Chapter 4: Small World

Monday.

Like a normal morning, Danielle went straight to her desk and started her computer when Reina came in with a cup of coffee in her hand.

"Morning, Reina!" She greeted.

"You may need to skip having a hearty breakfast and settle with coffee right now."

Her forehead creased in confusion. "Why is that?"

"You're kidding, right?" Reina asked in disbelief.

"What's going on? I just arrived."

"We have a meeting with Mr. Neumann's son. It's the talk of the town, silly!" She exaggerated and leaned back on her file cabinet. "Mrs. Jacobs sent an email about it earlier." Reina walked towards her desk and leaned to whisper, "It wasn't mentioned on the email of course but rumors say our new boss wanted to meet the legal department particularly because he would need our legal expertise when it comes to reviewing proposals and contracts. It was even rumored that they're planning to recruit one to be his personal assistant. They said he wants someone who has a good understanding on legal matters and someone who isn't used to the company's old practices, someone he can probably control. It seems like he wanted someone new in the company." Reina concluded.

"Wow! You really did a lot of research about our new boss!"

Reina smiled widely. "Do you know what's the best part?" She paused and looked at her with a grin on her face. "I heard that he's totally hot. He played soccer for their University in Europe and is a member of the debate team."

"Now I'm curious." She chuckled. "What's this guy's name? So I can do my own research."

"Parker Neumann."

Danielle pulled up her browser when Mrs. Jacobs came in and everyone was attentive to what she's about to say.

"I need you all to be in the hall now." She said before leaving.

They all followed her. "It seems like our new boss like to work early in the morning." Reina whispered to Danielle.

She looked at her wristwatch. It's exactly eight in the morning. "What time is the meeting supposedly?"

"At ten."

Few minutes after, they were finding their seats in the town hall while Mrs. Jacobs stood behind the glass-stand on stage. There were almost a hundred people from the legal team including interns around in the office at that time.

Mrs. Jacobs made a few announcements before stepping on the side of the stage and started talking to Mrs. Peterson who just arrived, both women wearing crisp skirt suits and heels. Their assistants were busy making sure the sound system is working properly.

Everyone is busy chatting and talking about their new boss. They were seated at the far back. Reina was telling her more about the rumors when the loud talking went into a buzz and she looked up to where everyone's eyes were focused.

A very tall guy in a black crisp suit came from the exit door on the side of the hall, he walked straight to Mrs. Jacobs and Mrs. Peterson, with his back on the audience.

Her eyebrows met, trying to get a better look. Her heart pounded. Her mind started to work on remembering where he has seen this tall guy. His brownish black clean cut wavy hair is familiar.

She didn’t even blink an eye while he started walking up the stage. The hall went quiet. He then turned and stood behind the glass-stand at the left part of the stage.

Her mouth parted in shock. Her face went white when she finally saw his face. You gotta be kidding me! I've been seeing this man under terrible circumstances, embarrassing even, and he's our new boss!?

His eyes met hers. He had that smirk on his face again. She bites her lower lip. I can’t believe this!

"Danielle, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." Reina asked her while her mind replayed those embarrassing encounters she had with the man.

She faced Reina, thinking if she should tell her about meeting this guy before. She opened her mouth to talk but the man started his speech.

His deep voice consumed the hall through the speakers. He had a little European accent if he talks longer than a normal conversation. It made him even hotter.

The talk finished with him wishing the legal team to work with him closely, his eyes focused on her in particular. She hoped no one noticed that he is looking at her almost all the time. He must be laughing at her, seeing how surprised she is.

Of course he doesn't work here and he's not a client or picking up her girlfriend because he owns this empire! And we work for him. I work for him! She scolded herself and unconsciously rolled eyes.

Mrs. Peterson then went up after his speech. She stood behind the glass stand and announced to stay for a little meal Mr. Neumann asked them to prepare and to take this time to socialize. The two door entrance of the hall opened and ten caterers pushing a stainless cart came in and went straight to the tables on the side to set up the food and drinks.

Most people couldn't help but whistle in amazement. They only waited a few minutes before the butler announced they're ready to serve food. One by one people started to stand up and get their plates.

Gary and Peter offered to get food for them. They're both her co-interns. They agreed and was delighted to accept their offer.

When they're left alone, Reina pinched her arm slightly while looking behind her back. She turned her face and suddenly feeling nervous when she saw Parker walking towards their direction.

Everyone eyeing him as he passed several employees before halting beside her. "Small world, Miss Summers.”