Two Hundred and twenty five

CHAPTER 225

Alicia and Brittany hugged for a long time at the door. And after a while, Brittany stretched the distance between their bodies. Brittany wiped away the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. She was truly moved by everything that had happened that day.

"I'm grateful to you both. I didn't expect Mom and Dad to be mad at me. I can see they're disappointed, but they didn't ignore me and that's more than enough."

Alicia lifted the corners of her lips that were polished with pink lipstick, it was a very thin lipstick. She grasped Brittany's hand, then let out a sigh of relief. "You're lucky to have parents who support you in this situation. I wish you and your baby good health. But most importantly, you need to protect yourself from Kevin."

"Alicia is right. Maybe I'll send a policeman to guard your house for the next few days. Would you feel safe with that?"

Brittany smiled and nodded in agreement. "That would be more than enough. Keeping Kevin away from me and the baby will make me feel better. At least I know that I'll be safe. My dad will take care of me too, he makes me feel safe."

"That's good, we're glad to hear that."

Alicia added to Nicholas' words. "If you need anything, you can call us. Or, if you need a place, you can come to my house."

"No, Alicia. I believe that my mom and dad will take good care of me. You don't have to worry." Alicia and Nicholas finally nodded in agreement. They all exchanged glances before Brittany opened her mouth again. "So, where are you guys going today? Do you have any plans?"

"I'm taking Alicia to her parents' company. We have some things to do there."

Brittany's brows furrowed. "Is this a business matter?"

Nicholas raised his chin to point at Alicia in front of him, he put both hands in his trouser pockets and said, "Alicia is the sole heir. She has to take care of some things. Alicia also needs to hear the specific terms of the company regarding this business."

Brittany's face turned enthusiastic. "Wow, is my best friend going to be a rich, independent CEO who shines like a star?"

Alicia chuckled amusedly at Brittany's joke. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "Behind a lot of money comes a lot of responsibility, Britt. And it looks like it's going to be an even tougher start for me."

"Ah, you're too modest, Alicia." Brittany patted Alicia on the shoulder, then smiled happily. "I wish you luck. Good luck. I'll call you when things get better."

"Call me whenever you need me, OK?"

"Okay. Be careful on the road."

Nicholas looked at the scene in front of him with a sense of relief. At least one mission had just been completed. He cleared his throat and spoke, "We should go now, Alicia. I heard that the lawyer from the company is waiting."

"Are you coming, Nick?"

"Of course. I'm going to be the husband of this rich CEO and have twelve kids with the rich CEO," Nicholas joked, which made Brittany and Alicia laugh on the spot. "Come on, Alicia. We should go now."

"Okay. Bye, Britt!"

"See you soon, Alicia, Nick."

Nicholas immediately started the car, heading to Alpha Company to meet Felix, the company lawyer who would be meeting with Alicia. The purpose of the meeting was to inform Alicia that she would be the temporary CEO before she reached the age of twenty-seven.

"You know something about Alpha Company, don't you?" asked Alicia as they got into the elevator.

Nicholas shrugged. "They made a special rule, you have to be married to someone by the time you're twenty-seven to officially lead the company."

Alicia's eyebrows furrowed. "How did you know that, Nick?"

"Noel and I met Felix yesterday." Nicholas pointed to the floor number on the elevator. "That's the office of Felix, the company lawyer who was going to see you."

The elevator doors opened, revealing a sleek, modern office space bustling with activity. Alicia and Nicholas walked into Felix's office, where the atmosphere was filled with anticipation. Felix, a middle-aged man with reddish-black hair, stood up as they entered.

"Ah, Alicia, Nicholas, glad you could make it," Felix greeted them with a warm smile. "Please have a seat."

Once they were seated in comfortable chairs, Felix wasted no time in getting down to business. "Alicia, I'll get right to it. Your father, the former CEO, left specific instructions regarding this company. To ensure stability and continuity, he made it a condition that you officially take over."

Alicia's curiosity was piqued. "What conditions?"

Felix adjusted his glasses before revealing, "You must be married before the age of twenty-seven to become CEO."

Alicia's eyes widened, and Nicholas exchanged a look with her. The revelation hung in the air for a moment before Felix continued, "Your father believes that a stable personal life contributes to effective leadership. This is an unusual requirement, but the council respects your father's wishes."

Alicia sat back, taking in the unexpected news. "I didn't know. Why does it have to be a secret?"

"Your father wants you to focus on your personal growth without feeling pressured by corporate responsibilities until you are ready," Felix explained. "The board of directors has been talking about this quietly, but now that you're old enough, it's time to discuss it."

"Mrs. Michelle and Mr. Edward have written all of this down in their wills, and the board of directors, executive staff, and investors are all aware of this. Since you are not yet qualified to be the official CEO, the company will be led by Christine for the time being. She is the representative appointed by Mrs. Michelle in the will and this has been approved by everyone."

Alicia furrowed her brows. "So, I really have to get married? What if I don't want to get married?"

Nicholas looked over with a surprised expression, he furrowed his brows and asked, "You don't want to get married? But, why?"