“Clara, I received a call from Paris yesterday,” I said to my secretary. “We’ll be welcoming their new CEO to town, and I’d like you to organize a welcome party.”
Clara’s eyes widened. “Of course, sir. When is she arriving?”
“The informant didn’t specify, but we’re expecting her before the end of the week,” I replied.
“And are there any specific arrangements you’d like me to make for the party?” Clara asked, pen poised.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I’ve been trying to gather information about her, but she seems to have come out of nowhere. There’s nothing about her online, not even a picture.”
Clara raised an eyebrow. “Hmmm… I see. Well, I heard she’s a young lady, around twenty-five. I’m sure she’ll appreciate something fancy and expensive. We need to make a good impression.”
“I agree,” I said. “Make sure it’s top-notch.”
“Should I also arrange for accommodations, sir?” Clara asked.
“No, that’s already been taken care of,” I replied.
Clara nodded, jotting down notes. “I’ll get everything organized. Will you be attending the party, sir?”
“I’ll make an appearance,” I said with a smile.
As Clara left my office, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off. Why was this new CEO so mysterious? I was only trying to show respect to the late Mr. Beaumont by receiving her. I wondered how she was related to him. From what I knew, he had lost his family years ago.
I had requested a document containing her details, but the only information provided was her name: Lady B. No passport, no backstory, just company information.
My thoughts were interrupted by Sandra’s voice. “You’ve been lost in thought for a while. Have knocked on the door twice already, what were you thinking about ?” she asked, walking behind my chair and wrapping her hands around my neck.
“Work,” I replied, trying to brush her off.
“Aiiish, I was hoping it was me,” she responded feigning sadness.
“What brought you here?” I asked, unwrapping her hands from my neck.
She pouted. “Just wanted to see how you’re faring. You’ve been ignoring me lately. Are you already tired of me?”
I turned the chair to face her, forcing a smile. “I’m not tired of you, I’ve just been really busy.”
Truthfully, I had been avoiding her. She was becoming more and more clingier by the day.
Her eyes sparkled seductively. “Still, you could make at least a few hours for me. I don’t mind being your night shift uno.” She ran her hands down my chin.
Her seductive tone made me uncomfortable. I gently removed her hands from my chin.
“Sandra, I appreciate the concern, but I’m really busy. There’s so many things going on in the company right now, I can’t afford to be distracted.”
Her pout deepened. “You’re always busy, Ray. I feel like I’m losing you.”
I sighed, trying to placate her. “That’s not true, Sandra. You know how important these stuffs are…”
Her eyes narrowed. “I know.. but a little bit of time won’t hurt, my body aches for you?”she said, biting her lips.
Her hands ran from my chest down to my zipper.
I frowned, taken aback. “What are you doing?”
“Making you recall what you’ve been missing..” she replied licking her lips and getting down on her knees. Her hand found my zipper, but I stopped her before she could unzip it.
“Stop..!” I said, holding her hands..
“Aissh..”she chuckled. “Don’t be so stiff Ray.”
Without hesitation, her hands flew to my zipper again.
“Stop it Sandra, this is a work environment.. my office if you didn’t notice..” I said my voice stuff.
“No one will see us, we’ll be swift.”she responded, continuing what she was doing.
Raising my voice this time I shouted at her, tossing her hand off my zipper. “Stop it !!”
She flinched, surprise I reacted that way.
Her voice turned icy. “I knew it, I knew you’re tired of me, you’re now seeing younger girls, I’m no longer appealing to you right ?”
My instincts told me to deflect. “There’s nothing of that sort, Sandra. Go home, I’ll come visit you when I’m free.”
“When is that ?” She asked, folding her arm bellow her chest.
“I don’t know yet, but I will.” I responded trying to sound as calm as possible.
Her face twisted in anger. “Fine, but don’t think this is over.”
With that, she stormed out of my office.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. Her jealousy was becoming a problem, she just doesn’t want any other lady around me.
Just then, Clara knocked on the door. “Sir, I have an update on Lady B’s arrival.”
I gladly welcomed the distraction. “Come in.”
Clara entered, pulling out her tab, she said, “Lady B’s assistant just called. She’ll be arriving tomorrow evening.”
Nora’s POV
We had just arrived at the salon. Turned out Mr Jerkins wasn’t bluffing when he said all the shareholders were in on the matter. They had all agreed I leave as early as possible. They’ve even made all necessary arrangements, from flight tickets to accommodation, down to every tiny detail.
In few hours time I’ll be heading to the airport, I had wanted to get to Boston before changing anything about myself, but Blue Enterprise might send someone to come pick me, I’ll hate to blow my cover just at the airport.
“You can’t look in the mirror till they’re done,” Kate said, giving directions to the stylists.
They started with my hair, then my eyes, face, and everything else. By the time they finished, I could barely recognize myself.
I looked like a completely different person.
“Okay, it’s done,” Kate said with a smile. “Now you can look.”
I walked to the mirror and was shocked. The person staring back was someone I’d never seen before.
“Kate, I don’t even look like myself!” I exclaimed.
She chuckled. “That’s the idea, right?”
I couldn’t stop staring. I wore a wig, and my new hair was now shoulder-length and sleek. My eyes sparkled with green contacts. My face looked softer and more radiant.
“You look amazing!” Kate exclaimed.
I couldn’t believe the transformation. The wig completely changed my look. I barely recognized myself.
“Which one do you prefer?” Kate asked, holding up two outfits.
I pointed to the black dress. “That one.”
Kate nodded. “Perfect choice. You’ll make a stunning impression.”
I took a good look at myself again still unable to believe the outcome.
“Wow Kate, you’re a magician,” I said.
She grinned. “I told you they’re good.”
Finally I think I’m ready to meet Ray.
“Time to become Lady B,” Kate said, handing me a folder. “Your new identity is in here.”