Chapter 5 - The boss wants to see you

Cora's POV

We were met with complete silence when we arrived at the outskirts of the club. No one could be seen outside. It seemed that even the security team was part of this meeting. I alighted from the car and started walking towards the conference room of the inn with the Driver tailing behind me.

The atmosphere was cordial when we got there but there was a mixture of tension and extreme confusion on the faces of the workers. I never knew the club and Inn had this much number of workers. Maybe because I only worked at night, I didn't know most of the day workers, and even the night workers, were oblivious to me.

I stood behind Greta. The meeting had not yet started and from the look of it, the owner, as claimed by the driver, had not yet arrived but Ken had just come out in the front. He held his Ipad and kept calling out names. I think he wanted to make sure that everyone was around.

Soon, I heard my name and waved, while deciding to get some info from Greta. I was too nervous to just stand there and wait. Most employees were chatting among themselves. I also knew Greta might have some information since her boyfriend was in management. They usually had first-hand knowledge.

"Do you know anything about the one going to take over the management?" Greta gawked at me like a stranger upon hearing my question.

"Who doesn't, He and his brother are the most feared in this country. He is the Mafia King and if not for him, you wouldn't be enjoying your peace. They hunt down all the criminals but it's not as if their saints anyway."

I was taken aback by her last words - my curiosity was now insatiable.

"Does it mean they do something bad?" I asked her, hoping to get a deeper explanation. After all, my future and that of my family depended on this job. If I lost it, then I might as well differ my education and take a full-time job.

"Not like that. They are strange but no one knows for sure, to pinpoint what it is. I only met them once but you will see when they come." Greta's answers were both comforting and fearsome. I couldn't put a finger on what it was but I didn't think she would give me the answers I sought too so I remained silent after that. I saw Ashley had just walked in too, in Jean trousers, and a tank top, making me realize I was still in the short dress Ken gave me.

I looked around and since the brothers were still not in, I sneaked to the dressing room to get changed. I changed as fast as I could and remembered my phone in my backpack. My mum must be so worried. I checked the phone and the battery was very low. I wasn't surprised to see about 150 missed calls from Mum, Cecilia, and Patty. Even Ken called. I guess he was calling to tell me about the meeting and am already here so I sent a quick message to mum.

"I am very sorry, I worked overtime and I will be home after a short meeting." As soon as I pressed the send button, the phone went off. I just hope she received the message. I made my way back to the meeting and halted at the entrance.

All eyes turned to me, including that of two men at the front. I have never seen them here before so I assumed one of them must be the owner and the other one a brother from what Greta said earlier. They looked young, probably around 26 years of age but very muscular. I could see the line of their toned muscles through their shirt. One looked older than the other, from their appearance but their height and haircut were almost the same. One looked handsome, yet calm and calculative but the other, who seemed to be older, looked rather domineering and ferocious. His good looks, coupled with a tattoo on his shoulder, made him look fierce. I could not see the whole image of his tattoo because his upper arm was covered in his T-Shirt. His hair was spiky with neatly trimmed side-burns, caving into his beard, and being sealed with a little moustache.

His eyes were dark and piercing. The gaze at it gave me jolts of embarrassment, as I felt my cheeks turn red. 'I'm sorry,' I murmured to myself because he probably couldn't hear me from the distance. I felt his continuous gaze on me as I made my way behind Greta. God, my knees were shaking from humiliation, as I saw Ken's disappointment gape on me.

"You stupid girl, why did you have to leave? Now you have made a bad first impression. I hope you don't get fired," Greta whispered as soon as I got there, squeezing out a vapour of guilt within me.

"Am sorry, I didn't know he was coming soon. I just went to get changed. I wasn't comfortable in that dress." I retorted absentmindedly in a whisper.

"What do you mean you didn't know he was coming. They have been here since dawn. He was checking the files in the office," she hammered. She wasn't ready to let me off so easily and I didn't know if it was because she genuinely cared or wanted to make me feel bad.

Yet, I understood how stupid I had been. I should have atleast told Greta that I was going to get changed. She would have advised me but now, look at me embarrassing myself. I hope I don't get fired as she said.

The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop before the owner, who introduced himself as Sawyer Mills began to speak. His words were few. He said he was going to be involved with the affairs of the club and Inn but Ken was still going to be in charge of management as he always did. He also made mention of bonuses and increments which triggered positive vibes. Everyone soon began cheering but I felt too embarrassed to join, despite being happy about it. Soon, Ken dispersed everyone but before I made my way out, he stopped me at the entrance.

"That doesn't include you, Cora." I stopped in my tracks when I heard him mention my name. It was almost noon and since I already missed two lectures, I just wanted to go home, freshen up and have a good rest before I come to work in the evening. I don't want to be late again to be sold to another strange man.

"Your payment has been transferred to your account and all notes and videos of activities in your college will be sent to your email in a few hours." I breathed out in relief when I replayed his words in my ears. I would have gotten a notification if my phone wasn't off and it seems I haven't missed any lecture, irrespective of not being in class. That's good news. I smiled for the first time today.

"Thank you," I said without turning around and proceeded to leave before he uttered the next sentence. I thought I was going to faint.

"The boss wants to see you now."