Chapter 2: The Gathering Storm.

Willow Incorporated HQ.

Third Person POV.

Matilda adjusts Chairman Willow’s tie, her fingers smoothing the fabric as she gives him a quick once-over. His grey eyes meet hers with a calm intensity, reflecting his patient demeanour. His silver hair, neatly combed back, has a few rebellious strands she promptly tucks behind his ear.

Despite the stern mask he wears, the laugh lines etched into his handsome, aged face hint at a life full of joy. Clad in a tailored black tuxedo that fits perfectly, he radiates authority.

Stepping back, Matilda gives him a small, admiring smile. “You’re all set, Chairman Willow.” She raises a thumb, her smile betraying a hint of nervousness.

With a deep exhale, Chairman Willow strides into the boardroom, Matilda close behind. The executives and top shareholders rise to greet him. “I’m glad we could all make it to this impromptu meeting,” he announces, settling into his seat.

The others follow suit. Matilda positions herself a few steps behind him, feeling the tension in the air. “Regardless of how impromptu it may be, we always clear our schedules for crucial meetings, Chairman Willow,” Mrs. Lionheart chimes in.

Mrs. Lionheart, an elegant woman in her early fifties, scans the room with sharp hazel eyes. Dressed in a satin blue blouse and pegged pants, her long, straight grey hair sways gently as she turns her attention to the Chairman.

“It’s been a week, and the company has yet to release an official statement addressing the rumours about your alleged health crisis.” Her voice is steady, but the urgency in her tone is unmistakable.

With a nudge of her heel, she prompts her right-hand man, Mr. Bunduck, a scrawny man with a thin moustache hidden behind an oversized suit. He straightens abruptly, clearing his throat. “Mrs. Lionheart is right. The media frenzy is spiralling out of control, and it’s affecting our stocks. If we don’t address this now, it might get out of hand.”

“I understand your concerns, Mr. Bunduck. However, I’ve said I will handle the rumours, and I will,” Chairman Willow replies firmly, his gaze unwavering.

The tension between them crackles, their mutual displeasure evident. “I mean no disrespect, Chairman Willow, but you said that when this started. Had you tackled it then, we wouldn’t be in this situation now, would we?” Mrs. Lionheart raises her voice, her frustration boiling over.

“While you’re not wrong, I’d appreciate it if you refrained from raising your voice further. I’ve already assured you I will handle it,” he retorts, his tone clipped.

A thick silence fills the room. Matilda shifts nervously, sensing his uncharacteristic defensiveness. Normally, the PR team would manage crises quickly under her guidance, but he had insisted otherwise.

“Even in a dire situation like this, all you’re saying is that you’ll handle it, yet you’ve given us no explanation as to how,” Mrs. Chanler’s sharp voice cuts through the silence.

Chairman Willow’s shoulders tense. Mrs. Chanler, seated directly across from him, fixes him with a calm, piercing stare. Dressed in a regal purple gown, she exudes an intimidating air.

“Chairman Willow, please pardon their lack of tact. They’re simply conveying the board’s concern,” Mr. Ling interjects, trying to diffuse the tension.

“There’s nothing to forgive; I understand their concern,” he reassures Mr. Ling, though his jaw tightens. “It would be nice if the board had more faith in me. This is just a rumour—we shouldn’t be so quick to believe the media’s lies.”

“We trust you, but it doesn’t matter if it’s true or not; people are consuming it, and it’s hurting us,” Mr. Ling replies, dabbing his rosy round face with a handkerchief.

“If you don’t address this soon, everyone will believe it’s true, Chairman Willow,” Mrs. Lionheart remarks, sarcasm lacing her tone.

“Your willingness to excuse their disrespect is admirable, yet they continue,” Mrs. Chanler sneers. “This is what happens when lowlives infiltrate the board.”

“Hideous vile—” Mrs. Lionheart starts, but Mrs. Chanler interrupts. “This meeting has dragged on too long, and no vital information has been shared. What is your solution?” Her hands clasp on the table, a smirk spreading across her face.

Chairman Willow clears his throat and straightens. “I apologise for any damage my inaction may have caused. I value your trust, and I hope you’ll continue to do so as we move forward. I have a plan in motion.”

The board members visibly relax. “I also want to address the rumours here and now. I am not terminally ill, and I don’t know where these rumours started, but I’ll handle it and deal with those behind it.”

Mrs. Chanler speaks up again, her voice cold. “While that’s somewhat reassuring, there’s another rumour to address—your son. His scandals make people question his competency as the next heir. Isn’t he at an age where he should be CEO?”

Chairman Willow forces a polite smile, masking his irritation. “Rumours are just that, and I assure you he is competent. He’s been preparing for this role his whole life. When the time comes, he’ll take his place. Until then, please leave him out of this.”

Mrs. Chanler persists. “Studying can’t replace real-life practice. Alaric’s not always in his books; instead, he’s in every tabloid with a new woman. How much longer will you let your incompetent son humiliate us?”

Mr. Ling slams a fist on the table. “Mrs. Chanler, you’ve gone too far! We agreed the rumours would be handled. Why drag his son into this?”

“I don’t like her tone, but she has a point, Mr. Ling. If the Chairman were ill, who would lead the company—Alaric?” Mrs. Lionheart shudders, discomfort evident.

“He has no interest, and your other child is a woman. She can’t take this role,” Mr. Bunduck adds dismissively.

Mrs. Cho scoffs. “Women can’t lead? What can a man do that a woman can’t?”

Mr. Bunduck shrugs. “It’s the truth.”

Unable to endure the board’s behaviour, Chairman Willow slams his hand on the table, silencing the room. “If anyone mentions my children disrespectfully again, they will face consequences.”

He rises, but Mrs. Chanler’s voice halts him. “Consider isn’t the answer we want, Chairman Willow.”

“It would benefit the company if he took the CEO role now. We can observe him for a few months, and if he fails, we’ll find a suitable replacement,” she says, a wicked glint in her eye.

“What do you mean by that?” Chairman Willow snaps, anger flaring.

The silent standoff between them is electric, his fury barely contained.

Reeling in his anger, he exhales. “Alaric will take the CEO position once the rumours are dealt with.”

Mr. Ling quickly interjects, “Sounds like a plan.”

The board relaxes, and Mrs. Lionheart breathes a sigh of relief. “I think all our concerns have been addressed.”

As everyone leaves, Matilda smiles. “I think you handled the meeting well, Chairman Willow.”

He smiles back. “Thank you, Matilda.” But as he steps forward, he falters, his face going pale.

“Are you okay, sir?” Matilda asks, worried filling her voice.

“Yes, I am…” he says, but another step brings a wave of dizziness. The room spins, voices fading. He collapses, hitting the floor with a heavy thud.

“Chairman Willow!” Matilda cries, rushing to his side, panic gripping her chest. “Chairman Willow, wake up!”