The Mysterious Nerd

Chapter 3: The Deal

Noah leaned back in the executive chair behind the desk, the weight of the situation hanging in the air between them. Across from him sat Ricky, nervously fidgeting with his tie, and Alana, the girl who had unknowingly caught his attention. Both of them looked shocked, as if they'd been caught doing something they shouldn't. The room was silent, the tension palpable.

Noah steepled his fingers, watching their reactions carefully. He thrived on these moments, where control shifted into his hands. "As far as I can remember," he began, his voice calm but authoritative, "there are only five female staff members in this company. Two at the front desk, one in HR, and two office assistants. There aren't any female programmers listed as employees. In fact, this company only has around 30 employees total, and I don't recall coming across the name 'Alana' in any official capacity."

Ricky's eyes widened, and Alana's lips parted in surprise. The shock on their faces was unmistakable. They hadn't expected him to have such a detailed understanding of the company—especially before his first official visit. But Noah had done his homework, and he always did it well.

Sensing their discomfort, he added, "I like to be thorough." His tone was even, but his gaze remained fixed on Alana. "So, I'd like to know—who exactly are you in this company?"

Alana shifted uncomfortably before standing up, her posture defensive. "I'm not an official employee," she admitted. "But I'm good at programming, and when there's too much work, I come in to help with the load."

Noah raised an eyebrow, amused by her bluntness. "In exchange for 30 percent of their bonus, if I'm not mistaken?"

Alana gave a quiet nod, her arms folded tightly across her chest. She seemed both defiant and nervous, unsure of how much trouble she might be in.

Noah turned to Ricky, his expression unreadable. "And you allow this?"

Before Ricky could even open his mouth to respond, Alana quickly interrupted, her voice firm. "This has nothing to do with Ricky. It's my fault. I'll leave the office right now."

She made a move to leave, but Noah's voice cut through the air, stopping her in her tracks. "Sit down," he ordered, and to his surprise, she did, albeit reluctantly.

His eyes softened, just a fraction, as he addressed her again. "If you're as good as you claim, why not join the company officially? Get 100 percent of the bonus. No more cutting corners."

Alana hesitated, and for a moment, Noah thought she wouldn't answer. But then, after a pause, she said quietly, "I don't have a degree. Never went to school. Never went to college."

Her words hung in the air like a confession, and Noah, who had prided himself on being hard to surprise, found himself momentarily at a loss. He studied her face, trying to gauge if she was telling the truth.

"Why?" he asked, his voice less commanding this time. "What's your story?"

Alana kept her gaze fixed on the floor. "I'm an orphan," she said simply, her voice betraying no emotion. "I never had the opportunity."

For a moment, Noah felt something stir inside him—something close to pity, or maybe admiration for her resilience. But business was business, and he didn't let personal feelings cloud his judgment.

"I'll tell you what," he said, his tone turning more transactional. "I'll pay for you to get your degree. You go to school, get the papers, and in return, you sign a five-year employment contract with my company—after I confirm you're as good as you say you are."

He expected her to jump at the chance. After all, who wouldn't want free education and a guaranteed job? But instead, Alana's expression hardened. She shook her head. "No."

The refusal caught Noah off guard. "No?" He leaned forward slightly, intrigued now. "Why not?"

"I don't want it," she said, her voice resolute. She stood up, as if the conversation was over. "I won't come back here. Goodbye."

Noah's eyes narrowed as he watched her make her way to the door. There was something about her reluctance that only piqued his interest further. Most people would kill for the opportunity he'd just offered, yet she was willing to walk away. Why?

"You don't get to walk away just like that," Noah said, his voice cold now. "If you refuse my offer, then I'll have no choice but to report you to the police. After all, you've been trespassing here without any formal employment."

Ricky, who had been silent until now, suddenly panicked. "Mr. Leighton, please," he begged, his hands wringing nervously. "Don't call the police. Alana didn't mean any harm. I'll vouch for her. Please."

Noah's gaze flickered to Ricky, and a twinge of jealousy gnawed at him. Why was this man, in his fifties and married, so concerned about a young woman like Alana? Could there be something more going on here?

"Is there something I should know, Ricky?" Noah asked, his tone deceptively calm. "Are you and Alana... involved?"

Ricky looked horrified. "No! Absolutely not!" he stammered. "Alana is like a daughter to me. My wife loves her like our own. She's been helping out here because we wanted to support her, but nothing more."

Noah studied Ricky for a moment, then turned his attention back to Alana. There was no indication of a lie from either of them, but something about this situation still didn't sit right.

"Fine," Noah said finally, his voice measured. "If you don't want to attend college, then here's my second offer. You come work for me at Leighton Enterprises."

Alana's head snapped up at that, her eyes widening. Leighton Enterprises was one of the largest and most prestigious companies in the entire state, not just New York. It was a name that carried weight.

"If you refuse this offer," Noah continued, "I'll be forced to report you to the authorities."

Alana stood frozen, clearly weighing her options. Noah could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she considered how to escape this predicament. But before she could form a plan, he added, "And if you decide not to show up, Ricky will lose his job."

Her face paled, and Noah knew he had her. For all her defiance and stubbornness, it seemed Ricky's well-being meant something to her. She couldn't let him suffer because of her.

After what felt like an eternity, Alana sighed. "Fine. I'll do it."

"Good," Noah said, satisfaction curling in his chest. "I'll see you on Monday."

As Alana left the room, Noah watched her go, still curious. There was something about her reluctance to accept help that intrigued him. Most people would jump at the opportunities he provided, but not her. And that only made him more determined to figure out what made Alana tick.

This was just the beginning.