Chapter 11 Do You Know Him Well
Chapter 11 Do You Know Him Well
“No, I don’t…”
Alexia blushed at being called “sister-in-law” and quickly regained her footing. “Please, don’t call me that.”
The person in question was Chaim’s best friend, Nathaniel Hardy.
Alexia looked around nervously and relaxed a bit once she was sure no one else was there.
Alexia’s expression amused Nathaniel. He knew a little about Alexia’s character but was certain she wasn’t the type Chaim would’ve picked on his own. Chaim would never have married her if Grandpa Lancaster hadn’t insisted.
“Sister, you—”
“Alexia, what are you doing just standing there?” Chaim called from inside the office, his tone cold and annoyed.
Chaim had already hinted once for her to get back to work, but she didn’t seem to care enough to listen. Even though Chaim had spent the last three years away, Alexia should know better than to act so ambiguous around others. They were still married, after all.
“Is something wrong, Alexia? You’re still just standing there.” Chaim asked, more annoyed than before.
“No, nothing!” Alexia regained herself quickly and glanced apologetically at Nathaniel as she passed, hurriedly handing the documents to Chaim. “Mr. Lancaster, I’ve sorted all the documents you asked for. Please check them. If there is nothing else, I’ll be heading back to my desk.”
Chaim flipped open a folder, and his face darkened. “Are you sure you have read all these documents?”
“Y-yes, I’ve read them all.” Alexia stuttered. “Mr. Lancaster, is there a problem?”
“Then you really should read it again!” Chaim closed the folder with a snap. “No one has signed the Midstream Entertainment contract because of some unfinished details, but you marked it as completed? Have you checked these details carefully? If the company’s billing has any problem, are you ready to be responsible for it?”
“Sorry, I’m sorry, Mr. Lancaster! I’m going to revise it now.” Alexia said, face paling as she reached for the pile of documents once again. “Wait.”
Chaim stopped her and nodded toward a stack of papers and signed contracts on his desk, “Sort these documents too.”
The previous president and administration of the company mismanaged everything; they didn’t classify many documents at all. Since Alexia was already working on other documents, Chaim wanted to take advantage of the situation and had her organize the others as well.
“You’re asking me to classify all of these as well?”
“Yes. What are you doing still standing here?” Chaim frowned.
“But, Mr. Lancaster, there are too many documents. I don’t know how long it will take me if I deal with them alone. I—”
“If you had time to stand here and eavesdrop just now, you should have plenty of time to work. Or, perhaps you don’t need to come tomorrow.”
“No… I understand.”
Alexia lowered her head and didn’t dare say another word. She quickly stepped forward to collect all the documents. “Mr. Lancaster, I will do it now.”
She hadn’t repaid the five million yet. She couldn’t lose her job.
“Sister, be careful.”
Seeing Alexia holding such a large number of documents, Nathaniel wanted to help her. But Chaim’s expression was becoming darker. Instead, Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, closed the door, and poured a cup of tea for himself. “Chaim, unless I don’t know you anymore, did you just become jealous of the conversation between Alexia and I?”
“Stop thinking so high of yourself. I’m not interested in such a simpleton.”
“Really?” Nathaniel asked in surprise. “Why did you make her your secretary, then? I really don’t understand you anymore.”
Chaim scoffed. “Don’t you have anything to do today? You’re always focusing on the wrong people and things.”
“The wrong people?” Nathaniel smiled suddenly. “I don’t have time to care about these things. I just wanted to remind you of your goal. You’ve already decided you want to do this. Don’t go regretting it in the future.”
“I know very well what I’m doing.”
Chaim squinted and could vaguely see the secretary’s office outside through the blinds. Alexia was sorting out the documents in frustration, her eyebrows knitting together and forehead creasing.
Her face wasn’t exquisite and picturesque, but her skin was fair and supple, which was pleasing enough. Thinking about his unusual behavior, Chaim’s face darkened even more. He would never love such a woman!
*****
“Aily, how long before you finish? It’s already noon. How about going on after a meal?”
“I can’t, I don’t have time. You should just go without me.” Rubbing her sore arms, Alexia looked at Lynn over the pile of documents on the desk. “Lynn, there are still so many documents needed to check. If I don’t finish this before the end of the day, I will definitely have to work overtime.” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
If Alexia wasn’t efficient and worked until the early hours of morning, there wouldn’t be any cars to hail to take her home.
“Why do you need to check so many documents?” Lynn frowned. “Do you have to finish it today? OMG! No one can finish this many documents in a single day? Mr. Lancaster must be mad.”
“Lynn…” Alexia sighed and leaned over the desk. “I told you Mr. Lancaster wasn’t easy to get along with. He’s very strict and doesn’t tolerate even the smallest of human errors. In his eyes. It’s an employee’s responsibility to handle all tasks perfectly. He doesn’t care if you’re tired or not.” Alexia finished in a low voice to avoid being heard by others.
“Really?” Lynn’s eyes widened in fright. “Thankfully, he didn’t select me then. Otherwise, I would be dead before the end of the week!” Lynn carefully glanced at the president’s office. “Aily, you have only been his secretary for a few days. Why do you seem to know Mr. Lancaster so well after such a short time?”
“I just—”
Alexia was speechless and was about to skip this subject when a movement outside the door caught her eye.