Page 19 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
I ran into Audrey in the hallway.As usual, she gave me that mocking smirk that infuriated me.I knew exactly what game she was playing.She wanted to push me to the limit, make me react, then run to complain to Tristan.But she wouldn't get me.
That didn't change the obvious: my position was precarious.Because the man I loved, under the pretext that I was in a position of power, would choose to defend her.The poor assistant.
Seeing that I wasn't taking the bait, Audrey pivoted on her heels and headed toward Tristan's office, as if on conquered territory.I knew she was spending more and more time there.And the worst part was that I noticed it.I was ashamed of it.Me, the general manager, counting minutes like a jealous teenager.
I wanted to compartmentalize, maintain a clear separation between my role and my emotions.But despite all my efforts, it was impossible for me not to see her as a rival.Because that's what she was.And the fact that Tristan refused to realize it only made her more dangerous.
My heart tightened when I saw her enter his office and close the door behind her.
I took a deep breath, swallowed my distress, and focused on my next appointment.
Marco, my driver and bodyguard, was waiting for me by the elevator.We exchanged a brief nod before entering the elevator cabin.
With his former commando build and chiseled features, Marco commanded respect.But I had learned to see beyond appearances.And over the years, I believe we had become friends.
"How's your son?"I asked him as the elevator descended to the building's basement.
"He told me yesterday that he has a girlfriend," he replied, offended.
"That's normal for his age," I replied, amused.
"He's only eleven!"he protested."But that's not the problem.Two weeks ago, he was dating a guy!He's going to drive me crazy!"
I suppressed a burst of laughter, but his sideways glance made me understand he wasn't fooled.
"Wait your turn; you won't be laughing then!"
"You know, I think it's great, actually," I told him.
"I don't follow you."
"I think it's wonderful that our era allows young people to freely explore their attraction.Gay, bi, or straight, what matters most is love."
He rolled his eyes with an expression that was half-amused, half-exasperated.
"You're too pure for our world, Eva."
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened.Marco stepped forward, scanned the parking lot with his usual professionalism before guiding me to the car, a metallic gray Mercedes-Benz S-Class.He opened the rear door and waited for me to get in before closing it.I took out my computer and got to work.
When I arrived at Mackellen Industries headquarters, on the outskirts of Paris, a charming receptionist welcomed me and led me directly to the meeting room.The CEO, Mr.Mackellen, was waiting for me there, his benevolent smile barely hiding calculated curiosity.The room, with its resolutely industrial style, reflected the pragmatic spirit of the company.
"Hello, Mr.Mackellen, thank you for seeing me.I know how busy your schedule is," I said, taking a seat opposite him.
"Don't worry, Mrs.Mercier," he replied in a measured voice."I'm delighted to meet someone with your level of responsibility, and even more so for such a noble cause.How can I be of assistance?"
I took a deep breath, knowing that the first words would be crucial to capture his interest.
"We're trying to offer young people from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to discover scientific and technical professions, but above all, to open new horizons for them.For this, I want to offer them an experience within a company like yours."
He raised an eyebrow, both intrigued and cautious.
"What exactly are you proposing?"
"I know that Mackellen Industries is a pioneer in creating robots designed to assist people with reduced mobility, and I think it would be wonderful to open your doors to some young people as part of an observational internship.This would allow them not only to discover a stimulating work environment but also to fully grasp the vision and values that drive your company."
"You're thinking of a simple visit?"he asked, looking dubious.
"Not just that," I replied with a confident smile."I envision a two-part program: first, a discovery day to raise awareness, then a one-month internship for the most motivated ones, where they could immerse themselves in key departments.A mentor would guide them, of course, to ensure they're supervised throughout the experience."
