We Will Join The Meeting

Lydia was kind enough to give Alexa her brand-new gown. Alexa made a mental note to go shopping once she received the new year bonus.

They had arrived at the hotel, and she rang the doorbell at Norman’s bedroom when the kid opened it. “You are late,” he said, and she checked the time.

“I am very early.” It was still 7 a.m., and work didn't start until 8.

“I will join you downstairs shortly," he said, then banged the door in her face. She sighed and went back downstairs to the dressing room, where she met her colleagues chatting.

“Alexa, come see." Lydia hurried to her and showed her the phone. It was a picture of Josh dressed in a blue suit with the caption

“The CEO of Adams Group, Josh Adams, has been demoted to the COO of Adams Group.”

“Oh my…” Alexa gasped in disbelief. She had heard when Mr. Williams told him to give a reason why he should continue being the CEO.

She never expected that he would demote his nephew in the family’s company. “Serves him right,” Lydia chuckled.

“They say his performance is really poor, and every business deal he has with the Skarlett’s will stop.”

“Do you think his downfall was caused because he tried making a deal with the Skarletts?” Fifi asked curiously.

“Of course, I read one finance article, and they said that was the most stupid business move,” another worker butted in.

“I feel bad for him; I heard he was trying to please his girlfriend." Fifi sighed, and they immediately dropped their phones when Mr. Bruns walked in.

“Today is a busy day, and you are all here?” He asked angrily, and they all hurried out of the room. Alexa turned to leave when he stopped her.

“Norman’s parents left for Mexico,” he said, and Alexa raised a brow, confused.

“You must be mistaken, sir; I just saw Norman.”

“Yes, they left him behind. They went for business and didn't want to ruin his new year by making him travel and attend boring meetings.”

Now she understood why he was so moody and asked her to come very early. “Will he spend the new year alone?” Her tone was filled with sadness and pity for the kid.

“Come with me.”

They both walked to his office when he picked up a card and handed it to her. “Norman’s dad left this for you; he wants you to spend the entire new year with him and make him feel happy.”

“A kid can only be happy if he spends the new year with his parents.”

“You think they don't know that? They are working hard for his future, so just take the card. I know you need money.”

Alexa shook her head in denial. “Norman and I have become close, and I will spend the new year with him because I want to and not because his parents paid me to.” She rejected the card, and Mr. Bruns smiled.

“You are something else; go then. Get to work.”

Alexa walked out of the office and found Norman beside the door. “You, what are you doing here?”

“I am looking for you. Are we going to have breakfast? I am starving.”

From the look on his face, Alexa knew that he didn't get their conversation. So she smiled at the kid as they walked down the corridor.

***

They arrived at the restaurant, and she went to bring his breakfast, so Norman scrolled through the internet when someone sat next to him. He raised his head and frowned at her.

“Why are you sitting with me?”

Missy kissed her teeth and said, “To keep you company.”

“I didn't ask for company.”

“Fine, I am sitting here because I came to find Mr. Williams, but he wasn't around.”

“It doesn't match up.” Norman still maintained his frown. Missy knew she couldn't fool the kid, so she took out her tablet and placed it on the table.

“I saw you taking notes yesterday, so this is my business... Take a look at it.”

“I am not Mr. Williams; I don't take a look at someone’s business and determine its status in the next five years.”

“Just try, come on,” she said with a pleading tone. It was the business proposal she was going to submit to Mr. Williams at noon, and she didn't know if it was perfect, so she needed someone to assure her.

Norman went through her proposal. Minutes later, Alexa finally arrived with his breakfast and placed it next to him, and her gaze moved to Missy.

"Hello,” she said.

“How are you doing?” Missy pointed at her hand, and Alexa smiled. “I heal fast, so it doesn't hurt anymore.”

Then Norman used his hand to press hers. “Ahhh!!” Alexa screamed out in pain as she stared at her hand.

“Why did you do that?” She scolded the kid in a whisper because her scream had gained other guests' attention.

“You heal faster, huh?” Missy laughed; she was beginning to love the kid and must admit how smart he was.

Norman didn't even stare at her; his gaze was stuck on Missy’s tablet.

So they both sat down and stared at him for another thirty minutes. “What is he doing?” Alexa whispered.

“Helping me out”

“He has been staring at that for a long time, so how is it helping you?”

“Let me guess, Mr. Williams reached out to you first.” Norman finally uttered a word after he was done checking out the proposal.

“Yes, he sent his assistant to me.”

“The proposal is very bad, but the idea and strategy are good. Can I follow you to the meeting?”

“No, it’s a private meeting. Just Hance and me.” A smile crept on her lips, and Norman smiled at Alexa.

“Alexa and I will join the meeting at noon, right? We will meet up at Williams Enterprise. ”

“I said no.”

“I don't want to go there,” Alexa hissed at the kid.

“I will have my breakfast now.”

—

At Williams Enterprise, Hance received an expected visit from his sister and Josh. This made him frown because he didn't have time for family drama.

“I hope we aren't disturbing you,” Mrs. Adams said.

“You are, but it’s not like you can leave now, right?”