Page 4 of Serena (Shattered Queens #1)
Acouple of months ago, I began seeking a career change and applied to various firms. I received offers from a couple, but then Penger was acquired, and new positions became available.
Theo and Yuri encouraged me to apply for a middle manager position in accounting, so when I was called in for an interview, I was ecstatic.
A couple of days later, the Vice President position was offered to me. I thought it was a mistake.
Now here I am. It’s been a couple of weeks since I started my new job, and although it means late nights and nonstop meetings and reports, it’s everything I have worked for.
I think back to my junior year in college, when one of my professors recommended me for an internship.
It was data entry and double-checking numbers, but I enjoyed it.
When I eventually graduated from college, I was offered an entry-level job at Penger Finance in their accounting department.
It was in their West Coast office, which is the company's headquarters. So Yuri and I decided to make the move to Veridian Bay, where I’ve worked my way up to Junior Associate.
There’s a knock on my door. My office is huge, and the view is spectacular.
Floor-to-ceiling glass behind me, and the city stretches out until it crashes into the ocean.
I can’t help but smile at myself for how far I’ve come in such a short time.
I’m only twenty-six years old and one of the youngest Vice Presidents this company’s ever had.
My assistant, Claudia, walks into my office.
I still can’t believe I have an assistant.
She’s a bit taller than me, in her late twenties, with short red hair, and very good at her job.
When I hired her, I made a point of keeping things on a first-name basis.
I also told her that I wouldn't need her on weekends. I am so used to doing things on my own that having an assistant will take some time for me to get used to. She has daily tasks that I’ve given her, but she knows not to work past five.
She is a mother and has a child to care for.
Although I don’t have kids or siblings, I grew up with a fair share of missed time without my parents around. Largely because of them having to work.
“The meeting is about to start, and we have the others joining us via video call. Their flight was delayed, so they won’t make it to the office in time,” she informs me. “I’ll be there in a minute,” I tell her, taking a moment to put on my confident persona.
When I walk into the conference room, the large, rectangular table in the center is filled with executives facing the big screen on the wall.
Even though I’ve worked for this company for a couple of years, this setting is intimidating as fuck.
They all look at me when I step into the room.
Although the meeting hasn’t started, everyone is ready.
I get a feeling that I’m being watched, which I quickly dismiss because, of course, everyone is looking at me.
I’m the only one walking to my seat. I glance at the screen, but no one's camera is on.
I shrug off the feeling and move to my seat next to Jacob, the head of accounting.
“How are you doing in the new role?” he asks.
“It's going well. I’m keeping busy.” My response is short because I don’t like the guy.
“Let me know if you need any help. I’ve been here since long before you, and I’m happy to help,” he says.
But I don’t miss the undertone in his voice.
I know I worked hard to get this position.
I’m also aware that finance is a male-dominated industry, and some may think I’m not equipped for this role.
“Water?” he offers, then grabs the water pitcher and pours a glass, sliding it to me. He didn’t even wait for my response. Idiota.
I push the water toward him. “No thank you.” I turn my head and glance at Claudia, who's walking in my direction with a water bottle. Jacob stares at me as I take the water from her. I don’t have to explain myself to him.
Jacob is a man who likes to get his way.
I’ve seen him yell at his assistants for filing documents alphabetically, rather than numerically.
He also likes to be the lead in big projects and is quick to throw others under the bus.
He’s a major asshole who doesn’t take no for an answer.
Well, until now. No way am I going to let him treat me like he’s better than me. I didn’t before, and I won’t start now.
The camera turns on, and we see Gabriel Kayde, the youngest son of Miguel Kayde, founder and, until recently, CEO of Kayde Investments, the company that recently acquired Penger Finance.
Shortly after the acquisition was announced, a memo was sent informing employees that Miguel Kayde would be stepping down as CEO for personal reasons.
The new CEO would be Ian Kayde, who is nowhere to be seen, either on the monitor or in the room.
I know a bit about Gabriel from Yuri; their families have known each other for years.
So long that they vacationed together before Mrs. Abigail Kayde became ill.
According to Yuri, he loves challenges, hence why he has an economics degree and a law degree from not one but two Ivy League schools.
He is one of three children, the middle child, and the most extroverted of the brothers.
He enjoys attending parties and social gatherings.
He loves strawberry everything. Based on that, I assume they were close friends at one time.
I can see he’s very handsome, with shoulder-length light-brown hair, a square jaw, and blue eyes.
The second screen’s camera remains off. Is there anyone even there?
I find myself focusing on that square on the screen more than I should.
Gabriel then directs his attention at me.
“Ms. Nerva.” I can feel all eyes on me. “Congratulations on being part of the team. You’ve been with the company for a long time.
You were highly recommended, and we can’t wait to see what your expertise brings to the table. ”
“Thank you. I'm happy to be here,” I reply with a smile.
The meeting goes quickly. We go over projections for this upcoming quarter and information about the third-party marketing firm that will oversee the transition for the next couple of months.
As the meeting wraps up, Gabriel announces, “A reminder that the gala is this Saturday. This is a celebration of a new era here at Kayde Investments.” He leaves the meeting, but the screen is still on.
I go to leave when Jacob turns to me. “My offer still stands.”
God, this guy gives me the creeps. In my most polite fuck-off face, I acknowledge what he said and walk away. I head back into my office and text Yuri.
Serena
You still my date for the gala this Saturday?
Yuri
Of course! Can’t wait to dress up.
Serena
Dress shopping tomorrow?
Yuri
I already have some ideas. I will have the boutique set some things aside for us.
Serena
You are the best!
Yuri
I know. Also, we need an outfit for the upcoming concert, but we will have Theo come with us for that. Since it’s for his birthday.
Serena
Sounds good!
I’m about to exit the room when I look at the black screen behind me. It’s still on.