CHAPTER 04 - PROFESSIONALS?

As we entered, Phil was waiting for us in the building's lobby, while all the employees watched our joint arrival, fueling unfounded rumors about a possible relationship due to our frequent overtime hours at the publishing house. However, I did not let these rumors affect me, as I was there with the clear goal of building my career, ignoring baseless gossip.

The CEO headed straight to the meeting room without saying a word to the writer. I decided to stop in front of him.

“Good morning, Mr. Phil. We apologize for the delay; we had a setback with the car.” I smiled politely, maintaining courtesy. “Could you please follow me here?”

Phil responded provocatively, smiling.

“So formal, Lis.” He teased. “I didn't know this side of you!”

“Keep it down.” I stared at him, almost glaring. “Here, I'm Mrs. Elisabeth to you.”

“Okay, okay, Miss!” He rolled his eyes and followed me. “Did he say anything about my book?”

“That's not how Mr. Patrik operates.” I sighed.

“And how does he operate? Any tips on how I should behave? Will he like my work?”

Phil seemed nervous about the meeting, and I stopped inches from the meeting room, turning to him.

“You'll do great; your works are amazing.” I placed my hands on his shoulders, reassuring him. “Just be yourself, keep it polite, and don't talk over him when he's speaking!”

“Thank you, Lis…” He smiled excitedly. “I mean, Mrs. Elisabeth.”

“Exactly!” I winked at him, turning back to the door and noticing the CEO staring at me through the glass of the room.

As we sat down, I opened a small presentation on the screen narrating the literary works that Phil wrote and their highlights, emphasizing his talent in the horror genre, which had captivated the audience in the digital medium.

“Interesting, Mr. Phil, how long have you been writing?” The CEO's empowered voice echoed, making the writer tremble slightly.

“For 5 years, Mr. Morgan.” The young man's trembling voice did not go unnoticed.

“Why horror?” Patrik straightened up, becoming more threatening.

“Why not, sir? It's a complex yet fantastical theme, great for exploration and with ample possibilities for cinema!” The young writer explained. “I also have an affinity for the subject; I believe that's why I managed to approach it uniquely, providing readers with a different dynamic in writing.”

“I have a question for you, Mr. Phil, and if the answer pleases me, it will lead to a contract in which our publishing house will professionally train you for the physical world.” The CEO paused significantly. “As you well know, not all writers have the necessary aptitude for this literary challenge.”

“Of course, Mr. Patrik.” Phil clasped his hands on the table, trying to adopt a confident posture. However, my boss was too analytical and had already noticed his fear in front of him.

“Could you write about other topics?” Mr. Morgan smiled, assessing him.

“Other topics… What would be of interest to the publisher?” Phil raised his eyebrows, intrigued.

“Erotic!” He spoke without scruples or shame.

I almost fell back, my eyes widening. I held my breath as I analyzed the two men in the room; the CEO kept his eyes steady on mine.

“Are you serious?” Phil leaned back in his chair as if he had lost his train of thought. “I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan, why would such a prestigious publisher be interested in this theme?”

“And why not? We appreciate all the emotions and reactions we can provide to our readers. A recent survey made it clear that erotic romance is on the rise, as human contact and seduction seem to be lacking in this world.” Patrik smiled, tapping the pen on the table. “So, what do you say?”

“I...” Phil sighed, disappointed. “I can't commit to this. I have no aptitude or affinity for such a theme. I don't think I could develop it properly.”

“Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Phil, and for your time!” The CEO stood up, raising his hands towards the writer, who looked visibly dejected.

As he left the room, I looked at my boss.

“Sir, why did you say that to him? We accept various themes; that's our difference. What makes a story appealing is the writing style and the involvement in the words.” I stared at him, feeling sorry for my poor friend.

“If this is the kind of man you get involved with, it's no wonder you don't know how to be deep when it comes to the act.” Patrik shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets. “What did you see in him?”

“What?” I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“I saw how you treated him before you came in...” Approaching dangerously, he pressed me against the door provocatively. “So, were you lovers?”

I felt my face flush and my body tremble.

“Mr. Patrik, who I go out with or have gone out with is none of your concern.” I sighed, trying to compose myself. “Nevertheless, Phil is just a close friend, nothing more than that!”

“Interesting, he seems to like you!” Patrik brushed his lips against mine. I put my hand on his firm chest, pushing him away while looking around in fear that some employees would witness his little provocative spectacle.

“What do you think you're doing?” I clenched my fists, irritated, as I pushed him and made space. “You can't harass me like this. Do you want people to talk about me in the hallways? You'll ruin my reputation!”

“So the problem is others seeing what I did?” Patrik smiled seductively, licking his lips. “Your friend has been approved. Send the contract and prepare him for training at our publishing house.”

“He has?” I widened my eyes. “But you said...”

“I was testing him; I wanted to know if he wrote for love or money.” The CEO looked sternly in my direction. “If it was for money, he would agree to any theme, going against his principles.”

“Do you think...” I swallowed hard, realizing what I was about to say and immediately falling silent.

“I don't think!” He replied as if he understood the unspoken words. “Erotic romance is a difficult theme to work with, and few are the talented writers who understand the essence of the theme. I deeply respect those who write, break taboos, and surpass their barriers!”

Winking at me, Patrik approached again, making me take a few steps back until I fell into the executive chair. He crouched in front of me, placing his hands on my knees.

“And I'm curious about the rest of your book, Mrs. Lis… We'll work on this project every day after work, and don't worry.” Smiling seductively, he added, “Your overtime will be well rewarded.”

Squeezing a little higher on my thighs, he stood up and left the room, leaving me paralyzed and excited by his words.