Chapter 1

VALERIE

“I can’t believe I got in,” I squealed to Stella over the phone for the tenth time as I paid the cab man.

I would usually just use the bus or the subway, but as a way of celebrating my getting into the LA Empire, my dad had insisted I use a cab.

The LA Empire was the biggest multinational law firm both at home and abroad. Several people would come from overseas to get legal help. As a law student, my biggest dream was to work here and my first step had been to apply here for my internship, surprisingly, I had gotten in.

I let out a sigh I did not know I was withholding as I took a look at the tall glass building. I was currently gaping at the headquarters building here in Los Angeles, and I was left in awe.

It was my first day today and I was a bundle of nerves and excitement.

“Val?” Stella’s voice came through the phone, disrupting my thought process.

“I am still here. I have not been eaten by a raving monster yet.” I giggled.

"Your anxiety attacks make you spit total rubbish. So I would pretend like I know what you are on about," my best friend said.

She understood why I was pretty anxious. I had worked so hard for this internship and now I had gotten it, I was not sure about my potential. I did not believe I could kill this.

“Have you arrived already?” She asked and I could feel the concern oozing out from the statement. My heart felt warm and I let out a small sigh in response.

“Hmm, I am there already. I will text you later, okay?” I end the call and tuck my phone into my bag as I enter the wide doors that open automatically the moment it seemed my foot close to the door.

Whoever owned the firm did not spare any money for the design of their headquarters. The entire skyscraper was made from sturdy glass- the walls, floors, aesthetics, and even most furniture. This was pure luxury.

“Hi. My name is Valerie and I am to start my role here as an intern.” I told the receptionist with a broad smile I could not help.

Everyone always commented on my inability to withhold smiles, especially when I am out. Stella says it made me look like a 'walking clown.' I even smiled more at the fond memory.

I watched the receptionist punch into her keyboards while looking at the computer screen. She nodded, a sign I took as a positive response to seeing my name in their company database.

“You can proceed to the third floor.” She said simply and I nodded with an accompanying big smile, again.

I made my way to the third floor which, by knowledge of the company, was where the cases were going to be reviewed first before they were taken to the lawyers and solicitors.

Unlike the first floor which was relatively empty, save for the few people heading up, the moment I stepped out of the elevator on the third floor, there was a lot of bustles- several people walking around holding files, some gathered in groups having serious legal discussions.

It reminded me of the ministry of magic in Harry Potter, my favorite book to date. I smiled to myself, a part of me already imagining going home to read one of the books for the hundredth time.

My research on the firm had been endless. Thankfully, it had paid off and I got in.

A quick scan was all I needed to be certain that there was no structure or someone to walk up to here for inquiries, so I talked to the closest person I saw next.

“Hi. If you do not mind, can you direct me to the right place here I should report to as an intern?” She was a young woman that was probably in her early thirties. She smiled slightly at me and then pointed her hand forward, my gaze following her finger.

“When you get to the last doors in the corridor, knock on the one by your right. And there you have it.” She did not wait for the thanks that I had to yell at her disappearing figure.

Everyone seemed to have something to do here.

Following the young woman's direction, I walked to the end of the hallway and knocked on the door on my right just as she had instructed me to do.

I heard a faint voice ask me to come in.

Have never been one to hide things from my dad.

“Alright, Dad. I have to go. And yes, I understand. I will remember to grab a grub.” I said and hung up immediately before he started another bout of long-winded words.

I giggled at the old man. My dad played both father and mother roles perfectly, which was why he was so important to me.

I found Mr. Smith in his head of management's office and relayed the message from Mr. Denly. The bulgy man with a food stain on his shirt directed me to my temporary workstation.

"Couldn't get enough of home, huh? You should not have come in just yet. There is always a vacancy for unserious-minded people like you." He gibed, giving me a sneer. He walked away, murmuring something along the line of how most youngsters like me took opportunities for granted.

Who was he to judge me? I thanked my stars that this was only a temporary fix and Mr. Smith was not my boss, because I was sure I and that man would never see eye to eye.

My replacement station was quite simple. We were to organize details of people who had ongoing lawsuits. We were also supposed to check the papers to know how the public was reacting to big cases and let the solicitors know. Sometimes, a comment under the case could be a clue.

This should be easy, I thought as I delved into my workload. I did this every day while in school. It made me one step ahead of my mates.

As soon as the day ended, I ran to the elevator speedily, afraid that I would not meet Mr. Denly. The wild thumping of my heart slowed down visibly the moment I heard the same voice asking me to come in.

“You are right on time,” he beamed at me and I nodded with a lopsided smile on my lips. “How was your first day?”

“Well, I did not expect the paperwork to turn out to be that interesting. However, I am certain the exhilaration would fade out if that is what I am put to every day.” I was one for honesty and this was simply one of those times. Besides, it was much better if I told him in case he had any side thoughts of leaving me there. I would not be left there with Mr. Smith.

“Well, we could say it went well then. Please do have your seat, Valerie.” He gestured and I sat down across from him, marveling at his amarvelinggliteness and speech which was impeccable.

I could bet there were not up to ten companies here in Los Angeles that would act this polite to attend to interns.

“I have been able to find you quite an important role.” My heart rate increased. “However, I am not sure this is a role you can handle. Because it is very important.”

At this point, I was not certain if I should clamor for the position or just watch how this turned out as I already had mixed feelings.

After what seemed like an eternity but was only a minute, Mr. Denly continued.

“I would give you the role on a two weeks probation and anything the bosses say after that stands. This means that if after two weeks, there are no complaints about your work ethic coping, that gets to be your spot for the next six months. And if there is any such case of you not doing well, I would have my eyes out for something that would be more your level.”

I could feel my brows furrow as his words made me curious. What role was it that needed the bosses’ approval?

As if he read my mind, he explained. “You would be working as the legal secretary for the boss who is the top solicitor here. He has no record of lost cases and your full job description would be sent to your email, as well as everything you need to know when you resume to the top floor tomorrow.”

My breath caught in my chest, zoning me out. The boss on the top floor? As in Jason Ford?

Someone pinch me!