Happy new year guys. Thanks for your support. I'm really grateful. 😍😍

Important Author's note at the end.

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Carl Hardman's POV

I looked at the files in front of me, my thoughts wandering off to a certain thing.

More like a certain someone, you mean.

Cut the crap.

Darby walked in, disturbing my train of thoughts. He didn't look happy and his extremely creased face said it all.

“Thomas Carrillo is leaving us”, he started and my face mirrored his.

“No, he's not”, I replied. “And I would know because I'm in control”.

“Well, I have it in good authority”, he said.

“So it's my fault”, I snort, anger lacing my tone.

I really can't believe this. Who the hell does he think he is?

“I didn't come here to blame you, Carl. I came to give you a heads up”.

Yeah, right!

He started towards the door but seeing the sarcastic and angry look on my face, he stopped short and turned at me.

“Are you gonna spit out what you're chewing on?”, he asked taking his seat once more.

“You told me to rescind an offer into a firm wide hiring freeze. I stake my reputation on it. Two minutes later you hire a fifth year. You went back on your word and made me look like a fool”, I voiced. He tried to cut me short but I continued, raising a finger.

“Need I remind you that I'm no longer a Senior Partner in this firm. Whatever Derek Saunterland fed is bullshit and I won't take it. I'm not your employee, friend, I'm your colleague, an equal. So get that to sink in, pal”.

“I also told you there will be no coming back on your vote. So move your sorry ass on and take my heads up with good faith”, he snapped and we stared down at each other.

He finally blinked and I sighed.

“Fine, I already have Carrillo in good hands”, I said and he walked out.

Thomas Carrillo, the Shippings business tycoon suddenly backed down. And it's all the fault of the former Executive Manager, Derek Saunterland, who duped the whole firm. The firm is now on shaky ground and my help in the merger didn't seem to placate to situation.

I clicked the intercom to call my personal assistant.

“Yes sir?”, her beautiful voice rang from the other end of the intercom. I paused, trying to get a grip of myself. I could live every waking moment listening to her voice.

Wait, what the fuck did I just say?

“Sir?”, her sweet voice snapped me back to reality.

“Um, get me that idiot that you call Davis McCall”, I said, my anger returning at the thought of the contract slipping from my hands.

“One more thing, the office on the right to the executive staff lounge. Some renovations will be done later this morning. You will be there to supervise and plan interior decor. We need a new conference room. That office was once for the scumbag Derek Saunterland”, I said and for one second I felt her breath hitch. Keyword: felt. Whatever caused this must be as a result of Derek.

“Sure sir. Anything else?”, she asked, blinking repeatedly.

How about you leaning over my desk while I screw you senseless and watch you scream my name.

Urrgh! I really need to stop these thoughts. I'm married, for fuck's sake.

And your slutty wife doesn't give two flying fucks if you cheat on her. She might be giving another man a blowjob for all you know.

I gulped. “No, that would be all. For now”.

She exited the office and I released the breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Damn straight, this woman would be my much dreaded disaster.

~{}~

Ruby Wyatt's POV

“It belonged to that scumbag, Derek Saunterland”, he said and I couldn't feel any sicker.

Every time someone, even by mistake, mentions his name, I feel like puking. My hatred for a man who almost shattered me could never be overemphasized.

Get yourself together, Rube. He shouldn't notice.

Right.

I blinked severally, forcing a smile. “Sure. Anything else”.

His expression darkened and then changes to panic, like he changed his mind or something. He gulped.

“No. That would be all. For now”, he said and I left.

I sighed as I sat down to work. But first I needed to have Mr Davis come over to Mr Hardman's office. I dialed his office land line and he picked up after six rings.

“Hey there. You're Mr Hardman's assistant, if I presume”, his preposterous attitude clogging the conversation. I rolled my eyes, knowing fully well that he couldn't see me.

Douche bag.

“Yes. I am”, I managed to reply with no sarcastic comments attached.

“Do you think we could hang out after work? You know, get to know each other”, he offered and I could help but be revolted.

“Sorry Mr McCall but I prefer a professional relationship with my colleagues. I do hope you understand. One more thing, Mr Hardman requires your presence in his office”, I said. And that was me being polite.

He gulped, like he was visibly shaken at the mention of Mr Hardman's name. I could hear shuffling at the other end.

“Okay, I'm on my way to you__ I mean to your office. Sorry I mean his office. Shit!”, he cursed under his breath and ended the call.

Idiot.

I placed a call to my sister for a file.

“Pearson Hardman, this is Rachael Wyatt, how may I help you?”, she said into the telephone absentmindedly.

“This is Ms Parker, I have an appointment with my attorney”, I said with a feigned accent.

“Sorry, but I think you have the wrong office”, she said, confusion lacing her voice.

Then I started to laugh. Hard.

“OMG! You're so good to mess with”, I said.

“You scared me”, she said with relief.

“You do realize that you don't need to be formal with me, don't you?”, I said still laughing.

“I need the Damien Parker's deposition files”, I told her.

“No problem. Just hop by my office and have it. We can also discuss your moving plans and the piece of delicious goodness from across your desk. And any other juicy gossip”, she replied.

Eww! Mr Hardman may be hot that words can't describe his imperial hotness, I can't feel anything for the stupid idiot who answered my mother's phone call and tried to molest me that same night.

“That is disgusting. He may be deliciously hot but no we're not discussing him”.

Wait, what did I just say?

You just admitted that he was a hot piece of delicious goodness, my subconscious taunted.

Scratch that.

“OMG, you agree! Anyway, just come over”, she squealed and I sighed.

What a sister!

°°•°°~{}~°°•°°

Hi guys,

Happy New Year. Cheers. 🥂🥂🥂🍻
It's so good to be part of the new year celebrations. Thanks so much for the love.

I know it's been over a month since I published last and I'm sorry about that. I'll make it up to you guys.

I know this chapter is short and kinda sucks, I'll do better. I'll be happy to take your suggestions, questions and comments.

I'd love your take on this. Who do feel should take the female lead in Hello, Mr CEO? I think Amanda Cerny, what's yours?

Don't forget to vote and comment. Love y'all.

~Valerie Jolie ~