2

In response to my silence, Martinus tilted his head, observing me closely. “You’ve never heard of my daughter?” he inquired.

“Why would I have?” I retorted. “Is she a celebrity?” Not that I kept up with contemporary fame either.

“She’s… famous in the way many young people are these days,” he explained, gesturing dismissively as if he found the notion absurd.

“I don’t quite grasp,” I confessed, prompting Martinus to retrieve his phone, tapping away for a moment before tutting.

“She boasts around two and a half million followers across her social media platforms.”

“And that’s significant?” I questioned, unsure of what constituted fame in the modern era.

“For someone without a specific claim to fame, yes.”

“So, what exactly is she known for?” I pressed.

“For being youthful, attractive, and privileged,” Martinus replied. “For showcasing her opportunities and experiences on social media.”

What a shallow existence.

But I supposed when one became addicted to external validation, it proved challenging to break the habit. Always seeking approval from strangers, feeling as though nothing was genuine unless validated by millions.

“Does she generate income from this?” I inquired.

“She secures brand endorsements and receives a plethora of complimentary items,” Martinus elaborated.

“That’s rather ironic,” I murmured to myself.

“In what way?” he inquired.

“That someone who can afford anything receives freebies,” I clarified.

“Indeed,” Martinus agreed. “I won’t pretend to comprehend her social media… venture. But it holds significance to her. I simply wish to ensure that the image others portray of her aligns somewhat with the image she presents.”

There had to be some underlying issue.

I didn’t know precisely what it was.

Perhaps compromising photos taken by intrusive paparazzi.

Or a scandalous video.

Something.

Otherwise, Martinus wouldn’t feel compelled to expend such resources.

“Is Saige your only child?” I probed.

“She is,” he affirmed. “My aspiration was to pass this on to her one day,” he remarked, gesturing to his surroundings. “However, shareholders oppose the idea unless she begins to project a semblance of control.”

“I understand your apprehension,” I acknowledged. No business desired association with an unruly young woman who defied family legacy.

“Do you have any inquiries?” Martinus invited.

“I do.”

“Such as?”

“In the event that I’m accompanying your daughter, let’s say in a nightclub, and she behaves in a manner I deem inappropriate, what actions am I authorized to take?”

“So, you’re asking if you’re allowed to intervene and remove her from such situations,” Martinus summarized.

“Yes.”

“Well,” he sighed, pausing before speaking with a faint smile, “not by force, I’d say. But I believe an… extraction would be appropriate if she strays too far from acceptable behavior.”

“And the consequences…” I trailed off.

“There won’t be any,” Martinus assured me. “Unless Saige wishes to experience minimum wage employment. And trust me, son, she doesn’t want that.”

“Understood,” I acknowledged, nodding. “Do you have any inquiries for me?”

“Is your passport valid?” he inquired.

“My passport?”

“Saige has a tendency to jet off anywhere in the world on a whim. I need assurance that you can accompany her.”

“All my documents are in order.”

“Good. Then I have only one question left.”

“Whether I want the job,” I interjected.

“Well, Julius, do you?”

Hell no, I didn’t want the job.

But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t accept it.

“Yes,” I confirmed, silently hoping I wasn’t making a catastrophic mistake. I had numerous other job prospects lined up, ones that demanded far less commitment and caused a fraction of the aggravation.

But I needed to think long-term.

I craved that paycheck.

And if it meant babysitting a rebellious rich girl for a year, so be it.

“Excellent,” Martinus remarked, rising from his seat, relief evident on his face.

“I’d like you to start today, if possible, provided you can arrange your affairs by this evening.”

“I can manage,” I assured him. How difficult could it be to pack a few bags?

“My secretary will have all the necessary paperwork ready for you, along with Saige’s address, elevator and room keys, a credit card for expenses, and details about her driver.”

“Sounds good,” I agreed, shaking his hand.

“I have a good feeling about you, Julius. I believe you may be the only person capable of reigning in my Saige.”

At that moment, I had no idea how accurate he would be.

Or the lengths I would have to go to achieve that objective.