Chapter 4. A strange reaction

Ava scrutinized the personnel manager, noting his arched eyebrow and furrowed brow. He appeared genuinely surprised to hear that one of the company's best employees was resigning.

"Resignation?" he repeated, his disbelief evident. Ava nodded without hesitation, understanding that her decision was hard to fathom. Where would she go? Had she found a better job?

"Is there a problem?" Ava inquired, taken aback by his reaction. He quickly cleared his throat and denied any issue.

"Of course not. It just took me by surprise. You've been one of the best employees in the company," he thought, "though somewhat isolated. But a valuable employee nonetheless. Have you found a new job with better benefits?"

Ava glanced at the casually dressed man before her, pausing for a brief moment. "Yes," she simply replied, realizing that she didn't owe him any further explanation. Besides, she lacked the confidence to reveal her destination.

"Oh," the chief of staff responded. "Let me prepare the documents for you to sign." He stood up and headed towards the door. Ava followed suit, opening the door and saying a few words to her secretary. Glancing at the time, she noticed a message from her friend Alice, who seemed eager to know the outcome of the interview. Ava quickly typed a reply, "I got the job. I'll call you once I'm done with the formalities." She hit send and refocused her attention on the man who had returned to his chair.

"I'll just need a moment while they bring me the paperwork," Ava nodded slowly. The room fell silent. A knock on the door interrupted the silence, and the secretary entered with Ava's information folder and the necessary documentation. Ava felt assured that she was making the right decision. She aspired to a better future, convinced that this change was for the best.

Indeed, it was the best course of action. Ava would no longer worry about rent, utilities, or food expenses. Moreover, she would be able to support her family, and Frank could now attend college. What more could she ask for?

A couple of hours later, Ava locked the door to her small apartment. She had informed the landlady, who happened to live next door, about her new circumstances. The landlady assured her that the deposit would be returned upon her departure. Now, it was time to pack.

***

"What?" Alice's surprised tone reverberated on the other end of the line. "The owner himself has given you a job!" The squeal of happiness was so loud that Ava had to turn away from the cell phone speaker.

"I don't think they heard you in China," she joked, amused.

"An assistant? Oh my God, that's amazing," Ava sighed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just that when I came to town, I started from scratch. This apartment..." Ava paused, then continued. "Well, I'll miss leaving this little place." She cleared her throat, not wanting to dwell on sadness. Instead, she should be happy about the new path she was about to embark on.

"By the way, the driver will arrive at the same stop as yesterday. He'll wait for ten minutes before departing. He's one of the last on the route."

"Thank you."

"Do you have a lot of things?" her friend asked.

"No, just clothes. The rest is worthless."

"Well, get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow and help you get settled."

"Thank you, Alice. Thank you very much..."

"You're welcome, my friend. We'll be together."

***

In the morning, Ava placed her hand on the front doorknob, taking one last look at the tiny place she had called home for two years. She locked up, handed the keys to her landlady, said goodbye, and grabbed her suitcase. Nerves surfaced as she approached the stop where the hotel driver would pick her up. If everything went as planned in her head, she could send money for Frank's tuition, leave town, and prepare for the future. Although she had no regrets about studying remotely, she wanted a different path for Frank. When she had shared the news with him, he had been excited, as had his parents. Frank was still working as a tour guide, so he would also save more to support himself and not burden his family too much.

After a two-and-a-half-hour drive, Ava caught sight of the grand hotel. It looked elegant and majestic to her, and her nerves grew even stronger. Today, she would sign the contract and start a new life in this place. "How can I not be excited?"

She was the last one to exit the armored staff van. As she reached for her suitcase, handed to her by the chauffeur, she gasped when she heard her name. When she turned around, it was Björn.

"Mr. Hoffmann," Ava said quickly.

"I was waiting for you. Follow me." Ava nodded and pulled her suitcase, trailing behind her new boss. As they crossed the hallway, they encountered Christine Laurent, who had arrived after Björn. She stopped when she saw the dark-haired woman following him.

"What's wrong?" she asked Björn, who stopped abruptly, causing Ava to nearly trip over her suitcase.

Christine raised an eyebrow and looked past him at Ava. "I thought something had happened. That's why I'm asking. I know you own this hotel, but I'm still second in command, so..."

"What do you want to know?" Björn asked abruptly, closing the distance between them. Christine had to step back due to his height, and Björn's intimidating look reminded her of their past together. Björn continued to stare at her, and seeing that she didn't speak, he took a step back. Without looking at Ava, Christine gestured for her to follow, and as they turned right down the hallway, she had to take a sharp intake of breath. The heat that Björn's presence caused her reminded her of his deep-rooted animosity.

When Björn reached the main office where his office was located, he stopped in front of the secretary, who immediately stood up.

"Mr. Hoffmann, your order is ready." It was unusual to see a young brunette in the hotel since, typically, all the women Bruno and Christine hired were blond and very thin.

"Thank you. No interruptions, please. I don't want any calls or messages until this meeting with Ms. Gray is over." Sussan nodded quickly. Björn pushed open the glass door and allowed Ava to enter, tugging her suitcase along. She almost stumbled, but Björn reflexively grabbed her elbow, causing her to curse under her breath. Irritated, Björn immediately released her, snatched the suitcase, and roughly placed it by one of the armchairs. "Come in. The clock is ticking," he said annoyed, making his way to his desk, now made of glass.

Ava sat down in the chair he pointed at, and Björn took the folder that Sussan had left for him. He nodded at her, while Ava discreetly looked around. The silence was interrupted by Björn's husky voice.

"Here is your contract. Take a look at it." Ava accepted it and began to peruse it, causing Björn to slump into the back of his leather chair. Ava raised her eyebrows as she read the salary she would be earning. "What's the matter? Something doesn't add up?" Ava cleared her throat and looked up at him to answer.

"No, no, that's not it," Ava replied. "Is that figure the annual salary?" Björn shook his head slowly, puzzled by her confusion. "Is it monthly?" Björn nodded.

"Why?" Björn asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"It's quite a lot," Ava whispered as she looked at the documents again. Björn was left speechless, listening to her words.

"But the responsibilities of your position justify it. Here are the duties you are expected to perform, as well as the weekly hours you must fulfill. I am very demanding, Miss Gray." Ava looked at the man across the glass table, wondering if he sounded intimidating.

"Do I have to be available around the clock?" Ava asked in surprise. Björn nodded without hesitation.

"Unforeseen events can occur at any time of the day, Miss Gray. It's a hotel and a club. That doesn't mean I will call you at three in the morning, but I expect your total availability. You will live on the premises, so you won't have to rush to catch a cab or endure a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city to here." Ava glanced at the documentation again, realizing it was a substantial amount of money. Why was she worrying about it? On the contrary, she should be ecstatic that she could pay not just Frank's tuition, but several others as well. She examined the remaining two pages in silence, something that pleased Björn. He watched as a long strand of auburn hair fell beside her ear, and as her fingers absentmindedly played with it. Björn found himself strangely captivated, but he snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Ava clear her throat and look up at him.

"It says here that I have to undergo a one-month probationary period. If I pass, then it's a six-month contract as long as I remain in charge. But if you don't think I can handle the position during the probationary period..." Ava tried not to sound worried about losing her job. "Could I apply for another position within the hotel or the club? Whether it's in housekeeping or another role? And if the six months are up and you're no longer in charge, could the new person hire me?" The thought of Bruno taking over again made Björn tense up.

His plans had changed.

"You're worried about being out of work, aren't you?" Ava placed the paperwork on the desk in front of her.

"I've given up my apartment, knowing I have to live here. I've had a hard time finding a place since I arrived. Rents are sky high. Of course, I'm worried about not living up to your expectations, having to come back and not having a roof over my head," Ava expressed her concerns.

Björn remained silent, attentively listening to every word she uttered. He observed her unwavering gaze, seemingly unfazed by the imposing figure seated across from her. Was she immune to his presence, unlike the rest of the staff, including Christine? Her eyes continued to study him intently.

"What you should focus on is fulfilling your work obligations to the letter, like everyone else, and above all, not breaking the rules," Björn replied, straightening up and leaning against the glass desk, crossing his arms. "By doing so, you won't have to worry about a roof over your head in the future."

Ava raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat helpless. "I'll comply to the letter, but... who will guarantee me a place to live after my probationary month or after six months?"

"No one should guarantee it, as it's not our responsibility after your probationary period or after six months. However, I guarantee it. If you don't make it through the month, you can apply for another job here. Additionally, you can stay at this place until you find one in the city if you decide to leave. I believe that should be sufficient clarification," Björn explained, growing increasingly irritated. He wasn't accustomed to being questioned, especially about contracts. He knew the ins and outs of the establishment, the duties of each employee, their salaries, working hours, and even their living arrangements within the hotel or its chains. He let out a sigh and stood up.

Ava hesitated for a moment, regretting her question immediately. She knew that after the probationary period, it would be her responsibility. But so what? She stood up, took the pen he handed her, and signed the contract.

"When do I start?" Ava asked, looking at Björn intently.

"Today, Miss Gray," Björn replied, carefully observing her.