Chapter 2

As I followed Kate, my stepfather’s secretary to my new office, My heart raced with excitement. I could not wait to share the good news with my best friend Lexi. This was going to be a whole new beginning, The perfect comeback to the business world.

The long hallway seemed to stretch on forever, but finally she stopped in front of a door with a sleek, silver name plate bearing my name; ‘Nora Ellis’

 She quietly closed the door and handed me a tablet.

“Your step father wants you to represent him in a meeting with Adams Corporation”

She said, My eyes widened as I took the tablet,  I couldn’t  believe it! One of the most reputable company in the whole city! No way 

“He has another business deal to make tomorrow so cannot make it” she explained her expression serious. “and your step brother, Ryan, one of the managing directors is out of the country, attending to some business matters at the moment and since you’re the closest person to family, You’ll be the one to finalize the deal with the CEO Victor Adams.”

Victor Adams. I remembered him from the business gala two years ago. A charming and ruthless player, who flirted with anything in skirts, his strong chiseled features, dark green eyes and his position in the society, made him irresistible to many. The last thing I wanted was to lay my eyes on him.

  

“The meeting is crucial,” she continued, interrupting my thoughts “Victor, is set to leave for a business trip tomorrow, but your stepfather is confident He’ll sign the deal before departing”

“Go through the documents carefully, He may ask you to clarify specific contract terms.”

“If you have any question, ring the bell on your desk and your personal assistant will be with you shortly” she added, heading for the door.

I settled into my chair and began scanning the tablet. The details included; Adams Corporation’s address, Meeting time, Victor Adams secretary’s contact information.

A young girl in her late twenties, with a slender figure showed up, two minutes after I pressed the button “Hello ma’ma, I’m Emma, your personal assistant” she said with a bright smile 

 “please call Victor Adams’ office, to confirm our meeting” I requested  “Yes miss Ellis”  “Nora is fine”  I corrected with a smile.

Emma nodded and quickly dialed the number.

***

“I don’t understand” I said, frozen in place, my eyes fixed at a young woman, who introduced herself as Victor Adams’ secretary, I had arrived at Adam’s corporation ten minutes early for our 10 a.m meeting.

 “What do you mean he’s not here?”  I asked trying to process her words.

“He left urgently, just a few minutes ago” she replied.

That bastard could’ve waited. I thought, I could feel anger rising within me

“He had urgent matters to attend to, so he cancelled the meeting” she continued, looking at me through the corner of her eyes 

“why am I getting this information now? You could’ve atleast placed a call to me or my assistant” I said angrily

Oh no, this is not good.

I sighed so hard, confused on what to do next

“Could I atleast have his number?”

“Of course, I… Excuse me, I have to take this call” she said and left briskly, leaving me alone with a thousand negative thoughts, How exactly would I face my step father? This is just my first task and I’m already screwing it up, Yes it’s not my fault that the bastard left early, still I would’ve been here on time.

“I just got off the phone with him” she said interrupting my thoughts “He wants you to meet him at his residence by 4:00 pm, If you still want the deal to be signed today.”

Hell yeah! 

I heaved a sigh of relief as she handed me his address. I would do anything to impress my step father, I’m not ready to be sent away again.

With hours to spare before the 4pm meeting, I headed back to the company, returned to my office and reviewed the contract documents, carefully analyzing each clause to grasp the intricacies of the agreement.

Satisfied with my preparations, I took a moment to get acquainted with the company’s facilities, strolling through executive suites and key departments, I was struck by the employees enthusiasm and energy although I was greeted with chilly smiles.

***

I arrive at Victor Adams’ mansion, mesmerized by its grandeur. A butler escorts me  into a tastefully designed sitting room, where I stand rooted at the entrance, awestruck.

“Won’t you come in?” Victor’s voice startles me and I turn to meet his green eyes shining with amusement.I had no idea he was watching me.

“It’s nice to see you again, Nora. You’re as ravishingly beautiful as ever “ He says with a smile.

I settle into the couch, adjusting the folds of my skirt before meeting his gaze. “Shall we proceed? I don’t intend to waste your time.” I place the document on the desk.

He lets out a soft chuckle, “slow down Nora,” “I would definitely go through the documents and affix my signature, so you should relax.” he says as he hands me a glass, noticing my hesitation, he quickly adds “It’s a non-alcoholic drink,” a hint of amusement in his voice.

He was right, I was already stressed enough, what’s the worst that could happen?, I’m with him now and I’m determined to finalize the deal. I accept the glass of drink from him with a polite smile, our fingers touching.

“I know how much you wish to impress your step father.” he suddenly said with a mocking smile.

You have no idea

“Can you please sign the documents now?” 

He flashes a dry smile, “Of course” taking the documents he rises from his seat “I will sign this as soon as I’m done going through them, I’ll let you know when I’m done”

“As you wait, make yourself at home,” he adds,”If you need anything my staff will attend to you.” With that he exits the room.

Alone in the sitting room, I take the opportunity to survey my surroundings. The decor is tasteful and exquisite, The room has a beautiful design and every piece of furniture shows excellent taste.

I relaxed on the sofa, while sipping my drink

As I sip, I let out a quiet sigh. “Halfway there,” feeling a sense of accomplishment, I'll keep to my words and try my best towards fulfilling my subsequent tasks.

I yawned severally from exhaustion. A lot was on my mind as I waited for him. I made a mental note to call my bestfriend as soon as I stepped into my car.

A sudden wave of drowsiness washed over me, I yawned again, confusion setting in.Why am i so sleepy?” I wondered, having slept well the night before. Panic creeped in as my feet numbed and my body weakened.

I struggled to rise from the coach, but my limbs felt heavy, unresponsive. I tried to shout for help, but only mumblings escaped from my lips.

Dizziness overwhelmed me, and my vision blurred.

Just as I was losing consciousness, Victor appeared, his face twisted into a wicked grin “Let me help you” he said, his voice dripping with malice

No! My mind screamed in horror. The bastard drugged my drink!

As he lifted me up, my eyelids grew heavy, refusing to stay open despite my desperate struggle. “No… this can’t be happening to me,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. Despair washed over me. What did I do wrong?

As I drifted into darkness, memories I thought were long buried began to resurface…