Tension
She soon ran down every comment made by the members until she made a description of the entrance of the CEO of the company we were making an alliance with. The description matched an unpleasant familiar person but I refused to believe my father or brother would allow such. Her description of my father’s reaction to the new alliance which was unpleasant and the look of guilt that was written all over Andrew’s face as soon as they made eye contact had my heart racing.
“Hold on, hold on. What is the name of the company we merged with?” She opened her notepad then as if it all happened in slow motion, she looked up from her jotter then stared at me with an expression that said, “Oh boy.”
“King Construction Industries. And the name of the CEO who was present at the meeting is….”
“NATHANIEL KING.” We both said in unison. I winced while she made a yikes face.
“I need to find out what exactly happened and if there is a way to get out of this.” I rose up with the intention of heading straight towards either my father or Andrew’s office with a bunch of questions listed out for them.
“Miss Lydia, permit me to utter a few words?” Rose stopped me and I looked back at her telling her to go on.
“I know Nathaniel King is your ex-husband and I’m certain he is aware that you’re the CFO of this company which is probably why he stepped into the boardroom today looking probably better than a Greek god.” I waited patiently for her to get to the point.
“What I’m trying to say is there are three reasons why fate or the gods of the sky are letting this happen and they include; one he wants to get you back.” I scoffed at that saying, “yeah, right.”
“Two, he wants to get under your skin and just keep on tormenting you and having you all furious just like you’re now. And the last reason is just because he really is focused on getting more contracts for the growth of his company which I doubt is the reason and that’s quite boring.” She proceeded and I cracked a faint smile.
“All I’m trying to say is refuse the second reason and just act nonchalant. This alliance is amazing for the company.” Her words held substance, I pursed my lips glancing at my diamond encrusted watch realizing the next meeting was starting in the next ten minutes.
“Grab my things, let’s head out for the meeting.” She nodded smiling politely and the both of us exited out of the office quietly.
She was right and I didn’t even need to act nonchalant because I already was, my only aim is to ensure the delivish Kings do not sabotage our company.
********
After about two meetings, one with the investor and the other with the financial team, I found myself storming into Andrew’s office. He was on a phone call but his facial expression showed that he knew exactly why I was here.
“My beautiful little girl, is it just me or you’re glowing today.” He said as soon as the call ended.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
“Are we really going to be working with the Kings? What if they sabotage us? Or harass me? Am I no longer important to you when you know it’s going to be annoying having to see him around the company and at events.” Andrew sighed, running his hands around his face.
“Look, Lydia-”
“Let’s not delve down to the fact that you didn’t care to bring me breakfast or come wake up today.” He bursted out laughing after I had cut him off.
“I woke late as well. I assumed you would already be at the office, I had no idea you would still be sleeping in, when you know you could be fired any moment from now as an ex-convict.” He teased and I just stared at him with squinted eyes.
There was nobody on this earth who could annoy me and taunt me about my predicaments as much as Andrew. He was that annoying brother.
“I hate you for real.” I turned on my heels to walk away but he stopped me speaking loud enough for me to hear.
“I just wanted to make a quick but smart move since dad needed the construction of the hotel to take place as soon as possible. So I signed the deal with the Kings without considering you infact dad is pissed with me right now but all I wanted was you both to start trusting me yet I fucked up and was for sure going to get an earful.” He sighed deeply, obviously stressing out. I let out a breath feeling extremely selfish for just thinking about myself.
“You didn’t exactly fuck up. I will assure dad that everything is all set and good. The Kings don’t disappoint so we know the hotel will come out fine.” I spoke softly to him walking back and he nodded.
“Thank you, I’m sorry again.” I rolled my eyes at him trying to be all sweet.
“Yeah, yeah. You’re buying me lunch and dinner for the next two weeks, deal? It’s even a deal without your agreement.” He stood up laughing at my words, a knock rang through the door.
Without questioning, Andrew said, “Come in.”
My mood fell as soon as the person walked in and it was no one other than Nathaniel King and his assistant along with a muscular body guard followed behind him. Our eyes met and I held eye contact, the room was as silent as a graveyard. After a minute longer, he broke the silence clearing his throat.
“How are you doing today, Lydia?” I was taken aback by those words that came out of his mouth. I was expecting a ‘hello’ or ‘Good morning’ but that with a look of care moved me by an inch.
I didn’t utter a word, I just stared at him, making the tension in the room thick.