"Ms. Downs I hope you're ready for this afternoon?"

"I think so sir"

"I need one hundred percent next time Ms. Downs, anyway you'll be excused to leave to change when I'm done with these files"

"Alright, by the way sir, is this event for charity to announce the product or next CEO? have you even met the next CEO?"

"All three of those reasons and no, I don't even know what they look like"

"They? Isn't it a man?"

"Albert Winters had twins, a girl and a boy so I don't know which one will take their fathers place"

"Interesting..."

"What's so interesting?" He asked as he looked up and I quickly averted my gaze, he furrowed his brows and went back to looking at one of the many new employee forms.

"What's interesting is that you haven't met the son and daughter of a very respected client"

"Well, maybe I don't want a bunch of kids interrupting a business meeting"

"How are you so sure they're kids?"

"Just guessing"

"You were young when you took over the company"

He didn't answer but kept looking at the forms.

"Oh Ms. Downs can you get me Troy's project application on that shelf?"

"Of course"

I walked to the shelf and didn't see a file, I looked around some more but instead I found a pair of hands either side of me.

I didn't need to turn around to know who was caging me in.

"Mr. Reid?"

"You have been ignoring me all day Juliana, it's very mortifying, why aren't you looking me in the eye?"

I didn't say anything, I couldn't.

"If this is about what I said yesterday, I was completely serious, I'll do anything I'm capable of doing to convince you into coming with me"

"I know"

"Then why are you so hesitant?"

"Because I don't trust you"

"With?"

"Everything!" I yelled and pushed him back a little.

And just like that he walked out of the office leaving me on my own.

"Why me?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You look great!"

"Do I? I feel really weird wearing this"

"Why?! It's exactly your style! Wait a minute, you never complain about clothes, is there something you're not telling me?"

"You still get that feeling? I'm telling you I'm not hiding anything and I still... don't know about this dress"

I was wearing a sleeved razzmic berry purple dress (it was on the dress) and I had decided to put my hair in a high neat bun.

"Just tell me why?! Is it the color?"

"I think it's a bit too short..."

"If you think that's short, you'll faint seeing my teenage closet"

"Don't even remind me, how can someone with a huge ass just walk around in the tiniest pair of denim shorts?!"

"I was young and sexy"

I rolled my eyes and then looked back at the mirror.

I wasn't like this yesterday, I agreed to this dress straight away, why am I suddenly changing my mind?

"You know what? I'm gonna wear this dress"

"What changed your mind?" She said in a sarcastic tone.

"Just felt like it"

"I think you've been spending too much time with that bipolar boss of yours"

I laughed it off but maybe she's right, maybe Mr. Reid is not good for my health.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Mr. Reid why is it that their mansion is so far away?"

"Albert had bought a big piece of land to build a mansion that will be able to house his great-grandchildren as well"

"He must really hope to be able to see that"

"He's a family man after all"

I nodded my head, I looked out the window and saw a beautiful mansion twice the size of Mr. Reid's, which is saying a lot considering Mr. Reid's mansion was big.

"Well I guess he did plan for his great-grandchildren to live here"

"Told you so, oh and don't even think about getting out of the car without me opening the door for you"

"I wouldn't dream of it"

I said rolling my eyes.

"I saw that"

Why do I feel like I've been in this situation before?

When the car stopped, I waited for Mr. Reid to open the door for me and when he did he also opened his big mouth.

"That dress you're wearing is short"

"It's fine"

"Not when you have long smooth legs"

I swallowed and just continued walking until Mr. Reid grabbed my arm and placed it on his.

"No matter what happens, don't let go of my arm"

"We're not together"

I slipped my arm out of his grip but he just did the same thing again, I stopped struggling and finally gave up.

"I'll make you be with me"

I really wanted to curse but again it's like a constant reminder.

He is my boss.

What am I doing?

When we got to the entrance a sharply dressed man was waiting there and told us the garden was down the very long hallway and to the left out of the glass doors.

"Derick, my boy! Welcome!" A hefty man with a deep voice startled me but only made Mr. Reid stop.

"Albert, congratulations on announcing your retirement and your new product as well"

"I hope that was a compliment my dear boy and who is this fine lady next to you?"

"This is my assistant, Ms. Downs meet Albert Winters"

"It's good to meet you sir"

"The pleasure is all mine my dear, now come, we were just waiting for you so we can start the party, so please, enjoy yourselves"

"Stay on guard Ms. Downs"

he muttered to me.

"Why do I need to be on guard?"

I wouldn't have questioned it two months ago but getting to know Mr. Reid he tends to make pretty weird decisions.

"If you don't want to lose your job I suggest you keep your tone respectful"

"Sorry sir, you were the one that changed what this relationship was about"

"What was this relationship about Ms. Downs?" He smirked grabbing two glasses of champagne.

"Boss and employee!" I whisper shouted.

Our small argument was disturbed by someone clearing their throat.

"Derick, I'm sorry to interrupt but we need you on stage, we're about to announce the next successor"

"Ah, yes"

When Mr. Winters was far enough away he said

"Take care of yourself"

I nodded and he left.

"Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention today I'm going to grant the opportunity for the next heir of my company and honestly it was a difficult decision because both my children are so gifted and talented that I had to keep tabs on who's better!"

Everyone chuckled but it was anything but funny.

"But as a father I can never pick between my children they are both a piece of my heart and I would like them both to step forward"

A girl and a boy both that seemed to be at least twenty came to the stage, the boy had curly blonde hair and the girl had straight brown hair, but they both looked straight out of a painting.

"My daughter Alyssa and my son Ashton, I couldn't decide between you two so I give each of you half of my company, you might think that's not enough but I have secretly been building a second company and I have decided to give it to my precious daughter"

Everyone started clopping and both Alyssa and Ashton had dazzling smiles on their faces as the hugged their father.

"Now a good friend of mine and a big influencer would like to congratulate you and make relations, Derick Reid everyone"

Again everyone started clapping and Mr. Reid walked on stage.

"Good afternoon everyone, it's an honor to know that Winters Corp is starting a new generation and that both successors are young and youthful, I wish you both make good choices and have a profitable directorship"

They both said their thanks and Mr. Winters took back the mic and said

"Well then everyone please enjoy yourselves and remember this is a charity event and I hope you all donate, but now I will let my son introduce our new product, Ashton?"

He nodded and took over.

After that I completely zoned out and just watched Alyssa talk to Mr. Reid, her eyes screamed hungry and it just pissed me off.

"Wow if emotions showed there would be steam coming out of your ears"

"Huh?" Stupid...

"Sorry to startle you, but I cant help myself when there is a beautiful woman drinking champagne all by herself"

"Aren't you smooth"

"Oh you bet"

"Quince I'd like it if you'd go flirt somewhere else"

"Didn't know she was your property Derick"

"She's not, just get your face out of my sight"

He stomped away grumbling angrily, wow Mr. Reid is scary.

"What about Alyssa?" I said after awhile.

"It's fine, you're jealous?"

"Don't think to much or your head will explode"

"Why would it explode?"

"Because it'll add to your ego"

We both chuckled and he just looked at me.

"I will so make you go to Cali with me but can you give me a second I need to ask Albert something"

"Okay"

I went to the horderves table and just grabbed a tart.

"Are you Mr. Reid's assistant?"

Why does everyone remember to talk to me when I'm eating?!

I swallowed and looked up to see it's Alyssa Winters.

"Ms. Winters, it's a pleasure to meet you I'm Juliana Downs" I said putting my hand out.

"I didn't ask for your name, I asked if you're Derick's assistant"

Okay she's a b*tch...

great!

I dropped my hand and straightened myself.

"Yes I am"

"Well then stay away from my man Ms. Downs"

My left eye twitched and I gave her my signature obnoxiously sweet smile and said

"I only work for him Ms. Winters"

"I hope it stays that way"

"And I hope you stay a b*tch"

I muttered.

"What did you just call me?"

Sh*t...

me and my big mouth...

"Hm? Nothing Miss"

"Don't toy with me Ms. Downs!Repeat what you just said"

I noticed people looking at me so I just kept my head high and smiled not saying a thing.

"If you start apologizing I'll pretend I never heard anything and spare you the embarrassment"

I still kept my moth shut.

"Not going to? Okay"

The second her drink left the glass Mr. Reid stepped in front of me and took the hit, mind you, he was wearing a really expensive and good looking maroon suit.

"Mr. Reid?!"

"Derick?!"

Me and Alyssa yelled at the same time.

He straightened up cleared his throat and said

"I don't care what happened here but I don't like anyone harassing my employees, now if you'll excuse me"

"But Derick! She was the one that insulted me!"

I mean she's not lying...

Mr. Reid ignored her, grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the mansion.

I looked down in shame, not only did I embarrass Mr. Reid and myself, I also might have ruined a big collaboration opportunity.

I'm really an amazing person aren't I?

"I'm going"

"What?!" Oh he's mad.

"I know I don't deserve it but I'm coming with you to Cali"

"Well why didn't you agree the first time I asked?"

"I'll tell you when we get there"

"Ooh I love surprises"

"Way to note the sarcasm"

When we got to the car and we sat down he grabbed my hand and ran the other through his hair.

"You have really pissed me off to the core today but... I'm happy you're coming and if you think that'll make me lower your work load then you are absolutely wrong because as punishment for opening your mouth it'll be extra work the moment we come back and you will have to agree to everything I say during this trip"

I sighed, I knew he'd take advantage of this situation.

"Fine But when are we going?"

"Tomorrow"

"What?!"

And he just ended up laughing it off, I don't know if accepting this trip was a mistake or not, I guess I'll see what life has in store for me.

⭐️💬

😘❤️✌️