CHAPTER 4: Mist (ii)

CHAPTER 4: Mist (ii)

Louisa blinks, unable to believe her ears. “You mean the same Wills Corporation in Australia?”

“Yes Louisa. Chief Wills retired last month and his son has since assumed the position as the new CEO. He is here now for a Merger & Acquisition.” Mr Ashby explains patiently, before adding, “I heard you too met last night and you seemed to know each other.” Mr Ashby concludes, a hint of mischief evidenct in his tone.

Louisa shifts in her seat, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “I don't, not really.” She lies, unwilling to take the conversation further.

“Alright ladies, please get to work. Louisa, do not forget that you absolutely need to convince CEO Wills, okay? We need his cooperation and investment the most.” Mr Ashby replies, taking the hint but reiterating the need to get Kingsley Wills at all costs.

“I'll try my best.” Louisa muttered, looking down at her toes, unable to meet Mr Ashby's gaze.

“Get all the relevant documents from the appropriate quarters and familiarize yourselves with the project. That will be all.” Mr Ashby concludes.

“Alright sir, we'll get to work now.” Evelyn speaks, taking Louisa's hand and leaving the office.

They both stroll the floors of the building after being dismissed by CEO Ashby. The unhappiness in Louisa's demeanor is evident. She sluggishly paddles after Evelyn. After a while, she stops walking altogether and just stares into the space in front of her.

Evelyn, trying to break the somber mood, playfully taps Louisa's shoulder with her own but Louisa doesn't even notice, lost in her own thought. 

Undeterred, Evelyn nudges her continuously until she cracks a small smile. “Hey girl! it's not that bad. See, Kingsley might be spiteful but I do not think he hates you as much as you think.”

“You don't know what you're talking about Eve. You should have seen his face last night when we were alone.” Louisa bemoaned, grabbing the back of her head in exasperation.

“Why then did he save you from the thirsty, blood sucking wife of Alan?”

The two friends burst out laughing, drawing the attention of their colleagues. 

Evelyn holds Louisa and they both head to Louisa's office to continue their conversation.

“Girl, you need to do what you need to do, okay? This is your job and I know you love your job. Just meet him tomorrow, act like the professional that you are. Do not even look at him as if you two have met before. That will work, trust me. Just do your job.” Evelyn advised, her face serious. 

Louisa sighs, supporting her head with her hand. “I wish you could go with me but I know you are occupied. Can I really do this alone?”

“Yes you can girl, have you met yourself? The beautiful, strong and intelligent Louisa can achieve anything when it comes to business.” Evelyn asserts, gesticulating a big deal to hype and assure her friend.

Smiling, Louisa brightens up and prepares to start the day's work while Evelyn reaches for the door to head to her office too. “ Thank you Eve, I'll see you at lunch.”

“See ya!”

          *******************************

In a large, modern conference room in the newly acquired Wills Corporation subsidiary, the room is filled with a mix of excitement and tension as the CEO, Kingsley Wills presides over the meeting.

Kingsley Wills clears his throat and begins, “I do not believe in sugarcoating it wasting time. Our company's success is built on dedication, discipline, hardwork and results. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Looking at the high ranking employees and officials straight in the eyes, he continues, his tone firm and eyes focused like cat with it's eyes on a piece of fish.

“Today marks a major milestone in this company's history. This merger brings together two complementary businesses, creating a more stronger, capable and competitive entity. The onus is on each and every one of us here today to make history. Let us shape a brighter future and create long term value. Together, we can do this!” He concluded, leaning back in his chair while observing the body language of his audience.

The air is charged with an almost palpable energy. The room as silent as a graveyard except for the wheezing breathing of the chief secretary sounding like a locomotive engine.

Muffled whispered of awe circulate among the company officials, punctuated by nods of agreement. There is no telling that a new era had come.

“Excuse me.” The CEO's personal assailant, Hardy enters and whispers into his ear. 

“I look forward to your cooperation ladies and gentlemen. Do excuse me.” He concludes and exits the conference room, followed by Hardy.

“The president is requesting a report about the merger’s status.” Hardy stated dutifully.

“My father called?” Kingsley asked, evidently surprised, “why won't the old man rest? Making business calls on a vacation.” Kingsley throws up his hands, gesticulating. 

Getting to his office, he enters and takes his seat while issuing instructions to Hardy.

“I will take care of my father, Hardy. I want you to schedule a meeting with the marketing team for 3pm to discuss the upcoming campaign launch.”

“Also, make sure my calendar is clear for the next three hours so I can focus on the merger report. And notify me if there is any changes in my schedule.” Kingsley concludes, opening his laptop and typing away.

“Understand sir,” Hardy nods then adds as an afterthought “speaking of changes in schedule, there's an adjustment in your schedule tomorrow.” 

“What adjustment?” Kingsley asked without looking away from his laptop.

“You were supposed to meet the representative of Palmer Tech next week to discuss your investment in Mist but it seems the timeline for the project has been adjusted. They requested a meeting so I fixed them for 12pm tomorrow since you do not have a lot of engagement.”

“That means a team has been assembled for the project, that's fine. Did you go through the market research and diligence report of the project?

“Yes sir.”

“Okay then, who is coming on behalf of the team?” Kingsley inquires, reaching for a glass of water placed before him and bringing it to his lips.

“It's the manager of their R&D team, Miss Louisa Emerson.” 

Kingsley chokes on his water, a bit of it spilling on the table and laptop before him.

“WHAT!!?”