Her Assistant

[23] Chloe

Doubts.

Change of heart.

"Miss Pike," Umber called for her attention the moment she exited the elevator.

Chloe hid her disgust when she saw the middle-aged greedy businessman whose nicotine stained lips were stretched into a mischievous grin. "Yes, Mr. Umber?"

"I was wondering, how's everything going for you? You're young, and I don't mean to be rude, you are great but..."

There's always a "but" after a compliment, she figured that Umber's statement could be serious, not another subliminal malicious approach.

The brunette man continued after heaving a sigh, "But how can Jesse leave you with a great responsibility?" His smile changed, it turned into a worrisome expression. "Where is he? It's been months since he left. How is he doing?"

Jesse is sick.

He has cancer.

He wanted to die happily.

He wants me to continue as him.

And I can't see him, and I don't know how he is either.

Chloe gave him a reassuring smile, "Everything is fine, Jesse is fine, Mr. Umber." It was hard for her to say that everything is fine. Umber was convinced by nodding as he dug his hands in his pocket, slightly anxious. "Do you have any other concern?" She asked.

Umber looked at her, as if he was studying her expression, as he said, "Yes, Miss Pike. I have concerns regarding your assistant, Mr. Connor."

"Go on," she spoke, patiently waiting for his next words. It's something negative of course, however, she hoped that they would let go of whatever strain the Connors had caused in the company.

"Most are still reluctant on making Mr. Connor a permanent employee, you know, issues before. And we don't know his true intentions yet, maybe he's manipulated by his father," Umber explained.

Chloe on the other hand wanted to fully defend the man she loves, but, all she could say was, "Don't worry, if anything goes wrong, I'd be the one to kick him out of here. Let's just focus on something else, shall we? Perhaps start the day by doing something productive." Chloe gleamed despite the sudden urge to yell at him that Phil is diligent enough not to do shit like that. But what is her proof? His job performance? Umber could be right, what if Phil's father is using him as his puppet? Countless doubtful thoughts flowed in her unorganized mind.

"Yes, Miss Pike, have a good day," Umber grinned with his yellow teeth then walked away towards the conference hall.

Chloe sighed, thinking again as she walked past her elite employees who were busy and some were panicking when her presence was felt. She wanted to calm them, which was the first time she had ever wanted to do so. However, that would be odd. But, she needed to manage her people well so they would have a harmonious workplace. She didn't know how to say it so she said like she's still scolding them, it was the usual furious tone but a different message. "God, guys, calm down! I'm not going to murder you or anything, just relax and do your work. I'm not going to pressure you as long as you're doing your job well." And to them, she still sounded like a total bitch.

She was met by appalled faces, and Phil was there, snickering by her office door. "Ugh, forget it," she groaned, marching to her office, then ignored Phil for laughing at her.

"You were trying to be nice," Phil started, failing to hide his amusement by smiling at her.

Chloe cringed in disgust, wanting to change the way she treats her employees but still resenting the idea because she felt pathetic at some point -- different, perhaps.