Offer To The CEO

Monday, continued ...

"Jodie is it not like that. As you know, despite my concerns when I accepted his proposal, I recommitted myself to Lu Jinhu, never intending to end the commitment I had made. Yi and I met when he was here for business about six months ago, and we made contact and started communicating through instant messaging apps. I knew very quickly that I had questions about following through with my commitment, and Yi simply told me he would respect my decision as to my relationship with Lu Jinhu."

"It was only when I was at the embassy in Country X and saw Yi in passing, I knew that I could never marry Lu Jinhu. However, before I could tell him of my decision, he married another woman in an arranged marriage. Yi and I had decided originally that we would wait between me ending my engagement and our marriage but Lu Jinhu's actions allowed us to decide to marry immediately."

"I am right, you rushed from one relationship to another."

"You are wrong Jodie. I had, emotionally ended the relationship with Lu Jinhu months ago, I just did not act on it until he acted."

"So that means you will be back soon, meaning that I do not have to deal with some of the ..."

"Do not say it Jodie. And no, I am not coming back. We are only here to deal with the family law matter, sort out my belongings and start the process of my permanent relocation to Country X. The partners have agreed I can work remotely on a part-time basis and I will take on most of Hou Enterprises legal work in Country X. That document you took to Mr Williams, was the agreement for that. However, we have a question, as I am not going to be here will you remain with ANX and be appointed as someone else's assistant of leave? "

"Talk about dumping things on me. I googled Hou Enterprises as I was printing the document and realised how large of an international company it is. As long as he" with that Jodie was pointing at Hou Yi "treats you well, all I can do is wish you the best. To be realistic, given you are leaving the office, I will likely hand in my notice."

Jodie paused, as if thinking about the past. "in the three years before I was assigned as your assistant, I had been four other lawyers assistants. None of them could stick out the job and I do not want to deal with that again. My skills are such that I know that will not have an issue getting a job elsewhere. John and I need me working, as he was sacked last Monday for complaining about unsafe work practices. He is fighting the dismissal, but it makes him unemployable and money tight for us."

"If you and John are interested, we have a proposal. You could leave and relocate to Country X where you become my assistant there. There would be some legal work, depending on how much I am allocated but you would work coordinating our social and charitable events and company needs. We would pay your relocation costs, regular trips back here to see your family, help John secure a job and pay for your accommodation."

Hou Yi, knew that he needed to speak up, "Jodie, there is a couple of things you need to know. As this is a niche position Anna and I can sponsor your visa given you will work for us personally. However, for your partner unless you are married, he would only be entitled to a spousal visa with no working rights attached to it."

Hou Yi continued "I confirmed with the embassy, if when your paperwork is filed there is confirmation of a marriage ceremony booking, they will commence processing a working rights visa for John. It will be subject to the provision of your marriage certificate, and as the visas take five to six weeks to be issued, that would be enough time for you to get married. While we do not want to pressure you, Anna explained that John enjoys working so we what him to have options."

"So that I can ensure Anna is safe, we will personally pay your accommodation costs until you are ready to purchase your own apartment in a secure building and area. As to your salary we will pay you three times your current salary and for three return visits to Australia for up to ten days at a time to visit family and friends. Given the nature of the work, you will be provided with an annual clothing budget as part of your job requirements will be to attend charity events with Anna, and they have a particular dress code."

"Jodie we are not kidding with this offer."

"If I did not have to talk to John, I would say yes straight away. Can I let you know as soon as I have spoken to him?"

"Take the time you need. It is a huge step to make, but if you are willing, I would love you to take it. Could you this afternoon pack up my personal belongings in my office?"

"Not a problem Anna." Jodie looked down at her watch "Damn, we have 5 minutes before that staff meeting. I guess you have to be there as well."

"Well it is called to announce a few things. Plus, I have gifts for everyone."

"Typical, you go on a holiday and bring everyone back something small," Jodie said having to get in the last word.

Anna, Jodie and Hou Yi left the office, to head inside the main office area. Hou Yi signaled that only two bodyguards should accompany them and reminding them to carry in the boxes of gifts that Anna had requested be brought earlier.