billion book
Who is Nia?
Chapter 23 Who is Nina?
X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.
Jace didn’t look pleased with Dawn’s presence in his office. “The last time I checked, we don’t have much business together; why are you here?” Dawn scoffed. “You must think yourself as important to have me in here. I have some questions to ask you.” “And if I refuse to answer?” “Then I will tell Minny how much of an asshole you are.” He looked unfazed as he leaned further into the chair. “Go ahead, tell your sister. Do you think she doesn’t know that already? Your sister likes to roll with the bad boys. And I am a motherfucking good-looking one.” He smirked proudly Dawn wanted to throw something at his face to wipe off the dumb smirk. She would never understand what Minny is doing with him. “I bet she is just using you.” “Well, I am glad it is a mutual feeling. Once again, Dawn, what do you want? It is too early in the morning for me to have your face in my business. What the fuck do you want from me?” “How did Xander get to know Nina Ruiz? He is saying something about dating her in college, but I am guessing he is just trying to sway me.” Jace tilted his head to the side before grinning. He seemed to be more interested in the conversation, knowing it was one chance to piss Dawn off. “He isn’t doing whatever you are trying so hard to make yourself believe. Do you think a man like Xander, who looks devilishly handsome like that, wouldn’t have dated anyone? He only chooses to live this way because it suits him. Not because he can’t be dangerous.” She was beginning to feel irritated. “Stop with the dumb nonsense and answer my question.” “Well, it is my honor to tell you that Nina was his first love. So yeah, that is the answer you needed. Now get the F out of my office.” The slight smile on his face seemed to fade immediately. “I will make you pay.” She gritted, kissing her teeth. Just when she thought she had no competition because Xander didn’t seem keen on misusing his looks. Turns out she was wrong. Dawn doesn’t seem comfortable with the way he reacted towards Nina. She would have to do something about it. ~~~~~~ “Hello, I am Nina Ruiz, the head researcher; nice to meet you.” Nina introduced herself to the rest of her team. They had not met yet because they didn’t get them together on time. “Hi. I am Dani.” The lady with red hair and a warm smile introduced herself. “This is Joshua, Matilda, and Carlos.” She introduced the rest. “We are all your assistants.” “Hello, everyone. Nice to meet you.” She said. “Nice to meet you, too.” They chorused, each person returning to their desk. Nina walked towards the back where the lab was. She nodded in satisfaction at all of the equipment. Dani came to join her. “I heard you were working with M&M Foods.” She said. Nina didn’t need anyone to tell her that she would have her hands complete with Dani. In every department, there is always someone like her who smiles and gossips a lot. She nodded. “Yes, I am.” Dani hummed. “That’s nice.” “Can you not bother the lady, Dani? She barely just resumed .” Carlos bellowed from his desk. “Mind your business.” Dani retorted. “Have you all been working together before now?” Nina asked. “We all went to the same college and applied for the job together after our internship. Luckily for us, we got it. So it’s a friendship goal kind of deal.” “That’s nice.” They got interrupted by a knock. Matilda, who seemed quiet amongst them, waved a hand. “There is a food delivery here for you, Miss Nina.” “Oh, Nina is just fine. Thank you very much.” Nina said. Her belly growled as she stepped out of the lab into the office to see the food package. She had sent the food that her belly seemed to desire, and Xander delivered it. “I am sorry to be of bother. But I hope you all don’t mind if I take a quick break?” Joshua, with a cute face, smiled at her. “You don’t have to take permission from us, ma’am. Enjoy your meal.” “The break room is that way.” Carlos pointed out before Dani could get the chance to. The two of them seem to be competing with each other. Nina settled into one of the chairs to enjoy her meal. She had asked for cinnamon rolls and a full-creamed coffee. It looked excessive, but her mouth was dying to have a taste. Biting into the roll, she moaned as it melted in her mouth. It tasted like the best thing she has had in a long while. Dawn, who was passing by, stopped when she saw Nina in the break room. Please give them a stick, and they embrace the whole yard. Squaring her shoulder, she dug her heel into the ground and stormed the room. “I see you are already taking up the leverage you have. What are you doing out here at this time when you should be working to make sure the company stays on top?” She questioned, shocking Nina, who had been so engrossed with her food. Nina swallowed the last piece of the roll in her mouth hard. “Ma’am?” Intense irritation crept up Dawn’s spine as she looked closely at Nina. She is just as beautiful, no doubt, and doesn’t do much skincare because her skin looks untouched. It made her feel very jealous. “You know what? I will let this slide because you are just resuming if you make this a habit. I will make sure you get a query.” She threatened, walking away in anger. Nina blinked, still confused at what just ensued. Her eyes met with Dani’s, who appeared to have been eavesdropping on the conversation. She mumbled a quick apology at being caught and scurried off. Nina took in a deep breath. Work has barely started, and she can already feel the heat. She was downing the rest of her coffee. Nina is determined not to let herself get distracted by anything. It is her second chance at proving herself to the world, and nothing, not even a double of Andrea, will stop her this time.