chapter 2: THE LIONS DEN - AGE IS A NUMBER

Chapter 2: "The Lion's Den"

Clara stepped into the Emerald Group's sleek office, nerves tingling. She'd landed a job at the company run by billionaire Ezra Emerald, one of the richest men in Nigeria. Her mission: be his personal assistant - fetching, cleaning, standing by his side.

Ezra Emerald was infamous for his arrogance, anger flashing at the slightest hiccup. Employees whispered his nickname: "The Storm". Clara had heard whispers. But she'd do anything for her mom's treatment.

As she reported to his office, his piercing gaze pinned her. "So, you're the new PA," he growled, tapping his desk. "Don't mess up. I don't tolerate incompetence."

Clara nodded, steeling herself. "I'll do my best, sir."

Ezra snorted. "Best won't cut it here. I need perfection." He pointed at his phone. "Get me coffee. Now."

Clara jumped to it. As she poured his coffee, he barked orders at other staff, his voice making them scurry. She placed the cup down, he glanced up. "Not on my papers, idiot."

Clara's heart skipped. She moved the cup, apologizing. Ezra's gaze cut to hers, cold. "Next mistake, you're out."

The day blurred - Ezra demanding, snapping, expecting the impossible. Clara scribbled notes, fetched files, stood by his side through meetings. He introduced her to executives, "This is Clara. Don't bother talking to her."

Clara's feet ached, but she didn't dare complain. Her mom needed this. At lunch, she grabbed a sandwich, eating in the office corner while Ezra dictated emails.

He emerged from his office, jacket slugging over his shoulder. "Clara, with me." He strode to the parking lot. She followed, trying to keep up.

In the car, he snapped at traffic, at her navigation. "Turn left, NOW." Clara directed the driver, sweating.

They reached a high-end restaurant. Ezra flung open the door. "Lunch. Don't speak unless spoken to."

Inside, executives scrambled to greet him. Ezra barely acknowledged them, ordering for everyone. Clara sat, silent, taking notes.

As they left, Ezra tossed his card at her. "Settle the bill." Clara rushed to do it, fumbling with the 500k tab.

Back at the office, Ezra stopped at his door. "Tomorrow. 7 AM sharp. Don't be late." He vanished.

Clara slumped against the wall. Her phone buzzed - the hospital checking on her mom's treatment progress. She typed a quick update, praying.

Her coworkers whispered as she left the building. "You lasted a day with Ezra." "How's it being his PA?" Clara smiled tight. "It's...fine."

Home, she collapsed on her bed. Her mom asked about the job. Clara lied, "It's okay, Mom."

Sleep evaded her - Ezra's gaze, his anger, haunted her. Tomorrow had to be better.

The clock hit 2 AM. Clara sat up. She'd face Ezra. For her mom. 💪

The darkness outside seemed to agree. She'd need all her strength.

😅

Clara slumped against the wall after Ezra vanished into his office. Her phone buzzed - the hospital checking on her mom's treatment progress. She typed a quick update, praying.

Her coworkers whispered as she left the building. "You lasted a day with Ezra." "How's it being his PA?" Clara smiled tight. "It's...fine."

Home, she collapsed on her bed. Her mom asked about the job. Clara lied, "It's okay, Mom."

Sleep evaded her - Ezra's gaze, his anger, haunted her. Tomorrow had to be better.

The clock hit 2 AM. Clara sat up. She'd face Ezra. For her mom.

Next morning, Clara arrived at 6:55 AM. Ezra's office door opened. Leona, the marketing head, strolled out, smoothing her dress. She shot Clara a sly smile.

Ezra called Clara in. "Morning briefing. Now."

Clara jumped to it, notebook ready. Ezra rattled off tasks - meetings, calls, a ₦10 million deal to prep for. Leona popped in with a "quick question" for Ezra. He barely looked up.

Leona lingered, trying to catch Ezra's eye. Clara noticed. "Leona, need the Anderson report," Ezra said, not looking up.

Leona's smile faltered. "I'll send it."

Ezra's gaze snapped to Clara. "You. Get that report if Leona drags."

Clara nodded. Leona huffed out.

The day flew - Ezra barking orders, Clara moving fast. Leona "accidentally" bumped her in the hallway. "Oops," she whispered.

Ezra appeared. "Clara, a word."

Inside, he leaned back. "Don't let anyone push you around."

Clara's eyes met his. "I won't, sir."

Ezra's gaze lingered. "Good."

After "Leona waited, eyes narrowed 💪":

Leona's gaze followed Clara as she settled back at her desk. "Guess you're getting cozy with The Storm," Leona whispered, flipping her hair.

Clara raised an eyebrow. "Just doing my job."

Leona snorted. "Better watch it. Ezra doesn't 'do' PAs for long." She sashayed off as Ezra emerged, calling Clara into a meeting.

The rest of the day blurred - Clara fetching, noting, Leona shooting drows. As 6 PM hit, Ezra tossed files at her. "Prep these for tomorrow."

Clara nodded, packing up. Ezra's voice stopped her. "And Clara?"

"Yes?" she turned.

"Don't think Leona's your friend," he said low.

Clara's eyes widened slightly. Ezra walked off.

Leona waited by the elevator. "Need a ride?" she purred.

Clara smiled sweetly. "No thanks."

Leona's smile twisted as Clara left into the night.

Clara exhaled, walking fast. Her phone buzzed - hospital calling about her mom's bill. She answered, stress rising.

she broke down for a second. Her mom's voice calmed her. "You'll do great, Clara."Thanks mom