"He is begging for your mercy, Boss. He says he has got a family to feed." "Is he still inside the building?" I checked the time and asked Michael, my trusted assistant. He has always been there with me, helping me with the business I had to take over years ago. In a way, he is my mentor who has taught me everything I know and has assisted me to become who I am now. "Yes, he says he won't leave until you meet him." I sneered, "Heh, the sheer audacity. Call security and have him escorted out." Michael nodded and started to go out until I stopped him, "Michael." "Yes, Boss." "I don't want any drama." "Noted, Ma'am." "And for the last time, stop calling me with words like Boss and Ma'am! You are free to call me by my name." "I can't afford this privilege, Ma'am. It will be burdening for me." Like a professional, Michael refused. As always. Sighing, I stretched my arms, feeling a dull ache due to working constantly, "I can't argue with you. Go and settle that Murphy. We can't t
"Help me reserve a seat in that auction. I will go there myself." I told Michael on the earpiece and started the engine. I wanted to meet the owner who backed away from his words and have a friendly talk with him. The work hours ended. Thus just like everyone, I too left the office. At this moment, I wished I had more work and more reports to check and go through. Going back to that place was the most dreadful thing I evaded at any cost, at any chance I could get. Yet here I am, going to that place again. "I'm here," I informed and the entrance door opened instantly. Taking slow steps I was met with an old woman who was there waiting for me in the hallway. She looked down when I bravely locked eyes with her as if wanting to hide away from me. But did she hide and run away? Nope. She stood shamelessly without flinching when she saw me again. She even smiled like she was glad to see me. "Victoria..." She came forward but I created a distance between us, stepping back. "It's M
Once we had taken seats in his study, Stefan Ford started. "I heard you have been wanting to buy a piece of land and preparing for it for a year or two." I raised a brow. I thought my movement was subtle. Or maybe someone was bought off by him behind my back. "Yes, it's going to be in the auction next week." "I can help you." "You can?" I looked at him. "S.A Ford Inc. is sponsoring that event this time. With my one call, the land would not be shown to others and you can keep it for yourself," Stefan Ford said. I am confident he is not this nice. He would never help me for nothing. "Yes, but I have a condition that you have to fulfil first." Of course, a condition. I sneered. I did not want his help, but I wanted to see for myself how could my dear father help me. "You have to merge S.A Ford Inc. with the Empire Group of Industries and make me have 40% authority in the company." 40%? Stefan Ford was surely playing smart. He wanted to be merged with the company my grandfathe
"Boss." The young bartender was shocked as he first glanced at me and then at his Boss. "You two know each other?" "She's the Vicks I told you about last time," His boss replied. His vibrant-pink spiky hair came into my view. Last time it was green, wasn't it? "I'm sorry for earlier, Ma'am." The bartender whose name was Brody, his eyes widened and he bowed, apologetic. "I d-didn't know." "That's fine. Don't bow." I nodded at him, "And about my order..." "Virgin Margarita." His boss told him on my accord. "On it." The bartender started mixing the drink at a rapid rate. Quickly, he placed the drink in front of me and scurried away. "Is he intimidated by me?" I asked. "He's new. Harry left 2 weeks ago." The Boss answered. "That British guy? He was cute." "He was depressed after not seeing you for a long time and he was making mistakes. One customer almost beat him to death, so he resigned the next day." Poor guy. He was polite. "So, finally you decided to show up, huh? Thou
7 days had passed in a blur. It was true when they said that time passes and you don't even know it when you are happy in your space. Taking out a black dress from the closet, I was alleviated. I was finding an occasion to wear it, and this current time could not be any better. "All the preparations have been done, Boss. We're waiting for your orders." I nodded, my words oozing with confidence, "It's time to get our land back." Reaching there, the first thing I did was to meet the one who allowed the land to be a part of the auction. "Nice to see you again, Mr Kingsley." "M-Miss Ford, you're here..." Douglas Kingsley let out a nervous laugh. "You indeed look busier than I thought. Might be the reason for not picking up the calls." "Haha, ...yeah. Busy, yes." I noticed how he kept averting his eyes. "Mr Kingsley, you don't seem happy after seeing me." I raised a brow. "N-No, I am! I am delighted to have you here. It's just... I'm surprised to see you attending today." "Wel
Since the room had dim light, I could not distinguish the face. 7 days had passed in a blur. It was true when they said that time passes and you don't even know it when you are happy in your space. Taking out a black dress from the closet, I was alleviated. I was finding an occasion to wear it, and this current time could not be any better. "All the preparations have been done, Boss. We're waiting for your orders." I nodded, my words oozing with confidence, "It's time to get our land back." Reaching there, the first thing I did was to meet the one who allowed the land to be a part of the auction. "Nice to see you again, Mr Kingsley." "M-Miss Ford, you're here..." Douglas Kingsley let out a nervous laugh. "Mr Kingsley, you don't seem happy after seeing me." I raised a brow. "N-No, I am! I am delighted to have you here. It's just... I'm surprised to see you attending today." "Well, I got an invitation," I flapped the invitation card in front of his face. "You see I couldn't le
"Lighten up already. Why are you in a sullen mood!?" When I met Sarah, she easily detected what I was keeping in me. Uncle Max was a pretty laid-back person and advised me to look forward to the future instead of dwelling on the past. But a thought that still poked my heart and mind was: My hard work was stolen, and things like this had never occurred to me. That damn Atkinson. I will scratch his handsome face if I see him ever smirking at me again. "You don't know what happened to me this weekend," I grumbled. It was a happy-sad situation I was in. "It's my show, Vicky! I'll not be able to focus if you remain sad." Sarah exclaimed, her eyes large. Sighing, I got up and grabbed her shoulders, standing right in front of her. She was cute when she tried to look taller than me. She was 5'4 and I was 5'6. "Alright, Sarah, I'll try to be positive." I showed a small smile. Sarah was my best friend and she invited me here. I should support her instead of spoiling the great atmosphere.
"Why are you smiling?" I narrowed my eyes. "Because you, Victoria Ford, are the most powerful woman I have ever seen. It's evident the board members will be afraid of you." "They respect me!" I lightly punched his arm making him wince. "Literally too." I rolled my eyes. "Why are you here in this room?" "Do you know who your partner is?" Blinking my eyes, I asked, "...I have a partner?" "Sarah." After a minute, we both sighed in unison. "God!" "I have never seen any place this packed before!" An excited Sarah hurriedly entered the room before she paused and gushed at the two of us. "You're both ready. Look at you two! Gorgeous." "Sarah, tell her who is her partner," Ben said. Judging by her sheepish expression, I could tell she had forgotten to inform me. Typical of her. "So he's my partner?" "Yeah... The gown you're wearing defines regalia, my next clothing line, and it needed a partner. I knew you don't get along with strangers, so I called Ben to accompan
Maximus Leinster. A person who never once crossed my mind when I made plans, was here in the flesh."You're back 2 weeks earlier, Uncle." I walked up to him.His tall figure donning a black coat while wearing a greyish turtleneck, became clear. He put down his luggage and assessed me like he always did when he came back."Oh, is this supposed to be a bad thing considering how pale you look?" He tilted his head, his moves slow and phlegmatic."No, it isn't. I'm just... astounded. It would have been great had you informed me in advance," I said slowly."That's fine. I simply wanted to surprise my pretty niece," Uncle Max waved his hand in dismay, suddenly smiling lazily. "Anyways, what are we having here? A party?"He observed the surroundings keenly. Taking in the sight of the well-decorated lawn. His eyes were of a hawk. Observation skills were one of his strong suits.Did I tell the lawn attached at the back was a part of our old house property where Grandfather and his children use
"Today we are gathered here to witness the matrimonial ceremony taking place between Miss Ford and..." I could not take a good look at the people I knew. Jackson had a sour/betrayed face. Michael and Stacy's faces wore grim looks. Uncle Victor had some emergency regarding the troublemaker trio, so he could not come. Sarah's lips were pursed. And Ben? He was not even here. What happened in the cemetery, should not have occurred. Ben had a pained expression, something I had never seen him wearing except for the time he lost to me by one mark in our biology quiz. I was sad inside my heart, stoicism seen from my face, and blank when it came to mind. Marriage. This word kept on repeating like a broken record. I was getting married today. Victoria Ford was getting married, and people were cheering her on for it. Media coverage. News broadcasting of our marriage on television. "Sweetheart," A charming and irritating whisper invaded my ears. "You don't think you could have gone
As soon as I pressed the button and sent the text, I switched off my phone and rested my head on the steering wheel. I never thought I would come here. When my grandfather was alive, I refused to come here as I could not embrace the fact that Mom had left me. I took a deep breath as I entered the cemetery. My steps quickened as her gravestone appeared before my eyes. The water almost gathered around my orbs which I quickly blinked. Evelyn Ford was beautifully carved on the marble. Pursing my lips, I placed a bouquet in front of her, her favourite white lilies, "Hey, long time no see, Mom. How are you?" A rush of wind went past me, making me exhale. "I... I came here to tell you something," I swallowed. "Your husband, Stefan Ford, remarried and lives happily with his new wife and daughter." Talking about them left an astringent taste in my mouth. I would have to tighten the security if he
"Are you for real?! You're actually marrying a man you despise, Vicky?" Sarah's tone carried astonishment. "Is Enemies-to-lovers also your favourite trope? Vicky!! I'm going insane. Answer me, my favourite best friend!" "Sarah, I'll explain when we meet at Jackson's club, okay?" Sighing, I rubbed my forehead. Since yesterday, I have been receiving the same reactions. Social Media was hell for me. 'Why did you decide to marry Aaron Atkinson?' 'Why the hottest man of all people?' 'She's only marrying for money, people.' 'Gold-digger.' 'Is Aaron Atkinson blind? Why is he marrying such a greedy woman?' "Boss, stop reading them," Stacy placed my dark coffee before me and quietly suggested. I sighed once again and closed the phone's screen. "Can't say I didn't expect that. But in reality, it hits way worse than I pictured in my mind." All the respect I earned in my field of work went down the drain. Merely, because I decided to marry the richest and probably the most power
7 Days Ago "And what is that you propose, Mr Atkinson?" My heart thumped. Where was this dreadful feeling creeping in? "Marry me, Miss Ford." This guy, was he right in the head? Why in the hell would he ask me this!? "Mr Atkinson, I suppose we were planning on discussing cooperation against our common enemy. And, not..." I shook my head, taking a deep breath. "Marriage is not a game, Mr Atkinson, " I said again, my fingers digging into my palms. Images of my Mom and Dad's marriage began to invade my vision. "This will not be a true marriage, Miss Ford. I assure you of it." Aaron's tone was casual as if it did not bother him. "We don't have to bind ourselves with the vows." Observing my silence, he raised a brow mockingly. "Or are you like those good girls who have been convinced by this hearsay from their childhood that marriage is a sacred reunion between two partners and that no deceit or fallacy must be in between them? Miss Ford, no one believes in such anymore." I glar
"Sarah, why would you do that?" I hissed. "I can't hear you." Sarah turned a deaf ear and pushed me forward. Many people had anticipated expressions, watching me curiously. "If I can't kill you, I swear I'll stop buying your clothes," I grumbled to myself. Walking gradually, I reached Damien at last. I coughed slightly, gaining his attention. "Do you want to dance?" Damien snorted. "You," He arched a brow, unamusedly, "want to dance with me? What's the catch?" "There's no... catch, Damien." It was all because of my lovable friend's courtesy. "What if I say no?" He gazed down at me blankly. My face became expressionless. Of course, he would not leave this chance to humiliate me. "I would complain to Uncle Victor." "Childish." He rolled his eyes. "Let's go." "Where?" I eyed him suspiciously. "To a dark alley to kill you." It was my turn to snort. "You plan to kill me?" "Who knows." He shrugged nonchalantly. I stopped myself from retorting. I wanted to cancel this event now
"Happy Birthday, Miss Ford." "Many happy returns of the day, Boss." Many people came and congratulated me with identical words. Nodding slightly at people congratulating me, I gazed at the whole hall, my eyes searching every nook and every corner. "Who are you searching for, V?" I was startled to find Ben watching me with inquiries. "No one." I averted my eyes. So he wasn't coming then. Shaking my head, I got busy with further greetings from others. "Vickyyyy, happy birthday!!" Sarah embraced me tightly from back. "I can't believe you're 24 already." I laughed. "Thank you. Now where's my gift?" "Your gift... Here." Sarah waved a key in front of me. I gaped at her. "You didn't..." Don't tell me she bought the Bugatti W16 Mistral for me. I only talked about it one time. "I did." Sarah grinned, "Happy Birthday once again, Vicky. BTW, fabulous dress you're wearing." "Fabulous indeed. A very skilful designer designed it." Today, I had worn one of Sarah's latest roya
"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
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