Another week later

It's now been two weeks since Chopard has been hired. Two whole weeks.

Two weeks of hell I've been putting him through, stressful work assignments, meetings, and so much more. But he hasn't cracked.

He hasn't once become frustrated or angry when I assign him more work onto him, he just nods and goes about his business, and gets the job done at the end of the day.

I know I should be grateful that I found a person that can keep up with the workload, but unlike my other past assistants, I wasn't able to tell what this guy's motives are for working here.

As I sat at my desk, I threw my head into my hands as I started to analyze this. That answer he gave me was just not enough, it sounded too planned, like he knew what I was about to ask that very first day he showed up.

Maybe I'm overthinking this, what if I was just blessed with a once in a lifetime opportunity with a human that can do the job of three people and isn't complaining about the workload I give out.

What if this is a super human wanting to live a normal life with a normal job? Like superman.

That thought made me want to slap myself.

That is not possible, not even close to reality at all.

There had to be something else, there the thought came to me.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but it could be drugs or something illegal here, he could be taking it before he gets here, on his break, or maybe right now.

Drugs is the only thing that could keep him going, he said it himself that he's stressed from this job, and that he hasn't been this stressed since college. So how is he able to keep up in the fast paced environment, whilst also maintaining his composure to lash out at me, or become frustrated, and just complete the work I give him.

Illegal substances have to be the answer.

Until he reveals the real reason he is here, I have to keep up with this game, maybe make it more intense for my enjoyment.

As I settled on my plan, the little ding from my computer caught my ears. I looked for the notification that ran alongside the sound, I expected the tech to email me about the status of the launch and the website.

Since we are a fast moving company, the products have already been created and now are just waiting in the factory, ready to be shipped in boxes, and the website is just waiting for the date to put the product on full blast.

I was expecting that sort of email, but instead, I got something else worth my time.

In my inbox, the subject labeled, 'Chopard Company, Road Runner'

Finally, the piece I need to find out this guy's motives. If I find out more information on his dad and his company, then maybe I can connect the dots. I clicked on the file and immediately my computer took me to a different site and pulled up multiple pages of notes.

I'm even surprised that I was able to get access to such information like this, maybe that's why it took so long.

I knew HR wouldn't be able to give me the information I needed because it doesn't directly relate to my company or anyone else in the company, and plus I didn't want to go through the hassle of explaining why I need this information, so I went to another source.

I started reading through the file, including the total gross income, all its employees, and any other important documents.

Apparently he started this business in the early nineties, and it was an immediate success, since this a car dealership business, that can have people rent cars at such a low price, he climbed the ranks as people back then needed cars, but didn't have enough money for the newest cars.

That was the prime of his company, the company expanded over the whole state, and everyone wanted to get a good deal on a car for a sustainable price, so that's where the mass amount of money came from.

But then the early two-thousands came, and the cost of cars kept going up and the people who were able to buy cars wanted the latest ones, and plus the economic recession happened, so many businesses had a hard time keeping up and kept laying off employees.

Then Chopard did something very stupid that would damage his company. He started selling illegal things along with the few cars he was selling to keep up with the income that he lost in the process.

I mean, I can see why he did it, he had to support a family, but why risk going to jail and your business getting shut down?

That would always confuse me.

Then the police end up catching him a few months later and arresting him for selling illegal goods. Looking at the arrest record, he also denied selling those things, saying that someone had framed him and he just can't help that people hate him for thriving with a successful business.

Eventually he ended up admitting to the crimes after forgetting his lies and making up new ones.

And the thing about the two thousands is that you can get away with almost anything. If Chopard were to receive a penalty for selling, he would serve a few years in jail and pay a fine, and also probably have his business go bankrupt because of his car business falling behind.

But according to the arrest record, he didn't do any of that, the police just gave him a slap on the wrist and a little warning.

After the arrest, Chopard did his best to catch up with the rest of the industry, and soon the economic recession ended and his business was back in full swing.

So he and his wife lived comfortably while raising Liam.

Still to this day, Road Runner is one of the top car dealerships in the state, and based on the income from the last year, it doesn't look like it's stopping any time soon.

As I printed all this out, it made a little more sense about Liam's motive of being here.

Maybe Liam really wanted to learn from a business person, who knew what they were doing. What if he doesn't want to learn from his dad, regarding his arrest?

Or maybe, his dad will file for bankruptcy and the both of them are working together to take me down and steal my company, money, and possibly my job, that could make sense as well.

Both theories sound so accurate, so there's no telling what's true or not.

That is why I have to keep an eye out for him.

As the paper got done printing, I stacked them neatly together, stapling them and placing them in the very bottom of my draw, along with Liam's file as well. Closing the draw and locking it.

If we end up going to court for something, then I have those files to back me up and a good handful of lawyers.

Resting my hands on my desk, I then heard a knock at my door, it sounded urgent, like they couldn't wait to tell me what was going on.

"Come in" I said discreetly, looking down while pulling out some papers I needed to get done.

I didn't hear any footsteps coming my way, which was weird right off the bat, but I did hear the door open.

"Ms. Cantrell.." I heard, it seems like it's coming from outside in the hallway, so I look up and Chopard is striking his head into my office.

I guess he still doesn't know his way around my office. Once you knock on my door and I answer, you are expected to come in fully and face before me.

"You are expected to come in Chopard" I said, not having any remorse in my voice.

Still looking at him, I watched as he scrambled into my office, almost dropping the iPad and giving me a heart attack. He quickly pulled himself together, straightening his suit and waiting for me.

The whole time as I watched him get caught off guard from what I said to now was just–I don't know. Never in the twenty five years of living on this earth, never have I been so confused with mixed and disgust for the male species.

Why would you be even surprised that your boss expects you to be fully in the office if you're going to be talking to them?

Trying to hide my emotion, I looked right back down the papers as he still said nothing. I don't know why, was he waiting for me to say something? I don't know what the case was, but it's starting to irritate me.

Finally I couldn't handle the silence any more, so I sighed as I stopped what I'm doing, once again.

"What, Chopard?"

He quickly cleared his throat as he opened the iPad and what I think is going to the schedule.

"Ruby–I mean, Ms. Varden has added something new to the schedule and informed me that I should tell you immediately"

This caught my ear–on the rare occasion that Ruby adds something new to my schedule in the middle of the day, or a very busy work day for everyone, it's usually something important that I have to stop everything I'm doing and attend to that.

I stand up, my chair wheeling back, almost hitting the window, "What is it?" I questioned him sharply.

To this, Chopard swallows nervously as he stares at me, in an intimidated way, almost like he didn't expect me to be alert about a sudden change in my day.

He looks back down at the iPad, and raises one eyebrow, like he doesn't see what all the fuss is about, "It just says 'Get coffee, take a break' Ms. Cantrell"

I can't be hearing this right, 'Get coffee' and 'Take a break'? Why would I need a break when there's a lot to get done around here?

As I lowered myself down into my chair slowly as I started to think. I have been working hard, even overworking myself. My performance hasn't been good as well, I got distracted a lot during the last week, and I don't even remember getting any good sleep.

Plus I learned from experience, when I first started out my company, that overworking can lead to burnout and health problems, so I'm not willing to do that to myself.

I guess I can take a small break, just for a few minutes, then I have to get back to work.

In my mind, I know taking this break will lead to consequences, problems for me that I can easily avoid if I continue to work. If I decide to take this break then I could fall behind, or worse, I will get used to taking breaks and my whole company can fall apart because of my lack of attendance in the office.

And I won't let that happen.

I made up my mind, I'm going to take this small break, but that is the only break I'm taking for a while, not at least until the launch day.

Looking at Chopard, he's still looking around, waiting for instructions.

"Tell Ruby that I'll be taking a break" I said, losing my laptop, and tidying up my desk, "If you're done with all your work for today, you can head on home"

I usually don't do this for any of my employees, if anyone is finished with their assigned work, it's their job to find something else to work on and get ahead for the next day. Who knows when something might come up and we would need all hands on deck.

I didn't know why I did that for Chopard, maybe I was starting to feel sympathy and pity for him because of the work I put onto his shoulders, thinking back to the conversation he had with Ruby.

Then I remember he might possibly be taking illegal substances to help him get through all the workload.

But I let it go since I already said that he can go home, and I don't like taking back things I've said.

Standing up and pushing in my chair, I round my desk as he's still standing here, nervously tapping his fingers against the iPad. He seems nervous like he wants to ask me questions but is too afraid too, plus he hasn't told Ruby that I'll be leaving, so he definitely wants something more out of this.

I crossed my arm as I stared up at him, while he avoided my gaze, and in my most professional voice, I said, "Do you need something else, Chopard?"

He then looks suddenly, hearing his name. He clears his throat and he takes a sharp breath in, probably trying to prepare himself to bring the world out his mouth.

"If you don't mind, Ms. Cantrell, I would like to join you for your break."

I squinted my eyes at him, trying to read the room, but it seems like I'm missing the clues that are being put out.

"Why" I asked bluntly, I don't mind that I am suspicious of this question. Why would he want to join me for this little break?

Then I think the worst, maybe he just wants to go join me because he wants to take me out (literally), but he knows that I have a bodyguard, so that isn't an option.

Maybe he hired an assassin, that way–when I'm walking, they will take me out within a second and investigators will see that Chopard didn't take part in my death in case they don't find the assassin.

I watch a lot of crime documentaries where police or investigators don't find out the sinister plan of assassinations, so that is definitely possible.

To my question, he stands up taller, straightening his back and trying to look as professional as possible.

Chopard already towers over everyone, including me. He's that tall that I have to actually look up at him.

"Because" He pauses, "I want to get to know my boss more"

To this, I snicker quietly to myself, another way to get more insight on my company so you can do god knows what with it.

Leaning against my desk, still having my arms crossed, I said, "Well, Chopard, not many employees have the chance to get to know their boss"

I waited for him to say something, anything to counter my argument. I made a pretty good point, not many employees get to even meet their boss, it's a privilege per say. Especially if someone works for a multi-billion dollar company, the opportunity is rare.

The most people get is a glance if the CEO walks by.

But Chopard just clears his throat, "Ms. Cantrell, you know Ruby Varden more than me, and she's only a secretary. But I'm an assistant, your personal assistant, and if I'm going to continue to work for you, it makes sense that we should get to know each other"

I stand up quickly, and close the gap into us quickly. He gets caught by surprise, taking a step back. How dare he demand that he should get the privilege to get to know me.

Having a step between us now, "Is that a threat, Chopard?"

The only reason I haven't fired him on the spot is so I can hear his bullshit excuse, then fire him, kick him out, and laugh at him.

So I wanted for him to answer me, but he just gulps as he looks around, avoiding my eyes once again, then he take a deep breath in as he answers me, "Wait-wait, I didn't mean it like that, what I meant was-" He hesitates for a brisk second, "I think it would be beneficially for both of us if we get to know each other as assistant and boss. And according to studies, the dynamic become more successful if there's trust between the two workers"

I'm stunned, generally. He does actually have a point. I've seen a lot of bosses and CEOs have trust in all of their employees, and some of them succeed and thrive, and some of them fail and never be able to get back up again.

At this, for the first time in a while, I hesitated, I don't know why and all of a sudden, my brain is screaming at me not to hire him just yet.

If I do let him tag along with me, then who knows how this butterfly effect will go.

As I continued to think, Chopard says, "Please, Ms. Cantrell, I just want to succeed at this job"

Trying not to smile as I heard the word 'please' coming out of his mouth, I swallowed my pride and my ego and sighed.

"Fine, you can join me" I said, picking up my jacket, and swiftly putting it on.

And in the corner of my eyes, I see the biggest smile a man can muster up. The corners of his mouth are almost touching his ears, and it seems like a genuine smile, without teeth.

He follows me out of the office, humming quietly to himself, and I don't mind it, surprisingly.

Wonder what's going to happen...

-Summer Roe