Chapter 3: The Ruins

Cassandra’s POV

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed well before sunrise, my body protesting every movement. The clock on my nightstand mocked me with its glowing digits—5:00 a.m. I had barely slept, my mind still buzzing with the events of the previous day.

Despite my exhaustion, I forced myself into the shower and dressed in record time. By 5:45 a.m., I was standing outside Sinclair Co.'s building, clutching a steaming cup of coffee for myself this time. I just wish I would not spill the coffee on strangers again.

The city was just beginning to wake up, the streets still quiet compared to the chaos that would soon ensue.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside, the familiar rush of adrenaline pushing me forward. As I rode the elevator to the 180th floor, I mentally prepared myself for whatever Nathaniel had in store for me that day. The doors opened with a soft ding, and I walked down the familiar corridor to his office.

Nathaniel was already there, seated behind his desk, a stack of papers spread out before him. He glanced up as I entered, his expression unreadable.

"You're early," he remarked, his tone neutral. How can he have so much energy stored in his body? I don’t even know what time he slept last night.

Yeah, if I was not desperate to have money and keep my apartment, I wouldn’t be here right now. Oh dear heavens, God knows how much I want to stay in that bed for at least an hour and just doze off!

"I wanted to be here on time," I replied, trying to keep the weariness from my voice.

He nodded, then gestured to the chair opposite his desk. "Sit down. We have a lot to go through today."

I sank into the chair, steeling myself for another long day. Nathaniel gave me a series of tasks and projects, each more daunting than the last. My head spun with the sheer volume of work ahead of me, but I nodded along, determined not to show any weakness.

"And I expect these reports on my desk by noon," he concluded, his voice firm.

I nodded again, my mind racing through the logistics of everything he had just assigned.

“How about the presentation? The board is already in the room waiting.” Nathaniel crossed his arms on his chest while I felt like a soggy cereal in the morning. 

I set everything he told me to do and prepared myself. I have so much on this damn to-do list!

"I'm ready to present the business plan," I announced, setting up my laptop and clicking through to the first slide. We went to the room and I formally greeted everyone. I could only gulp and glance at Nathaniel who looked dead serious.

Once I mess up, there are so many consequences. I feel like this would cost me my life!

Nathaniel watched silently as I walked him through the intricate details of our company's operations. I explained the complexities of the supply chain, highlighting areas for improvement and growth. His gaze was intense, his scrutiny palpable with every slide I presented.

When I finally concluded, I looked up, searching for any sign of approval in his expression. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him.

"Well done, Cassandra," he said, his voice neutral.

Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. Nathaniel's next words sent a chill down my spine.

"However," he continued, his tone turning serious. "This presentation is just the beginning. You've shown potential, but potential alone won't suffice. From now on, your responsibilities will increase. The expectations will be higher."

My heart beat faster as I realized the gravity of his words. This wasn't praise—it was a warning. Nathaniel wasn't going to make this easy for me. He expected more, demanded more.

I just wanted to survive, why do I have to fucking caught their eyes?

"And remember," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The eyes of the stockholders were on you today. They were impressed. You've caught their attention."

I swallowed hard, his words settling heavily on my shoulders. The board was watching me, judging my every move. My future at Sinclair Co. hinged on my ability to meet their expectations, to helm the treacherous waters of Nathaniel Sinclair's world.

The board's approval was a small victory, but it only heightened the pressure to prove myself.

As I stepped out into the hallway, my thoughts were interrupted by a tall, impeccably dressed man waiting just outside Nathaniel's office. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his piercing blue eyes studied me with interest.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "Are you Cassandra?"

I nodded, caught off guard by his presence. "Yes, that's me. Can I help you?"

He extended his hand with a charming smile. "I'm Killian Luther, one of the stockholders at Sinclair Co. I was in the meeting earlier. I must say, I was quite impressed with your presentation."

I felt a surge of gratitude and relief at his compliment. "Thank you, Mr. Luther. I appreciate that."

He chuckled softly. "Please, call me Killian. And I meant what I said. Your insights into the supply chain and market demand were refreshing. If you're ever presenting again, I would love to attend."

Before I could respond or shake his hand, a voice cut through the hallway like a sharp blade.

"Cassandra!"

I saw Nathaniel standing in his office doorway, his expression unreadable. "I need you back in here."

I glanced apologetically at Killian. "I'm sorry, I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Killian."

He nodded understandingly. "Likewise, Cassandra. Don't keep Nathaniel waiting."

With a final smile, I hurried back into Nathaniel's office, my mind racing with questions. What did he need now? Had I done something wrong? 

"You called for me, Mr. Sinclair?" I whispered. “I was just talking to some man–oh, Mister Killian on my way here.”

Nathaniel didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixated on something outside the window. When he finally turned to me, his expression softened slightly. I guess, he didn’t even hear me explain. 

"We have a lot of work to do, Cassandra," he said, his voice serious but not unkind. "Today was a good start, but there's no time to rest on our laurels. I need you to start drafting the next set of proposals for the board. They're expecting them by the end of the week." Oh, here we go again.

I nodded, already mentally preparing for the task ahead. "Of course, I'll get right on it."

"Good," Nathaniel replied, his tone firm. "And remember what I said earlier. This is just the beginning. We have high expectations here at Sinclair Co."

“Alright, you can count on me.” I smiled, trying to assure him. 

I left his office and was disappointed. Killian wasn’t here anymore. I mean, how can Nathaniel ruin such perfect timing for me? 

I would have loved to have a chat again. 

Damn, I wonder where I can meet him again… Nathaniel surely ruins things for me.