All That's Left

Prologue

I am Aneska Nesdwick, 29 years old. I am from Poland but has been living in Atlanta, Georgia for nearly 10 years. I moved here to find better opportunity. I was born in a family of 8. My dad, who's of American-Polish descent, died when I was only 10.

Being the middle child, my mom barely had time to look after me so I had to learn to look after myself, do things for myself, and find ways to get ahead of life. That included moving out at the age of 16, two years earlier than when it's supposed to leave home.

I supported myself while working several part-time jobs in the morning and attend night classes to get my diploma in high school. I made it with flying colors. I was my local high school's valedictorian despite having the disadvantage of attending night classes.

I received scholarship offers from local universities and colleges but I had something else in my mind. I wanted to establish a career somewhere else. I was willing to exhaust all possibilities and luck. So, I applied for a scholarship and in one of the highly recognized universities in the US, Princeton University. Among 10,000 international applicants, they would only sponsor, 3,000 each year.

After rigorous process and series of interviews I was one of the lucky ones. I submitted everything they asked from me and took an education loan. After that I flew into Princeton.

I was able to secure a decent dorm room near the campus, and was able to settle in faster than I expected. I took Economics and Business. It wasn't really easy. Princeton U has only 6% acceptance rate hence, the entire years were really rigorous. I had to study and work part-time to earn some money during my free hours.

I tutored elementary and middle school students and was able to make at least 8,000$ a month.

On my final year in school, I found out that the companies which support the scholarship program, select interns from us. Again, I applied for it and was selected by Sterling Inc. It's one of the biggest business conglomerates in the US and getting hired by them even as an intern means you have to be on your toes and do everything you must do to keep your job.

Sterling Inc. is lead by it's 3rd generation of Sterlings. Mr. Rossen Sterling, the chairman, is the only son of the company's founder, the late Stephen Sterling.

The company's main business is chain of luxury hotels and restaurants located in several locations around the world such as Greece, French Polynesia, Maldives, Vanuatu, Thailand, Philippines, Costa Rica, Brazil, Morocco, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, and London.

They also have business in cruising industry, Sterling Shores Cruiseline, and airline.

Such a huge conglomerate employs more than 11 million people and everyone's determined to keep their job especially those who work in the offices--what more they can ask?

High paying job at a huge company, tons of benefits which many companies don't give such as if you're able to work for them, you may get your own apartment paid by them, yearly travel sponsored by them and they throw one of the most posh and lavish christmas, year-end, and company anniversary parties like yatch party.

Therefore, there's also no reason for me not to work for them. My first day was really daunting. Everyone really looks like on their toes. No room for mistake.

"Hi. My name is Aneska, 23 years old, from Poland. I'm an international student at Princeton,"

I hope we could work well during the internship. Thank you."

"Welcome, interns. You may now go to your designated position and desk."

"Excuse me, ma'am,"

"Yes?" She replied coldly.

"May I know where's the office of the Director of Finance?"

Her expression suddenly change. Soften a little bit.

"Are you sure you'll be working for him?"

"Huh? It says in my directive, I'll be closely working with Mr. Jameson Sterling,"

"Just so you know, he's the son of our Chairman. Don't make any mistake or distasteful move on him or you'll lose your job immediately."

"I won't. Thank you."

"Now, go to the 26th floor. He'll be in any minute now."

A very smart-looking young woman greeted me at the lobby.

"Hi. I'm looking for Mr. Jameson Sterling's office. I'm Aneska Nesdwick, his new intern."

"Go straight and turn right. The office with brown wooden door is his office."

"Thank you."

"Good luck." She smiled slyly.