CHAPTER 3

Harrold's POV.

There was something about New York City that just always managed to excite me. It could be the buzz, the thriving, the excitement, the shops, the weather, or the people moving about.

It could be just about anything that fascinated me really.

I had always lived in Miami, Florida far from New York but when I decided that It was time for me to build my empire and rule the world, I had Damien sit down with me while we looked through cities.

Somehow, New York had just fascinated me and I found myself choosing it.

Now, here we were.

“Do you have any special qualifications that you would need your PA to possess?” I had almost forgotten that Damien was with me in the car. Majorly because he was always quiet. But today, he was even quieter and didn't even say a word when I talked about the buzzing city like I always do.

“You say?” I asked him even though I had heard him.

“I'm very sure you heard me the first time, man. But just in case you are starting to develop ear problems, I'm going to repeat myself. Do you need your PA to possess any special qualities?” He said after rolling my eyes causing me to chuckle.

“You know me very well Damien. So, I'm sure you will find the right person.” I told him. He was the one that was going to interview the applicants that had been selected for the interview.

“Of course.” He rolled his eyes again just as the car pulled to a stop in front of the skyscraper building that housed my company. The driver hurriedly got out of his seat and came around to pull the door open for us to step down. 

Damien came out first and I followed. Shrugging on my suit jacket, we started to make our way toward the building. All through the way to the elevator, workers around didn't stop saying good morning and standing on their feet until we got into our ride.

It was always like that.

The elevator took us to the top floor which belonged to me, alone. It was where my office was located. Damien whose office was just below the last floor had gotten off before me.

I walked into the space of my large office and went straight for my desk. I took off my coat and relaxed in my seat. After that, I took my laptop and got to work.

No sooner had I started attending today's work did my phone start ringing. Letting out a loud groan, I reached for my phone in my pocket and pulled it out. 

The caller ID showed that it was my father calling me.

“Hello, father,” I said into the phone, a small smile playing on my lips. Unlike my mother, my father was a lot of fun and cool to chat with. That was when it was not concerning work.

“Son, how are you?” He asked. I could detect the slight shuffling of feet in the background so I knew he was walking.

“I'm fine, dad,” I said before relaxing into my swivel chair, certain that he would state the reason for his call.

“I got a call from Mr. Stephen, about thirty minutes ago.” He started and I sat up.

“Do you by any chance mean Stephen Douglas?” I asked just to be sure.

“Yes, Stephen Douglas.” I could sense the smile and pride in his voice as he spoke. “He has heard of you and what you do. He wants to award a contract to you. You know, supply home automation to him so that he could improvise the numerous houses he sells.” My father explained and I couldn't help smiling.

Why?

Because Stephen Douglas was one of the top successful businessmen in the business world. Having him award me such a contract meant that I had grown big. It also meant that other companies would soon start phoning.

“That is great news, dad.” I beamed, excited.

“Of course. You will get a call from him soon.” He added.

“Thank you so much, dad.” I smiled. “Oh, and Matilda delivered like always,” I mentioned the business trip Matilda just went on the past few days for my dad's empire.

“She has to. I trained her. But even he wouldn't have much time for me any longer. That is what happens when the two children one raises turn against one to become independent.” He complained and I fought the urge to roll my eyes, hard.

“You still have me. You know I will always make out time for you, dad. Besides, Damien would happily go on such errands for you. He is after all your soon-to-be son-in-law.” I reminded him.

“Yes, Damien. He will soon be leaving your company to work in the Empire's branch over there.” I exhaled knowing that it wasn't just now that he made the decision.

“He would be glad to.” I smiled, feeling accomplished for my brother.

“Let me leave you to work.” And with that, the line went dead. I put down my phone before going ahead to dig my hand into my hair. I was pleased with the great news.

It wasn't until two hours later when I was deep into the piles of work on my table that a soft knock on the door had me looking up.

Confused because I knew Damien would never knock and he was the only one who had the luxury to come into my office whenever he wanted without me having to summon him. I received a text from him telling me that my selected PA was coming in.

Letting out a deep sigh, I sat up in my seat and straightened my cramped shirt sleeves before going ahead to say, “Come in.” In a very firm and loud tone.

It took about four seconds. Yes, I knew that because I counted it in my head. It took about four seconds before the door creaked open slowly and someone walked in.

One look, one swipe at the face, just one glance at the face had me reeling backward in shock as I froze on the spot.

And at that moment, all my mind could come up with was nothing but how fucked up I was soon to become.

Oh, shit!