CHAPTER 5 (CHRISTINA)

CHRISTINA

“The future lies in the person who holds the job.” My father used to always say before he went for a meeting and it was time for me to work according to his advice. I selected a light blue skirt along with a black skirt and black high heels. My hair was drawn into a tight ponytail. Before heading out I double checked to make sure I had all the obligatory documents. It was time for me to meet the long awaited CEO of Black Enterprises.

Theo looked charming as he stood patiently waiting for me. He had green eyes and blonde hair and was found alluring to many. But I found him as a brotherly figure to me even though we were engaged. Taking my wish into consideration they were going to break off our engagement before they met with that accident.

When he saw me he came over and held the door ajar for me as I stepped out.  “Good morning to my beautiful fiancée.” He says with a frank smile on his face. I roll my eyes at his cockiness.

The moment I enter the skyscraper I finally understand why the company is called Black Enterprises. The furniture is black. The walls are black. Even the dress code of the employees is black. EVERYTHING is black except a sign saying ‘ Black Enterprises’ which is hung over the front desk in gold. I walk up to the front desk and clear my throat to grab the attention of the receptionist. She looks up at me and gives me a wide smile.

“ How may I be of assistance to you ma’am?” she asks. I give her one of my I-have-very-important-business looks and speak up, “ I am here to have a meeting with the CEO.”

She goes up the elevator and comes back to inform me, “I apologize ma’am but the CEO is currently very busy.”

The blood inside me begins to boil. So, the CEO wants to play a game; well two can play at it. “ It’s alright.” I say to the receptionist giving her one of my warm smiles. “ I’ll wait right over here.” I say and walk back to where Theo is sitting.

Theo might have sensed something was wrong from my dark expression. “What happened ?” “Well the mighty CEO of Black Enterprises does not have the civility to spare few minutes of his Oh! So precious time on two other equally important CEO’s who have come to discuss a very important matter.” I say all in one breathe.

“ So what do we do now ?” He asks. “ We wait.”

At quarter past twelve the CEO finally asked to meet us. I got up and headed to the elevator along with Theo. As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, we are lead to a double-bounded door.

As soon as I step in I say with a sarcastic tone, “ Oh my! Isn’t the CEO of Black Enterprises very punctual.”

The person sitting in the chair seemed startled to hear my voice and turned his chair around to face us. The sarcasm vanished from my face as I gawked at him. The jet black hair, those lips and the grey eyes all could belong to the one and only THAT man. He made no reply to my remark and I figured it out that anyone would happily forget about the horrible shit I pulled this person through. I felt a deep stab of pain at this humiliating thought.

He got up from his chair with a deep breath and staring right at me said, “ I am genuinely sorry for the delay.”

He then stretches out his hand for me to shake. I take his hand and he says, “ I’m Stephen. Stephen Renolds. CEO of Black Enterprises.” He says with a sarcastic tone and I was positive about why he was using that note. ‘Game on Mr. Renolds’.

“Good Morning. I am Christina Wills . CEO of Wills Enterprises.” I say with a don’t-you-dare-mess-with-me tone.

He looks at me with mockery in his eyes. Damn those eyes ! Theo clears his throat and I remove my hand from Stephen’s grasp.

“And this is Theo James. CEO of The James Company.” I  introduce Theo. “Well nice to meet you Mr. James.” He says with still an amused smile on his face. “So shall we get down to business.” He says in a work-like tone ; all mockery vanished. I nod as I take a chair opposite to him.

“ Mr. Theo I and would like to collaborate with Black Enterprise.” I say laying down the deal. His brows furrow together in confusion. “ Interesting. But what’s with this bizarre request ? I’m sure you are aware of the rivalry between us .”

“The problem lies in the rivalry itself. This feud among us three has been going on for quiet sometime and I believe it is time to end this feud with a pact.” Theo answers.

“ And what do I gain from this collaboration ?” Stephen asks clearly intrigued. “You get 40% shares of Wills Enterprise and 10% shares of The James Company.” I answer without any hesitation. Theo and Stephen both look at me clearly caught offguard.

After a few seconds, Stephen seems to recover himself. “ Well I find it to be an excellent deal and would gladly sign it.” He says taking the agreement from me.

“Are you sure Christina ?” Theo asks clearly doubting my sanity. I could only managed to give him a tiny smile.

As we were heading out Stephen calls out to me, “ Miss Wills please wait. Can I talk to you for a minute ?” I tell  Theo to leave without me as I turn to face Stephen.

Unexpectedly, his expression softens and he asks me, “ How are you holding up Christina ?”

My heart swells as he says those words and my inner goddess gives me a thumbs up. So he does remember me !!! “I’m doing alright.” I say trying to hide the sudden burst of happiness in my tone.

“ But why do you want to collaborate with me after all I could have a hand in the death of your parents “ he says with his brows furrowed again.

The previous me would have believed him. But after I read my mother’s letter I knew for sure that can’t be the scenario. “You will get to know the truth soon Stephen. But I need a favour.”

“What favour?” he asks clearly getting more confused. Oh! How I loved to see this face !

“I want to meet your parents.” I say as a matter of fact. “Okay.” He says after considering for a minute. “They live in California so it is a 18 hour drive from here. I’ll take you on Saturday.” He says “Thankyou.” I reply breathing a sigh of relief.

“ But I have a condition of my own. You have to be my friend.” He says with a small smile. “Okay Mr. Renolds I’ll be your friend.” I say cocking my head to one side. “ Now if you’ll excuse me my dear friend, I have business to attend to .” I start towards the door and smile to myself

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