Chapter 3 Secretary's Strategic Success

Chapter 3 The next day wasn't any different. She had to familiarize herself with everything and she must do so with at least a week, no less as instructed by yours truly, Mr. Ezekiel.

She would always get home feeling exhaustively drained. After the supposed orientation week, she became a proper secretary.

Ezekiel studied her thoroughly during the week which was the real test unknown to her. He was satisfied, though she seemed wary of him like the others, she was smart, witty, and a fast learner but most importantly, she never defied his orders.

The next week was different, he took her around to meet most of his business partners on a friendly visit and the following week was the same. It started to become more comfortable for Elena.

The first actual official meeting she was supposed to attend was already at hand. She came early as usual and her boss wasn't around so she called him but he wasn't answering his phone.

Frustrated and pissed, she took it upon herself to arrange the VIP space upstairs in advance since the meeting would be held right in the company.

An hour flashed by quickly but still no Mr Ezekiel so she decided to see Mr Bernard.

Bernard shifted a bit away from the screen and keyboard in front of him as he stood up to get some water when a knock came in.

"Yes?" He said.

"It's Elena Sir" she answered before entering.

"Good morning our little secretary, How may I help you?" He said noticing the impatience in her expression.

"Sorry to bother you this moment but are you aware that there's a meeting today? Sir Ezekiel still isn't here and I'm afraid the people we're to meet will arrive soon" she said with all the worry she could muster.

"This has never happened before, I'm sure he either had something more important to attend or he is in a situation where he can't answer or make calls" Bernard reasoned out and also tried calling but the phone only rang on and without an answer.

"These people are not registered partners of ours so this first meeting is rather crucial," She said

Although I understand the situation, I've long been told not to interfere in matters concerning the meetings so if he doesn't make it in time then the decision is all yours, No orders are inhibiting you from handling this situation right? Bernard said with a smile.

In a way, Elena became less worried. Bernard didn't look as panicked as she was and he spoke so calmly like he had no worries in this world.

"Hmm, alright then. Thank you, I'll do my best" she said and left.

When the people they were to meet with arrived and Ezekiel still hadn't shown up, she took a deep breath and led them upstairs to the VIP space. There were three of them, all men and they stared at her

"Ahem! Due to unforeseen and special reasons. I'm unhappy to let you know that Mr Ezekiel has matters very urgent to attend to" She said standing.

One of the men sipped the coffee in front of him slowly. "So did we just waste our time coming here?"

"No way that's the case, my good sirs. I am here with his stamp to append any necessary documents" she replied.

"That's quite appalling, Do you realize we haven't discussed this in detail?" the man who was sipping his coffee spoke up.

"I am not incompetent sir. I am not just your average secretary, I know all about your dealings. I won't dare put myself on the same level as my boss but I am not bad either" she replied.

The other men lamented that it was highly inappropriate but she apologized stating that it wasn't Ezekiel's wish to ditch the meeting as something unavoidable happened.

"If I'm comfortable and satisfied with your negotiation and knowledge then I'll be more than happy to be in a competent lady's care," the man said, taking another sip of the coffee.

"Then shall we get started?" She smiled, completely absorbed in the moment. She took control of the situation and started a lengthy discussion with them. She called for a break after a long while and excused herself, also giving them room to talk amongst themselves.

As soon as she exited the large room, the manager was walking towards her.

"You didn't reschedule the meeting and give them a suitable explanation?" Bernard asked I took things into my palms you see" She took a deep breath before she realized it

"Well, he just arrived outside. I didn't know you'd be here either" Bernard replied.

"Were you able to stall them for a while?" A familiar voice pierced the surrounding air and they both turned back to meet gazes with Ezekiel.

Elena felt stunned but Bernard tapped her shoulder.

"Well yes sir, they're discussing inside at the moment" she explained that they were taking a break.

Ezekiel gave them ten more minutes before surprising his guests with his presence.

As soon as he made his way in, the men stared at him for a while without a word. He looked back at Elena wondering why the men were in a daze.

"Sorry for the delay gentlemen, I hope my little lady here didn't make things harder for you?" He spoke first to break the silence and the mem seemed to me jolted back to life.

"Ah yes yes, we were surprised to see you. We didn't know you'd still make it but we've already concluded the process and made our decision" the man said finishing his coffee.

Ezekiel gave Elena a very serious look wondering what kind of scandalous things she had done or said to make the men conclude even discussing with him. He sighed a little.

"I don't know what happened here Mr Brown but I'm sure that there's still room for…" He got interjected by the man who loves coffee.

"It's fine good sir, you seem to have capable people in your base here. Even your secretary can make do in your absence, surely I would love to work with reliable people" Mr Brown smiled and stood up.

Elena moved to the table to retrieve the amended conditions and conclusions she proposed, she never knew they would agree so suddenly. She handed it over to him and he examined every aspect of it.

"Can I assume that Miss Elena here has communicated your mind?" Mr Brown asked.

"Of course, these conditions are great" he replied.

"We would have left immediately. Thank goodness she calmed us and made us realize that the good name of DreamState wasn't just all talk" one of the other men added with a smile.

Ezekiel glanced at Elena again wondering just what she had discussed with them and how she did it.

"I look forward to the cooperation" Ezekiel stretched and shook hands with the three men before escorting them to their official vehicle.

Elena and Ezekiel walked back.

"You saved us that contract, good job. This is what happens when you listen to me" he said with pride imbued in his walking step.

Elena thought he would finally give her credit for something but he decided to direct it back to himself eventually but he wasn't wrong. It was because of the forced, full-fledged orientation that she had more than enough knowledge to pull off a successful meeting alone.

"Even though you had some knowledge, pulling that off without proper experience is praiseworthy. Still don't you dare get conceited or brazen" he said to her all of a sudden.

"I'll always have that in mind" She smiled heartily because he was being petty in a way.

When it was time to go home, Ezekiel came to her and told her to follow him.

She asked where since it was already time for her to get off work but he shrugged off her questions.

The driver that conveyed them to their destination stopped in front of an expensive eatery. A table was already set aside before they came. It seemed to her as if it was normal for him to frequent the place.

"Before you ask any more questions, the men from earlier today told someone about my secretary and how reliable DreamState is so she requested a casual meeting. It's a thing big people often do so get used to it" Ezekiel explained.

Even though the men from earlier in the day were satisfied, just what kind of influence did they have that could trigger another big shot to reach out on the same day and even for just a casual meeting at that?