A Fateful Chance — Chapter 28: STABLE, ABLE

Deandra's POV

I am sitting in front of a small table facing him who is also sitting on the table facing mine. We are inside the conference room of the grand mansion. I love the cozy effect it is bringing me because the place is fully air-conditioned. However, I guess I dressed up clothes not suited to his taste because he's looking at me from head to toe.

"I have it taken care of. You need to change the way you dress because you're also representing me."

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Well, I told you yesterday that you don't need to dress up too formally for me to present something. Like what I told you, I understand your situation."

"T-Thank you sir."

"From this day on, you're allowed to wear maternity dresses, alright?"

"I will remember that, sir."

"You can call me Mr. Swiss. I preferred that one."

I looked down as I chewed the insides of my mouth out of anxiety. This feeling of making mistakes repeatedly is giving me a feeling of being sick.

"Shall we begin?" He said as he cleared his throat. I nodded because I am too shy to even speak to him.

"What can you say about the last question on the paper?"

"I am sorry sir but I don't have something in mind." I honestly stated that made his face look serious this time. I began to feel nervous all of a sudden because it looked like I said something that he never expected me to tell him.

"You are studying a business management course. Why are you not having your own answers? I expected something from you."

I cleared my throat as I tried meeting his gaze. "Uhm, Mr. Swiss, I'd like to venture in a food business if you want to know what's on my mind."

"Could you handle it in case I'll let you manage it?" It left me speechless. Right now, I suddenly wanted to know what my job description is. If I will be really his personal assistant or a business partner? I don't understand.

"What do you mean?" I am too puzzled to even respond to him.

"Well, it's a part of my plan. I am just observing if you're letting yourself ready for what's in store for you. I guess I am just expecting too much." I bit my lower lip, suppressing the feelings that want to let out any time.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Swiss..."

"Until when are you going to say sorry? You should be sorry for yourself for not having ideas until this time."

I looked down, feeling humiliated and disappointed at the same time.

"Hmm, I'll give you a chance, though. The next time you'll act like this again...there will be no mercy." The way he talked to me is something I haven't expected. I've had numerous employers before but they've never talked to me like how Mr. Swiss is talking to me right now. He sounded really scary and intimidating at the same time.

"Yes, sir." I breath in and held my chin up. He chuckled for the first time when he saw me doing it. I smiled as soon as I saw his reaction too.

"I want to know your desired business venture. Think of something that you could manage even if you're pregnant."

I nodded and he left me alone inside the conference room. I stood up and came near the computer section, if I am not mistaken, was the latest model of Mac Pro of this present year. It looked so expensive that I am doubting to touch it with my fingers.

I turned it on and I am amazed at how it could multi-task all at once.

"Whoah...it's cool." I couldn't help but be excited on how to search for my desired things. I glanced at the wall clock and I noticed that it is only 10:30 AM. I have to be productive as I search for the things that Mr. Swiss expected of me.

I typed "Paris fashion week" on the search bar. It showed me numerous numbers of videos about what I typed. I couldn't help but smile as I saw many petite women doing their catwalks showcasing a lot of colors and unique gowns based on themes: summer, winter, fall collections were some of the main themes. Others, over a hundred subthemes.

I sighed. Well, that's Paris fashion week...a part of the big four anticipated events of fashion enthusiasts all around the world. If I decide to venture on fashion business, I am sure the competition would be tough, though.

"I know exactly what you're thinking of..." My heart wanted to jump out of my ribcage when Mr. Swiss spoke behind me. I didn't even feel his presence walking back in the conference room again.

"Oh, sorry sir. I am just browsing things on this computer set."

"If you're making the most out of your time being productive, you'll not be sorry about it." He said as he tapped my shoulders. I felt a sudden feeling, it tingled throughout my spine. I turned my back and he let go of my shoulder right away.

"I love to look at the magnificent fashion shows, be it Milan or Paris fashion week."

"Is it work-related?"

"I want to but I guess it will be a long process."

"What exactly do you want to do out of it?"

"I want to set up my own fashion brand...but I guess I'll just fulfill it in my dreams every time I will sleep at night."

"Businesses are all risks to start with. If you're not a risk-taker, you'll never know if your business is a flop or not."

"It would involve a lot of money..." I bit my lip. I reasoned out. I glanced at him and I saw his eyebrows met as if not liking what I have been telling him for the last two minutes.

"Money is not a problem." I turned my back, looking at his face. He doesn't seem to joke around when he says that. That reaction coming from him would always leave me speechless. For one second, I am forgetting that he's a rich widow and a philanthropist.

"Does it fit to one of my job descriptions? Being someone whom you will challenge to venture for a business you're not even sure if I can handle it?"

"That's the secret actually...the risk of being into business hunting is an art you'll have to make for others to appreciate it."

"Do you think I can?"

"Have faith to yourself before someone else does that for you. I guess that's the secret to success. Do not think of failures. Think of the success that you'll achieve no matter how difficult the road might lead you there."

I gazed into his eyes and I can see the unwavering trust that he's investing in me. For the first time in a long time, I have seen a spark in his eyes that's giving me hope. I did not wish for something in my life this big but he's offering it to me without any doubt. How could I ever say no? The opportunity is knocking right before my eyes, a sure one.