Chapter 4

Outside, the bitter wind howled fiercely, yet the orphanage provided only thin blankets for cover.

The little boy still wore the expensive-looking clothes he had on when the orphanage director found him.

"Timber, those fancy clothes you're wearing must mean you come from a wealthy family. It's just too bad you hit your head and can't remember anything."

When Timber fell ill, I nursed him back to health bit by bit, until he could get up and compete with me for food.

We never stole from ordinary people - that's what bad kids do.

I only took from the bad kids.

I'd take back the money they stole and return it to the rightful owners. The owners would then reward me with ten bucks for my honesty.

This is how Timber and I managed to survive, little by little.

"Timber, if one day you remember and leave this place, don't ever come back."

"It's too dirty here."

"Someday, I'll escape from here too."

My resume boasted an impressive highlight.

I once held the position of Vice President at Landis Corporation.

But it's precisely this detail that would prevent me from finding work.

So I deleted that line, replacing it with my own educational background and internship experiences.

Yet I still hit roadblocks everywhere.

I knew this was Zoran's way of giving me the cold shoulder.

He was trying to force me to bow down to him.It was also telling me that without him, I was nothing.

Zoran set traps for me, and his woman Elise was no less devious in her machinations.

She was jealous of my years by Zoran's side, appearing as a couple at various events.

After failing the interview, I had no choice but to look for a place to live instead.

I still had some funds at my disposal.

But every real estate agency I went to, as soon as they saw my name, they refused to serve me.

They denied me everything.

They wouldn't give me a place to stay either.

I didn't want to argue with these working stiffs; hassling them wouldn't do any good.

Because it might very well cost them their jobs too.

I could only try hotels.

"I'm sorry, miss, we're fully booked."

The forced smile on the receptionist's face told me everything I needed to know.

This was Elise's gift to me.

Leaving me with nowhere to stay, forcing me into a corner where I had only one option left: to leave New York City.

I had no choice but to buy a sleeping bag and tent to make do for a night in the park.

After all, sleeping is sleeping no matter where you do it, and here I could even see the stars.

The next day, I continued going to interviews.

Still, I hit walls everywhere.

Eventually, I just gave up and at the last company, I asked them straight out."Elise, how did Zoran threaten you all to make you afraid to hire me?"

The voice on the other end laughed.

"Zoran doesn't have that kind of power over my decisions."

I was stunned for a moment.

Vivienne?

Only then did I realize this was Everhart Corporation.

"Salary is $10,000 a month, working as my personal assistant. Room and board included. How's that sound?"

Room and board included.

What else could I say to that?

"No problem, I can start right away."

Vivienne seemed pleased. The huge conference room was now empty except for the two of us.

She adjusted her tie. "Let's go, Assistant Stratton."

Vivienne moved quickly.

As soon as I was hired, she gave me the keys to my new place.

"You'll be living here, at Buckingham Palace, right across from me. Convenient for work."

I accepted the hot potato: "No problem."

"Also, manage my daily schedule and meals."

"Yes, Ms. Everhart."

She glanced at me. "Any objections?"

I hurriedly shook my head, though my mind wandered to that thing.

"None at all!"Whoever pays more is the boss.

I've always been good at reading the room.

Vivienne nodded with satisfaction, tapping her curled index finger on the desk. "Go throw away that sleeping bag you left by the door. You won't need it anymore."

I turned around immediately. "Sure thing."

I guess even Zoran didn't expect that a one-night stand could turn into a boss-employee relationship.

On my first day of work, I was really bored.

Except for accompanying Vivienne for a meal midday, where I almost embarrassingly ate her portion, the rest of the time was quite leisurely.

The job duties were also simple, and the people in the secretary's office were easy to get along with.

At the end of the workday, Vivienne stopped by my desk.

"Let's go. I'll give you a ride home since it's on the way."

I immediately grabbed my bag and followed.

How could it not be on the way?

We're literally living across from each other now.