My conversation with Ben in the restaurant the other day was continuously playing in my mind.
"V, if you really want your shares back, you must strike when the iron is hot. The moment he asks for a minimum of help, ask him to pay back."
"The payback will be your shares." Wouldn't this be too soon, though?
Empire was progressing, and as I hated to admit, it required support since it was at its crucial stage.
We needed basic advertising and promotion. Not too high-profile and not too low-key either.
Should I execute it or not?
I was mindlessly walking when I bumped into a hard wall.
"Ouch." I grabbed my nose in irritation and looked up. "The h*ll."
"Willingly crashing into me. Is your mind completely exhausted, Miss Ford?"
"I didn't see you stopping," I answered. "And, no, I'm not tired. The day hasn't even ended yet." After saying that, I proceeded to move forward and was
28 days passed in silence. People still pinned me on stupid posts but I learnt to ignore them. I did not see Aaron much except for the important meetings with Mr Richmond. He also pretended our previous conversation did not happen. Perhaps, he had let go of me and Empire. I was happier than ever. Today, nothing could ruin my mood. "Has everything been prepared?" I got out of the lift and asked the moment I saw her. Stacy had a timid smile, but she seemed relaxed. "Yes, Ma'am. Invitations were all answered cordially and lots of investors and companies wish to join this evening's occasion.""I have talked to the media as well," Michael said as he approached us."Good job, you two." I nodded, pleased. Humming, I entered my office. After a wait of a long time, the Empire Group of Industries was hosting an event itself. The 70th anniversary! One of the city projects Empire got last year had completed too fell at this time, so this was certainly a call for a double celebration.
The flowers were exquisite. I had to admit that. Seeing such a huge bouquet, the people at the banquet were curious as their eyes kept on focusing here instead of talking. "Fleurs de délice," A man in his early forties told with wide eyes. His accent was a little weird. Heavy and breathless."Huh?" The man continued. There was admiration and envy as he spoke. "These flowers— These are from a very famous shop abroad that has a reputation for selling flowers only to those who they think are capable, so not many can get their hands on them. It is said you have to make an appointment in advance if you want the flowers delivered." I raised an eyebrow in surprise. No wonder they looked so beautiful and fancy."Any name?" Sarah peeked over my shoulder, eager to know. I shook my head. There was no name written on the card, nor any hint which could take me to the sender. "Who could it be from?" I mumbled, staring at the roses. "It could be Ben," Sarah suggested. I smiled slightly. Yes,
The annoying alarm clock rang, and I groaned; holding my head. How could the morning come so quickly? I remember I was chatting with Martha last night, and then I somehow dozed off. I grabbed my phone but later put it back, unbothered. My phone was not important; a freaking painkiller was. Gathering up the strength and my will to wake up, I managed to get myself out of bed. I had a feeling that even the painkiller was not working. Clenching the pen in my hands, I kept on signing the documents without looking up. There were still records of the past five years that needed my attention. "Boss, y-your coffee..." Stacy walked towards me and put the cup on the table. "Alright," I closed the record file and leaned on the chair, massaging my forehead. The light was too much for my eyes. "Will you be eating here or going back to the condo?" "No, I have a brunch planned with Uncle Victor's family today. He couldn't attend last night, so he invited me to his home." This
"How did you get hurt? It looks awful." One side of his lips was cut and a purple bruise had started to emerge. From the corner of my eyes, I saw him hissing in pain when he took a bite earlier. I was astonished when none of the Fernandez family asked about this as if it were a norm for them to see him like this. What if he was involved in some underground fighting or something!?"...By any chance, you aren't involved with the drug lords, right? Do–"Derrick, who was almost done, glanced at me and made a loud clinking noise with the cutlery as he put them down. CLANK! "Don't poke your nose into our family and manage yours. Oh, wait. You don't have one." What? That was so out of the blue. "Excuse me–" My mouth was gaped open. My words did not reach him for he continued. This time, his voice was harsh. "How many times are you gonna stop by? We told you we don't want you here. Don't you get it or do you pretend to be blind? You're not needed. We're not your family, so f*cking sto
"Boss, now that this news has widespread this far, I'm afraid..." Mr Linux, who was the head of the PR department, bowed his head. I leaned on my chair calmly, "Afraid about what, Mr Linux? A clean hand needs no washing. You are aware Empire has always been ethical when it comes to business. Moreover, we can never put human lives at risk." "Issue a statement and wait for the public's reaction. Further announcements shall be made with evidence next time." "But it's not in our hands anymore. Releasing a statement will only..." I stared at him blankly, devoid of emotions, "Mr Lunix, you can't or is it you don't want to?" He flinched when he heard me. "I apologise, Boss. Taking in the interest of the company, it's better to be quiet until the matter is completely cooled down." He was an old man who had been working in Empire for years, so I respected the efforts he put into his work for the company. However, at this moment... Did it not cross his mind that keeping quiet would
"Victoria, my brave daughter..." "Mom, what happened to you?" I clutched her hand in panic. "W-Why are you covered in blood?" My hand twitched. "Miss, please calm down. Take a look at the patient." The man who had called me earlier tried to soothe me. He said he found her on the road, exactly in this state when he was jogging. The only near and emergency contact in her phone was mine. "Why is the ambulance taking lots of time!?" "I-I have called it. It seems there's been a delay." I bit my lips as water gathered around my eyes. "Victoria, listen to me... Your uncle, he..he..." My body trembled uncontrollably as I heard her shallow breathing. She was still worried about Uncle Max even in this condition. "Mom, don't talk! Preserve your energy." "I'll call Dad! J-Just don't worry. Everything will be fine." I dialled Dad's number quickly. "H
"Stacy." I gave a nod in her direction which she understood and connected the video call with the manufacturers. Michael had gone to receive a phone call, so Stacy was the assistant required. Since the manufacturers could not come in person, I could only connect them through a video call with reporters. So the people who were still filled with little doubt could be at ease. "Alright, connecting." Stacy looked at the screen and gasped in horror. The people sitting on the chairs mirrored the same. I turned around and watched in a daze as a sudden fire erupted in the background of the worker whose face showed fear with a loud bang. It resembled a military movie scene. Lots of voices reached my ears. Chaos. "W-What's happening?" Confusion. "The warehouses are on fire!" Shock. "That's the warehouse of Empire the enemies have destroyed. I can't believe it." Mess. I inhaled sharply, returning to my senses. "Everybody, calm down. I am sure it is an accidental fire tha
"You're here." "Yes, I am here, Mr Atkinson." Like you expected, jerk. "But why are you here, Miss Ford?" An arrogant voice sounded. I glared at him. Ha, as if he didn't know. The only thing I wanted to do right now was to wipe this ridiculous smirk from his face. However, I suppressed my anger and inhaled deeply. The main focus currently should be the situation Empire was in. "Mr Atkinson, don't pretend as if you don't know why I am here." "Me? Miss Ford, I genuinely don't know the reason for your presence in my office today. If it were last week, then possibly I would have..." He smirked again as he rested his hand on his cheek, giving me a look of provocation and eyes filled with mirth. I gritted my teeth and gripped my hands tightly. Don't forget why you're here, Victoria. "I need your help, Mr Atkinson." "Am I hearing it correctly?" Aaron's eyes were wide but showed no surprise. He anticipated I would turn to him like a mouse cowered to a corner. "Victoria Ford, the CEO