CHAPTER 6: The Power Tripping CEO (ii)

At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, Kingsley reclines on the huge comfy sofa. He had just finished some paperwork and took a cold shower.

He decides to rest for a few hours before proceeding with the monthly sales report of the company he had just acquired.

Moreover, his heart had been palpitating for a while. He knew he needed a rest, having been working relentlessly since he arrived in New York. 

It seems strange though, he had been fine ever since he had his cardiomyopathy transplant five years ago. So, why is his heart acting up?

But then again, he has not been consistent with his health check up for about a year now. Speaking of which, he has to get one, and as soon as possible too. 

He picks up his phone and dials Hardy, “I need you to book me an appointment with professor Wesley at Kings County Hospital Centre. I'd like to have a full body check up.”

“Alright sir, I'll do that immediately.” Hardy replies from the other end of the phone.

“And have you heard from Mr Ashby of Palmer Tech?” Kingsley asked, creasing his brows.

“No sir, I haven't.” 

Dropping the phone, Kingsley reclines again and starts wondering why Mr Ashby hasn't gotten back to him. What is that man doing not giving a yes or no to his order of taking Louisa off the Mist project?

Usually, many CEOs oblige his requests, even ridiculous ones, as long as they could get his investment but it doesn't seem like Mr Ashby is willing to play ball. But why? 

Is it that Louisa is actually very capable and intelligent to be rid of or is it that she has used her cunning ways to wrap her CEO around her little fingers?

Anyways, let them play hard ball as long as they want but they won't get a dime from him unless Louisa is off that project.

And the sweet part is, he is sure the project won't be possible without his investment. Palmer Tech is in a state of financial crisis after all.

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

At the close of work, Louisa and Evelyn make their way to Louisa's house. Louisa needs to drop by to pick up a few personal items she'd need at the hospital while Evelyn tags along because she wants to see Liam and encourage the little boy before his surgery.

After taking everything she needs from the house, they both make their way to Kings County Hospital Centre.

“Hi Auntie!!” Liam hails happily, getting up to hug Evelyn as she and Louisa enter his hospital room and slide the door shut behind them.

“Hey baby, how are you doing my darling?” Evelyn returns sweetly, carrying Liam up and hugging him tightly.

“Uncle Fred has been taking care of me auntie.” 

“Awwnnnn, that's so nice of him.” Evelyn pats his head and gives Louisa a knowing look. She places Liam on his feet and the little boy runs to meet his mommy.

“Did you just see me, you snobby little boy?” Louisa teases her son, playfully picking at his cheeks.

Liam bursts out laughing, Evelyn joins them in the playful scuffle until Louisa remembers she has to talk to Dr Fred about Liam's surgery schedule. She excuses herself and goes in search of him.

“Hi Doctor,” Louisa teases Fred after letting herself into his office and taking a seat. “How is it going? I hope your day is not as bad as mine?” 

“What happened to you?” Fred asked curiously.

“Long story,” Louisa dismissed his question with a small wave of her hand. “Have you scheduled Liam's surgery? You said he does not have a lot of time, so when is it happening and have you gotten in touch with Dr Craig?” The questions came out in quick succession, desperation written all over her face.

“Calm down Louisa, Liam is going to be fine. He is going to be prepped this week and Professor Craig will perform the surgery next week.” Fred reassures Louisa while intertwining his hand with hers but she gently detaches her hand, unable to think of anything but her son at that moment.

“Thank you Fred, I really appreciate you.” 

“You're welcome Louisa.” Fred returns, smiling sheepishly like a teenage girl on her way to a first date.

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

The following day, Kingsley Wills sits majestically at his desk, exuding confidence as he verifies some documents placed in front of him.

His ever dutiful personal assistant had placed a steaming cup of coffee beside him, adding to the serene atmosphere of the office. 

After a while, Hardy comes in to inform him of the presence of a representative from Palmer Tech.

“I do not want anybody from Palmer Tech in my building unless they do as I asked.” Kingsley states flatly without even looking away from the documents he is perusing.

“The young lady says Mr Ashby sent her to give you a feedback regarding that matter.” Hardy relayed and awaited his boss's response.

“Very well then. Let's hear what Mr Ashby’s representative has to say.” Kingsley replies simply and Hardy left his office to usher the guest in.

“Good morning, Mr Kingsley Wills.” Louisa bows slightly in greeting, using a firm and formal tone after she had been ushered into the spacious CEOs office.

The familiar floral mint fragrance wafted into Kingsley's nostrils and he heard the sweet voice that had been ringing in his ears since the other night. 

However, he is not pleased about this at all. What the hell is wrong with Mr Ashby? Sending the very person he told him to take off the Mist project, does he even need his investment at all?

“What are you doing here?” Kingsley asked directly, while standing up with his hands in his pocket, his voice deep with animosity and his gaze as cold as ice. 

“I am sorry to show up unannounced Mr Wills,” Louisa starts, trying the best she could to steady her racing heart. “But my boss has sent me here to discuss the complexity of staff relation and project management at Palmer Tech with you. He believes you will understand his reluctance with this information and also understand that you're not doing Palmer Tech a  favour by investing in Mist. It is a win for you too.”

“GET OUT!”