As a new day rolled in, Veronica found herself staring into nothingness.
Last night, she barely slept. Her ochlophobia and traumas always resulted in insomnia.
In the past, her episodes were not so severe. They began as recurring nightmares of her childhood that haunted her every night.
Over time, those nightmares manifested into hallucinations that warped her reality whenever she was in dark places, resulting in very nasty cases of ochlophobia and PTSD.
Seeking help from therapists was never an option. With a tight schedule and her stubborn ego, she refused to see one.
Besides, opening up about her past with a psychotic father who physically, mentally, and sexually abused her, was not something she wanted to do. She did not want the pain that came with recounting a dark childhood.
Subtly, Veronica found ways to deal with her problems. Melatonin and soporifics from the pharmacy worked like a charm. When she wasn't sleeping, her work kept her busy.
Her current concern, however, was what happened last night. It was the first time she was having an episode even though she wasn't in a dark place.
The simple rule that used to limit such episodes; avoid basements and dark rooms, no longer served its purpose as a precaution.
'You can't control it,' she looked down at her palms. Her biggest fear was that one day, she'd have an attack like last night's in public. If that happened, a wicked scandal would emerge.
Imagine the headlines; Billionaire Business Mogul, Veronica Morgan, Confirmed Psychopath.
Her rivals and enemies would thrive on that topic, finally forming a weapon to use against her. They'd fan its flames until it consumed her.
And judging by the number of enemies she had, she wouldn't last long if news about her mental health went out.
On a wider scale, scandals only brought negative impacts on businesses. Hers would suffer so much loss.
Tsk.
Groggily, she dragged herself to the shower. The cold water sprayed on her skin, leaving a cooling sensation, quite dulling the events of last night.
After dressing up, she went downstairs.
"Good morning, ma'am," her workers cheerfully greeted.
Grunting a reply, she headed for the kitchen.
"Black coffee," she said to her nanny.
"Veronica, you don't look so good," the nanny, an elderly woman they called Nanny Lorene, noted with worry.
"It's nothing, nanny," she assured. "I just had a rough night."
"Rough enough to get 2 cups of coffee?" Nanny Lorene asked as Veronica poured two cups of black coffee into a bigger cup. It was alarming.
"I have a meeting with the heads of departments today. They're presenting the reports for the first quarter of the year," half-hearted, she muttered. "I don't want to doze off."
"I see," Nanny Lorene nodded. "And yes, get some ice packs for the swellings on ur balls. You have dark circles."
"Thank you."
Her assistant was waiting for her by the company's main entrance.
"Ma'am," she scurried after her, "the heads of departments are waiting upstairs."
"Let them wait. I'm the boss here. It's their job to wait for me," she retorted. Her mood was sour and she did not care for anyone right now.
Evie took her bag and handed a cup of coffee to her. They got into the elevator, heading to the thirteenth floor where the conference room was located.
The HODs of the various departments were waiting for her when she came in.
"Good morning, ma'am," everyone stood up. They sat back down after she took her seat at the head of the table.
"Good morning everyone. Let's get down to business."
The meeting commenced. Each HOD brought their department's reports, giving an account of all their achievements for the first quarter.
The last report came from the tech department. On the projector screen, he displayed their current rank on the international stock market.
"Ma'am, compared with the last two quarters, we have received a five percent increase rate in the price of our shares,"
"That's good," she said. The others hummed. An increase in the price of shares meant more value to the company involved. Value yielded gain.
"However ma'am, there is a little problem."
Of course, wasn't this so perfect? She frowned.
The man clicked on his laptop. On the screen, another company's ranking appeared.
"Their sales are higher than ours by two percent," he reported. "I have been monitoring them for a while now. Their stock exchange rate has risen by three percent, following the boost in sales."
He continued with the report, listing other variables. Veronica's eyes narrowed at the report. The presence of this company threatened her own technology and development company.
For three years straight, they had led the other companies in a very competitive market, leaving a wide gap between them. How did one company displace them?
"What company is that?" She wanted to know which company was good enough to engage her in a competition.
"Reynolds Enterprises, ma'am."
It was her first time hearing that name. "Reynolds?"
"Yes ma'am. They were formerly based in Europe but recently, they began trading in America."
"Interesting," she mumbled. "Do you have more information on them?"
"No, ma'am. But we'll research them and I'll get back to you."
Veronica nodded in agreement. With all the reports presented, the meeting had come to an end. They rose and left, leaving Veronica with her assistant in the large room.
"Ma'am?" Evie gathered the documents.
"Evie,"
"An invite came in for you this morning," Evie said.
"Invite?" She wondered aloud. "What for?"
"It's the annual Trivia Met Gala." As Evie said it, she remembered.
The Trivia Met Gala was a fundraiser gala organized every year to raise funds for children in Asia and Africa. Each year they sent her a card and she attended.
"... Do we hire fro
m Pastel?" Evie was saying something that she didn't catch.
"Do whatever you want," she waved a nonchalant hand. "Just make sure I end up getting all the spotlight."
"Thank you, attorney," Veronica beamed with a smile.Finally, some good news. The court approved the transfer of ownership of the White Bay Resort to her name."The lawyers from the other camp have already been instructed to draft the transfer papers. Whenever you're ready, we will meet Sterling Industries and sign the papers," he continued."Do you think that can happen later today?" Her excitement was welling up. She couldn't wait to see Greg's face when she took the multi-million dollar resort from his family."I'm afraid not, Miss Morgan," he declined. "Things like this take up to two days. They need to check and cross-check. We also need our lawyers to examine the papers before we sign them. In case they decide to play dirty or leave loopholes, we need to spot them.""Okay," she gave in. The last thing she wanted was for the Sterlings to gain back the control she was taking from them. If caution took years, so be it. She had enough time on her side."I guess I'll wait for the law
The night was young with an extravagant atmosphere. Many luxury cars filled the parking lot of the San Diego Hotel. Bright lights shone through the night, adding to the luxurious ambiance of tonight's event.Geared up with their cameras, many reporters and journalists flocked into the venue in the hopes of getting news that'd make the headlines. The guards struggled to keep them at bay.Some minutes past eight p.m., a sleek Maybach pulled up to the entrance of the hotel. The driver stepped out and walked to the other side of the car before opening the door.Slowly, long legs extended out of the car, grabbing the attention of the reporters. They rushed to cover this grand entrance.The new guest was certainly the focal point as she stepped out of her car."It's Veronica Morgan!"The usual buzz that erupted whenever she arrived filled the atmosphere instantly.She had arrived at the hall looking more beautiful than any of the females that came in before her.She was wearing a custom han
6.For a few seconds, he held her gaze, Victoria momentarily forgot where she was as she stared back at him.His deep blue eyes were concentrated on her, making her vaguely self aware.It felt so much like he was orchestrating this scenario, pulling her puppet strings and forcing her to look at him even if a part of her brain fought wildly against it.'What are you doing? Look away!' a voice repeatedly yelled in her head.If she kept staring, the arrogant stranger would surely believe that she was interested in him. And judging by the number of females surrounding him, it was no secret that he was used to having women fawn over him.Well, she would not be added to his long chain of lovers and admirers.Veronica snapped her gaze away just as he pulled his glass back. The arrogant stranger was already getting on her nerves and no doubt, he was enjoying this little stunt he pulled.'... Or maybe you're scared of the control he has over you?' a quiet voice asked.It was the first time som
7."I'll start this bid at the price of fifty million dollars..."The hall was silent. Many business men and elites contemplated on whether to buy the invaluable piece of emerald."Weighing 123kg, this emerald has it roots in ancient Luoyang," Ronald continued to give the emerald's history.The rich green colour of the highly transparent gem had a brilliant appeal. It cost a lot more than a high quality diamond of the same carat weight.Add to that, the emerald was carved in the shape of a dragon's eye. Dragons were much believed to bring good luck.The prominent families in the upper social circle sought to own this gem. It would make a perfect addition to their personal treasures, symbolizing power and wealth."Fifty million," a voice called out.A few more socialites voiced out higher figures but none of them were up to seventy million dollars.Quietly, Veronica waited. She wasn't making her bid now until she was sure the other bidders had reached their limits.Unlike many of these
Chapter 8'Of course. He'd be the only one to find fault in my proposal,' Veronica thought bitterly as she fisted the side of her dress.After taking the Serpentine Dragon's Eye at the Trivia Gala, he sought to take this business deal from her company as well.She cast a sidelong glance at Ethan and smiled recklessly."The government is responsible for providing social welfare services to the citizens. The fact that this project is aimed at improving their lives should be the only profit we should aim for, Mr. Reynolds," she deadpanned, her tone serious but a sweet smile etched on her ethereal face.If he wanted, he could go ahead and challenge that notion, staining his charitable image along the line.She did not see how he could manipulate his reply without compromising his selfish intentions.One slip up and everyone in the office would see that he was an opportunist who had no empathy or regard for the welfare of the masses.That kind of reputation could hamper further alliance wi
The car stopped and Veronica stepped out. A frown was on her face because she did not want to be here one bit. She wore a one shoulder midi dress that revealed her well defined clavicles. The elegant dress accentuated her slender waist and curves, quickly attracting attention to her perfect body. The moment she stepped into the restaurant, many heads turned. Veronica Morgan was a real showstopper. Extremely beautiful, she exuded a sense of confidence and carried herself with innate grace. "Good evening, ma'am," the Maitre D greeted her. He recognized her easily and led her to the table reserved for her dinner. Ethan was at the table reading through the menu. He raised his head and said something to the staff who left immediately. His eyes dimmed slightly. Veronica dropped her purse and sat across him without a word. "Do you not have the basic manners of greeting someone when you see them?" 'This man can be quite controlling. But does he think he can teach me about manners?'
10."You little witch!" A thunderous slap landed on Veronica's face. The pain racked her brain and caused her to stagger back.Fortunately, the gun had landed in a bush quite a good distance away. The man would not be able to reach it."Pulling such stunts," the angry man slapped her again. Even after she fell, she tried to crawl away from him yet, he fisted her hair and pulled her back to her feet.Tears blurred her vision. In the face of death, she felt pain and despair.Her breaths were shaky, soon, she would faint."Help..."Right then, a familiar silhouette jumped out of the vehicle parked a distance away."Veronica!"Groggily, she moved her eyes in the direction of that familar voice. It was a very furious call but the anger was not directed at her."Ethan?" Her breathless whisper slipped out. A dark fearsome look of icy terror clouded his very handsome face. He looked very aggrieved, running towards them.Even if she despised him, his appearance sent a wave of relief over her.
They snapped their heads in the direction of the mellow, magnetic voice.Ethan was by the door. He just walked in and heard the last fraction of their conversation.Veronica swept a cold glance at his immaculate appearance and scoffed."Maybe both," she sneered, turning her face away.A flash of astonishment fleeted past on his face but no one noticed his reaction.'Quite an ungrateful woman. She wouldn't even acknowledge my efforts or say thank you.' He was used to her horrible attitude but after last night, he developed certain expectations...The atmosphere was getting tense. Evie wisely retreated. She picked her phone and pretended to be on a call."Yes, Mr. Tim. I'll be right out," she said while moving away. "Miss. Morgan, I'll attend to something but I'll be back soon."She bowed respectfully when she got to Ethan and scurried out quickly.They were left alone in the ward, an awkward atmosphere was building around them.'Damn you, Evie. Of all times, why leave me alone with thi