As Elizabeth closely observed her: here sat a well educated young woman, one that had been specifically instructed to reveal only certain aspects of Jared Bentley and very few details of Bentley Industries, leaving no trace of her true personality or opinion on the matter; a woman content to placidly go through the motions dictated by her job title, no more, no less.
That, tactic might work for some women in the corporate world, Elizabeth thought, but not for her. Once she had thoroughly grasped what was expected of her, she'd throw herself wholeheartedly into the task. It was her nature to prove her worthiness and in a strange way a privilege to work for this company. Elizabeth wasn't about to waste her opportunity.
Bentley Industries employees weren't like other employees. They were expected to consistently outperform, outshine and out produce their rivals. They regularly worked overtime and were given additional resources to reach their quotas.
As an added incentive, they didn't have to leave the facility in order to get a decent meal, either. The company provided a commissary located on the first level. It served everything from gourmet to vegetarian fare with not one, but two five-star chefs creating the menu. Food was regularly delivered straight to individual cubicles for employees working through their lunch hour. If you were part of the sales team, meals for your clients would be prepared ahead of time and then be delivered to the appropriate conference room.
Both chefs insisted on using only the best available ingredients. Should the menu of the day not satisfy, there would be hell to pay. Bentley Industries employees had discerning taste and sophisticated palates, ones that instantly knew the difference between what was fresh and organic and what had been chemically processed.
The special on the menu for that day was orange ruffie, asparagus and steamed wild rice. Sitting across from Emily at a small table near the entrance, Elizabeth glanced around at the other tables and realized she'd ordered the right thing. The fish had been popular that afternoon. Emily, however, insisted on a chef salad, instead.
After lunch, Elizabeth was anxious to begin her tour and familiarize herself with various departments.
The long linear floor plan for most of the levels were designed more for simplicity rather than elegant specification, using sweeping archways, high tech lighting and modern murals; allowing for a free flowing atmosphere that was both efficient and easy to navigate.
Each department had been separated according its division. All lower levels, with the exception of the ground floor, housed finance and accounting. The mid level floors were exclusively dedicated to sales, advertising, marketing and product development. It was also where the art and photography departments were located, too.
As managers and supervisors were randomly introduced one after another, Elizabeth quietly observed that most seemed genuinely polite, conscientious individuals who seemed content in their jobs, proud of their work. In fact, some in the art and photography department gave her their business cards and offered assistance, should she need it. For Elizabeth, it was an unexpected and pleasant surprise meeting her new colleagues.
That is, until, she was introduced to upper level management, those austere individuals with lesser appeal. In a flash, Elizabeth was transported back to memories of Tri-Star Investments, her former supervisor, Mr. Gobbel and those notorious senior analysts.
When Emily made the introduction with these condescending individuals, the most they could manage was a quick discerning look tempered with mild curiosity. No one cracked a smile.
But Elizabeth had grown accustomed to ignoring this kind of behavior from these “types” and she immediately responded accordingly; a glassy non-descript glance, a brief handshake and she was home free. Nothing more required.
Once all those gruesome and irregular personalities had been greeted, Elizabeth thanked her lucky stars for her new position as Jared Bentley's PR assistant. The reactions she'd received were, frankly, expected and all-too familiar. Fortunately, she wouldn't be working with these people since they weren't part of her new scope of duties. That discovery alone gave her a reason to smile.
"Sterling Bentley oversees this section."
Elizabeth's interest piqued.
"Relative?"
"Jared's younger brother is in charge of marketing and product development. We're heading for his office, now.” Emily led the way through a series of cubicles that were either occupied or cluttered to the max.
Generally speaking, Sterling Bentley was well liked on Wall Street. His reputation as a sensible and fair-minded businessman, one who never raised his voice during tough negotiations and always took the high road, held him in good esteem with many of his colleagues.
Unlike his brother, he had way of persuading people to see his point of view without bullying or blackmailing them. Spotting this innate talent, Jared had often employed Sterling at negotiations where contracts where stalled and the deal was in jeopardy. When no headway seemed possible, Sterling mediated and outmaneuvered like no one else.
He, alone, was also responsible for expanding the accessibility of product lines to include a wider market that might not otherwise be able to afford these items. This decision opened the floodgates to global commerce and the exchange of products with international markets, generating revenue for many European and Third World countries. It was sometimes referred to as the ‘spine’ by which all else was held suspended, a nation's lifeline to future innovations in technology.
Eventually, Emily and Elizabeth reached the end of the corridor where a large oak door with a gold plated plaque bearing his name was situated. While Emily knocked, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice that the plaque on the door was actually larger than Jared's.
Click. The door slipped slightly ajar. Sterling was already on his feet, coming towards them now, after pressing the button; a nifty little device he'd recently had installed in his desk to save time.
Soft spoken and exceedingly polite, he seemed to take special precautions with his own image, careful not to give the faintest impression of his brother's reputation. But, regardless of his efforts, there was definitely a family resemblance, tall with wavy brown hair. The only exceptions were their contrasting styles of dress and eye color. Jared's onyx eyes and dark suits were unmistakable. Sterling's eyes were a common shade of blue, flattering his preference for khaki wear.
"It's a pleasure, Ms Lowell,” he said offering his hand to Elizabeth and then gesturing for both women to take a seat before he returned to his own executive chair.
"I understand you will be Jared's public relations assistant."
For once, his older brother hadn't exaggerated his appraisal of Elizabeth Lowell, those qualities only found in certain well-bred, educated women. It was easy now to understand what he'd found so appealing, why he hired her immediately.
"Yes,” Elizabeth replied.
"Well, welcome aboard. I had no idea my brother felt the need. You've certainly got you're work cut out for you,” Sterling said with a soft chuckle. Elizabeth didn't take the bait. She wasn't sure what to make of the statement but I it sure didn't sound like brotherly love.
"Well, I'm determined to make a difference,” she said tentatively.
"Good luck with that,” he scoffed, and then shot a discerning look at Emily.
"I've just wrapped up Elizabeth's orientation, so she's aware of her duties and what's expected of her as far a Jared's image goes. She knows that's her domain, exclusively. Not the products. “Sterling nodded “Well, then that's good news, indeed."
Elizabeth knew some kind of subtext was being exchanged between Emily and Sterling. Whatever the hidden message meant would be filed away and closely examined at a later date. Still, it raised suspicion. What was the true nature behind Jared's and Sterling's relationship?
The buzzer sounded and Sterling turned his attention to his desk. “Ladies you'll have to excuse me.” He pressed the button. “Send him up."
"Of course,” Emily said rising from her chair. Elizabeth followed suit trailin
g her out the door.
[Back to Table of Contents]
CHAPTER EIGHT
But, the day was far from over. After Emily deposited her back at her suite, there was work waiting for Elizabeth: a compiled list of tasks to be completed before meeting with Jared later on that afternoon. Most of the job required inputting data into the database system, names and addresses of companies with which he was already affiliated. But, soon, Elizabeth realized the ones he'd hoped to join on the massive list would require additional time and further research. No way would she be able to enter them all in the hours that remained before quitting time. Once her new password was accepted into the system, Elizabeth set herself to the task. An hour later, sheer curiosity pulled her in an entirely different direction. She needed to know more about his public image, more than she already knew and more than he'd told her. Before she could change opinions, she needed the facts. Entering Jared Bentley's name into a search engine, Elizabeth justified the detour when some new information she'd never considered before appeared. As she double-clicked on the link, the latest press release popped-up on the monitor.
The header read: Wild, Unruly and Worldly—“Who Knows Where Beasts Are Set to Roam.” The article went into depth on how Jared Bentley's affairs with several socialites, and in particular, his ex-wife, Nina Vanderhoff, had charted the course of Bentley Industries global expansion over the past five years. After the bitter divorce and settlement, he'd practically given her everything, car, boat, airplane and two homes. Still, Nina had insisted on remaining on the board at Bentley Industries.
It seemed every time he dated a woman more than twice, there was speculation, market analysis going on behind the scenes, fiscal analysts working overtime to peg his next move or acquisition. Given the geographical locations and circumstances, whether it was a daughter, a widow, an ex-wife, somewhere in the mix the female in question was connected to the company or corporation he hoped to either buy-out or become the major shareholder. Love or lust, as it were, had a peculiar pattern and trait, eventually finding its way to tabloids and heavy media scrutiny.
Since divorcing his first and only wife, the division of assets had caused a rippling effect; corporations were sold for less than they were worth, shaking several third world economies in its wake.
It was that big.
So, the glaring spotlight of who he was seeing and how many dates they'd actually had would ultimately give his competitors an edge. At least that was the plan. So far, none had succeeded. Using the same technology he'd sold them, these undisclosed companies hoped to predict his next business move and beat him to the chase: a vulnerability that sorely needed adjusting. Elizabeth rubbed her eyes. Glancing up at the clock she saw it was almost four o'clock. For now, her researched would have to be curtailed.
Elizabeth turned off her computer. She quickly gathered up her things and left her office. She sure didn't need to be late for her first meeting with the man in charge.
When she arrived at Jared's suite, Emily was sitting at her desk inputting some data for a flow chart and told her to go ahead inside.
Now, entering his office, Elizabeth quietly took a seat opposite his desk while he finished up a call. He was wearing one of his trademark suits that brought out his dark eyes. It looked as if he'd recently visited his barber, too.
"Tell them the invitation stands, I'll be there,” he said and then hung up the receiver.
His full attention was on Elizabeth.
"That's a lovely outfit you're wearing."
It was the way he said it that caused her to cross-examine herself: the irony somewhere hidden.
Elizabeth immediately cast her eyes downward at the navy blue two-piece ensemble. The top had a scoop neckline and the skirt was tapered below the knee. It was appropriate corporate attire, nothing sexy about it.
"Thank you."
Elizabeth quickly changed the subject.
"I've been getting familiar with some of your press releases and assembling the data on the companies you wish to pursue."
"And, I suppose you met everyone else, too, including my brother."
"Yes, I did.
"Well then Elizabeth, you'll be prepared for tonight's event.
"Tonight?"
"Yes, you'll be accompanying me to the Ameritrust Medical Fund raiser. They put on an art gallery showing twice a year for the underprivileged. I think it would be good place for us to start changing my image. What do you think?"
Here was yet another example that nothing was ever ordinary or predictable when Jared Bentley was in the vicinity.
"I agree. You'll be seen as a compassionate philanthropist, one who takes an interest in poverty and social issues. And, you'll be able to squeeze in some networking. I believe they were on your wish list, too."
"Someone's been doing their homework,” Jared said.
Naturally, she was going to try to prove herself. Why, he wondered, as his eyes were drawn to her lap and grazed her neatly crossed legs? It was so comical when the fit was already snug, and she still felt she needed to make an effort; in, fact it was charming.
"Mr. Bentley, I have a few questions beforehand about which companies you'd like me to pursue, first. Emily briefly touched on the subject at orientation, but I'd like to hear what areas you'd like to expand. What you expect of me and so forth,” Elizabeth said, reaching into her valise for a pad and pen to jot down notes.
Her professionalism and efficiency were getting to him, now; where it hurts, growing harder by the second. Still, he decided to play along for the hell of it.
"Alright. As of today, please refer to me only as Jared. I find communicating on a last name basis terribly irritating."
Elizabeth nodded. “Alright."
"While I do appreciate your strict adherence to corporate attire, as my public relations assistant I feel your appearance needs to stand out a bit more. In essence, you're my representative to the outside, my calling card."
Elizabeth was slightly affronted, but found the courage to probe further, just so she understood him explicitly. “Do you consider what I'm wearing, now, inappropriate?"
Jared ignored her and pushed the buzzer on his desk phone.
"Emily, will you please step inside my office?"
Seconds later, Emily was there, handing Elizabeth a large, elegantly wrapped box.
Bewildered, Elizabeth eyed the parcel.
"Go ahead."
She meticulously untied bows, tore into the wrapping paper and then lifted the cover of the box. Neatly folded inside the tissue paper was a close-fitting, black cocktail dress with a plunging neckline: the length about mid-thigh. Tucked underneath that was an elegant black silk wrap to be worn with the revealing dress. It was beautiful and expensive, but not necessarily something she would choose to wear as evening attire. Still, she was polite.
"I don't know what to say."
"Consider it your uniform for tonight. Try it on. We leave in twenty minutes.” Jared rose from his desk and then disappeared through the bathroom adjoining his suite, leaving Elizabeth standing there, wondering what other surprises he had in store for her that evening.
Once again, the matter had been completely settled before she could blink or comment or anything, really. Elizabeth told herself in time she'd get used to this quirky trait of his.
Thirty minutes later Jared and Elizabeth were standing outside near the entrance of Bentley Industries, waiting for Jared's driver to pick them up. Suddenly, the gale winds began blowing in full force. Elizabeth was shivering from the cold, her hair in complete disarray while Jared looked on with some concern.
"Take this. It shouldn't be much longer,” he said, quickly removing his evening jacket and wrapping it around her shoulders. Catching a glimpse of those bare, sleek shoulders with the tiniest trace of goose bumps, Jared found himself transfixed. They needed caressing and fondling, badly. But, his Blackberry suddenly chimed, diverting his attention. It was his driver.
Elizabeth noticed Jared seemed to linger be
hind her, his hands sliding lightly down the jacket sleeves while he conversed on his cell, the sensation at first strange, yet inviting. Gradually, it brought a warm glow to her cheeks and other hidden areas, too. His touch seemed to awaken something that had been dormant inside her for far too long. Regardless of his calculating exterior, there was a thread of compassion in Jared Bentley, albeit deeply embedded in his egotistic personality.
The black limousine pulled up to the curb, interrupting her thoughts. The driver stepped outside and immediately opened the passenger door for them.
Elizabeth quickly handed Jared back his jacket before they both climbed into the back seat.
It was warm and luxurious inside. Plush velvet seating, an open bar, a GPS monitor and Internet access, all the amenities ensured a smooth ride across town in a vehicle fully equipped for speed and a glamorous night on the town.
It was still officially rush hour, six o'clock, and the streets were packed with cars, people just getting off work or others stepping out for a night of theater. But, despite anyone's destination, no one was going anywhere at the height of downtown traffic. Cars were crammed into the streets, one behind the other, stalled: their engines idling.
In the limo, the clean masculine scent of his cologne, an intoxicating combination of woodsy pine and juniper, filled her nostrils. It was almost overwhelming. She had to stop and wonder, just what in the hell was she doing?—A night on the town with Jared Bentley?
Laser sharp, Jared sensed her growing apprehension.
"Would you like a drink?"
"I don't think that would be wise since I haven't eaten yet"
"Yes, I suppose that's true. Although, there will be plenty of food there, we can stop somewhere if you're hungry, now."
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