Investors Breakfast 2

Investors Breakfast 2
I felt uneasy as I prepared myself for the meeting even though I had no intentions of speaking to anyone, let alone some Investors or anything even related to business but as I got dressed, I couldn't help but feel empty as I stared at the woman in the mirror who was slowly becoming a shadow of herself. I held on to my pendant, the very item that reminded me of the memories I had with my mother, she was my life and in a minute, she was gone like a ghost, ceasing to exist. My skin grew cold as I thought more about it until a voice startled me out of my thoughts.

"They are here!" Conrad's words came out thick.

I ignored him and simply stared at my pendant, wishing I could go back in time to see her, just one last touch, one last hug.

"Are you going to ignore me and continue staring at the stupid pendant?" his harsh voice distorted my thoughts and I turned around, deeply annoyed by the words that came out of his guts.

"I have heard you, Conrad, I will be with you all shortly" I answered simply, wanting no form of argument. He walked out, leaving me to my thoughts once more, i felt so alone and confused, my marriage hasn't been on its best terms and it ached my heart.

I retreated to the dining room where I met some familiar faces that I hadn't seen in a very long time, all the seats were occupied and even the one close to my husband was occupied by Emilia, i was stunned his but simply kept a straight face and took my seat.

"Seeing your beautiful face reminds me of your father, the man whose intelligence and devotion to business brought us this far," Mr Antonio said with a smile as he kissed my hand so romantically, a little smile grew on my lips as I appreciated his gesture.

Antonio was a good friend and business partner to my father, one whose loyalty can't be questioned, the rest of the guests introduced themselves, their eyes staring at my glowing skin as i became the center of attraction, this made Conrad uncomfortable and jealous, his eyes moved from side to side as he tried so hard to hide his emotions behind his glass of tea.

"The deeds of your father are everywhere and it's beautiful to actually work with his daughter, a rare opportunity that so many investors would kill for" Another investor added and I couldn't help but smile as they adored me, leaving Conrad out of the picture like he had become a ghost. He said nothing but ate slowly, I could see how uncomfortable he had become, his eyes were filled with jealousy, and for a moment, I was happy he felt that way.

We all ate well and little before Mr Antonio cleared his throat, a smile still etched on his lips as he cleaned them.

"I believe we should get down to business and talk about our main agenda here, time is of the essence" My husband finally broke the silence, his eyes filled with desperation.

They looked at me like I had suddenly become their leader, waiting for my voice before they could commence.

"My husband is right, we should talk about business, this conversation is long overdue," I said, supporting Conrad who grew impatient by he minute, his fingers tapping continuously on his glass with one hand stroking his forehead. 

"Sorry to say this but this discussion is meant to be heard by only members of your family Mrs Arabella and if my eyes serve me right, I do see a young lady seated close to your husband, is she a part of this family?" Antonio asked and this question surely hit a nerve.

Emilia tried to leave the table at once but Conrad held her down like it was her right to be here and listen to every single word.

"She's my wife's best friend, if they are so close, then she deserves to be seated here, or do you keep secrets from her? Arabella," Conrad asked, his question directed to humiliate me and bring up an argument but I was two steps ahead of him already, i held up a smile and said softly.

"She can stay Mr Antonio, she's a part of this family" 

"Alright then" he paused and cleared his throat.

"As we all know, your father's company has gained a massive consumer reputation in this country and it's indeed very beautiful to see. Watching from a distance and following your company's market value on the chart, I find an alliance very beneficial and productive. Pumping millions of dollars into your new project will surely take out the other competitors by force and in no time, we will be standing against other global competitors" His voice revealed nothing but intelligent words, one that brought out a smile on Conrad's face, this was what he wanted to hear, what he had been chasing after for months.

With me mourning the death of my father, Conrad had taken over the operations of my father's company and he definitely surpassed my expectations in no time but the power got to his head, he changed him in the blink of an eye and I wanted him under control before it was too late.

"But we do have a problem and it has been a setback to the alliance we intend to initiate, we believe that this company is owned by your father, and with his demise, everything now falls to his only daughter, Arabella but now, the company's identity has been changed to someone we barely recognize. We know nothing about Conrad Tech, we only know about your father's legacy and name, one that holds power" he added, i could see the disappointment in his voice but I looked away to avoid the guilt.

"Did you consent to a name change made by your husband?, won't this be bad for business?, your father's name holds more credibility and that's why my colleagues and I are willing to take such a risk, we need to know if it's worth it"

My mind flashed back to the pleas and constant persuasive words used by Conrad just to have the name of the company changed, always hitting on the phrase "i want what's best for the company"

"Are you still with us, Arabella?" one of the investors called out to me as i remained silent for a while, deeply thinking about what would happen if i hadn't consented to the name change.

"I see no need for these questions Mr Antonio and as i said before, we are happily married and we both manage the company, i want what's best for the company more than anyone seated here!" Conrad voiced out, his tone growing louder and his smile fading away.

"Allow your wife to speak her mind, for all i know, you could be manipulating us all for some selfish gain!" Mr Antonio warned, his voice devoid of fear and respect.

"I beg your pardon?, how dare you speak to me like that?!" Conrad roared, his blood growing hot and itching for a fight but Emilia held his hand, calming down like she was his wife and all i could do was watch in utter disbelief.