"As you already may know. It's not usual for me to come directly to my employees for a job," Johnathan stated. "I told you on the phone that I had a friend who needed a caregiver and a nurse. I see that you planned to resign in the fall of this year to return to your home in Brazil. Miss Paola was supposed to be your last client, but I have a new proposition for you.”
He slid a piece of paper out in front of her.
She picked up the thin sheet as her eyes glanced over it. There was a large amount of money written on top in bold letters leaving her eyes to widen.
"You're going to pay me one-hundred-thousand dollars for one person?" She asked, sounding confused.
The highest she had ever made on a contract was a tiny fraction of that amount.
What was so special about this mystery person?
"Because there is more. This client takes confidentiality to the greatest extent there is. Everything said, seen, heard, discussed—cannot be disclosed to anyone. That includes me. The contract is the normal three months, and once that three months is over, you can return to Brazil.”
She looked down at the paper as her brows furrowed, and mind attempted to put the missing pieces together.
"Why is he so secret? I don't disclose any of my clients' information. It's a part of the caregiving policy. Why is the money so much for this particular person?”
He leaned back in his chair before grabbing a pen and handing it to her.
"He's a phenomenally successful businessman. He makes millions and just opened a new operation that'll make him a billionaire. He has a lot of power, and when you have power, everyone around you wants it. If people find out you know more about this man than anyone else, they will stop at nothing to get information out of you. This contract states that under no circumstances would you ever say anything to anyone," Johnathan answered.
Her eyes continued to quickly read over the lengthy contract until she saw the name 'Adrik Zolotov.’ She heard of his name before but could not exactly remember from where.
"Are you saying that someone would possibly kill me just to know what water temperature this man likes his baths?"
"I'm saying he's the most powerful man HomeCare has ever worked with; It's a susceptible case," he stated.
She nodded her head slowly in understanding.
"If you sign the confidentiality form in the back, I will be able to tell you more about him. It doesn't mean that you accept the job, but it means that what we discuss won't be talked about with anyone else.”
She flipped over to the back and made sure that he wasn't lying. After reading through it, she picked up the pen and signed her name on the line.
"The man's name is Adrik Zolotov. He's twenty-nine years old, owns casinos and a few companies. He is beyond intelligent. The last time I checked, Adrik was fluent in fifteen different languages. This man also can read people so well that it may scare you.”
"What is wrong with him? You said that he is twenty-nine. That is noticeably young to need a caregiver. Most of my clients are in their sixties," she pointed out.
"He's had it since he was born but didn't know until recently when a doctor diagnosed him with Asperger’s. Well, no one uses that term anymore—it's Autism Spectrum Disorder," he said.
Avelina's brows furrowed once more.
"ASD? He's a billionaire with Autism; that’s quite inspiring," she said, smiling slightly.
Johnathan let out a sigh. There was so much more to Adrik that he couldn't quite tell her because she would run away in fear.
"To take care of a man like Adrik Zolotov is amazingly easy. He's gone on business a lot, and he mostly takes care of himself. He only requires assistance on minor things.”
Nodding her head, she completely understood. "I can do it. How bad can it be?"
As she signed her name on the contract, Jonathan could only frown.
"Perfect. You get the money at the end of the three months. Mr. Zolotov will need to sign the contract at the end of the three months to release you to Brazil,” Johnathan began, “Also, the man lives extremely far in a secluded area, so it is expected of you to move in—if that's not a problem.”
"Not at all. I've moved in with a few of my clients before.”
He stood up and shook her hand, guilt trying to take over his features. She was making a deal with the devil and didn't even know it.
"Great. You start tomorrow. I will be sending you the address and going to your house at around ten to pick you up," he stated, ready to turn around a leave before she changed her mind.
"Wait, what about Miss Paola?"
“We already have the perfect person for her. She'll be okay."
He hurriedly turned on his heel and exited the coffee shop with one thing on his mind; Adrik would ruin her.
CHAPTER THREE
Care for Goodbye
As soon as she got out of her taxicab for the second time that day, she walked over to the hotel elevator. Immediately, she was welcomed by the sight of Mr. John Jones. The moment he saw Avelina, he smiled brightly at the young woman as she got into the elevator.
"Hi, John. Your children came home today, right?" She asked him.
Mr. John Jones quickly realized that she was the only person who would try to strike up a conversation with him in the building. Everyone just treated him like the scum on the bottom of the Earth, but Avelina was different. She cared and remembered things like the day before when he told her that his two daughters would finally come home for college today.
"They haven't arrived yet. On my lunch break, I plan to go pick them up at the airport.”.
"Really? Are you excited?" She exclaimed cheerfully as he pressed on the button to get her to Miss Paola's room.
"Very excited. I've been waiting to see my girls for a year now.”
She walked up to him and embraced him in a hug. "I'm excited for you! That's amazing. Alexa and Dani sound like amazing people. They're fortunate to have you as a father.”
The elevator doors dinged, alerting her that they made it to her floor.
Avelina pulled away from the hug and patted him on his shoulder before turning around and walking away.
"Thank you, Avelina. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear those words until now.”
Avelina walked down the hall and towards Miss Paola. The older woman was in the living room doing yoga. The second she saw Avelina, she rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the television, which broadcasted a yoga instructor.
"Good afternoon, Miss Paola," Avelina spoke before walking over to her refrigerator and checking to see if she had all the groceries she needed.
Avelina made sure to stock Miss Paola’s food up two days ago and was happy she still had enough food to last a week or two.
She then walked into her bedroom and made Miss Paola's bed. No matter how hard she tried not to, Avelina formed a connection with each person she took care of—especially Miss Paola. It would hurt too much to leave her,
"What is wrong with you?" Miss Paola asked.
The woman walked past Avelina with her yoga mat in her hands.
Avelina sighed sadly and sat down on the floor before patting the space beside her for Miss Paola to sit.