Chapter 5: Fontana

Veena's cold gaze prevented Stephen from speaking up. She walked past him as if she never met him.

The tension in the room increased once Veena entered the board room. Ashley’s eyes were a bit puffy probably from her crying session. She assumed that they were having an argument. The shareholders didn’t look happy at all.

“Veena Harrison we’re glad that you’re back. We were hoping that you’ll take over the company as soon as possible.” Mr. Travis said.

“I’m sorry for crushing your hopes Mr. Travis but Veena will be Ashley’s mentor. With the scandal on Veena’s name placing her back as the CEO will only make Fontana collapse.” Helen explained immediately.

Veena wanted to curse at Helen. She will do anything to tweak the truth. The reason she is in Fontana right now is to get something important in her old office. 

“Mrs. Harrison is correct. The scandal affect Fontana even after three years. I hope mentoring Ashley will save Fontana. We will be expecting a lot of things from this ‘emergency plan’.” Another investor commented.

“Thank you for understanding. The meeting is done and Ashley will be taking lessons now. I assure you that it will be successful and Ashley can handle Fontana well.” Helen replied.

The men nodded then left the room.

“Well? Are you happy to be back in your office, sister?” Ashley taunted her. “Things have changed and I’m the CEO now. Actually you don’t have to mentor me. If there are contracts and important decisions to be done then you will be the one to decide.”

“What do you mean?” Veena was confused.

“It means all of your work will be credited to Ashley. Everyone will see her as the savior of Fontana and you’re going to be her shadow.” Helen answered.

Veena didn’t like this at all. They actually planned her to be the ‘CEO’ behind the scenes.

“Don’t worry, sister. We will pay you well.” Ashley smirked.

“No! I will never be your employee or be some work slave.” Veena growled out. "I'm not here to be your mentor and I'm just here to grab some documents before I completely free myself in this horrible family."

“Have you forgotten what I told you earlier, Veena?” Helen reminded her. 

Grandmother Meredith is the only person who truly loves her and if anything happens she won’t be able to forgive herself. The truth is, Helen's threats have no effect on her. Even Helen can't touch Meredith because of the guards surrounding her.

“The CEO of Rossenov Corp. will be here soon. This is the project that we discussed yesterday. If you can do your job well then we can land a contract with the biggest business tycoon of Geneva.” Ashley said dreamily.

Instead of going through the original plan Veena decided to stay and see if Ashley can truly land on this deal.

From what Veena knew Aloysius Rossenov is the most feared business tycoon and owns hundreds of business establishments all of it became successful especially his hotel chains.

Only few people know what he looks like and keeps his private life securely locked up. He is known to be cold and ruthless.

He hates attending business functions or parties and appearing in the public. Some would say he is a handsome cold prince while others a ruthless business man. 

She wonders if Aloysius Rossenov is related to Lois Rossenov. 

“Oh, I wonder what Aloysius Rossenov looks like! He’s the sought out bachelor of Geneva and rarely shows up in public. If only I can become his wife.”

Veena scoffed. “You’re a greedy woman, huh? You stole Stephen from me and now you want Aloysius Rossenov’s attention? You are way below his status Ashley. He hates wicked women like you.” Ashley glared at her in annoyance.

“A scandalous woman like you will never ever get their hands on a man like Aloysius Rossenov. Every woman has their fantasies and there is nothing wrong with that.” Ashley replied back in venom.

“Shut it girls! Mr. Rossenov is already here.” Helen interrupted the growing heat between them.

As they entered the room they were met with a much younger face. Helen frowned at the stranger in the room and his team.

“Good afternoon...sir?” Ashley said.

“Hello, my name is Fabian Rossenov and will be handling the discussion with the contract. My brother is quite busy and I came here in his place.” The man explained.

“Oh…even Mr. Rossenov’s brother is amazingly handsome.” Ashley flirted. Fabian remained stoic and didn’t smile at Ashley’s comment which placed her in an awkward position.

 His team only gave a slight smile as if they were laughing at Ashley's face. Fabian ignored Helen’s presence and turned to Veena.

“Good afternoon, Miss Veena Harrison.” He acknowledged her presence.

“Don’t mind her she is Ashley’s assistant.” Helen blocked her from Fabian.

Fabian could only frown in distaste. “Shall we?” he ignored Helen.

Everyone was seated except for Veena. Even if there was an empty seat she didn’t bother to take it because of Helen’s orders.

“We won’t start unless Miss Veena takes a seat.” Fabian pointed out.

“Veena is just fine with standing up, Mr. Fabian.” Helen replied.

The Rossenov team wasn’t happy of Helen’s words.

Ashley panicked when they stood up as if they’re ready to leave.

“Thank you for your time but we do not accept such mistreatment to your own family member.” Fabian said in disappointment.

“I-I apologize for my negative actions towards my daughter. Veena can sit down with us.” Helen replied in panic.

“It’s too late, Miss Harrison. You have given us a bad first impression and doing partnership with you is bad for the Rossenov family’s business.” Fabian said.

Once the Rossenov team left the meeting room, Ashley growled in anger and grabbed the lapels of Veena's shirt. She remained emotionless and didn’t react to her sister’s anger. They deserved it.

“It’s your damn fault that I lost a chance with the Rossenov! Are you even aware that they can save your Fontana? Do you really no longer care for your company?” Ashley said in anger.

“Why are you blaming me, Ashley? Helen was the one who denied me a chair and Fontana is already in your hands. You are the CEO of this company and I no longer have any responsibilities for Fontana. This company is yours now and not mine.” she fought back.

“Me!? If only you behaved before then Ashley won’t be in this kind of trouble.” Helen defended.

“You’re all alone, sister. Even if you try to blame any of us we will never be defeated by your words.” Ashley smirked.

She smiled back at both of them. She already knew from the beginning that her whole family is a team and will always stick together to make her fall. She wasn’t expecting anything new to them and was happy that they failed to grab a contract with the Rossenovs.

“Get out of here you useless child!” She gasped in pain when Helen grabbed her hair and pushed her out of the room.

She wanted to go back in there and fight back. But she knew that calming herself is the best option. Showing rebelliousness will only make things worse and increase the scandal on her name.

While Ashley is still fuming mad in the conference room. Veena immediately snucked into the CEO's office and swiftly grabbed the documents she needed.

Her phone vibrated and she was not expecting a message from the big boss.

Now, all that's left to do is to meet Lois Rossenov at the Civil Affairs.