy. Why didn’t Sebastian give me a heads up? I’m totally unprepared.
She followed the man inside. Once they went into the lobby, the huge LED screen lit up to showcase Sebastian’s profile. A man with a staff pass around his neck came over to greet them.
“Welcome, Mr. Hayes.” He extended a hand enthusiastically. “It’s a pleasure to have you at our event again.”
Sebastian shook his hand. “The pleasure’s mine.”
Too nervous to do or say anything, Sasha stayed silent, practically holding her breath all the way until she and Sebastian were in the elevator. With no others present, she finally allowed herself to breathe normally. “What do I need to do later?” she asked in an anxious tone.
“What do you mean?” The other tucked his hands into his pockets casually, appearing calm and collected as always.
Sasha gnashed her teeth in exasperation. She was about to speak up when the elevator doors pinged open. A man and woman stepped in.
The former recognized Sebastian at once. “Hayes,” he called, grinning widely. “Didn’t expect to bump into you here.”
“Long time no see. How have you been?”
Seeing that Sebastian was engaged in the conversation, Sasha reluctantly shuffled aside, casting a smile at the woman as she did so.
The lady returned the smile. “Hi there.”
“Hey.”
Taking it as an opening cue for small talk, the woman asked pleasantly, “Are you Mr. Hayes’ secretary?”
“I am… What about you?”
“I’m a secretary myself. It’s my first time here, actually,” the woman whispered. “I’m pretty nervous.”
Sasha perked up, happy to find a fellow newbie at the summit. When the elevator reached the designated floor, the four of them exited together, with Sebastian and the businessman still engrossed in discussion. The two secretaries followed behind, chatting amicably.
“Do you know what we have to do later?” Sasha took the opportunity to ask her companion. “It’s my first time here, too. I’m quite lost, to be honest.”
“Hey, no worries. When we enter the conference hall later, we just need to find our seats and get our bosses’ laptops and documents ready. Have you gotten the info deck with the documents already?”
Sasha panicked inwardly at the mention of the previously unheard-of info deck. “No… Where can I get it?”
Her companion immediately offered to take her to the organizers to collect the info deck.
They were about to leave when Sebastian abruptly halted talking. He stopped in his tracks and turned around. “Sasha, where do you think you’re going?”
His ex-wife froze. “I’m going to get the… info deck?” She glanced at the other secretary. “She said she can take me.”
“What do you need that for? Just come here and stay close,” he said with unmasked impatience. The command for her to go over to him was clear in his eyes.
