Nothing is more sorrowful than seeing your own parents worried about things that you don't have any control over. Outside, they're smiling to ease your problems when theirs are even bigger than ours. But we have a choice. Either we let that problem rule over our lives, let it happen, or face it and come out victorious.
“How could you be so reckless?!”
I winced for probably the hundredth time that evening. I was absolutely terrified the moment I stepped into the house, silently following Dad to his office beside the master bedroom. Sitting down across from his desk was much more agonizing, as I waited for him to start lecturing for the first time in a long time. Last time I was scolded was for stealing cookies from a jar that accidentally fell on the floor. I was probably around six or seven years old at the time it happened. And I was too immature to understand what was right or wrong. This time, however...
“Do you realize how dangerous it is to be out in the open? Those maniacs are probably watching you!” He clicked his teeth in annoyance and buried his face in his hands, frustrated and irritated.
I swallowed. “I'm sorry.”
Dad abruptly stood up from his leather chair. It frightened me.
“You said someone called you.”
I nodded, taking my phone and turning it on before giving it to him. The caller's number was visible on the screen.
“Someone called me during lunch time.”
“Percy added that someone was watching you. Did you get to see the person's face?”
I shook my head. Dad let out a heavy breath and stared at my phone. “Well, whoever they are, we may trace them using this phone number. I'll call the private investigator once again and inform him of this.” Producing a fountain pen, he copied the number and handed the gadget back to me.
“Dad, I'm sorry. I'll be careful next time.”
Sitting down once again, Dad kept his pen and nodded softly. “I know this is all stressful to you and our family, but it's for the best, Rachel. I made some arrangements. You are to go home as early as nine. You are not allowed to leave the house without my prior notice. Do you understand?”
I bit my lip as I meekly agreed. “Yes.”
The ringing of the telephone broke the tense atmosphere in the room, diverting Dad's attention elsewhere. “You may go,” he dismissed, and I eagerly stood up from my seat, heading to the door.
“Rachel.” I stopped in my tracks to face Dad, the door slightly ajar. “I'm doing this for our family. I don't want anyone to get hurt.”
I cracked a smile to ease his worries, and mine. “I know, Dad.” I walked out and closed the door behind me. It's for the best. The best. I bit my lip before sighing deeply, resting my tired frame against the door. But are we just going to keep hiding until then?
“Sis?” Directing my gaze to Harvey standing a few feet away, I lowered my head and backed away from the door, standing straight. I forced a smile on my face.
“Yes? What is it, Harvey?” The telltale suspicion in his eyes caused me to become nervous. Did he overhear what we said? Is he angry?
“What did Dad want to talk about?”
I shook my head, approaching him, before leading him away from Dad's study. “Nothing. He just wanted to talk about the business.”
Harvey raised an eyebrow. “Really? Why did he seem angry the moment you arrived? Did something happen?” Just hearing how curious Harvey was made me go pale at how easy it was for him to sniff out something wrong.
“No! Nothing bad happened, it's just that... Well, Dad is kind of in a bad mood right now. He had a few problems at work, but we both know he'll solve them, right?” I smiled, watching him process my words until he shrugged.
“Okay, to the next question then. Why was Montgomery here?”
I mentally praised out of relief for him dropping the bigger question and moving on to something easier. “Just like I said, Harv, we are just business partners. We had a meeting.”
“Do Mom and Dad know that?”
I stopped short and faced him. “Did you tell them?” When he shook his head, I bit my cheek and patted his head. “I plan to tell them but it slips my mind every time. I'll tell them soon.”
“If you want, I could—”
“N-no! I'll do it myself, but thanks, Harv.”
He stared at me for a few minutes, examining me. “Okay, if you insist. I'll just be in my room if you need me.” And, with that, Harvey walked away and into his room.
I quickly went to mine, closing the door softly. Turning the lights on, the room was just like how I left it. Empty and lonely. Heading towards the window, I stared outside. The world, dark and cold. Just a few more days until snow would start to fall. I watched as security stood on guard everywhere, flashlights in their hands. Not leaving any corner unattended.
I sighed and pulled the curtains shut.
***
“Do you have a dress to wear tomorrow?”
My lips parted in confusion, spoon hanging in the air. “Huh?”
The rustling of the newspaper came from Dad, who was busy reading in his seat. Leaving his mug of freshly-brewed coffee untouched. The house helpers and Henry stood in the corner, awaiting orders. Sunlight flooded the room this Sunday morning. Mom drank her glass of water before replying.
“Do you have a dress, dear? The gala is tomorrow evening.”
Outside I was nodding multiple times. “Yeah. Of course! How could I forget?” But, on the inside, I was mentally screaming at myself for letting it slip my mind.
“Are you all right, dear?” Mother asked, concerned, lacing every word as she stared at my face.
I smiled reassuringly. “Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?” Ignoring the curious stare from Harvey, I continued eating breakfast as Mother found something more interesting to chat about with Dad.
After breakfast, we all dressed up and headed for church which was just a few minutes away from our home. The building wasn't that huge, just a simple white church, but it was convenient. Not a lot of people went there because they preferred a much bigger establishment. Since it was the closest one, it would have to do. Children sang along with their parents, the pianist hitting the exact notes.
The service only lasted for an hour, and afterwards we went back home and I hurriedly headed out to work.
“Don't stay after dark. Percy and the rest will be there to provide security,” Dad mumbled as he poured hot coffee into his mug.
“Yes, Dad, love you. See you later.” Kissing his cheek, I bid farewell as Henry escorted me out of the house. Percy was waiting outside in the car along with the same bodyguards assigned to me.
Climbing into the car, I took out a few papers and began to reread them, not sure how to process in my mind that the business was going smoothly like I’d first planned. Maybe partnering with Chad Montgomery wasn't so bad after all...
I stopped scanning the papers when my phone rang, snapping me out of my focus. "Good day, Miss Maxwell. I called to remind you that you have to prepare for a meeting with Mr. Lim this afternoon," Arianne's voice answered in strict professionalism.
I nodded softly to myself, looking out the window to see that we are approaching the building. “Thanks for the reminder, Howard.”
“Oh, and Mr. Montgomery is here. He's waiting for you.”
Hanging up, I returned my phone to my bag and, with my index finger, rubbed the spot on my chin. I wonder what'll happen... The car slowly came to a stop, the bodyguards getting off first before I followed. Taking in deep breaths, I entered the building. The usual greetings from my employees were exchanged. Nothing was out of the ordinary. “Pleasant day to you, Miss Maxwell.” I smiled, returning the cordial greetings, and made my way towards the elevator.
“Ma'am, Mr. Maxwell orders us to take you home afterwards. He insists you prepare for the gala tomorrow,” Percy said stiffly as we headed up to my floor.
“Very well,” I replied, lacking enthusiasm. The elevator stopped. Getting off it, I head straight to my office, knowing that Percy and the others would be standing on guard outside.
“Hello, Miss Maxwell, do you need coffee?” Arianne asked the moment I stepped in, to which I waved aside.
“No, but thank you. I just need you to prepare the boardroom.”
Nodding, Arianne walked off and proceeded to do her tasks. Leaving me to fend for myself.
Turning my computer on, I began reading and managing my paperwork, making sure that there would be less to do after the gala. Should we even pursue the gala after all these threats? I don't think it's wise...
“Miss Maxwell.” Like a deer caught in headlights, I snapped my gaze up only to find that it was Arianne over the intercom. “Your father is in line one. He requests to speak to you.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, reaching out for the telephone and pressing the button. “Hey, Dad,” I answered softly, pressing the white telephone against my ear while arranging a few files.
“Did you arrive safely? Nothing happened?”
“I'm fine, Dad. Nothing bad happened, for which I am glad,” I replied, twiddling the end of my ball pen. If something happens and the last chance of getting Mr. Lim's alliance fades away, I'll probably faint. Or choke someone near me. “Any news from the investigator, Dad?”
He coughed before clearing his throat. “Not yet. I'm expecting one this afternoon though.”
“Okay, I hope they apprehend the person soon.”
“And they will.”
I sighed. “I don't want this to go on forever, Dad.”
He became silent for a few minutes. I merely waited until he deeply exhaled. “I wish the same thing, pumpkin. I have to go. See you later at dinner.”
“Bye, Dad. Take care.”
The call dropped and I returned the telephone to its place before groaning out loud. I didn’t like being heavily guarded. I didn’t like that before I picked a thing up, they had to examine it thoroughly. Staring at the pile of papers, I couldn't help but groan aloud once again.
“Miss Maxwell,” Arianne's voice cut through the silence as I was signing more papers, so robotic that it sort of scared me. “Mr. Montgomery is here.”
My eyes widened in surprise and I glanced at the clock. Already?
“Shall I let him in, Miss Maxwell?”
Clearing my throat, I nodded and realized she couldn't see me. “Uh, yes. Let him in.” I answered, tidying my desk up. I was in the middle of stuffing my papers into my drawer when he entered, sporting a sharp black suit. His blond hair gelled into a quiff, his manly scent wafting up to my nose. It's too strong. Pinching my nose so I couldn't sniff it, I watched as he went near my desk.
He quirked an eyebrow at me. “Why are you doing that?”
“Doing what?”
“That.” Chad pointed at my face and I quickly removed my hand.
“Nothing! I wasn't doing anything.” I cleared my throat, pretending to look at the time. “You're early.”
Chad laughed, seating himself on the couch. “Of course. When it concerns business, I am always on time. Is he here yet?”
I shook my head, secretly wishing that time would fly fast. “My assistant will tell me when he arrives. As of right now, I'm busy preparing the papers. So, if you don't mind, can you please be silent?” When he didn't answer, I mentally smiled to myself. Yeah, I won this round. In your face.
Typing my reply to my CFO, I felt the hairs on my neck stand. Why?
I stiffened, feeling a light breath near my ear. “Am I too noisy for you, Miss Maxwell?”
I gritted my teeth together, annoyed. “Step back, Montgomery. You don't want me to punch your nose.”
A small gasp of surprise escaped his irritating mouth. “Really?” He pretended to sigh in disappointment. “Gosh. I wonder how Mr. Maxwell would react if I told him his daughter is this violent when she pretends to be an innocent angel.”
I allowed myself to smirk, going back to work. “Even if you tell him, my father won't believe you.”
“Whatever you say, plum.”
Hearing those words made my irritation towards him increase, I could just imagine my face turning ruby-red as I swerved my chair in his direction. “I am not a plum!” I strongly protested as he chuckled to himself.
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, plum.”
Why, the little... “For the last time, I am not a plum! What makes you think that I have the similarities of a plum? Do I even look like a fruit to you?” If he answers with the plum word, I'm going to kill him. Only this time, I will really do it.
Chad's laughter died down before his face turned serious. Then, he leaned down, surprising me.
“W-what?” I stammered, trying to back away to no avail as he cornered me in my own chair. Chad cocked his head to the side, scrutinizing me. “What are you doing?” I sucked in a breath. Chad's face was inches from mine, his scent strongly filling my nostrils. It was starting to scare me.
He gave me a small smile. Charming to the ladies, dangerous and leering to me. This devious man.
“I'm trying to see if you have the similarities of a plum,” he merely answered and leaned forward. I let out a small squeak when his nose came in contact with my neck, raising all the hairs in there. Punch him, Rachel. No one will know. Punch him then hide his body. Nobody would find it. "Hm, you don't smell like one." Backing away slightly, I narrowed my eyes at him. He smiled. “But maybe you taste like one.”
My eyes were probably as wide as the moon when Chad slowly (and agonizingly) leaned close. Noses touching. Brown eyes against lucid blue. Did the room just suddenly grow warm, or is it just me? I could feel drops of sweat rolling down my forehead even as the air conditioning blew excellently.
“Do you want me to find out?” Chad whispered, tucking a few stray hairs of mine off my face.
My throat was dry; telling him off slipped out of mind as we had a staring contest.
“Miss Maxwell?”
I let out a sharp squeak and immediately sat up straight as if caught doing something inappropriate during work hours (which was so close to happening). The same thing happened to Chad, but he didn't clearly show it. He brushed off the sides of his jacket and stood up straight. I felt my cheeks turn red at processing what almost occurred a few seconds ago. I can't believe that happened.
“Miss Maxwell? Is everything all right?”
Realizing she was waiting for a reply, I turned to the intercom to answer. “H-hello? Yes, everything's fine. What is it, Arianne?” Slightly glaring at Chad, who went back to sitting on the couch, typing away in his phone as if nothing had happened, I rolled my eyes. I'll deal with you, Sir, later.
“Mr. Lim has arrived.”
At the mention of the popular businessman, I answered quickly. “Okay, lead him to the boardroom immediately. Thank you.” Standing up, I brushed the skirt of my black dress, making sure there were no wrinkles. If this doesn't cut through, then it's game over. Silently praying that it would go successfully unlike last time, I took the necessary folders from my drawer. “Mr. Lim is here,” I announced, hearing Chad tapping away as if there was no tomorrow.
“I know. Let's go.” He stood up and both of us walked out of the office, leaving behind the awkwardness that was born between us. Now's not the time for silliness. If you're going to war, you have to prepare to fight. Business is business. Strictly business only.
“Did you bring the contract?” Chad inquired.
I showed the folder to him. “Done.” Standing in front of the boardroom, I took in a deep breath and smoothed my hair. Okay, deep breaths. Everything will go according to plan. No worries.
“Are you seriously nervous?”
I slowly turned to see Chad just relaxed, not even deterred. “Seriously.”
“I thought you were used to these kinds of things,” he commented, to which I shook my head.
“Nope.”
“That's kind of ironic. You're the daughter of a wealthy, influential family, supposed to know all about business and be very confident. But here you are, all riled because one businessman, who is only famous in his country, is here. Shouldn't you feel even more empowered?”
I sighed. “First of all, my parents did all the work. I'm their daughter, that's why I have these… things. But, right now, Mr. Lim is not here because of them but because of me. It's my accomplishment.” Not wanting to delay things further (and praying that Chad would leave after this) we entered the boardroom to find Mr. Lim sitting down waiting for us. His gray hair neatly combed back, hands placed on top of the table as his gray, monoid eyes stared at us.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Lim.” I smiled and approached the man before seating myself across from him. Chad did the same, taking the seat beside me. I ignored the notion and focused my attention on the businessman in front of me.
“Good afternoon, Miss Maxwell.” He greeted me with a Chinese accent, then his gaze went to Chad. “And to you too, Mr. Montgomery.”
“Good day, Mr. Lim. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
Mr. Lim shook his head. “No. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I've heard of both your families and I am relieved to know that I can count on the two of you.”
“Sir, I apologize on behalf of my employee the last time we called for you. I can never—”
He suddenly held up his hand, cutting me off. “For what happened last time, I forgive you. But, next time, I won't tolerate tardiness.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lim. It will never happen again.”
Mr. Lim smiled. “I was surprised to know that you're actually Damon's child, Miss Maxwell. And you, Mr. Montgomery, you have a fine reputation in the business world.”
As we chatted, Arianne came in with a few drinks and began serving us. That's where the light, random chatter ended, and the discussing of contracts began.
“So,” Mr. Lim began as he read the papers, “Why should I pick your company, Miss Maxwell? Out of all the companies here, why yours?”
“Because I believe that we can conquer the business industry together,” I answered. Well, technically it's not mine. I often heard my mother saying this to her future business partners in the past; they easily accepted it and signed. I hoped that this would work for me too.
“Mr. Lim, not only Miss Maxwell's company would skyrocket after this, but yours too. Think about it, Sir, you'll be known to all the elites of this country,” Chad added with a smirk. I couldn't help but mentally nod at how good he was in promoting. Mr. Lim agreed, reading for a few more minutes, while me and Chad drank coffee as we waited.
I watched him with great trepidation, silently waiting, praying, that he would sign afterwards. Finding the contract appealing to his taste. That was when he nodded, sat up straight and signed. I felt joy, relief and victory.
The old man smiled. “It's a pleasure doing business with you, Miss Maxwell and Mr. Montgomery. I expect good numbers when you update me.”
“We won't let you down, Sir. Thank you. I'll send you the email afterwards.” I grinned, watching him shake hands with Chad, and he did the same with me before following Arianne out. I finally let out a breath and smiled to myself.
“Well?” Chad asked, arms stretched wide as his smile did the same.
I raised a questioning brow at him. “Well, what?” Is he expecting me to go and hug him? Is that what he wants?
“Are you going to thank me or not?” I cocked my head as he groaned. “Like, 'Oh, Chad! Thank you so much for saving my company! I really appreciate it!' Are you not going to do that?” he asked, failing miserably to imitate my voice. He sounded like a dying whale.
I sighed. “Fine. Thanks, Mr. Montgomery.”
“There we go again. How many times do I have to tell you that it's Chad? I told you, Mr. Montgomery is my father.”
Brushing him aside, I exited the office, him on my tail. “Don't you have anything important to do, Mr. Montgomery?” I asked when he followed me inside my office, wishing him away so I could work for the next few hours in peace.
He shrugged. “At the moment? Nothing.”
Sitting down on the leather black seat, I allowed myself to breathe and start writing an email. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him look at the city below, where I was used to seeing people walking by and the occasional cars honking.
“Can't believe winter is nearing.”
I mindlessly tapped away, not finding time to reply. Maybe if I completely ignore him, he'll go away. What is he doing here just wasting his time anyway?
“By the way, I just came up with a new product that we could work on. Since it's nearing winter, maybe we could produce hot cocoa drinks? Or coats? I can name a few designers who could sketch the coat.”
As much as I wanted to tell him how I thought about those things, I focused myself on typing the email. It became silent. Finally, peace and quiet.
Nearing the end of my email, I bit my lip as I typed quickly.
“Hello?” I squeaked loudly in shock when his hands suddenly touched my shoulder. Chad looked at me, concerned in his eyes. “Hey. Are you all right?”
I nodded vigorously, shaking off his words. “Yeah, I'm fine. Don't scare me like that again.”
He had the audacity to laugh aloud. Then, the intercom buzzed again.
“Miss Maxwell, Percy is here to see you.”
“Let him in.”
In seconds, the door opened and in came Percy with his fellow men. “Miss Maxwell, your father has instructed me to take you home now.”
Surprised, I glanced at the time before admitting defeat. If I don't go, he'll scold me again. Besides, I have to get ready for tomorrow's gala. “Okay. Let me just get my stuff,” I replied, hurriedly taking my bag and grabbing everything I needed.
Arianne came into the room, standing obediently at the doorway, awaiting orders. “Arianne, please email the important things to me. And if Parker, down at the advertising team, sends you the drafts, email them to me. Tell him I'll review them.”
“Yes, Miss Maxwell.”
Just as I was about to head out of my office, I stopped in my tracks to turn and face Chad Montgomery, who only stood there. Face not showing any emotion. Just stone-faced.
Turning back to Percy, I gestured for them to go outside. “I'll be out shortly.” Nodding, they all walked out, including Arianne. Slowly walking towards Chad, I held out my hand. “Thank you for helping me, Mr. Montgomery. I'm looking forward to our partnership in the future. I'll be heading home now.”
He lowered his gaze to my outstretched hand. And he walked right past me. I frowned and turned to see his retreating back.
“Yeah, go home. Don't need to tell me,” he waved off with an uncaring tone of voice.
When he had exited the room, I felt my jaw drop and I found myself laughing. Laughing at how ridiculous he’d acted. What's wrong with him? Did I say something wrong?
Brushing off the insane man's strange behavior, I walked out and bid farewell to Arianne. Now that the contract with Mr. Lim is over, it’s time to focus on more important things.