chapter Six : The Board meeting

~ Mia POV~

I rushed downstairs when I realised time was far gone and I might miss the board meeting.

I was to be at work today by 9 am, and it's already 8:30.

“Good morning, ma’am, your breakfast…”

“I'm so sorry, but I won't be having breakfast,” I calmly said to the butler with a tone of anxiety.

“Get me the car, fast!” I said, raising my voice slightly higher than normal at the chauffeur as I glanced at my wristwatch.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said as he stepped out to get the car ready.

“Where's Emily?” I asked, looking around. But no one seems to have an answer to that.

I took my bag and dashed into the car.

As I stepped into the office building, I was greeted by Emily.

“Why weren't you at the mansion?” I asked as we both walked in.

“That's because I needed to set up your office, ma’am, but you're running late at present for a board meeting holding prior to your new position.”

I stopped abruptly as she mentioned the board meeting, reminding me of Robert's words during dinner.

“You must prove that you're competent and efficient enough for the position. If not, I will not be able to counter the board's decision, and you know what that means: you will never be able to free yourself from the one billion debt you owe me.”

“Where is it located, Emily? I need to be there,” I said as we walked fast in the direction of meeting hall.

I barged into the conference room, and everyone turned in my direction.

I noticed Victoria, elegantly dressed in a blue lace knee-length gown, seated next to Robert with a smirk on her face.

“Please have your seat, Mrs. Mia.”

Robert said, and I walked gently to grab a seat.

“So as I said initially, our stock has gone up by 50% due to B-Beverage's collaboration with us. Partnering with them has improved our product sales; we all know they are a popular brand that cuts across the states. Here, Mia Lud will be the new branch director over our product sales.”

Robert said more like giving a briefing

“Sir, but we can't give her that position because she's just starting, and we don't really know how capable she is,” a man objectively said.

“Well, I agree with Mr. Celestine on this. From her educational records, she's only a first-degree graduate, so how do we entrust her with such a high position?” Victoria added as she looked at me downgradingly.

“Mr. Robert, you know we have a new competitor, and they are rising fast. We need to step up our game if we want to stay ahead of them,” a woman seated next to Mr. Celestine countered.

“Yes, I know we are all concerned, but the former sales head left without prior notice to join an acquaintance with our rival, but that doesn't mean Mia isn't right for the position.” He cleared his throat, threw a glance at me, and then continued.

“She's a first-class degree graduate in business administration and did her one-year internship with the Luccas Foods industry, and based on the report I gathered, it was said she was diligent and headed a department sales team that won the annual award of best-selling company that year.”

he said, smiling as everyone started murmuring to one another.

He continued, “So giving her this position, the advantage is more than the risk, and it's necessary for us all and the company if we want to beat our competitor and gain the cops investment before they do,” he said, turning in my direction.

I nodded slightly, knowing I was in for serious work. This is going to be a handful.

“Emily is your personal assistant on this, and your first project is to get us the cops investment before our rival gets it.”

“Mia, we are counting on your department for this. Make it happen.” A woman wearing a grey tailored suit said.

“On this note, we will be dismissed let's all work towards raising our sells to hundred percent, so we can gain this years award and you know what that means,” he said closing his files

The boardroom became noisy as everyone tided their files in front of them making their way out of the board room one by one.

Emily carried the files handed over to me during the meeting.

As we were about to head out, Victoria stopped us. She stood showcasing her beautiful blue dress with a diamond chain around her neck, she looked so intimidating and I felt unease not after my encounter with her at the wedding

“First, this is no way to dress in an office as magnificent as this.”

I looked down at my dress. A blue jean trouser with white chiffon top

“ Secondly, I hope you meet the target because I'm not going to make it easy for you,” she said with a smirk on her face as she walked out.

I gulped hard as I stared at her lacking words to say. She's so confident and has this demeaning look whenever she talks to me.

I glanced over at Robert who was busy talking and shaking hands with the board members as they made inaudible words together.

“Let's go ma’am,” Emily said.

“Is she always this mean?” I asked Emily.

“Well, let's say she's the CEO of B-Beverages and decided to invest in JR company when their sales rates were drastically going down and investors were threatening to pull out.”

“Hum I see. So what's Victoria's deal?” I asked as we stood at the entrance into my personal office

“Well, she wants Robert to increase her stock so she could bid for the investment. She has her target too. She's ambitious and wants to get ahead….”

“So this is what she meant by getting what she wants, but what secrets does she holds against Robert to put him in a diplomatic position,” I thought silently as I listened to Emily.

“I will take my leave.” Emily said as I settled into my office

I focused on the piles of files on my desk as I flipped through some documents submitted by my team.

“Busy already?” I moved my attention towards the voice I heard.

“Robert!.....

I stood up from my seat and moved towards his direction.

“Hope your okay with this.” He said pointing to the office arrangements

“Yeah it's okay,” I said smiling nervously “I'm so sorry I came late dressed like an intern,”

He glanced at me from head to toe with an unreadable expression before saying a word. 

“It's not bad. I should have helped you out seeing this is your first official job. And to make up for such, I would take you shopping,”

“What?” I exclaimed feeling awkward.

“No, no! erm... you don't have to, I can get some dress my self and…”

“Shuu…” He said placing his index finger on my lips shutting me up from my shuttering speech. I felt nervous as I stared at him.

“Mia, you can't object to this, okay!” 

He said with so much confidence but I felt reduced. Marrying him doesn't mean I can't handle my own personal needs, it doesn't mean I'm broke, why dose he say it as though his doing me a favor!

“i know a perfect place you would like." He said smiling brightly.

I smiled back without realizing shaking my head like agana lizard, I suddenly felt small.

"you smiled," he said making me realize I had smiled. "it's beautiful," he added

I quickly switched mode as my eyes drifted towards the panoramic view outside the expensive office window as I watched the beautiful city landscape unfolding before me. I stood as the warm glow of the sun illuminated the office, streaming through the glass.

The distant hum of traffic and chirping pedestrians faded into the background as I focused more on the conversation with Robert.

He stood beside me as though he admired the view. I wondered how he knew my love for such views; it has a way of fuelling more ideas for me as I watch the busy world from a distance.

“You know, as a country girl, I only learnt the simple life. The city is so busy; life is quite a noisy one here.”

I turned towards his direction as he was facing the outward view from the large window.

“Well, I think you got the best office. When you're done with work, let's head out shopping.”

He was all smiles, his dentition perfectly displayed.

“Mia,” he held my hands; I gasped slightly.

“Please give me a chance; I want us to be better than the way we are.” His voice was calm.

As he held onto my arms, the memories of last night came back. How he held me to the room as I was in so much fear, how he hugged me reminding me it's nothing to be scared about. But nothing battles me more than why the basement was kept locked, darked and out of limit in a huge beautiful mansion like his. I remembered the tight hug he gave me and how he patted me on my back, just like how mom dose to me. I was so emotional, without realizing, I fell asleep on his arms.

“I have work to do, and I would like to be left alone if you don't mind.” I said, pulling out my hands, avoiding his gaze and request.

I moved over to my desk, turned on my laptop, and continued the work I was doing. He stood for some time as though watching me from a distance before exiting the office.

I heaved a sigh of relief as I heard the door shut behind me. The whole event felt fast, unusual. Just three days ago I was single and now I'm bearing Lud's identity. Robert's affectionate behavior towards me has left me more dip into confusion. I wasn't sure if I should give myself a chance, a chance to love and be loved.