Chapter 6 – Meeting Oscar Gray

• TILDA
• I arrived at O. Gray Future Corporation at precisely 7 AM. As I stepped onto the gleaming marble floors of the massive complex, an overwhelming sense of accomplishment settled over me. This was it. My dream was finally within reach.
• By 8 AM, the interview was over, and I was directed to the CEO’s office. Oscar Gray. A name that carried weight. The most sought-after bachelor—untouchable, elusive, a man only accessible to the high and mighty. His wealth was immeasurable, his power undeniable, and his reputation? Ice-cold.
• I straightened my blazer, inhaled deeply, and knocked before stepping in.
• “Good morning, sir,” I greeted, extending my hand. He was so young and handsome. Indeed, the screens never did justice to his appearance. “I’m Tilda Grant. I am done with the interview.”
• His gaze locked onto mine, piercing and unreadable. But in an instant, he looked away, withdrawing his hand as if my touch burned him. He had smiled when I entered, but it was gone too fast to be sure it was ever there.
• “You are welcome, Miss Grant.” His voice was smooth, but distant, detached. “You come highly recommended. Let’s get straight to business.”
• Something about him unsettled me. His voice, his scent—they felt oddly familiar.
• “Miss Grant,” his voice cut through my daze, sharp as a blade.
• I flinched, blinking rapidly.
• “Yes, sir.” My voice came out rushed. “I—it’s a pleasure.”
• He arched a brow, regarding me for a brief second before shifting his focus back to the document in his hands.
• “I’ve reviewed your portfolio, Miss Grant,” he said, his tone clipped and distant—just as it always was on television. “It’s a pity that a mind like yours has been sitting idle all these years.”
• His voice was as sharp as the reports of the stock market he so often discussed. Oscar Gray was all business—always. Unlike his wealthy counterparts, he had never been caught in a scandal, let alone linked to any romantic entanglements. It was as if emotions had no place in his world.
• I forced my thoughts aside. Focus, Tilda. I was here to work, and nothing would distract me from that.
• “If given the opportunity, sir, I will prove my worth. I’m a fast learner and will surpass your expectations,” I assured him, keeping my voice steady.
• His lips twitched ever so slightly, almost as if he found my confidence amusing. Was that a smile? If it was, it was gone before I could be certain.
• “Going through your accomplishments, I have no doubt about that,” he acknowledged, though his tone remained unreadable. “However, you must understand that hiring you is a risk. The corporate world has evolved, and you’ve been gone for far too long. Would you mind sharing why?”
• I inhaled sharply. The past was a door I had no desire to reopen. Except, of course, for my little bundles of joy—my quadruplets.
• “It was… personal reasons, sir,” I answered carefully and quickly added. “However, I made sure to stay updated. I listed in my résumé the professional courses I completed over the years. It may not be much, but I did my best to keep my skills relevant.”
• He gave a curt nod, his eyes still scanning the papers in front of him. “That’s fine, Miss Grant. You’ve already passed the interview, and I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” He paused, then added, “I assume you’re aware that resumption is immediate.”
• “Of course, sir. I’m ready,” I replied with a confident smile, awaiting further instructions.
• “Good.” His voice was as cold as ever. “To your post.”
• I hesitated. I hadn’t been told my role yet.
• His gaze lifted slowly, and a familiar unease settled over me.
• “Oh, Tilda,” he murmured, his expression unreadable. “You don’t know your job description, do you?”
• “No, sir,” I admitted, my voice steady despite the sudden tension in the air.
• “At the meantime, you will fill in as my personal assistant. Your overall performance will decide your next position,” he explained. “That should be okay with you.”
• “It is, sir,” I replied and got up.
• “Your office is the one outside,” he directed.
• The CEO barely needed my attention all through the day and so I spent the most part familiarizing myself with the operation of the company.
• Going through records of his usual work routine, I saw that he travelled often. I never anticipated travelling as part of my job description. Perhaps I will find a way to ask him about that.
• At exactly 5pm, he walked out of his office. The first since I arrived.
• “The day is done,” he said without looking my way.
• “Can I... can I leave now?” I stuttered. My closing time should be 6pm.
• “Of course, there will be no need for you if I am not here,” he replied and made his way to the elevator, his guard, Sam, trailing behind him.
• Leaving the office early, I took the bus to Midtown. By the time I arrived at the pawn shop, dusk had settled. My eyes scanned the displays, searching for the ring I had pawned five years ago.
• “Good evening, ma’am,” a saleswoman approached. “Looking for something specific? I’d be happy to help.”
• I forced a smile. “I’m fine, just browsing.”
• My heart pounded as I searched. It had to be here. They were supposed to notify me before selling it—I had the right of first refusal.
• For years, I checked my email daily, waiting for that notice. It was the only thing of my mother’s I had left.
• After moving to North Carolina, pregnant with the quadruplets, no company wanted to hire me. No one would take a woman who’d need leave in a few months, let alone one burdened with four newborns. Menial jobs became my survival. I worked three at a time, squeezing in professional courses whenever possible.
• No matter how hard I worked, raising four children alone drained everything I earned. There was never enough to spare. If there had been, I would have reclaimed the ring long ago.
• After nearly twenty minutes of searching, I found it. My breath hitched as my fingers traced its familiar lines.
• This ring meant everything.
• Even if I had nothing else to leave my children, at least Diamond would have this family heirloom. I wouldn’t be a complete failure to her.
• Just as I turned to leave, a voice called out.
• “Miss… it’s you,” the store manager murmured, studying my face.
• Panic flared. “I’m sorry, sir, you must be mistaken,” I said quickly.
• Confusion flickered in his eyes, but he nodded apologetically.
• Outside, I flagged a cab and slipped inside. If I worked hard enough, I would come back for the ring soon.