CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR*The big contract day 3 - The board meeting*"The board meeting begins now!" The Shrill commanding tone vibrating from the in-ceiling speaker system filled the office. "All workers are to report to the board room immediately!"At once, there was a commotion in the office as all the workers began scampering about the office in urgency, getting ready and making their way to the board room.By now, Mr Thomas Jordan and his best friend, Mr George Castle were already in the board room.Collins approached the Board Room with the corrected reports. When he spotted Mr Castle sitting beside his boss he froze in his tracks.His lips parted to speak but no words came."Oh Hi, collins, Good to see you again." Mr Castle grinned at him with a curt wave."Oh, Good morning sir, what a pleasant surprise!" He managed to croak out with a forced smile.Oh, he's so screwed if Mr Jordan finds out that he's been filling in on all things with Mr Castle without his knowledge and now he is
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE*The big contract day 4- the investors' meeting!*"As planned, those that have been appointed to stay for the investors' meeting may now do so while the others may leave now. I just got word the investors are two minutes away." Mr Jordan authoritatively stated.At once, some left while a few remained."Madison?" Mr Jordan called out to a slim light brown lady in curly black hair. She hurriedly got up and walked over to him."Yes sir, ?" She spoke quietly."I hope no errors are lying in wait for me. Because I will not take it lightly the next time." He hissed.She nodded frantically. "Of course sir. I have them reviewed already. My sincere apologies for the oversight." She bowed slightly.Silence endured. His adam apple bobbed as he eyed her curiously. He sighed deeply. " very well then. You may return to your seat." She did as she was instructed.Collins returned with separate copies of the audit reports and financial statements of the company. He slammed the printed
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX*The big contract day-5 how can he smartly avoid this?*He swallowed a lump in his throat thickly, his face ashen as he forced a tight-lipped smile.He glanced at his best friend, who was also taken aback by the sudden question, with an alarming look for help.Fuck! He thought the patchy financial statements that they made up wouldn't alert them but apparently, they were more clever and meticulous than he expected! The truth is, some of the company's finances were gotten from other illegitimate means that must not be exposed or they are set for doom! He had worked pretty hard for this day, and now that it is here, he can't let this jeopardize the success of this company that has stood over the decades since its inception!Now calm down and think fast! How can he deftly avoid this? He gave his best friend another look and he returned arched brows urging him to go on with whatever plan he has in mind. Probably."Mr Jordan?" Ms Emily, the elderly lady called out to
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN*The big contract day-final! Is it a YES or a NO?*"Could you give us a few minutes to discuss and reach an agreement?" Ms Emily inquired, giving him the usual stern look."Of course! I will have my personal Assistant lead you to the private room." He motioned to Collins to direct them to the said room. He sprung up from his seat and rushed to them bowing profusely with a wide smile."Right this way, please." He said respectfully as he led them out of the board room to the smaller adjoining room just beside the board room. They followed behind him closely and exited the board room quietly in hushed voices. The workers began to whisper amongst themselves.Mr Jordan watched their backs as they disappeared out of the board room.A long deep sigh escaped his throat as he shut his eyes briefly in relief.He cleared his throat rather loudly to get their attention as he turned, standing in the centre of the rectangular table, to face his workers, his demeanour suddenly g
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT*Workaholic from home*"Sandra, how many wears were sold for last week?" She asked her Sales manager over the phone. The phone was securely pinned against her ear with her shoulder supporting it in place as she poured herself a steaming hot cup of brewed coffee and then made her way to the Chesterfield sofa."Good morning ma'am. Um...about 50 plus worth of sales were made last week. Sales on Saturday and Monday were a bit slow but we made terrific sales on the rest of the day of the week, excluding Sunday of course." Sandra dutifully reported.Janice nodded as she scribbled something on her small notepad opened on the table before her. "Not bad. Are there any complaints from the customers or pending orders?" She asked as she used her free hand to raise the mug of hot coffee to her lips gently and took a sip while the other hand held the phone securely against her ear as she listened into it.There was a short silence before Sandra responded."Um... As for pendin
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE*celebration!*"Let me guess, Good news?" She quizzed.He nodded, still smiling widely, and extended his right hand to her. Still eyeing him curiously, she slipped her small slender hand into his and he clasped her hands over his as he pulled her to him in a warm embrace. His unshaven beard pricked the skin on her neck, and his expensive Dior perfume tugged at her nostrils and she resisted the urge to sneeze but instead remained smiling."Dad?" she croaked out.He pulled her away and looked down at her with joy sparkling in his hazel eyes."Come let us celebrate!" He urged.There is something different about him today. He is radiating so much positivity and unbridled happiness! She wondered as she studied his features with a wide grin on her face.Honestly, She is so happy to see him like this. "Come with me!" He prodded as he held her gently by the elbow guiding her to the mini home bar located at the far corner of the large living room."Let's drink!" He enthused
CHAPTER FIFTY*I realized that she was gone, forever and I would never see her again*She burst into laughter.Her father quirked his eyebrows at her."What?" He crooned with his hands on his hips.She shook her head trying to hold the laughter in so she could speak.She inhaled and exhaled deeply."That is one hell of a story, Dad." She teased. "Bravo!" Now is his turn to burst into laughter. He sniffed and his hazel eyes glazed with tiny tears forming at the corners from so much laughter."Okay. I accept my story was so lame."He said with his hands raised in front of him in defeat. "I'm terrible at telling stories, honey."She giggled softly."It's so rare to see you like this. Very joyous and radiant." She said softly, her eyes glimmering with happiness.He chuckled and leaned forward to dip a kiss on her forehead."I'm glad I get to spend some family time with you, darling. It makes me so happy."She gave him a tight-lipped smile.And in her head she wanted to scream;" Dad, s
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE*I was so stupid to believe it will go as planned*"Enough of all these sob stories. Now let's celebrate. You want more drink?"He said as he reached for the bottle of Black rum again and started spewing her glass with its contents."It-it okay Dad!" She cried. Good lord! She doesn't think her weak brain can handle any more drinks!"My bad, I spilt so much. But I thought you were up for a drink?" He narrowed his eyes at her teasingly.Oops! Did he notice already? Is she making it so damn obvious that she's not much of a drinker?"Of course! It was just too much to take all at once." She snapped, her cheeks blushing slightly.Shit!Why are you like this Jane?First, you made a big fool of yourself in front of Drake and now your beloved father?Girl, you need some scolding!She reprimanded herself mentally.Her father quirked his eyebrows at her but simply nodded anyway.He reached for some ice cubes and splashed them into her glass. He poured for himself and did the s