Chapter 9

BEFORE

Working for one of the richest men in the continent has been crazier than I ever imagined.

Even without putting the shortest and weirdest interview of my life into consideration, the whole experience has been…different to say the least.

Saying Hans’ Griffin is a busy man is a colossal understatement. I was practically running through the office and answering a hundred calls a minute on my first day alone. And the rest of the staff called that a good day.

Mr. Griffin himself never spoke to me unless it was to order me around or schedule a meeting. At the end of the day he just passed my desk (which is situated just outside his office) and left without acknowledging my existence on his way out.

I do love my desk though. It’s spacious and unique. The top is made of lilac-stained glass. It’s got an apple monitor and mouse sitting on a cute knit mouse pad with a white keyboard. It’s a phone stand and a laptop stand. A pink cup for pens and highlighters. A desk lamp and a desk clock next to a flower vase I put peonies in. It has three drawers with lilac handles and a purple ergonomic chair completes it.

It’s very girly and feminine and I’m sure Mr. Griffin just paid an interior designer to do it but I still love it.

Anyway, that’s how the rest of the week went. But on Saturday as I just finished my weekly apartment deep-clean, I heard the doorbell ring. Waiting on my porch was a beautiful man dressed in the most fabulous outfit I had ever seen. He wore an oversize bright red fur coat with a black, fishnet tank underneath together with black, shiny leather pants and block-heeled boots. He accessorised with a gold watch and some Swarovski earrings and chain.

I stood there wondering what this man was doing on my porch when he barged into my home. Following his lead were men and women all dressed in black and white and carrying shopping bags from different brands. There had to be like 10 people and 50 shopping bags total.

I couldn’t understand what was going on.

The beautiful finally spoke up when his whole crew was safely in my apartment.

“Okay so where should we put everything Buttercup?” he said in a high-pitched voice.

“I’m sorry who are you… and what is going on?” I said, gesturing to his minions.

He didn’t even acknowledge my question. He just heaved a sigh, whipped out his phone and dialled a number before popping his hip and checking out his manicure as he waited for whoever he called to answer.

It was honestly so insane.

I tried to get one of his minions to explain what was going on but they refused to acknowledge my existence. The mystery person finally picked up and after a few Uh-huhs and some Okays Mr. Fabulous ended the call.

“Mr Griffin has solicited my help to improve your wardrobe to a standard fit for the role of his personal assistant. I have purchased these items for you to upgrade your style and will be your stylist till you’re completely rid of your less-than-mediocre fashion sense.” he said as he popped his other hip. “You are not allowed to show up to work in anything I don’t approve of until I say you can. Am I understood?”

It all sounded so surreal. Mr. Griffin hadn’t informed me of this so it didn't make sense.

“Can I speak to Mr. Griffin please? I would call him myself but I don’t have his personal number.”

“And that is for a reason, Buttercup. No you may not speak to him. You haven’t answered my question yet. Hurry up, time is money.” he said while snapping his fingers and tapping his feet.

Suddenly Mr. Fabulous’ phone rang again. He answered it and said ‘Sure’ before handing it to me. It was my boss.

“Everything Klaus said is true. Listen to him. All his orders come from me. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir.” I said and he immediately hung up.

That’s how I ended up wearing a Chanel dress with Christian Louboutin heels and Pandora jewellery to work today. My whole outfit costs more than my apartment but I have to admit I look amazing and smell just as good. Klaus even got me some new makeup products and perfumes and gave me some beauty tips. He also scheduled a hair appointment for me in a bougie salon in the Upper East Side for the next day. My hair has never looked more amazing.

I looked him up and he’s a celebrity stylist. He’s even styled a few celebrities for the Met Gala. I can’t believe I can now call him my stylist as well. 

I did notice that of all the clothes he got, none of them were red. I was afraid he had gotten something in the forbidden colour but it seems Mr. Griffin had already informed Klaus of his reservations of that colour. 

I can’t help but wonder why Mr. Griffin hates that colour so much.

“Vienna, could you schedule a meeting for Mr. Griffin with Advertising for 2:30 on Thursday?” a guy, who I’ve learned is named Tristan, asks to snap me out of my train of thought.

“Um… sure. I’ll check with him and get back to you.” 

“Thanks.”

I quickly place a call to his office phone and wait for him to pick up.

“Yes, Vienna.”

“Good morning Mr. Griffin. Tristan wanted to find out if a meeting can be scheduled with Advertising for 2:30 pm on Thursday. Is that okay with you?” 

“Am I free then?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then schedule it.”

“Alright Sir.” I open his digital planner window on my monitor and key it in.

“And Vienna… ”

“Yes Sir.”

“See me in my office. Now.”

I stop. He hasn’t called me into his office since he hired me. Have I done something wrong?

“Did you hear me?” he asks impatiently.

“Uh… yes Sir. I’ll be right in.” I say and he hangs up. 

Fear seeps into my body slowly as I rise to my feet and walk to the door of his office. 

I just got this job. I can’t lose it already. What could I have done wrong? I followed all his orders and completed all his tasks with no errors. He hasn’t complained once. I haven’t given him a reason to. What could this be about? God please, I really need this job. I don’t want to have to move back in with Mom. 

I open his door, step in and close it behind me.

He’s standing at the window facing the city, his back to me, hands in pockets.

“Do you like the items Klaus picked out?” he asks, still facing the window.

I let out a breath slowly as my worries were dispelled. He just wanted to find out if I liked the clothes.

“Yes Sir. They’re lovely. I really appreciate you doing that for me. I know those items must’ve cost a fortune.”

“Do not be mistaken. I did not do it for you. I simply can’t have my personal assistant dressed in anything less than the very best. It paints me in a bad light.” he says before finally turning around and facing me.

He stops for a moment and stares at me, eyes locked. He looks like he’s not sure whether he’s seen me before or not. 

His eyes travel from my face to my neck, down to my chest than waist before settling on my legs. His look transformed from curious and perplexed to wanting and restrained. It strangely makes my body tingle.

I take a step back, squirming under his scrutiny. I want to retreat into the safety of my ergonomic chair. 

His jaw tightens and I can see his fists clench slightly in his pockets as he drags his eyes up my body till they lock with mine again.

He looks like a predator and I feel like his prey. 

I need to get out of here.

“Sir, if that is all, I would like to-”

“What perfume are you wearing?” he asks, interrupting me.

“Black Opium, Sir.” I say, confused. It’s one of the scents Klaus got for me. He actually asked me to wear Burberry Her today but I liked this one better so I spritzed it on before dashing out the door.

“It smells different to you.” he says.

I don’t know how to respond so I just nod my head, praying for this to be over soon.

All of a sudden, his expression hardens and his brows furrow. His soft stare turns into a cold glare. I take another step back, startled by his sudden change in countenance. 

He looks angry, but not with me. With himself? Like he just made a mistake.

“Leave. Now.” he says and he turns back to

the window without another word.

I don’t miss a beat.

I ran out of the office as fast as Christian Louboutin would allow.