Clearing his throat, he changed the question.
"So, tell me about your education and work experience."
Meredith let out a sigh and gave him a grateful look as the color slowly made its way on her face.
"I graduated from KUUV with high honors with a degree in business management two years ago. Unfortunately, I don't have any working experience but I'm hardworking, able to withstand stress or pressure. I'm sure I'm going to do a good job please just give me the chance."
"So, what have you been doing these two years after school?"
Meredith inhaled deeply before answering, "I was taking care of my mom. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She passed away nine months ago."
Atlas could see she was trying not to break down.
"Sorry for your loss, Miss Rossi." Damn he hated the sad look on her face. He would rather see her cry in his bed than see the sad look on her face right now.
"Thank you. I'm glad she passed away though. She was suffering a lot. At times death isn't so bad. It's an escape from this harsh world." Meredith forced out a smile.
Atlas pressed his lips together and gave a curt nod.
"So… I'm I hired?" Meredith asked with her eyes glinting with hope.
"Yes Miss Rossi. You're hired."
"I'm hired? Thank you, Sir you're not going to regret this."
Atlas lips curled into a soft smile by her reaction. She looked like a kid who has received her favorite cookies.
Being in a calculative circle it was rare to see someone who genuinely expressed her feelings.
"Yeah, you're going to start tomorrow morning. I want you to be here exactly at 7:30am. Work starts at 8:00am but as my secretary you're supposed to come early and make sure everything is in place and oh, don't forget my coffee."
Atlas opened a drawer and removed a card from it.
"Here is my business card. My personal number is on it. In case you need to contact me directly for something."
Meredith grasped the card with her hand then stared at it.
"I don't tolerate tardiness and laziness so make sure to be on time tomorrow."
"Alright Sir." Meredith replied.
"I will call someone to give you a tour around the company. Wait for him at the reception hall."
"Okay. Thank you." She got up from her chair and strode out of his office. Just as she was about to open the door, she turned around and walked towards him. She came to stand behind the chair she was previously sitting in.
"Um…sir, how much is my salary….? She asked, her voice a bare whisper in the room.
Atlas's eyes flickered with amusement as he leaned in his chair.
"How much do you want me to pay you, Miss Rossi?"
Meredith frowned, unsure how to answer. She has never worked before so she had no idea how much she is supposed to take.
"I'm waiting for your answer, Miss Rossi."
"I-I don't know sir." She fought back a blush before answering him.
"As my personal assistant you be paid 85 dollars per hour. Bonuses will be added at the end of the year depending on your performance."
Meredith eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes, Miss Rossi really. I might increase your pay as times goes on. Like I said depending on your performance. I don't like underpaying my workers they deserve more since they're the ones keeping the company running."
A smile slide across Meredith's lips.
"You're really kind, Mr. Martini."
Atlas stiffened, before letting out a mirthless chuckle. His gaze burned into hers with such intensity she felt her soul shiver.
"I'm anything but kind, Miss Rossi. Don't be deceived."
He stretched out the last word for emphasis.
Meredith swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.
"Good. You can leave now unless you want to spend more time with me?"
Meredith felt a hot blush settle over her cheeks.
"I-I. N-no. sir."
"Oh, I didn't know Miss Rossi hated my presence. Then how are we going to work together?"
Meredith's mouth moved, but remained soundless with nervousness. She had no idea what to say.
"I'm just kidding, Miss Rossi." He laughed and the warm, richly masculine sound swept away her nervousness.
"Oh…"
She let out an awkward laugh. "I'm so stupid…. I-"
Atlas shot a glare up at her to silence her.
"Don't say that ever again. You're not stupid. If you are I would never hire you. Never let anyone make you feel stupid and most importantly don't put yourself down, you're all you've got."
Atlas has never understood why girls put themselves down. They have something that can bring any man to their feet. They create lives but still they can't seem to appreciate themselves. Women were weird for sure.
Maybe it's was because he was closer to his mom but Atlas respected women. He didn't get why men had to be mean, abusive and indifference to get their superiority and dominance message around.
Not him. His father taught him that respect couldn't be commanded or bought you have to earn it. So yes, he might be ruthless and fierce in the business world.
Cruel and twisted underground but he always gives people the respect they deserved. He didn't see himself high above anybody.
He still remembers the surprise face on the securities and cleaners face anything he asks them how they are when they greet him every morning. If only they knew how much he values each of them for making his company what it is today.
"Did you hear what I just said, Miss Rossi?"
"Yes, Sir." Meredith replied.
"Good, you can wait for Mr. Matthews at the reception hall. He will be the one giving you the tour."
"Alright. Have a nice day sir and thank you for the advice." She said as her eyes held his for a moment before leaving his office.
She could feel the heat from his stare on her back as she walked away. Deep down she knew working for Atlas Martini was going to be a thrilling adventure and she couldn't wait.