Regal Love

Chapter Seven

Aiden did not mind me hiring Michelle without his consent. He said that he trusted my decision and I was surprised because I did not have the same reaction when he hired Veronica behind my back.
The following evening, we printed out all the applications that were emailed to me and shortlisted some candidates to interview the next day. Aiden also suggested hiring some people he knew from volunteering at homeless shelters as janitors which was a great idea and I had no objections. Veronica seemed to eye Aiden’s every move as she sat next to him throughout the discussion. If I got the information that she was a Russian spy who was assigned to spy on the Lancaster family and she was just using Aiden to accomplish her goal, I’d believe it without having to verify the information. Aiden ordered dinner from a nearby restaurant and we ate dinner together. We ended up working till 9 pm because we decided that we had to open the office to clients by next week and it was already Thursday.
“That’s it for today. Let’s meet up at 9am sharp to conduct the interviews and orientation after we select the lawyers for the firm.” I said as I stood up to leave the office.
“Sounds good” Aiden replied. He was an immature person at times but when it was time to work he was the most serious person ever. He had his father’s work ethics and with the pace that he is going he could be even a better lawyer than his father within a short span of time.
     The next morning I reached the office on time, my bruises were fading and my eyes were no longer bloodshot which meant that I did not have to wear the shades indoors and make a complete fool of myself. I walked into the conference hall where the interview was going to be held, Aiden was already there and he seemed to be going through the applications once again.
“Good morning” I wished him and sat next to him, taking out my laptop from my bag.
“Good morning too” He smiled cheerfully.
A middle aged woman walked in, she looked like she was Hispanic.
“What can I get for you?” She asked.
I was confused.
“She is Maria and she will be responsible for the snacks and drinks. She makes all kinds of coffee and tea” Aiden said.
“Hello Maria, I am Elizabeth. I would like an Expresso please” I smiled at her. She nodded and left.
“English is not her first language so excuse her if she comes off as rude” Aiden said.
“Is she from the shelter that you were talking about?” I asked.
“No, she is my friend’s ex-nanny. She is a kind woman and she needed a job to provide for her three lovely children. I hope you don’t mind me hiring her” Aiden said unapologetically.
“No, no, it’s great that you hired her.” And before I could complete what I was saying, there was a knock. Both of our heads turned to the person, it was Stella my ex assistant at my old firm.
“I’m here for the job interview” Her voice was shaky. What was she doing here? Why did she quit working at Derek’s firm? What had happened?
“Come in” Aiden said.
“Stella, what are you doing here?” I asked.
“She just said that she is here for the interview. Don’t be silly.” Aiden chuckled. It was not even funny.
“I want to apply for the post of receptionist in Liz-Aiden Law Firm” She said and handed us her copy of her CV.
“You do realize that we pay significantly less than your previous employer, right?” I said.
“Yes” was her reply.
“Then why would you consider working here?” It was a terrible professional move on her part. I cared for her and that was the only reason that I was hesitant to hire her in my firm.
“I want to be there from the start of the careers of the city’s future best lawyers. I promise to work harder than I have ever worked and try to maintain discipline and be diligent in my work.” She said.
Aiden smiled and said,
“I am impressed with what your qualifications, experience and your determination.” Aiden looked at me as though he wanted me to say the same.
I just nodded.
“You’re hired” Aiden shook her hand and I did the same. She volunteered to help us with the process of interview because everything was unorganized. With her help, all the interviews were done and we had selected the competent lawyers. The selected ones were expected to work on full swing from Monday and Aiden took care of the orientation. It was weird seeing him teach the rules, code of conduct, the expected work ethics and the various matters regarding office to lawyers who were obviously older than him, some were even twice his age. The older and more experienced ones were given the designation of senior and junior lawyers.
To commemorate the beginning of a new phase of our lives and the start of a new empire, we would host a party at Aiden’s house and through his family’s connections he would invite all the big sharks and media, not to forget our newly hired staff.
“Let’s call it a day, shall we?” Aiden said. He must have had about 4 cups of coffee throughout the day to keep his engine working throughout the day.
“Yes, I am exhausted” I said shutting down my laptop and packing my things.
“What’s the dress code for the party?” Michelle who had come to office to attend the orientation said.
“Let’s not be so formal. Wear any cocktail party outfit that you want, that’s it. We have to develop friendship with the big names and if we are so cautious then we might not be successful in creating relationships. Of course we have to maintain some decency too.” I said.
“Okay boss” She replied and all of us dismissed from the office.
“You worked hard" Aiden muttered before he left.