After 4 years

Jonathan Pov...

It's been four years now and I survived managing the company. Dad was still there for me to guide me in everything. Some complained I was too young to take on the big responsibilities, but dad explained that he trained me well and must start when you are still young. Dad believes that wild ideas can bring us more luck.

A lot of things happened and one is about Felicity Tower opening another tower and our investors are investing in them as well. My hatred towards Gertrude spiked. I believe she did that four years ago to steal our investors. They are already loaded, but why take ours? That's the question that I wanted to ask her but I can't ask her. Dad was still skeptical about what I told him and still looking for a chance to meet her. Dad believes something was not right that day. He thinks Gertrude is a pure and innocent woman, but for me, she is a gecko hiding from her beautiful color.

I don't know if he knows Gertrude. That's why he was nice to her on our graduation day. What happened that day is still a nightmare to me and now that I'm losing some of our great investors, they think it's because I'm too young and wild carefree. That video also tainted my name! They still think I'm a pushover and can't manage our business while the Felicity keeps on soaring high!

My relationship with Jessica was getting stronger and I already planned to marry her. Why wait for so long if we can't live to be apart? Most of the time she comes to my place and vice versa. We only need to get married to stay in one place. She became the director of their school and opened a branch outside of the city.

Tomorrow dad asked me to come with him to meet Mr. Homer Cushe. I don't know what this is all about. Dad said it was confidential so I needed to keep my mouth shut.

After my conference, dad immediately called. He said Mr. Cushe is already in the lobby. I frowned, why is he in the lobby? I thought we were meeting him discreetly outside for a lunch meeting. Well, whatever dad says!

"Jonathan, I want you to watch your manners in front of Mr. Cushe later." Dad said, sternly, specifically with a warning.

"Yes dad!" I replied, not to piss him off.

I replied to Jessica's message that I couldn't make it up today since Dad and I had an important meeting. Being an understanding girlfriend, she just said yes. That's why I'm more in love with her as the days pass by!

"Babe see you tomorrow morning before going to work!" I texted her.

"Sure baby! Let's eat breakfast together!" She replied with a lot of kiss emoticons. I smiled reading her message when dad motioned, startling me.

"Sorry, dad!" I mumbled, embarrassed.

"Greet him, Jonathan! That's him standing at the podium." Dad motioned.

Dad greeted him first and they exchanged a few words to light up the mood.

"Good Afternoon sir!" I greeted him since I didn't know what to say. I feel like an ant standing in front of him. His presence is intimidating. Now I recall my first meeting with Gertrude.

"Oh! Just call me uncle Homer. That's too formal, Jonathan. Am I right?" He smiled, and I gushed, relaxing a bit. I looked at dad and he nodded. Thankfully, I didn't do anything.

"Okay, uncle Homer." I responded, shyly. He taps my shoulder, ushering us to follow him. Dad walked beside him as I followed.

I can't hear what they are talking about. All I know is they were happy as they kept on laughing.

" By the way, Mr. Evans, did your son meet my daughter?" He asked after our food was served. I almost choked drinking my water.

"They were friends, Homer." Dad replied. My eyes bulged like a saucer, surprise.

"Great! She's coming back, but she chose to work at the jewelry shop and still declined to post as the model of Felicity. I don't get that child. She always says better than vulgar." Mr homer chimed in.

"But your son can model some of our products. The fit & wear clothing can fit him. He is a handsome and hunk man." He added. I blushed at all the beautiful gestures and compliments he was telling me, while I resented his daughter.

"Can he do that?" Dad asked playfully.

"James we can!" He emphasized. I'm doubting what they are talking about. Those winks, signals, and stares are telling me something to get worried about.

"I'll talk to him regarding that Homer." Dad clarified too.

I can't chew my food thinking about what they are cooking. I, Lewis Group Heir, and Ceo can model their product. It's odd!

"By the way James, Gideon said, he sent a product canvas for his upcoming new business to the Ceo, but his proposal was declined immediately!" He asked dad, confused. Dad looked at me puzzled.

"Are you not the Ceo anymore?" He added. My heart thumps faster when I recall the name, Gideon. It's about the cosmetics he wants to enter here, and proposing that we work with them to collab with our cosmetic products. Gideon proposed hypoallergenic products and is cruelty-free.

I pick up my glass of water and sip to quench my throat starting to dry up agitated.

"I am Homer, but I have already given it to Jonathan temporarily. I have never crossed his proposal yet! It's your firstborn son living in Italy, right?" Dad explained and confirmed. I know dad is pissed right now and embarrassed in front of him. Talking about how they are wealthier than us. Their power is more powerful than ours. They hold a lot of foundations, local and international, and that's why people love them most. No one knew about his children as they both lived simply. The reason I didn't recognize Gertrude is his daughter, but I am aware of her strong intimidating presence that can dominate someone. I know now where she gets that presence!

"Oh!" Mr. Cushe hummed. Dad glanced at me but I maintained my posture, pretending to be unaware of what they were talking about.

"Tell Gideon to send it back and address it to me directly. I will check it personally, Homer." Dad enunciated, but I know those words are meant for me. I continued to eat, masking how nervous I was.

" Sure James. I think these products were also created by his sister. That's why he was ecstatic to share on the market. Gertrude has tried it already." He added.

Fine! I hate you, Gertrude. You ruined everything! Is there anything more that you can do without me knowing it? I clenched my fist under the table! I don't know what to do with her when I see her. I might not control myself and strangle her! Jonathan just breathe! I tried to chant in my head before they would notice how uncomfortable my face restraining my anger and annoyance.