Rise Of The Trillionaire: Robert Jackson

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Robert woke at six AM sharp. He didn't need an alarm. It was more the function of anticipation than the clock.

He got under the hot spray of the shower. Today was important. Now Loretta would see how it was to be the recipient side.

He wore a charcoal suit, Italian shoes that were gleaming with a mirror finish. The mirror in which he saw his own image reflected was not like the pizza delivery boy two days ago.

Robert checked his phone. No messages from Loretta. Good. That meant she was coming.

He had breakfast brought up to his room. Eggs benedict, fresh orange juice, and coffee. His five years of leftover pizza made him value actual food.

The eggs were perfect. Hollandaise sauce full and fat. Slowly Robert ate his meal, and did it to the last morsel. No rushing. No Sandra screaming at him to hurry up.

At seven-thirty Robert took the Bugatti to Zenco. His engine was purring smoothly and powerfully. People stared as he passed. Some pointed. Others took pictures.

He left his car in the position of the president. His spot now. The one with his name on it.

It was seven forty-five and Robert entered the lobby. The receptionist arose to his feet.

"Good morning, Mr. Jackson." With all sincerity she said.

"Good morning." Robert replied. "Has Miss Lynn arrived?"

"Not yet, sir. Should I send her away when she does?

"No. Make her wait in the lobby. I will come down at eight."

The receptionist nodded and made a note. "Of course, sir."

Robert went up the elevator to the seventeen floor. His office was at the end of the hall. Last night Uncle Phillip had sent him the access code.

He punched in the numbers. The door clicked open.

Robert entered and halted. The office was massive. There were floor to ceiling windows that had a view of the city. Mahogany desk, leather seats, original paintings in the walls.

His father's office. Now his.

Robert was on the chair of the president. It fit perfectly. Like it was made for him. Because it was.

He checked his watch. Seven fifty-five.

His phone buzzed. The receptionist.

"Miss Lynn has arrived, sir."

"Tell her I'll be down shortly." Robert said.

He waited. Let her sweat. He got down from the elevator at five past eight.

Loretta was sitting on one of the couches made of leather, and her leg was trembling. Her hair was pulled back and she wore a professional dress. No designer heels today. Sensible flats.

She noticed him and sprang to her feet.

“I am very sorry I am half an hour late, Robert. Traffic was terrible and…"

"You're late." Robert said flatly. "I said eight AM sharp."

Loretta's face went pale. “Only five minutes, please, it was only five minutes. The traffic"

"Follow me." Robert turned and went to the elevator.

Loretta scrambled behind him with clicking heels. They rode up in silence. She continued to open her mouth to speak, and close it.

The elevator dinged. Seventeenth floor.

She was taken to a conference room by Robert. Not his office. She didn't deserve that honor.

"Sit." He pointed to a chair.

Loretta sat, her hands tightly clasped together. Her knuckles were white.

Robert remained standing. He paced the table in a slow and deliberate way. Making her wait. Making her nervous.

"So, Miss Lynn. Why do you want this position?” He finally said.

Loretta cleared her throat. “I have eight years of experience as a model. I also possess a good experience in brand representation. I have worked with big fashion houses in my portfolio.”

"That's not what I asked." Robert interrupted. “I asked why you are after this job.”

Loretta blinked. “Zenco is a big company and being the face of your brand would boost my career to a higher level.”

"So you're using us." Robert said.

"No! I say it is a win-win situation. You get a popular face, I get exposure"

"We have other options." Robert cut her off again. "Sarah Chen, for example. Better portfolio. More international appeal."

Loretta's jaw clenched. “Sarah Chen is good, but I’ve got something she doesn’t have.”

"What's that?" With crossed arms Robert asked.

"Authenticity. Relatability. I relate with individuals at a personal level.”

Robert laughed. A cold, harsh sound. "Relatability? You? The lady who put someone down at a reunion due to his occupation?”

Loretta's face flushed red. "Robert, please. I apologized for that. I was wrong."

“You are apologising because I have to give you something.” Robert said. "Not because you meant it."

"That's not true!" Loretta rose with a voice that increased. “I sincerely apologize to the way I had treated you.”

"Sit down." Robert's voice was ice.

Loretta sat immediately. Her hands trembled.

Robert went to the window and looked out on the city. Buildings were reflected in the morning sun. Cars moved like ants below.

“You know what I remember most about that night?” Robert asked.

Loretta said nothing.

"The way everyone laughed." Robert continued. "The way you pinched your nose. Like I was garbage. Like I didn't matter."

"I'm sorry." Loretta whispered.

"You're sorry you got caught." Robert turned to face her. “you are sorry the pizza boy became your boss. That's what you're sorry for."

Loretta had tears in her eyes. Real ones this time. “What do you want from me, Robert? I've apologized. I came early. I'm trying."

"Five minutes late isn't early." Robert said.

"Please." Loretta got up, and walked towards him. "I need this job. You don't understand. My professional life is on the crossroads. Unless I get a big one within the near future, I will be out of business. Finished."

"That's not my problem." Robert said coldly.

Loretta caught hold of his arm. "Robert, please. I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Anything you want."

Robert glanced at her on his sleeve. She dropped it at once, and withdrew.

"I'll tell you what I want." Robert said slowly. “I want you to know what it is like to become nothing. To be disrespected like you are of no use.”

"I understand." Loretta said quickly. "I really do."

"No, you don't." Robert passed by her towards the door. "But you will."

He opened it. "This interview is over."

Loretta's face crumbled. "Does that mean I didn't get it?"

"It means I'll let you know." Robert said. "Don't call us. We'll call you."

Loretta headed to the door, her head lowered. She paused, turning back. “I really am sorry. Not because you're my boss. Because I was cruel. And you didn't deserve it."

Robert said nothing. Just held the door open.

Loretta went, and her footsteps reverberated down the hallway. Robert followed her until she went in the elevator.

Robert banged the door and leaned against it. His heart was pounding. That felt good. Really good.

His phone buzzed. Roxanne.

"Are you coming today? We need to talk."

Robert typed back. "I'll be there in an hour."

He sent it, and proceeded to his office. He was sitting at his desk staring at the city below. Time to face his wife.

But first, coffee. Strong, black coffee.

Robert pressed the intercom. "Send someone up with coffee. Black, no sugar."

"Right away, Mr. Jackson." The receptionist replied.

He was interrupted five minutes afterward by the knock of a young man on his door. He introduced a tray of pastries and coffee.

“Will there be anything else, sir? The young man asked.

"No. Thank you." Robert said.

The young man left. Robert took a drink of coffee, and brought his thoughts together.

Roxanne wanted to talk. Fine. He'd talk. But on his terms now.