Chapter 5: Change of event

"I'm Walter Reynolds. Mr. Malcolm has entrusted me with the responsibility of acquainting you with the office and providing an overview of your duties.”

His smile brightened up the room, revealing impeccably white teeth. His suit was casually slung over his shoulder with his left hand, while his right hand was casually slipped into his pocket.

“We're happy to have you among us," he greeted warmly, bringing out his hand for a handshake, which she accepted. 

"I appreciate your assistance, Mr. Reynolds," she expressed with a grateful smile.

"Call me Walter," he insisted, flashing his captivating smile. "Please, follow me.”

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After two long hours of conversation, walking, and meeting department heads, she finally returned to her office. Just as she settled into her seat, preparing to massage her aching feet, the landline began to ring.

"Come to my office immediately," the commanding voice boomed before she could even utter a word.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she stood and walked to his office. Tara knocked tentatively on the door and entered at Mr Malcolm's curt command. The man now sitting behind the expansive desk was imposing, his features sharp and unforgiving, his piercing gaze seeming to strip her bare with a single glance.

"Miss Hayes, I trust you understand the expectations of this position now," Landon said in a voice that matched the icy demeanor of his office. “Do not disappoint me."

Tara nodded, her voice barely more than a whisper as she replied, "I understand, Mr. Malcolm. I will do my best to meet your expectations."

He gestured towards a corner of his office, where stacks of documents were piled. "I need them arranged and filed before the day is over," he said, searching her face for a reaction.

"Yes, sir.”

"And also, arrange a meeting with Birks Citadel for 2 p.m. tomorrow," he cleared his throat, "you're going with me.”

"Sir, that's actually my lunch break," she stated firmly.

The room's temperature seemed to fall as an icy chill settled in and she shivered unconsciously, wrapping her hands around her shoulders.

"You'll do as I say, Miss Hayes," he said sharply, making her look down.

“Now get those documents and leave my office” he commanded.

She almost ran out of the office after carrying the heavy files.

She immersed herself into reviewing the documents from the moment she went back to her office. 

But even as she worked, she couldn't help wondering about Mr Malcolm's attitude. When Marvey had warned her about him, she didn't believe he would be this cold and detached, and he spoke in clipped tones. She wasn't sure if he was this way with all his employees or it was just her but she was certain that as long as she continues to worked for him, she'd be walking on eggshells, afraid to make even the slightest mistake.

She was so focused on filing the documents that she totally lost track of time. Not even realizing it was lunchtime until Landon’s call came through on her landline.

"Miss Hayes, I need you to go to the Chinese restaurant across the street and get me food now. I'll text you my order.” he ordered coldly

"Sir, the food canteen..." She began to protest, but he cut her off sharply. "You do not question my orders, Miss Hayes!”

With that, he ended the call abruptly, and she received a text almost instantly. The message read: "Two orders of chicken fried rice, extra spicy and two bottles of fresh lemon juice... do not waste my time.” 

‘Even his messages were straight to the point and annoying’, she thought.

Sweat beaded Tara's forehead as she left the air-conditioned office building. She adjusted her sunglasses, clenched her purse under her arm, and prepared herself for the short but painful trek to the Chinese restaurant.

As she navigated the congested pavement, avoiding sweating individuals hurrying to various destinations, her thoughts strayed, questioning whether or not this was part of her job.

“And who could the second order be for? Maybe Mr Malcolm is expecting a visitor,” she mused.

The scent of sauce and spices enveloped her as she approached the counter of the restaurant, where a friendly cashier asked for her order with a sympathetic smile 

"I need a lunch order to go, please," Tara started, trying to hide the frustration in her voice. "It should be two orders of chicken fried rice, extra spicy, and I'll need that with two bottles of fresh lemon juice," Tara replied.

“Yes ma'am.”

As she waited for the food to be prepared, she decided to review the email she had drafted for Birks Citadel, following Mr. Malcolm's instructions.

After about 30 minutes, the food was ready and packed. She hurriedly paid before rushing back out into the wealtering heat. The afternoon sun still at it's peak as she made her way back to the company.

She got to Landon's office and found him waiting, and impatiently tapping his foot against the marble floor. 

“It took you 45 minutes to get my food, Miss Hayes. Why is that?” he growled impatiently.

“I had to wait for it to be prepared, sir.” She answered tentatively.

"Place the food on the table," he ordered.

She did as she was instructed.

"Now, sit!" he commanded.

"Excuse me, sir?" she panicked, her voice trembling.

"I said sit," he stood up now, his tone firm, and she quickly settled onto the small sofa beside the coffee table, arranged like a lounge area in the side of the office.

He quietly took a seat on the couch before saying curtly, "Eat with me, Miss Hayes. You obviously forgot lunch on your first day of work."

With that, he focused solely on his meal, completely ignoring her presence.

She felt her heart swell with a feeling she couldn't understand and which she didn't want to. Behind the cold facade there was a warm personality after all.

As they continued eating, he gently reached out his hand to her face, causing her to freeze...