CHAPTER 8

Jessica hurriedly gets down from the cab and runs straight into the company. Every worker on that floor looked fully settled in for the day but there she was, running the hallway, through the reception and straight into the elevator. 

Panting heavily with her head bent down, hands on her knee and her handbag falling slightly off her shoulders, she cursed again under her breath.

“Screw you Olivia!”

The elevator clicked open at her floor and she ran out, noticing every see-through office was empty, but as she walked past the conference room, she found all the board staff there, organized and well seated. 

At that moment, everyone turned to notice her and she just stood still in awe. Not what she was expecting and not knowing whether to join in or just walk away!

She definitely wasn't looking composed. Her hair looked all messy from the hurry of the morning and she wasn't her best physically, her face looked tired as well.

Liam, seated at the head of the conference table made a signal to her, inviting her in.

She slowly walked towards the door and on entrance, it felt like everyone's eyes pierced her even further. 

Trying to avoid eye contact, she looks down and Liam speaks up. 

“Here, have your seat!” He said, wide palms indicating the first left chair beside him, then he cuts the attention of the room off her. 

Shyness enveloped Jessica. In front of over 40 people, her boss had kept a seat and that too, offering it to her. 

“ — Where were we?” He asks and the room drifts to the actual reason for the meetup again.

“Company fixes and onboarding of new partners for business.” One of the attendees responded.

“What partners are we looking at?” He asks 

“The Brandix and one other, says confidential to you only.” The same person replied. 

“Miss Beth, do I have the confidential file on my table yet?” He asked, facing her.

“Yes you do. I dropped it this morning.” Beth assured. 

“Then that would be all for the meeting. Have a productive day ahead!” He concludes and immediately stands up to leave the board room, then the others follow suit and start making their way out as well.

Jessica too made her way to the office. On getting there, the office phone rings, it was Liam.

“Morning sir.” Jessica greets.

“Morning Jessica. Please report to my office after you settle in.” He said and the call went off.

Could he be mad at her for coming late to the office?

Was it about their confined case or he just needed help.

She finished settling in and headed to Liam; a big journal and pen tucked in her arms like a baby, then she entered.

“You called for me.” Jessica said, walking towards his sitting desk, with its four visitors extended chairs opposite him.

“Yes. Have your seat.” He said and she quietly settled herself in one of the chairs.

“Peter holdings has withstanding taxes. How didn't I know this before now?” Liam exclaimed to himself. “Maybe that was why they needed this business deal, to get funds for their debts and survive a looming setback.” Looking at his desktop, staring in amazement of whatever he just found out.

“Do you think the flow of cash from this business deal would make up for their debts?” Liam asked Jessica for her input, pointing to his screen that stretched widely to her view.

Jessica carefully studied the screen before giving her suggestion. “I think it would help them get a great percentage off it and even help them get more contracts due to a leveled debt.” Jessica pitched.

“... Yes. That way, I get to work with them as a growing company and buy shares with them. Smart! Why didn’t I think of that?” Liam Affirmed to her.

“Exactly. It's a win-win situation for you.” Jessica said. 

“Yes. That's correct.” He said looking at her, still glad for her input. 

“— I called for some archived work. I recently found some files yet to be closed. I don't think there's much undone but I'd like you to through them.” He says pointing to another desktop top on his table.

“Okay sir.” She replied 

“Call me Liam please.” 

“Okay Liam.” She replied hesitantly and the room went radio silent for a while. Jessica started her search on the files. Discreetly checking it's tags for both Liam's request and her investigation purpose.

“I think I found something. You missed this.” Jessica said, trying to get Liam's attention. 

“What's that?” Liam asked, drifting away from where he was seated and pulling closer to the corner where she was.

With both of their eyes on her screen, she spoke. “ There was a pending credit of a fifty thousand dollars on the 31st of last month, waiting patiently to be accepted.” Jessica said surprisingly. 

“How was this missed?” She asked almost immediately, still surprised. 

“Really? That Happened?” Liam asked, chuckling. 

“Yes it did.” Jessica said, wondering what funny thing she said that made Liam chuckle.

He stared at her, not understanding why she was quite surprised. It was true the money laid there untouched but it wasn't like it cost him anything without it at all.

“You should have that. Take it.” He said. 

“What?” she asked, eyes glaring at him.

“Yeah. Go ahead and have the recipient details linked to your account.”

“I mean, making yourself fifty thousand richer isn't such a bad idea.” Liam continued, maintaining eye contact with her. 

Jessica looked extremely confused and for an instance on whether to accept or not. 

Firstly, was he trying to buy her?

Was this some sort of test from him?

But what if she rejects it, would it spring suspicion and questions?

I mean, who wouldn't need fifty thousand dollars?

“C'mon Jessica, what's the thought process for? Call it a welcome gift!” Liam said to reassure her. 

Of course he was filthy rich but this wasn't the kind of welcome gif

ts she was used to. 

For a moment she thought of how the agency would suggest in a time like this.