I never made decisions on impulse. My decisions always had a purpose, a long term benefit.
So when I bought Alan Magazine last week-
It wasn't random.
Not for personal gains.
Strictly business.
That was what I told the board.
That was what I told myself.
But stepping into the glass building of Alan Magazine with employees flanking both my sides, with their heads slightly bowed in greeting, I knew the truth was different.
I wasn't here for business.
I was here for her.
Their voices rang in my ear.
"Good morning Mr Russo."
I just nodded in acknowledgement but I kept walking anyway.
The manager walked up to me.
"It's an honour to finally have you here Mr Russo." He greeted warmly. "Let me show you to your office."
I replied simply with a "Hmm."
Just as the manager was leading me away a quiet conversation caught my attention.
"Gosh! Our new boss is to die for."
"More like you'd get killed by him." A familiar voice replied.
"Lower your voice."
"Billionaire CEO's believe they can do whatever they want just because they're rich." Her voice rang. "I mean who does he think he is buying out our company just like that."
"Scout!" The girl tried to warn her already noticing my gaze.
"What?! Let me speak my mind."
"Scout, look behind you."
Her expression when she saw me was priceless.
It was like she just got a bucket of cold water dumped over her.
"Mr Russo! Good morning." She laughed awkwardly.
"You seem rather eager to criticize someone who now signs your paycheck." I said.
She flat out denied it.
"Me? Criticize you? Of course not."
"You work here, uhn?"
"Yes sir."
"That can change."
I could feel the other employees around us shift uncomfortably.
I couldn't blaim them for being intimidated by me.
I pointed at Scout.
"To my office."
Once I got settled into my office I sent the manager out, leaving me alone with Scout.
"What would you have me do Mr Russo?" She asked.
"Scout Elliot." I said. "I thought you were supposed to be the Belmont heiress?"
"About that...I really didn't mean to-"
I interrupted.
"I hate deceit the most."
I could see her gulp in fear.
" My best friend is going to be your wife, surely you won't hold that incident against us."
"Why else do you think you still have a job?" I questioned, deliberately wanting to make her feel uncomfortable.
A knock on the door interrupted our conversation.
"Come in."
A sly looking woman stepped in.
She had dark hair and she was wearing a ridiculously short skirt.
She smiled at me seductively with her over-painted lips.
"Mr Russo, I'm your assigned assistant, Blaire Chandler."
I eyed her from top to bottom before picking up my business phone to call the manager.
"To my office, now."
About 55 seconds later the manager finally appeared in my office.
"Yes Mr Russo, you called for me." He said.
"I want to make two new rules."
"What are they sir?" The manager asked.
"One, no weirdly short or exposing dresses allowed."
I paused.
"Two, no red lipsticks allowed."
He responded.
"Understood sir, is there any other thing you would like me to note?"
I added.
"Scout will be my assistant here not whatever this is."
I could feel said thing's brow's furrow at my statement.
"But sir-"
"Mr Russo has made an order, leave." The manager instructed.
The woman finally left at the Manager's reminder that my say was final.
"I'll take my leave now." He said only leaving after I waved him off.
I turned to face Scout.
"What? Don't tell me you're expecting a thank you from me." She raised her left brow.
"You're bold."
"You're arrogant." She retorted.
Fair enough.
I could argue that part.
Arrogance was a trait deeply entrenched in my blood.
My office door swung open.
And just like always Adrian came in.
He mumbled.
"Wow, this seems interesting."
"When will you learn to knock before entering?" I questioned.
"I knocked." He claimed. "You just ignored it."
He didn't.
I didn't.
But as I already said, arguing with Adrian was the same as trying to make rain go up instead of fall down.
He looked around, carefully assessing the room.
"So this is the company you bought." He started.
I was slowly getting irritated.
"What's it to you?"
His gaze fell on Scout.
And something.
Recognition maybe, flickered in his eyes.
"You know her?" I asked.
"A lot of people do. She does a lot of podcasts." He responded.
"Why exactly are you here?" I finally asked.
"I want to stay closer to you so I want to work here."
Scout looked between me and my brother like he had just spoken latin.
"No!" My answer was firm.
"Why not?"
"This is not your house were you can just lounge around."
"Consider this as an experiment." He tried to convince me.
"With my company?"
"With your brother."
The word brother again.
"Fine you can stay." I relented.
Not like he was going to take no for an answer anyway.
I added.
"But no exceptions you have to follow the rules."
"That's the tough part." He frowns. "But I'll endue it to stay close to you."
Cringe as fuck.
I turned to scout.
"You'll handle the onboarding."
"Why me?"
"You seem very interested in the running of the company." I said. "Plus you're my assistant."
"That d-"
"You can't refuse." I stated calmly. "You'll handle the onboarding, is that clear?"
"Yes Boss." She responded sarcastically.
"If there's nothing else you should leave my office."
"Such a spoil sport." He mumbled inaudibly.
As they were both about to leave I stopped them.
"Adrian." I called out.
"Yh."
"While you're working heredon't barge I to my office." I warned.
"I'll try." He replied.
"And you." I turned to Scout. "Watch what you say next time."
"Or what-" She asked.
"Or I might start agreeing with you."
Confusion laced her eyes.
While understanding clouded Adrian's.
He could grapple my words.
When they left I tfocuswd my attention on some documents on my table.
For once I could fewl that there was someone making the moves other than me.
The battle ahead was tougher than I imagined.