6

Hazel

We were seated in the conference room as Mr. Kane explains the situation. The block shares was stacked at 50% while the main shares keeps skyrocketing.

“From our research, there’s a chip. Someone is trying to sell out our information” I knew something is fishy. The last time something happened was when I started working newly at the company. I had no idea how things work back then. But now I’ve reached a stage that I come to know a lot of things about the company.

“They used the current situation to drop the bomb” Damon said for the first time since the meeting began. He’s right they used the situation to their advantage.

“The first thing to do is to find the chip before they do more damage” Damon asserted again.

“You’re right Sir” I was in deep thought when the two turn to stare at me. “Are you listening to what we’re saying?” Mr. Kane uttered. The light from the projector reflecting on his face. You can see the distressed look on Mr. Damon’s face.

“As for me I think the most important thing is to stop the shares from plucking down. Because at this stage, it keeps going down. We’ve lost more than enough” I suggested hoping they’d agree with me. Somehow the expression on Damon’s face didn't look satisfying. Let’s say he was contemplating whether to agree with me or not. I don’t really care if he do or not. After all I don’t own the company. Unless if he wants all his hard work to go down the drain.

“That’s a suggestion though” I added sensing they’re not ready to buy what I said.

“I think Miss Dalen has a point. The most important thing is to solve the shares problem before we get down to finding the chip” Damon heaved out a frustrated sigh. I know he’s pissed. I could see it right from the way he was clenching his jaw.

“Alright let’s do that first. How’s the situation from my father’s side?” He asked.

“He didn’t say much. He said he trust you know how to tackle the situation” Damon omit out another deep breath sparing me a look or much to say a glare. I shrugged in return.

Everybody went busy trying to solve the unfortunate situation. We were able to calm everything down. We had to call for an emergency meeting with other shareholders of the company and investors that are still loyal to the company. All progress were communicated with Damon’s father as he was out of the country. I didn’t find myself until I’m sure all my work is done.

“Thank you Miss Dalen. You’ve done a great job” Mr. Kane said as we made our way out of the conference meeting for the second time.

“It’s nothing Mr. Kane. That’s my job” Mr. Damon was still inside the room speaking with his father. I must say he’s done a great job too. That was actually the first time we worked alongside without arguing or much to say without him snapping at me.

I followed Mr. Kane to his office. He said he wants to have a word with me. I wonder what it is about though. I grabbed my seat on the visitor’s chair and await for him to start talking.

“Thank you once again Miss Dalen” I told him countless times to call me by my name. Yet, he stick to calling me by my surname. So I stopped.

“I will have to say you’ve made an impact on the company. We’ve seen your hard work which has brought a lot of achievement to this company” A part of me was delighted for the fact that my hard work has been acknowledged. Even though my parents don’t see that. What matters to them is the money not how I work my ass off to earn it.

“Thank you for the compliment Mr. Kane” He bend his head over and pulled a white envelope from his drawer handing it over to me.

“I’m sorry Mr. Kane. I can’t take it. I didn’t help to get rewarded” I asserted. I might be in need in money but I don’t think accepting the money from him will make an impact on my character.

“Just open it” He said placing it in front of me. With a questionable expression I opened the white envelop taking out the content from it. I unfolded the paper revealing an offer letter for my promotion. I couldn’t explain what I felt inside seeing my name imprinted in bold visible to my eyes.

“As per our appreciation, we’d like to take your position to the next level. A copy has been sent to your mail” My eyes were still fixed on the letter almost making me emotional.

“Thank you so much Mr. Kane for this” I said. The joy within me began making me emotional.

“You should thank Mr. Lorenzo. I’m only delivering what I’m asked to” I should really thank Mr. Lorenzo. He was the reason behind the change in my life. If he didn’t hire me back then, I would’nt have come this far. Embarrassment washed over me remembering how our last meeting ended. The way I spoke to him harshly. Forgetting the fact that he was the one who helped me. I was snapped back to reality by the voice of Mr. Kane flushed to my ears.

“From now on you will be working alongside Mr. Damon. He’ll be your new boss” The smile instantly vanished from my face. I don’t think I heard him correctly. All these while I work for his father. All orders were from him directly hearing the news now doesn’t settle well with me and I don’t think it will ever settle.

“He would officially take the position of the CEO. Although it’s not being announced yet. But since you’d be working for him, you should know beforehand” I don’t know whether I should be happy or sad. Happy that I’ve gotten more opportunity in my career. And sad because I would have to tolerate his bad behavior.

“I know you’re thinking about the incident. Controlling Damon’s personal life won’t be easy. He knows how to keep his reputation intact” I don’t think he knows. And I’m glad Mr. Kane knows about it too. They all knew. But decided to cover up the truth.

“I trust you and believe you’d do your job without making a room for any scandal” I don’t know why but somehow his words held a meaning. Is he trying to indirectly tell me not to behave like the women throwing themselves on Damon? Because that’s what it looks like to me. Nevertheless, I cover my almost angry self with a smile. “Thank you for having your trust in me”

“The pleasure is mine Miss Dalen. Your office is right across your boss. I’ve made the necessary arrangements. You just have to move your things to your new office” The way he uttered the word ‘boss’ made me cringe. Like, it hasn’t settle in my head that he’s going to be my new boss yet.

I nodded my head in answer and proceed to stand when he stopped me.

“Do you need anything?” I asked.

“No. Do have a nice day” He profound. I formed my lips into a thin line. The moment I stepped out of his office, I did a little dance. “Yes! You did it Hazel!” I giggled along the way. That’s a big news to tell. I fished out my phone and drop a message on our friend zone group chat.

Girls! Good news! I got a promotion! I typed away excitedly.

Reply came almost immediately. From Layla. Oh my god Hazel! You did it. Congratulations.

Another came through from Kylie. Congratulations babe. This calls for celebration. Dinner tonight. 9PM on the dot. Bills on me. PS: No one should arrive late.

A chuckle erupt out of me as I made my way back to the office. The girls don’t fail at bringing smile to my face. The always got my back. We’re in support of each other. Through good and bad times. I typed away. Cool. No late comers will be entertained. I know Kylie’s last statement was directed at me. I’m always the one arriving late whenever we’re meeting. I hit the send button my attention still focused on the phone as I walk. All of a sudden, I felt like I stepped on something hard.

“Fvck shit! Don’t you have eyes” He seethe throwing me a glare.

“As you can clearly see, I have eyes. Two pairs of healthy eyes” I spat back throwing him daggers equally. He has no patience at all.

“Oh I see. But maybe they have problem. Don’t you know how expensive these shoes are” I didn’t try to stop the laughter that escaped me. I had to access him from head to toe. My eyes lingering on his shoes.

“Why would I care to know? When I’m not a billionaire like you”

“Miss-” He didn’t get to complete his statement when we were interrupted.

“Mr. Damon, you left your phone inside” Lead asserted passing him his phone. I didn’t wait for what he had to say. I turned on my heels and walk away. I’m in a good mood. I wouldn’t let his arrogance to spoil my mood.

“Hello, P-”

“Congratulations Miss Dalen” I was attacked by the voices of my co-workers with confetti all over my head. It was a great feeling to see people supporting you. I won’t say much but thanking God for making the impossible possible in my life.