02 - Noah Walker

Noah Walker

Waking up hungover, my head spinning from all the alcohol I drank last night, makes me want to stay in bed and sleep a little longer. But I know that if I stay here, Walker Corporation won't run itself. I take a deep breath, get up, and head to my bathroom. Adjusting the water temperature, I step into the shower without thinking much, trying to relax and let the hangover fade away.

As soon as I step out of the shower, I notice my phone lying on the floor. I searched for the number of my right-hand man at the company, Mike Tremblay, to have him organize everything until I arrive-which, by the looks of it, will only be after lunch. I could stay home and nurse the hangover. Yes, I could. But I take pleasure in being at the company every day, trying to forget the mess of a life I was dealt.

I'm grateful for the good friends I have, but I urgently need a new intern-someone competent to help me. There are too many product launches coming up next quarter, and Mike and I can't handle all the work alone.

I glance at my phone and notice one of Mike's messages saying he scheduled an interview for after 2 PM. That gives me time to get ready slowly and be present for the interview with the potential intern.

My apartment is the penthouse in Old Town. I love the view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. I bought this apartment when I thought I was in love, convinced I had found the right woman to share my life and empire with. But in the worst way, I discovered that…

Not everything in life is roses.

"Good morning, Mr. Walker. Breakfast is served. Do you need anything else?" Madson, the housekeeper, asks.

I hadn't realized I was still near the table. As usual, she moves very quietly.

"No, thank you. You may go," I say without looking up at her.

I prefer not to get too involved with the staff, so I try to remain as distant as possible with all of them.

I pick up the cup of black coffee and start working directly from my phone. I notice that my stocks are up again, which gives me an indescribable sense of satisfaction. Very few people know how hard I worked to build my empire. When I inherited the company my father ran, it was nothing more than a small cluster of businesses. Today, I lead one of the largest investment firms in America.

Losing my father the way it happened was a shock, and in some ways, I feel responsible for his death. Bringing that woman into our family was the worst decision of my youth. I wasn’t the worst son a couple could have, but the guilt for my father’s death will always be mine.

Last night, I went out with Mike and overdid it with the alcohol, as I’ve been doing lately. Just thinking about how foolish I was to believe so many lies makes me crave another drink-something that’s become a habit over the past five years.

Very drunk, I ended up picking a random woman and, I’m certain, brought her to the studio I have for one-night flings. Because never again will I bring any woman into my home, much less into my life.

With my eyes on the documents that need my attention, I decide to stay home and have lunch here. I’ll head to the company afterward for the intern interview. I hope they’re truly competent. I trust Mike to have picked the best candidate, so I’m not too concerned about that.

After lunch, I call the driver and head to the company. On the way, he briefs me on some updates, including news about my sister’s security. Angela, my reckless sister, has been causing trouble with her constant escapes to nightclubs, which deeply worries me.

Arriving at the Walker Corporation building, I feel like an emperor stepping into his realm of command. Passing through reception, I notice the employees avoiding my presence. I know most of them fear me, and I make sure it stays that way. It guarantees they’ll perform their duties.

When I reach the executive floor, I see Congressman Scott’s daughter waiting for the elevator. I don’t understand why she’s here; she was hired for the legal department, which is several floors below. I pass by her, noticing her offer me a timid smile. I nod and step out of the elevator without looking back.

Walking into my office, I notice Mike sitting in my chair. He has already completed some tasks, and I greet him, my friend. He’s so focused that he hasn’t noticed someone else is in the room with us.

Mike stays silent, and I watch him get up. He walks over to one of the armchairs in the corner of my office, where I keep a small bar. I give a faint smile, still feeling the alcohol coursing through my system, and before I say anything, I lift my gaze and lock eyes with a brunette with striking green eyes.

My gaze fixes on this stunning woman, a brunette with a shade of green in her eyes unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Her lips are the perfect size to be kissed and nibbled on. Her body is exquisite, with curves in all the right places. When my eyes reach her face, I stop admiring her, as I begin to feel an inappropriate excitement building.

I reach out to take the documents in her hands. Without saying a word, I start flipping through them and realize she studies at the same university I attended. There’s a recommendation from the same gruff professor I once had, which makes me think that if she has his recommendation, she must truly be competent.

“We’ll begin your interview; you may take a seat,” I say, gesturing toward the chair in front of mine. “I see you have an excellent recommendation.” With thoughts of that professor-whom I had assumed was already retired-I glance at her once more and notice a timid smile on her face.

“Why Walker?” I ask her.

“Why not?” she replies with a question of her own. “Your company is among the top three in employee recognition. Out of every ten interviewed, nine say this is a great place to learn with opportunities for growth.” I nod, feeling proud to hear that my employees are happy here.

“I see you’re close to graduating. Do you already have a specialization in mind?” I ask, hoping she has big ambitions.

“I plan to focus on Controllership and Corporate Finance.” I notice her beginning to bounce her legs slightly; perhaps she’s nervous.

“The position is for an intern. The person will work directly with Mike and, occasionally, with me. We need help coordinating certain managerial matters for the company. I’m not sure how you heard about the opening, but my preference is for a male candidate since the role requires certain availabilities…” I pause when she furrows her brows, which, strangely, makes her even more attractive.

“So, you’re not going to consider me for the position because I’m a woman? And as for availability, I don’t recall you asking me about that.” Her gaze holds a certain innocence, which quickly transforms. The calm, slightly nervous woman from seconds ago turns into a fierce one.

I glance at Mike, sitting at a distance, observing everything with a smirk on his face.

“I’m sorry, Miss. I didn’t mean to be discriminatory. I was merely assuming that, as you’re still studying, you might have attendance issues…” She narrows her eyes at me, and I think I may have said something wrong again.

“Mr. Walker, I understand your perspective and reasons, but rest assured that if I’m here trying to demonstrate potential for your company, it’s because I’m capable of balancing my personal life and work.” Her voice is firm, and her gaze reprimands me for my attitude.

“Very well, Miss Harris. I’ll have my secretary get in touch with you regarding the selection process,” I say, concluding the interview. Everything I needed to know is already in the documents in front of me.

I stand and begin to walk around my desk, buttoning the suit jacket I’m wearing, never taking my eyes off Emily. I slowly approach this incredible woman who, evidently, isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even if it risks her chances at employment.

Two steps away, I extended my hand to help her up. I like the feel of her hand-soft and delicate. I resist the urge to close my eyes and imagine her hands sliding over my shoulders as mine hold her waist, pulling her close.

I redirect my thoughts before my arousal becomes evident. I can’t allow myself to think of this woman as a potential fling. I know too well that it would never work. Her green eyes continue to meet mine, perhaps expecting me to say something more.

“So, I’ll wait for your response, Mr. Walker,” she says, withdrawing her hand from mine, while I wish to linger in that brief touch. I nod and adjust my posture.

I watch her walk out the door, her skirt hugging her hips and accentuating her figure. I sigh and return to my chair, noticing the smirk on my friend’s face as he sits across from me.

“So, did you like her?” I liked her far too much, I think to myself.

“I thought I had been clear about the gender!” I exclaim, watching him laugh at me while I keep a questioning look in his direction.

“Screw it, a man. The woman is super hot, and if I’m going to be working while staring at this miniature goddess, I vote for hiring her.” I narrow my eyes, not liking the tone he uses to talk about the woman who had been sitting where he is now just a few minutes ago.

“You can hire her, but be careful about how you treat her. I don’t want to think my friend is being sued for harassment in my company.” He starts laughing in my face.

“Maybe that advice applies much more to you than to me, considering I believe you’ll strike up a lovely friendship with Miss Harris way before I do!” I watch him stand up and begin to walk away.

“All right, Noah, I’ll handle hiring the lady then.”

Mike leaves my office, and I glance at the documents Emily left behind. I suppose there’s no harm in digging a little into the woman who’s about to start working at my company. Holding her identification documents, I pull my phone from my suit pocket.

I decide to call my private investigator, who answers almost immediately. He always prioritizes me, of course, because of the small fortune I consistently pay him to handle matters as discreetly as possible.

“Good morning, Patrick. I need you to investigate Miss Emily Harris. I’m sending her details to your email. I’ll be waiting for your report,” I say, staring at her face on her driver’s license.

A stunning woman, there’s no denying that…