Chapter 1
A bomb dropped when I was about to start my day. I called it a bomb even though it was unofficial news simply because it came from a trusted source. Not letting it affect my day, I walked out from my house wearing a dark brown wool blazer, covering the white shirt and olive skinny pants. Carrying the burgundy leather tote bag in one hand, I sent a text to my assistant to fix an immediate meeting with my teammates.
Owning a business in the construction industry is my dream and with the endless hard work. My company that I’ve started at the age of 25 and it has been 4 years now, I won’t let it slip away easily. Not only my hard work but I independently worked from the scratch without a little help from my parents.
I invested my savings on this as I declined my dad’s favor. My dad is a successful businessman, named; Benedict Thomas and wanted me to follow his path too. I agreed on my own terms; to launch my interior designing business. The path to be acknowledged by society was bumpy even though I’m a daughter of an entrepreneur.
People misunderstood my abilities since I’m a woman. Can’t believe in the 21st century, this sort of mindsets is still lingering around.
In terms of carrying on my business, I can be very persistent and strict too regarding my rules. I wouldn’t be at this level if I didn’t follow my principles. So, the same applied for my employees as well.
As my car halted in front of the tall building, I slipped out of the car and let the driver park it. Wearing a thin smile on my lips, I nodded at the security followed by the receptionist and entered the elevator.
The click of my heels alerted my assistant, Stella and I saw her rushing to me with a small planner and iPad. “Good morning, Miss Thomas. I’ve arranged the meeting as you asked and they’re waiting for your arrival.”
Meeting at early hours of the day definitely will send shivers to one’s bones but I can’t avoid it especially after receiving the news from my source. Stella handed over the Starbucks cup to my hold and I let the caffeine run over my throat. “Thanks, Stella. Let’s meet the rest.” I entered the meeting room after composing myself.
“Good morning everybody. Sit.” Gesturing them to sit, my heels clicked to the front and gazed over my teammates who were waiting for me to say something.
“Alright. I have important news regarding our company.” My eyes went once over and continued. “It’s an unofficial still you all deserve to know. I’m sure everyone is aware of the multinational corporation, The Alexander Legacy.” I heard them gasp, of course. The name of the company, powerful and also their legacy.
“Yeah, your reaction is acceptable and understandable. Buckle up! They’re planning to take over our company through our shareholders.”
Murmurs and gasps among them with panic faces.
“Guys, guys. Listen! I’m not letting my company slip away easily regardless of their power in this industry. Nobody can do anything to us. I assure you that. Please keep it between us or you know the consequences.
Work smart, grab the projects, and never let anyone lay their hands on us, even if it’s The Alexanders. I know we’re having a crisis right now and that doesn’t mean we’re losing. We might need to burn midnight oil, and all I need is your cooperation and support.” I ended the speech confidently, not allowing them to notice a single emotion of mine.
“But Miss, it’s The Alexanders!” Mr.Kriston exclaimed. “So?” I asked, casting a perplexed look at him.
Whoever it is, they can’t do anything to us. Just because we’re new? Hell no, I’m well experienced in this business world too. And Mr. Kriston if you’re feeling insecure, then leave.”
“No, Miss. My apologies.” He said, regretting. “Take care of the account details. Make sure there aren’t any loopholes. Be serious with the ethics codes and my rules as well. If there’s no question, you may leave.”
The rest of the day flowed effortlessly for me until I received a phone call from my dad. The momentary peace I had felt since the morning, even after learning about Alexander’s legacy’s affair with my company, vanished when I saw my father’s name on my phone screen.
“Yes dad.” I answered the call. He on the other line, “Emery Thomas! I can discuss with them; all I need is your approval. Alexander is my dear friend. Surely he will get it.”
“Dad! You’re not doing that! I know and have my ways to secure my company. Don’t ever do anything.” I warned him and he sighed heavily. The image of his stressed face appeared in my mind.
I resemble his obstinacy; mum’s words. “
But Ema-,”
I cut him off, No, dad. Leave me alone in this. Just watch from afar. Nothing will happen to my company. Support me instead. Why can’t you have a little confidence in me?”
“I believe you, Ema. Still, you have no idea about them. You’re too naïve in this industry. They’re strong willed and determined once they set their eyes on something. How are you going to protect your employees? They have a family, Ema.”
I rose up from my chair and stood facing the floor-to-ceiling window, appreciating the stunning view of London. “What makes you think that I’m not determined? This is my goddamn company dad. I’ll never let anyone take over this. They really underestimate your daughter, dad. I have work, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Please come by. Mum misses you.” He said that and ended the call. I didn’t move an inch from where I stood and watched the city with a cloudy sky. Dad’s words were never less than truth but he was wrong too. He thought I’m not capable of fixing the circumstances as I’m a newbie. Life has never been easy for anyone, still they are enduring while some manage to endure the obstacles. The same for me.
I’ll be extra careful in every step from today onwards!
I heard a knock from my office door and headed back to my seat. It was Stella with some files on her arms. “Yes, Stella.” “Miss, your signature please.”
She handed over the files for my signature. I checked through the document before placing my signature on them. “Are you okay Miss Thomas?”
My hand stopped flipping the papers. Turning my face to the side, without facing her, I pondered her words.
Am I? I asked myself.
“I am.” I smiled assuredly and refocused on the papers.
“I know you can handle this Miss Thomas. Simply because you are you!” Chuckling lightly, I passed over the files to her.
“Oh, and before I forget something. The interns joined last week and were assigned to a few departments.”
I gave her a brief nod and asked, “Are they aware of the rules and everything? Make sure Mrs. White briefs them from time to time. Of course, with their reports and everything. They should gain knowledge before their internship ends. Second, don’t take them lightly. They can be important for our projects. Ask for their opinions. Consider them. That’s all for now.”
“Do I need to set up a meeting with the interns?” she scribbled in her planner, looking up at me.
My head shook, and I exclaimed, “No, no. That’s not necessary. Let Mrs. White take care of them. Submit their work report once a week. I’ll see the potential ones and perhaps could offer them a permanent job.”
“Okay Miss Thomas.” She stood from her chair and left my office. The time on my Daniel Wellington read, 11pm and I think I should be getting going. I can’t believe I left my office till this hour. But again, it was my usual routine and mum always scolded me for skipping my dinner with them.
I can’t be reckless as my company is at stake. After cleaning the piles of files and papers on the table, I grabbed my tote handbag on the table and marched to the elevator. I intended to drop by at the 6th floor before, to see Mrs. White. She works overnight at times. As the elevator stopped at the 6th floor, I found her room dark which was visible from the elevator.
Tomorrow then. I spoke to myself.
“Stop, stop.” A voice heard from out and quickly held the elevator door from closing. A sigh of relief escaped from the person’s lips when he successfully stopped the elevator from closing and entered.
Ignoring him, I stood staring ahead at the closed doors.
“Working late at night?” He opened a conversation as he stood against the metal railing of the elevator.
My head tilted up and nodded smally without speaking a word. “I’m Noah.” He stretched out his hand, thinking I would greet him back. My eyes moved to his big hand and then to his face. He has dark brown eyes, a sharp jawline and is tall.
A good-looking man in my building? Should be the intern, I thought to myself and averted my gaze.
With an amused laugh, he pulled back his hand and shoved his hand into the pocket. “Is it because of the stupid company rules?”
That phrase immediately drew my attention and my head snapped at him. “The no-dating and bullshit,” he continued.
I raised my brows at him and stared back at him, waiting for him to go on. “I didn’t see you anywhere on the 6th floor so far. From which department are you from?” Before I could respond, he asked, “Are you from top management? I guess you were coming from the top floor.” He must have seen the floor number while waiting for the lift.
I nodded again.
“I guess you’re still allowed to talk. Only dating is prohibited. So lame right? “Are we six?” He released a long-annoyed sigh.
“It’s just to make them be professional all the time.” I replied as I walked out from the elevator.
He paced to reach my steps and held by my arms but quickly released it when I gave him a murderous glare. “Go out with me. Don’t worry this will be between us. That old lady wouldn’t know about this.”
My eyes widen even bigger than I had when he touched my arms just now. “Which old lady?”
“Our boss. I’m pretty sure she’s old, single and jealous of young people like us. Too busy saving money to open a company and missed all the opportunities to have fun. Now stopping us.”
My anger was blaring in my chest with his words. “Let me buy you a drink. I promise you won’t regret the night.”
“I don’t want to. Now step out of my way.” I walked past him and signaled my driver to bring my car.
“God, just fuck the rules please. People are dating behind her back here. You think you might lose your job after just one drink? I’m a good secret keeper. This will be between us.”
I thought I had enough shocking news today. “People are dating here?”
He winked at my question and nodded his head with a rakish smile. “I caught Simon and Leila making out in the photocopy room. Now the room isn’t the same for me. Now we can gang up with them.”
He stood closer than before, letting his masculine woody cologne travel in my nostril.
“I’m not going out with you. Plus, why do you think I should go out with you?” I asked him sternly.A smirk formed on his face along with a deep stare into my eyes, thinking it would intrigue me. “Do you think I’ll miss my chance with a woman like you? Hell no!” Licking over his lips and biting his bottom lip, he smirked again.
“It’s still a no.” I walked away after rolling my eyes at him. Nearing my car, I reached out to open the car door. But he stopped me by holding my wrist and muttered huskily.
“You’re playing hard thinking I would drop the idea. I don’t give up easily.” My jaw clenched under his words and voice too.
“Mr. Noah when a woman says no then it’s no. Stop thinking we’re playing hard. Get your facts right next time.” I snatched my wrist from his grip and got into my car. From the tinted car window, I saw him loosening up his tie with a smirk that didn’t leave his and ran over his tongue in his mouth.
Fuck! I cursed under my breath.
