Chapter one

How unlucky! Ivory Remington slumped down into her office chair. She had given five years of her life to this Company. Five whole years! Yet, she was right where she started, an assistant to a chief literary publisher and editor of Blaxx Publishing House. She wanted more than anything to have her chance at performing the same tasks. But, her primary job fell miles short from her dream requiring her to do uncredited work for which she would never receive recognition.

Ivory dazed off, fixating her eyes on an inconsequential spot on her desk. Her colleague, who had been working here for two years as an assistant had been promoted. This, as a consequence, generated gossip about Ivory. Whispers that she was inadequate and incompetent turned into an office-wide joke. It struck her and as much as she wanted to ignore it all, it was no less than what she wondered on a daily basis.

"Not to worry, Sir, I shall have the first ten chapters reviewed and edited on your desk by eight tomorrow morning." Emery James, Ivory's boss cooed into her cell as she walked out of her office and into the hall. She disconnected the call and turned her attention to Ivory.

"I reckon you heard the deadline for 'The Affair'. After you edit, bring it to me to sign and have it placed on Richard's desk promptly. He hates tardiness." She instructed, placing the manuscript on Ivory's desk. Ivory shook her head in response.

"I would prefer it before the end of the working day, I will not be here early in the morning. Understood?" She raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at Ivory and awaited a response.

"Understood." Ivory replied unemotively and Emery walked back to her office.

Better get started then. Ivory pulled open the manuscript and began to read.

Raiden De Ville had heard that the once prestigious Blaxx Publishing House had found itself in debts. He found it somewhat difficult to believe that the directors were already considering to voluntarily wind up the Company. It was with this knowledge that he asked for this business meeting, he had a proposal for them. He was certain that the company could be useful, it had survived decades and its status and prestige were unrivaled. Potential clients were not the problem for this company rather the types of manuscripts they chose to publish fell short in the open market.

"Sir, the Board of Directors of Blaxx Publishing have been escorted to Meeting Room A3." Felix Drone, Raiden's secretary peeped his head into his office. "Thank you, Felix," he said distractedly, pulling the file together.

Raiden was never nervous or unsure, the proposal would be accepted, of that he was certain. It was better than anything the House would ever be able to receive, he was always fair in everything he did and he believed the proposal reflected that.

He entered an unsettled room, his secretary following behind, the Board of Directors conversing in hushed tones. They were uncertain of the nature of his request to meet them and it stirred their minds.

He came to stand at the head of the table his eyes perusing the men one by one until they silenced. He then took his seat, peering at them expectantly.

"May we know the reason behind this honor?" a voice sounded from among the men. Raiden hardly thought it fit to know from whom, their faces and name were unimportant to him.

"Gentleman, I have a tender offer for you." he waved his hand and Felix began distributing the documents.

"You wish to go through the acquisition of our company?" a different voice.

Raiden nodded. "It has come to my attention that the company has acquired a substantial debt and may have been considered as having run its course. Instead of liquidating as your desired course of action, I propose to discharge its debts and acquire the company. I will change nothing substantial about its make-up, you will retain your positions and I may accept those already in your employ subject to some lay-off as prescribed in the offer."

"That in itself is a risk, what guarantee is there that the company will strive? As it stands a voluntary winding up ensures that assets can be utilized to discharge the debts of our secured, and preferential creditors and still provide for the distribution of liquidated assets among the shareholders. I fear if the company continues in this state our debts would outweigh our assets."

Raiden nodded in the pretense of consideration. "As part of the acquisition, I would discharge the debts owed, thereby, leaving the slate clean and continuing to provide occupation for the employees. I guarantee that under my direction, the company shall not enter into liquidation. As I see it, the life of the company is far from over, as an added asset to my string of publishing houses, its standing is only strengthened." Raiden pointed out, his mind already growing tired from his meeting. Not one member looked at his offer.

He stood, causing the men to be startled. " Having said my piece, I encourage you to carefully look at the tender offer, it's a generous deal guaranteed to prolong the life of the company. I shall provide you with two weeks' duration to ponder upon which I expect a response. I thank you men for your time." he turned on his heels and exited the room. The onslaught of conversation infected with confusion and excitement didn't escape him.

Raiden was certain that his offer would be accepted and so it was a week prior to the expiration of the offer. He smirked at the sight of the signatures. Now came the hard part, numerous formalities would occupy him until he finally visited the prize from his most recent victory.

"Ahh, Braylen." He closed the file on his desk and greeted his long-standing business associate. Braylen had been his right-hand man for the majority of his career and he trusted him to carry out any task.

"I heard you were able to acquire Blaxx Publishing." Braylen grinned cheerily.

"I did and I want you to personally aid me in deciding on its future direction, but first the matter of laying off employees is paramount. I intend to review them all." Raiden confided.

"I shall delegate my tasks at this company to ensure a smooth transition into Blaxx."

"Very well. We go in on Monday."

Emery James peered up at the faintest knock on her door. She instantly knew the intruder and thus found it unsurprising that her doorway was occupied by Ivory Remington.

"Have you completed going through the manuscripts I intend to propose?" She turned her attention back to her computer screen, she wasn't particularly busy, instead, she had been searching through her boyfriend's Facebook account, looking for hints of his infidelity. She had seen an unnerving text on his cell the night before and her mind reeled.

"I have." Ivory responded, walking further into the room. Her tone revealing an inner turmoil. Emery usually didn't fall into the taking up the hints but she wanted her out of her office so she could continue her search.

"But?" Emery raised her brows at Ivory, her eyes illustrating her utter lack of patience.

"I am curious as to why you rejected this author?" She walked further to Emery's desk, placing a manuscript on it. Emery barely glanced at it, becoming instantly annoyed.

"Not that I need to explain my decisions to you, but I am the publisher and editor in this relationship, Ms Remington, I have the experience to know which manuscripts have marketable potential and which do not."

Ivory paused, unable to find the words. " I understand...and respect that, it's just that I have read this manuscript and I strongly believe that it could be a source of great value to the company, it would be our loss if--"

"Ms Remington." Emery inhaled deeply, cutting Ivory off. " what is your position at this company?" she questioned haughtily.

"I am an assistant." Ivory responded an octave lower, her eyes downcast, her nerve-shaken.

"It would do you well to keep that in mind in the future, okay?"

"Yes, I understand."

"Please see yourself out." she directed as picked up the line in her office.

"Emery James' office."

"Ms. James, my name is Steven Mist, I am calling from Robert Cerpant's office."

Emery immediately straightened despite the fact that no one was capable of visually assessing her. It wasn't every day the owner/manager of the company contacted her.

"Is there something I can do for Mr. Cerpant?" She splashed on her most flattering voice.

"There is to be a meeting with the entire company's staff, I was asked to put you on notice. The meeting is taking place at 1:30 in room 11 today. Attendance is mandatory."

"Very well. I shall attend. Thank you for the notice." She responded and the line went dead. Momentarily she forgot about her boyfriend and wondered what was so important to drag the entire company together.

Ivory thought she had worst days, yet in comparison, she had been wrong. She woke up late, her hair in shambles, and worst of all midway to work she remembered the new owner was coming in today to assess the current workers. She cursed her luck. Thankfully, she was just an assistant, she highly doubted that he would pay much mind to her. It had come as a shock to the entire company that it was being bought off. She didn't even know the company was in such huge debt. Although she should have guessed, the quality of stories the company had been in the habit of publishing was not, in her mind at least, page-turners. They were to conventional, typical, and sometimes plain boring.

Raiden decided to start off his assessment with the occupiers of higher offices. He picked up the file labeled Emery James. Her record was one of the better ones. He walked towards her office noting the empty desk guarding her doorway.

Braylen followed in tow, taking more careful note of the vacant desk. "Is something the matter?" Raiden questioned as he realized that his business partner was no longer behind him.

"Nothing." Braylen immediately straightened to follow Raiden, giving once last glance at the desk.

"Mr. De Ville I presume." Emery stood from behind her desk extending her arm out to Raiden. She had heard that the infamous Raiden De Ville was a man who had yet to meet his equal both in business and in looks. She was happy to report that neither of those allegations seemed false. He was clad in a grey suit with a white shirt underneath his jacket and waistcoat. Everything about the manner in which he presented himself screamed wealth and professional. He towered over her, his masculinity filling her office, he stared at her coldly, his eyes dark and searching. His features drew her in the most. She was accustomed to men in expensive suits but his features were strong and God-like. He was undeniably male. For the briefest of moments the only thought that crossed her mind was that she was glad she had spent extra time on her appearance that morning, although, to Emery's annoyance, her efforts were in vain. The God-like specimen didn't seem interested or attracted.

Raiden took the hand of Emery, his eyes going nowhere else apart from her eyes. He admitted she was an attractive woman, her figure model like and her face defined according to the usual standards of beauty. Yes, to most men she would be a target, however, the thought hadn't crossed his mind. He had always one rule in business and he followed it faithfully, he never mixed business with pleasure. In Raiden's mind, there was always some attractive women available who weren't in his employ and he had the self-control to over-look as many as he wanted.

"This is my associate, Braylen Adams." Raiden moved to the side to expose his partner behind him. Emery didn't know how she had missed this man entering. He was no Raiden De Ville, but if there was to be a runner up, the spot would surely be his. He seemed warmer, a smile instant as he took her hand in his.

"It's my pleasure, Ms. James."

The parties seated themselves, the room silenced as Raiden checked his cell. Without looking up from the screen he questioned. "You have an assistant?"

"I do, didn't you meet her on your way in?" Emery questioned innocently, secretly Ivory had called in to let her know she would be late but she didn't she needed to divulge that to any of the men.

"What time is she usually supposed to be present?" Raiden ignored her question. He felt Braylen shifting at his side. He turned to Braylen, causing Emery's parted lips to close. "Do you want to take some of the files and conduct the assessment? It may prove more efficient." Raiden advised and Braylen nodded and took his leave.

Raiden stared at Emery once Braylen was gone. "Should I repeat the question?"

Emery nodded in the negative. "All employees have the same working hours," she answered lightly. Raiden brought his wrist in front of him, checking his watch.

"Name?"

"Uh- Ivory Remington."

Ivory felt as if her very bones were about to turn into liquid. She dragged her bag on her desk and slumped into her chair hoping the air-conditioning can cool her flushed cheeks. At that very moment, Emery's door opened and Ivory immediately straightened. She had been expecting her boss, instead, a male figure strolled out. Ivory had no words to describe him, it was as if she had been seeing a member of the male species for the first time.

"Ivory Remington?" he came to stand at her desk.

She stood immediately, suddenly feeling self-conscious at being in such close proximity with this celestial being. His body, she could tell for his clothes did nothing to hide it, was perfectly muscled in all of the places it ought to.

"Yes." She replied nervously.

"You're late." he raised a brow at her.