The Billionaire's Secretary (Billionaire's Series Book 1) Read Free Page A

reinforcements,” she said.
    By the time they all boarded Guyton 1, Aurora was confident that all the proverbial ducks were in a row as it related to their Bermuda trip. The house was staffed and ready for their arrival, the cars had been cleaned and fueled and the formal dining room had been set up as a sort of conference room-cum-office for the retreaters, should they actually decide to get any work done. Reservations for golf in the mornings, light, refined entertainment in the evenings and dinner at some of the island’s best eateries at night were all confirmed. She smiled to herself as she handed her luggage to the stewardess and took her seat beside her boss.
    “Why so pleased with yourself, Precious? You look like the cat that caught the canary.”
    “I sort of did, but it would be unfair to say that I didn’t have ample help with the catching.”
    She shared the story of Fitz’s log entry and her telephone call to Rebecca, Aaron’s assistant and he laughed heartily.
    “It’s one of the qualities I spotted in you from the time we had our first conversation, Aurora. I knew you were the type of person who could get things done and done well. The kind who recognizes and utilizes all the resources available to her. I mean, take Rebecca for instance; she’s a hard working girl who suddenly found herself without much to do this morning with Aaron out of the office. It was a good call getting her involved.”
    “It just seemed like good common sense to me, Mr. G. No big deal, really.”
    “But that is exactly what I’m saying. Not too many of the people coming up these days have any common sense. Since you joined us, there’ve been a lot of times that you’ve worked with me when I felt that if you hadn’t done or said what you did, in that way you always do, a lot of bad decisions could have been made and even more great opportunities lost.”
    She blushed deeply.
    “Though I appreciate your confidence in me, I have to point out that you are the brains behind this operation, Mr. Guyton. Over the years, it was in fact your work that made the business what it is today. The rest of us,” she said as she waved her hand dismissively, “we’re just the task-force, the infantry. We’d be nowhere, literally marching in circles, without you at the helm.” Aurora choked up a little then continued. “In truth, sir, I don’t know what’s going to happen to us when you leave for Florida.”
    “My word, Aurora, you just illustrated my point. Without you around, I’d surely forget that I am a bona fide genius, now wouldn’t I?” He laughed at his own joke as he often did then turned to her and said, “I don’t want you to worry about that, Precious. I’m sure Hardee already spoke to you about your role in the new Guyton Engineering. I’d never give an employee that kind of carte blanche; you’d literally have to burn the place down before they could fire you. But I know that if anyone can handle the responsibility and understand the weight of that, it’s you, Aurora. I also know that whatever I reveal this weekend about my succession and the future of the company will cause some discontent, but I’m sure the only person who will accept it wholeheartedly and ensure that everything is done just as I want it to is you. That’s why I brought you along.”
    She nodded her understanding, but said nothing in response.
    “My sons are not easy people to deal with on their own, but when you get the three of them in one room, it’s can be like sitting in a nuclear war zone. You haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Adrian as yet, but you did meet Alan once and I know you’ve heard a lot of stories. That and the conference calls we’ve had should have given you a fair enough picture of who they are by now. The only thing I will remind you is to watch yourself around Alan. I know you’re aware of his womanizing and playboy tendencies, but trust me when I tell you this, Aurora, he’s ruined many an Atlanta