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
3 Days Ago. "See, everyone? This is what happens when you give a huge company to an impetuous person.""I think we should change the CEO.""I also agree. Someone else needs to be the CEO.""I suggest Mr Ford be the CEO since he is more experienced." The person who said this visibly flinched when he met my gaze. I inwardly sneered. Although not here today, Father certainly had bought lots of them. "If it weren't for you, would this company be ever at this low?" "We don't care who you have a feud with. We only care about the interest of the company."Closing my eyes, I inhaled. "I also care about the 'well-being' of the company. Do you all believe changing the CEO will save Empire?" The board of directors and investors got quiet as they exchanged a look. If they were as smart as they claimed to be, then they must have been aware that changing the CEO would not lessen the problem. Instead, the company would have to go through a complete reboot which we could not afford at this mom
"Mr Richmond." I gave him a brief smile. I managed to arrive on time and sat on the chair. At this time, there were only a few people in the cafe with no hustle and bustle. "Miss Ford." He greeted warmly. "I assume you know the reason for my presence here." My mood became grim and I nodded, "I do, Mr Richmond." "I won't hold it against you if you want to terminate the liaise between the two companies. Now that the Empire has hit rock bottom," I clenched my fists. Aaron Atkinson, congrats on having the whole contract to you. Even the government was now wary of giving the projects to Empire. 'We will recover, though. And everything will be alright.' "I feel you will want to choose a rather strong partner. Given the circumstances, I-" I was interrupted by Mr Arthur Richmond's laughter. I stared at him, dumbfounded. Later, he stopped and took a sip from his ordered Espresso. "Miss Ford- no, Victoria. Can I call you that?" As soon as I agreed, he continued. "I won't be