Chapter 4: Close Enough... What Are We?

Cassandra’s POV

"Cassandra!"

Startled, I jolted awake to find a woman standing beside me, her expression a mix of concern and disapproval. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her sharp eyes bore into mine with unwavering intensity.

I found myself seated and leaning on my desk, poring over a stack of reports. The soft hum of the office around me was strangely soothing, lulling me into a false sense of security.

"You can't sleep here," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered, shaken from being abruptly awakened. "I didn't mean to..."

The woman sighed, her demeanor softening slightly. "I understand it's tough, but sleeping on the job is strictly forbidden here at Sinclair Co. My name is Kate, by the way. I'm in charge of administrative oversight."

I nodded, feeling a flush of embarrassment heat my cheeks. "I'm sorry, Kate. It won't happen again."

She studied me for a moment before speaking again, her voice lowering to a confidential tone. "You should know, Cassandra. The last secretary who worked for Mr. Sinclair was fired because she accidentally dozed off for five minutes. It became quite the gossip around here."

My heart sank at the revelation. "F-fired?"

Kate nodded solemnly. "Yes. Nathaniel Sinclair doesn't tolerate mistakes, no matter how small. He expects perfection from his employees."

As if on cue, murmurs and whispers floated around the office, the air thick with tension and apprehension. Kate leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's not just about the sleeping incident," she confided. "Working under Nathaniel Sinclair is... challenging. He's demanding, and relentless. Many of us here find it hard to keep up with his pace, with his expectations."

I swallowed hard, the reality of my situation sinking in. I had heard rumors about Nathaniel's reputation, and his uncompromising nature. But experiencing it firsthand was another matter entirely.

"We all have to make sacrifices to work here," Kate continued, her gaze steady. "It's not just a job—it's a lifestyle. And sometimes, that lifestyle can be... difficult to maintain."

Just then, a frail figure shuffled to us, her steps slow and deliberate. It was Ms. Clarinet, an elderly woman who had worked at Sinclair Co. for as long as anyone could remember. Her face was lined with years of hard work and dedication, her eyes wise and knowing.

"Kate," Ms. Clarinet said in a voice that carried the weight of decades. "Let me speak with Cassandra for a moment."

Kate nodded respectfully and stepped aside, allowing Ms. Clarinet to approach me. I glanced at her, unsure of what she wanted to say.

"Young lady," Ms. Clarinet began, her voice tinged with warmth and weariness. "I've been working here for sixty years, long before Nathaniel Sinclair took over this company."

I listened intently, curious about what she had to say.

"Since the billionaire arrived," Ms. Clarinet continued, her gaze distant as if lost in memories. "Things have changed. We barely get any rest anymore. The pace has become relentless, unforgiving."

Why do I feel like they have come from their busy schedules to scare me?

“If you do not wish to lose this job, you better take care of yourself.” She whispered. 

“Y-yeah… I will.” I awkwardly whispered. 

“Hi, I’m John.” Another man appeared. He is sitting just behind the board dividing the two of us. “I got you some coffee, it will help you replenish the energy you lost.”

I awkwardly accepted it and just whispered, “Thank you.”

“You can always hit us up whenever you need something.” Kate smiled at me widely. 

“Yeah, you should–” John’s words were cut short when suddenly, the whole room felt like a flipping page.

“Alright, back to work! The boss is here!” Ms. Clarinet said, which stirred the whole room. They seemed to have memorized even the weight of the billionaire’s footsteps which is enough to make everyone return to what they are doing. 

"Cassandra," he called out, his voice cutting through the office din.

I quickly stood up, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "Yes, Mr. Sinclair?" I glanced at Kate and John who were staring at me with an expression urging me to focus. 

How can I?!

"Come with me," he ordered, not waiting for a response as he turned and strode toward his office.

I followed him, my mind racing with questions. What could be so urgent? Had I made a mistake? Was there another impossible task he wanted me to complete?

entered his spacious office, the door closing behind us with a soft click.

Nathaniel walked over to his desk and picked up a folder, flipping it open as he spoke. "We have an important business trip coming up."

I blinked, caught off guard by his words. "A business trip?"

He looked up from the folder, his gaze piercing. "Yes. To New York. And I need you to accompany me."

The room seemed to tilt slightly as the words sank in. A business trip. To New York. With Nathaniel Sinclair. My mind struggled to process the information, the sheer weight of it leaving me momentarily speechless.

"New York?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," Nathaniel repeated, his tone firm and decisive. "We have several high-profile meetings scheduled, and I need your assistance. You."

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me breathless. This was no ordinary task— an opportunity to prove myself on a grand scale, to step into a world of high-stakes business and corporate intrigue. But it was also terrifying.

And I am not even terrified of the thought of the business trip… I am terrified because I need to spend my time with Nathaniel alone! How is that supposed to make me feel?

"I—I'm honored, Mr. Sinclair," I managed to say, my voice wavering slightly. "But... are you sure you want me to go?"

“Huh? Why wouldn’t you? You’re my secretary.” He completely blasted me off. 

Oh wow, what a statement. 

“Right.” I laughed a bit. What am I thinking about questioning him?

"When do we leave?" I asked, my voice steadier now.

"Tomorrow morning," Nathaniel replied, closing the folder with a decisive snap. "Be ready."

“Y-yeah.” I stammered. I watched him walk through the door, but I still had questions. 

“What should I bring?” I scratched my head not knowing what to do.

“Is this your first trip?” He asked. 

“Yes. I couldn’t afford traveling.” I confessed. “So I don’t know what to pack. And I don’t have much clothes either. If that would be a burden, you can leave me here.” 

Nathaniel looked at me from head to toe from the door and leaned on its frame. “That won’t do.”

“Huh? What do–” 

My words were cut short when he suddenly pulled my hands and paced out of the door. “Sir, where are we going?”

He did not say a word until I asked again, “Sir? I am not sure I know where you are bringing me to.”

“Shut up.” Nathaniel shushed me off. “I am going to shop for you.” 

For a minute, I had an involuntary heart attack. 

What is happening? My boss is shopping for me?!