II

Since working for Andrew Hamilton at Hamilton Incorporated, Sydney was able to get into a usual routine. Every morning she'd arrive with two coffees and a chocolate muffin, ensuring it was placed on Andrew's desk, heated with a small teaspoon on a clean plate by his computer mouse. She would ensure his computer was booted and a printed list of his morning agenda placed on his desk, even though she knew he'd throw it away and she'd debrief him of his day when he arrived.

Hamilton Incorporated had made great progress since Sydney arrived due to its lack of attention from its CEO and owner, however but not enough completely. Andrew would never admit it in public but he knew that without Sydney he would be a disaster. He could never remember anything, or if he did it was neither important nor useful.

Sipping on her usual morning coffee, Sydney updated her Ipad with the daily agenda and checked any missed calls before glancing at her phone at the text message from Andrew's driver that he had been dropped him off at the office. Rolling her eyes slightly she quickly typed replies to emails and invitations before grabbing hold of her Ipad and phone and making her way around her desk.

"Morning Mr. Hamilton" She greeted as he yawned in response and slugged towards his office and desk as Sydney grumbled and followed. Even after working for him for six months, his behaviour always frustrated her and Andrew knew this.

"Winter" He mumbled taking hold of his coffee and slowly sipping it before ungracefully munching on his muffin. He happily moaned to the sweet taste of the chocolate licking his lower lip as he spun once again in his chair.

"You have lunch at one, a business call with the board from three till four and your sisters birthday gala tonight. Ensure you don't drink that much as you have a flight to Washington tomorrow at eight in the morning. Your sister will be calling soon to thank you for her birthday gift. You bought her the matching diamond earrings and necklace that she wanted" Sydney informed him scrolling down her Ipad as he groaned at the idea of meetings today.

"What necklace?" He frowned rubbing the side of his head, completely forgetting that it was his youngest sister's birthday today.

"You bought it" Sydney sighed still typing on her screen. He smirked slightly knowing full well what she meant. She had picked something she knew his sister would love and paid for it with his own money. Not that he cared; he had given Sydney a personal credit card for this type of reason because he never remembered birthdays or special events and often Sydney would take care of it for him.

Andrew was the eldest of five with four younger sisters, two of them relying on his wealth for their future and their inheritance. The eldest Blaire ran her own fashion design and spent majority of her time travelling around Europe. Charlotte was next and happily married then Hannah who loves the arts especially music and finally Zoe who desired anything that sparkled. Andrew's father died when he was twelve and his mother was a soft hearted woman who didn't look a day over forty.

"Mr. Hamilton's office" Sydney automatically responded to the sound of the phone ringing as she chuckled to hear the gentle voice of his mother down the phone.

"Sydney darling how are you?" She asked as Sydney smiled.

"I'm good Juliet, I'll put you through to Andrew for you" Sydney spoke readying herself to transfer the call only to quickly halt.

"Wait. I just want to thank you for Zoe's birthday gift. She loves it, even though she thinks her brother got it for her. But I know better-" Sydney chuckled when suddenly a bright bubbly voice of an excited Zoe screamed down the phone desperate to thank her loving brother. Wishing her a happy birthday, Sydney did as followed and knocked on Andrew's door as he was picking up the phone. Nodding in acknowledgement she left to return back to her office and began working on files that had been long neglected of financials and stock interests.

Files were constantly brought up throughout the day in black boxes or folders containing chunks of paper. They were split into two piles which everyone seemed to know when they delivered them to her, ensuring she wasn't disturbed from her trail of thought. Majority of the boxes were stored in the corner, stacked by their date of old finances and business transactions. Another pile was placed on her second desk of current deals and files needing to be signed and approved.

Sighing and rubbing her face Sydney had a look around her office with a groan. It was a large office with glass walling except the wall that separated her office from Andrew's that was separated by a solid oak door. She was lucky to have two desks, one facing the entrance of the elevator to be aware of people entering the floor, where her computer sat and she did majority of her work. The other gathered important documents that she sorted through every morning and at the end of the day.

Startled slightly by the buzz of her phone against the desk she checked to see the alarm set for the lunch meeting warning her that it began in half an hour. Quickly slipping her feet back into her heels she grabbed hold of two thick files for the lunch meeting before knocking and walking into Andrew's office. She never waited for a reply, it was something that they were both accustom too as she found him fast asleep in his chair, with his feet resting on his desk. Grumbling under her breath she marched up to his desk and dropped the files harshly against the oak creating a loud smack as Andrew sat bolt right up.

"You have a lunch meeting in half an hour. Doc is downstairs waiting for you with the limo." Sydney told him as he grumbled and adjusted his suit before leaving the office with Sydney following. Ensuring that her phone on her desk transferred to her mobile she heard the bell of the elevator ring and the doors closing behind her. Quickly standing up and turning she saw the doors shut with Andrew inside it as she rolled her eyes and waited patiently for the next one to collect her. Whilst she waited she adjusted her coat and her handbag over her shoulder, texting furiously on her phone before it began to ring.

"Hamilton Incorporated, Sydney Winters" She answered tapping her foot impatiently at the elevator, as it was getting closer to her floor.

"Whatever put Drew on the phone would you!" A familiar high-pitched voice demanded as Sydney struggled to suppress a chuckle.

"Lindsay, sorry he's in a meeting and I'm stepping into an elevator I think I'm losing you" She hung up after pretending to break her words to make it seem as though the connection was breaking. Smirking she stepped into the elevator and made her way down to the main reception and out the main doors where a limo stood waiting with Doc's arms raised in confusion.

"Doc!" Sydney called as he turned towards her with a sigh of relief. Graham Doc had been driving for the Hamilton family for over twenty years and was part of the family as well as another babysitter in regards to Andrew's behaviour.

"Miss Winters! Where is Mr. Hamilton?" He asked making Sydney place her hands on her forehead. Shaking it and placing her bag and files in the car she looked around the pavement in search of her boss but saw no luck.

"He's probably already on his way there" She weakly smiled as Doc gave her a knowing look. Her face falls before he pats her shoulder in comfort before closing it behind her as they drive towards the restaurant. Sydney knew better than to trust his promises and Andrew's lack of commitment to the company. He wouldn't turn up at the lunch meeting, which meant that Sydney would have to step up and act on his behalf once again.

The car ride was silent with the occasional taps of Sydney's fingers furiously pressing against the screen of her phone. No matter how many times she attempted to call Andrew's, the phone went straight to voicemail, indicating he had switched it off. Andrew knew full well that Sydney would be calling and texting him to try and get his attention and his location. Though he didn't care as he was casually seeing his latest fling and warming her bed.

"Thank you Doc" Sydney smiled as he opened the door for her to get out and closed it behind her. Glancing at her watch she sighed before making her way inside the restaurant where Mr. Wells was patiently waiting at a private table.

"Mr. Wells always a pleasure" Sydney smiled shaking his hand as he rose to greet her. Mr. Wells was in his late sixties and always wore a black bow tie and suspenders under his black striped suit. He had half moon glasses that sat on the edge of his nose, greyish hair on the sides of his balding head and was a rather wide but short man, who knew his business well.

"Miss. Winters! I see you are without Andrew once again. That boy is getting slack." He sternly spoke as he sat down opposite her and raised an eyebrow at the empty chair beside them.

"Mr. Hamilton has been caught up in a meeting and has asked I start our business arrangement until he can make it." Sydney lied trying to cover for her superior but Mr. Wells just shook his head, adjusted his tie and picked up the menu.

"Miss. Winters I have always admired your loyalty but we both know Andrew isn't coming. He doesn't deserve you." He simply informed catching her out with a small smirk as Sydney bit her inner cheek. Quickly slipping the napkin into her lap and grabbing hold of the menu she placed a smile on her face and turned to look back at the man sitting opposite her watching her from under his glasses.

"Shall we continue with business?" She offered trying to turn the conversation away from Andrew's lack of attention and discipline.

"Might as well, I'm sure your a better candidate to discuss this than he is. Doubt he even knows what's occurring." He grumbles as they order their lunch and begin. As the meeting progressed Mr. Wells grew more comfortable with Sydney. He had heard high praises of the woman opposite him, but he was truly impressed by her knowledge and ability to do business that would do the company proud. From the years he had worked with Hamilton Incorporated, he had only met Andrew on the rare meeting at a charity gala.

Throughout the lunch Sydney made sure her phone laid resting against her thigh to ensure she would be alert of the rare chance that Andrew responded. In her mind the meeting was a success, the deal for improving one of their latest hotels in Paris and the future plan to expand further in Europe was signed and sealed. But there was still no sign of Andrew.

Sending a text to update him of the progress and the success of the business deal praying for some response. She knew that if he didn't show up with the board meeting then his own job as CEO was at risk. The board was sick of punishing him like a child and their patience with him was thinning.

"Still no word of Mr. Hamilton?" Doc questioned as he opened the limo door for her. The bored and solemn look of her face was enough for him to grimace and closed it after her knowing full well he hadn't shown. Feeling a buzz vibrate through her purse she dug through for her phone in hope that Andrew had grown some sense only to be disappointed when it was a reminder that the board meeting would be occurring in a few moments.

"DAMN!" She hissed realizing the consequences if she was late as Andrew's representative. Doc being an understanding man knew from the tone of her voice and quick sneak peek from his mirror to see her staring at the clock on her phone. Breaking the speed limit only just he made it back to the incorporation with a few minutes to spare.

"Thank Doc" Sydney smiled and quickly dashed out from the car, not waiting for him to get out and open the door for her. Running as fast as her heels would let her, Sydney drew in a quick breath before opening the door to the boardroom. The men sitting at the long table drew quiet watching her enter alone. It was a long room filled with glass windows, in the middle was a large table where the men sat on either side with a larger chair at the head of the table. It remained empty as Sydney made her way to the head of the table and stood beside the empty seat, which should be occupied by a certain CEO.

"Gentleman of the board." Sydney greeted as a few snorted in her direction.

"Miss. Winters, why am I not surprised to see you instead of Mr. Hamilton" David Gregson grouched causing all the other members to nod and mutter in agreement. David Gregson was one of the eldest members on the board and made it very clear of his dislike towards Andrew.

"His meeting with Mr. Wells is running overtime, in the meantime he instructed that I take his place, whilst discussing the company finances and stock interests." Sydney instructed in attempt to distract them Sydney promoted of the recent success of deals signed and the progression of the company. The initial purpose for the meeting was soon far from any member's thoughts and rather grew into a debate regarding Andrew Hamilton's contribution.

"Andrew Hamilton is nothing but a disgrace to this company!"

"When was the last time he's been to any meetings or corporate event!" Accusations were being thrown left, right and centre and Sydney did her very best in order to keep the board calm.

"He organized and was at the Charity Benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project in spring." She reminded then as half of them began to laugh at her. Scowling at their lack of manners Gregson shook his head.

"We all know you had a hand to play in that benefit and that Andrew will never take full credit for that function." He pointed out as they all nodded in agreement. Andrew had been presented and delivered the speeches she wrote for him, yet they had a point. The Wounded Warrior Project had always been a charity she worked close with since her brother died in the navy.

"I say it's high time he was removed from the business all together." The notion was finally thrown out into the open, which causes Sydney to grow nervous. She knew she had to keep him in his position as CEO. She questioned her motives why; the company would do better without him and with someone who knew what they were doing. Yet her loyalty towards him ran too deep.

"You can't do that! It's his family business, what would his father say?"

"I think he would be down right ashamed of his son's behaviour and attitude towards the company." Gregson spat out as the boardroom soon turned into a war zone of shouts and accusations.

"Gentleman! Gentleman, if you could please take a seat and calm down" Sydney shouted gaining their attention as they all grumbled but followed her instruction. Sydney reminded them of the progress the company had accomplished over the year and the boost in profits 'with' Andrew as the current CEO, which had them nodding their heads in agreement. Though from the narrowed eyes pointed in her direction by a few members she knew she hadn't fooled them.

Passing off her achievements as his own surely didn't go unnoticed by David Gregson a man with keen eyes and the board concluded, successfully talking about nothing. As they slowly dispersed to their own duties and important meetings Sydney let out a breath she'd been holding as she had managed to save Andrew's job.

"Miss Winter's you give Mr. Hamilton too much credit. You and I both know that this company is only staying afloat because of the extra hours you put into it." Gregson spoke as he made his way in her direction.

"I know of your distaste towards Mr. Hamilton but you and I both know what will happen if you sack him" She informed as he huffed in annoyance before excusing himself. Making her way back to her office she collapsed into her chair flung off her heels and slouched into a very unladylike position. Groaning out loudly and pulling at her hair she knew it wouldn't be long until she'd have to drag Andrew's sorry ass to his sister's birthday gala this evening. Rubbing her aching shoulders she tried not to think much of it, before setting an alarm on her phone and pulled out a pillow from a cupboard, placing it on her desk and falling into a small nap.