Silence fills the room for a couple of seconds. I’m thinking of a reason to divert his attention.
“The painting!” I cry. “Uh... the girl in the painting, she’s beautiful. Who is she?” I ask, then swallow hard, praying he won’t remember what I’ve just said.
How can I be so stupid? One doesn’t make comments expressing admiration for such a dangerous person. How could I even say those words so quickly? All I wanted was to know why he was hiding from the world when he had nothing to be ashamed of.
His expression is annoyed. He stares at me with a questioning look, then takes a deep breath.
“I could fire you right away for being too nosy. You’d better be thankful that the information you have won’t make you a jobless newbie.”
Wow!“Yes, and unfortunately, I still have that information,” I retaliate. His sex appeal shouldn’t outwit me.
I must admit, I’m enchanted with him. I don’t know how or why since he is so mysterious. Oliver is also attractive, but a burning force and intense magnetism just radiate from his cousin.
This man... Damn! I can’t help but admire his physique. It’s a shame he doesn’t have a good character.
“You are one intriguing woman,” he says. “Let’s get this done. I can’t stand being here for too long.”
I clear my throat. “Of course, but this is your home. Could you at least stay until breakfast? I heard from Ms. Lennie that we’re going to—”
“Could you please stop your machine-gun mouth and give this room a bit of silence?” He shuts his eyes briefly, then stares back at me dangerously. His lack of interaction with people has changed him into some caveman.
Calm down, tactless lioness“I’m sorry. I know it’s none of my business. I’m just curious.”
“Curiosity kills the cat; ever heard of that? Now, let’s proceed to the signing of the contract.”
My lips twitch in guilt. “Of course.”
“In the file placed in front of you is a copy of the contract. I want you to read the contents carefully. Any questions and objections shall be entertained after you read everything. Until then, please try to stay quiet,” he adds brusquely.
I look down at the folder lying on the table in front of me. I open the first page, then read the content.
Employment Contract dated this 11th Day of October 2020
BetweenMr. Brandon Katrakis Lucien
ChairmanGrethe and Elga Enterprises
And
Miss Alayna G. Hart
Private ChefMiss Alayna Hart shall be employed full-time as a Private Chef to Brandon Andre Lucien, from the 11th day of October 2020 to the 10th day of September 2022.
1. Miss Hart shall provide all the information about Annette Teller as a part of this contract, as and where permitted by Law.
2. Miss Hart must complete two (2) years of employment beginning with the commencement date to the end date, as and where allowed by Law.
3. Miss Hart will be paid her wages twice a month. She will have her rightful benefits and bonuses twice a year.
4. Miss Hart is entitled to paid annual leave (sickness, vacation, and maternity leave ranging from 15 to 30 days and 150 days for maternity leave).
5. Miss Hart is entitled to sickness allowance.
6. Mr. Lucien shall provide medical assistance to Mrs. Elizabeth Hart and settle all Miss Alayna Hart’s debts from her creditors.
7. Mr. Lucien shall end the employment with no prior notice and compensation other than wages for hours of work already completed, as permitted by law, if the employee violates rules and regulations.
Signed by:Brandon Katrakis LucienChairman, Grethe and Elga EnterprisesI nod slowly, trying to think of something to demand. I fail, as expected.
“It seems fair enough. I have no questions,” I mumble as I try to hide my delight.
It is more than fair! He is unexpectedly generous. What more could I ask? He’s providing me bonuses and benefits. It’s more than the average benefit an employee can have working in a different company.
“Good.” He clears his throat. “Before I sign this, Miss Hart, let me remind you of our deal. Are you one hundred percent sure of Annette’s whereabouts?”
“Absolutely one hundred percent. I promise.” I hold up a hand. “After we parted, we were exchanging emails. In the bottom email is her work information. You’ll be able to find her that way, I guess. I can write it down for you, but I have to check my email first. Do you want me to get it for you?”
“We’ll take care of that later. Now I will sign everything, and I’ll give you time to review your copy. You can bring it to me after.”
“I—uh, I could just ask Oliver to bring it to you too.”
“Let’s not pretend like you aren’t involved in my private life. You asked for this, and I don’t think letting you in my room will make a difference,” he answers as he presses his thumb on the ink pad in front of him.
“You can’t possibly call that a private life. You never even answered any of my questions.” Including showing himself to me in an odd way—wearing a mask and all. God! I’m beginning to have a habit of retaliating now.
He stops, then looks straight at me. “Besides being nosy, you are certainly overreacting,” he comments. “I’m not done signing the contract. I’m thinking of changing my mind.”
“Fine.” I give up. “I won’t say anything. Please sign my contract.”
He finally presses his thumbprint on the contract and adds his signature. The dining room begins to feel humid. My dress doesn’t feel comfortable anymore.
“Now, always remember I can and will terminate this contract if you are lying,” he warns coldly.
Chills run down my spine. Act cool, lady, act cool.I abruptly feel a pang of pain in my stomach. I’m starving.
He checks his wristwatch. “Oliver will be here in a moment.”
I nod, smiling slightly. “Oh, right. He’s allowed to see you.”
“Yes. He’s the only family I trust.”
“He’s your cousin, after all.”
“I noticed you’ve been very close to Oliver,” he observes.
My forehead furrows in confusion.
Oh, of course, he knows! Oliver probably opened up to him about me, and even if he didn’t, I noticed that the house is fully installed with CCTVs. For the sake of privacy, the employees’ rooms are an exception, of course.
“I guess so. He’s helping me out,” I answer, trying to make myself comfortable.
“Good morning, Brandon, Alayna.” Oliver’s cozy voice suddenly fills the room. “Am I interrupting something?” he adds as he walks toward us, carrying a tray stuffed with our breakfast.
“Just in time, Ollie. We’re done with the contract signing,” Brandon answers.
Mr. Katrakis places the plates in front of me. It’s a full French breakfast with salmon fillets, eggs, crème Fraiche, brioche bread, and a cup of du lait chocolate.
“Thank you,” I acknowledge, smiling.
“You’re welcome,” Oliver answers, then grins sweetly. He waltzes toward his cousin then puts the same plate of breakfast in front of him.
“Bon appétit,”Master utters his thanks, and his cousin exits the room. His forehead furrows, but the corner of his lip twitches in what seems to be a smile.
My stomach once again demands food. I swallow as I stare down at my food.
“Getting really dreamy, huh?” he remarks, eating a portion of his food.
“What do you mean?”
“You like Oliver.”
I shrug. “Well, what’s not to like? He’s very accommodating.”
His face turns serious. “It’s written all over your face.” His gaze is piercing yet delicate. He puts down the fork and knife on either side of his plate. “Anyway, I’m going back to my room. Enjoy your breakfast.”