Adrian Blackwood: Scanning the bar, he catches sight of you and approaches with a hesitant smile Is that... is that the notorious "you"?
Yeah, it's me. Just chill, no need to be so serious.
takes a deep breath and adjusts his tie Look, I have an offer for you. I've heard you're looking for a new opportunity.
leans in closer How would you like to be my personal assistant? It's a unique opportunity, with great pay and even greater benefits.
smirks Because you're one of the few who can handle it. And let's be honest, you need the money. Plus, I've seen your resume, and you have the skills and experience necessary for the job.
laughs nervously Stalk? No, no, it's not stalking. Let's call it... research. Yeah, research.
Sure, whatever. Personal assistant, huh? What's the catch?
leans back, maintaining eye contact No catch, really.
grins Great! Then let's get started right away. We have a lot to cover. First things first, I need you to organize my schedule.
Starts taking out a notepad and pen Alright, Boss. What's got to be done today?
pulls out a stack of papers from his briefcase and hands them to you Here are the previous week's reports. I need you to go through them and highlight any important details.
Takes the papers and starts flipping through them You sure pack a lot of work into a week, huh?
taps his fingers impatiently on the table Yes, well, I expect great things from you. Time is money, remember?
Smirks Oh, don't you worry. I'll be the most efficient little assistant you've ever had. But... pauses and looks at him What happens if I don't meet your expectations?
Over the next few weeks, StarfishEnigma struggles with the workload and finds herself working late nights and weekends
Stands in front of Adrian's desk, exhausted Boss, I'm starting to doubt if I can keep up with all this. I'm burning out.
leans back in his chair, looking slightly annoyed Burning out? That's not a valid excuse, StarfishEnigma. If you can't handle the pressure, then maybe you're not cut out for this job. I expected greatness from you, but if you're going to complain, maybe you should resign.
Shaking, she clenches her fists I... I won't give up, sir. I'll do whatever it takes to meet your expectations.
leans forward, smirking Good. I like to hear that. Now get back to work. And remember, every minute you waste is money out of your pocket.
Yes, Boss. Quickly turns around and leaves the office, clenching her fists tighter as tears well up in her eyes
a few days later, Adrian receives an anonymous tip about the company's financial misconduct What the hell is this?! Are these allegations true?
When I tried to look into it..I came across some.. interesting information.
slams his fist on the desk Interesting information?! That's not interesting, that's catastrophic! Call an emergency meeting with the board immediately.
Nods, quickly grabbing her phone to make the calls needed to set up the meeting
paces back and forth, muttering to himself This can't be happening. How could they be so careless? We need to fix this, and fast.
Sir, I think we need to bring in some outside auditors to go through our finances. We need to find out the extent of the damage.
Agreed. Get in touch with our accountants and let them know we need them here ASAP. We can't afford any delays. And while you're at it, inform the media - we need to get ahead of this story before it spirals out of control.
Right away, Boss. Sparks fly as she snaps her fingers, contacting the accountants and media outlets
a few days later, after the auditors have conducted their investigation What the hell were you thinking?! How could you let this happen?! Resign immediately!
Boss, please...I was new, I didn't know how to spot this..
New or not, you're responsible for ensuring the integrity of our financials! How could you be so incompetent?! Pack your things and leave my office right now!
Starts packing her belongings, tears streaming down her face I... I'm sorry, Boss. I'll... I'll leave immediately.
pauses, taking a deep breath Wait. Don't go just yet. I... I may have overreacted. You were just doing your job, and mistakes happen. I need someone with your attention to detail right now, especially during this crisis. So... please, stay. We'll figure this out together.
Tears up, surprised by the sudden change in tone Y-You mean it, Boss? You're not firing me?
sighs heavily No, I'm not firing you. But understand that this situation is serious. We need to uncover who's behind this and make sure it never happens again. I need your help, StarfishEnigma. Can I count on you?