The CEO's Secret✔️

3: The Decision

Jeffrey could see how her hopeful expression gradually fell from her features and turned to that of a concerned one. Then suddenly, he thoughts of a plan.

"Listen, I think this may work out for now. But on one condition."

"Yes?"

"You will have to work between helping Carrie as a PA and also help with the summer Gala we're throwing. It can be very stressful I assure you but if you can get through it, we will extend your contract."

The offer did not seem too bad once Katie began to think about it. It meant that even if she could not stay after the Gala, she would have some experience when she looked for a new job around the city. Either outcome from the deal would have positives to it, although she found staying was probably the more desirable right then.

"Do you think you could do that Katie?"

"Of course." She beamed at the older man. "I would be delighted to accept your offer Sir."

"Good." Jeffrey couldn't help but warm to the young woman already. Maybe it was her optimism and confidence, she was determined and he liked that in a member of staff. "I'm happy to hear-"

Just then, Colin came through the door, almost stumbling in his step. At first, Katie did not take any notice to how much tension filled the room in the short time since Colin made his appearance.

"Sorry I'm late." Colin muttered, not his usual confident self.

"What good is your apology when the meeting's over." Jeffrey replied, rather gruffly before turning to Katie and forcing a smile although he was in no mood once he took one look at his son. "Thank you, Katie. I'll be in touch to organise your role in the planning committee soon. I wish you the best."

"Get outside now." Jeffrey growled in a low tone to his son in an attempt to stop Katie from seeing him this angry.

"Hi." She mouthed out to Colin as Jeffrey walked out the door. Colin only gave her a small smile but it did not reach his eyes.

Katie found herself stuck in Colin's office then, not knowing where to look as she tried her very best to avoid listening to the conversation unfold outside the huge windows. The blinds were only pulled slightly so she still had a good view of the angry father and the irritated son.

"Almost every single time I turn up here you're late. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I'll try my best to not let it happen again Dad, what else can I say?"

"Why were you late?"

"My alarm never went off." Colin lied easily to his father who stood in front of him, eyeing him up with aversion and clear distaste.

"You're lying. Did you even shower? I can smell the alcohol from here."

"I don't know what you're talking about-"

"This isn't high school anymore Colin, snap out of it and realise that this job is very important and serious or else you'll find yourself working behind a counter at Wendy's in the next few months." Jeffrey was beginning to grow tired of Colin's senseless excuses. When would he learn?

Jeffrey stormed out of the office after another minute or two of lecturing although he knew Colin was not listening. As soon as he re-entered his office, Katie jumped up from her seat to leave, feeling a more than a little awkward then.

"Good morning Colin." She mumbled as she walked by him, noticing then how different he looked from up close. His eyes were blood shot and his hear was dishevelled, like he had not touched it since he got up out of bed that morning. Despite Colin's terrible run in with his father just seconds ago, he couldn't help but smile to feel a little better at the sound of her calling him by his first name.