There is nothing crueler than be mercilessly tricked and laughed at. It's a two-way street if it happens to you: laugh at your own situation and get over it or get angry, cry and leave. Some even get traumatized if it's that painful and humiliating. Next time someone tricks me, I'll be ready because there are people who think it's April fool's every day. I'd be careful if I were you.
I took languid sips of the water that Henry handed me as Mom rubbed my back to comfort me. Horrible, is what I'm feeling right now, my mood plummeting down. Who in their right minds would send a box containing a dead rat? The scent of the dead animal seems to linger everywhere, like my nose just couldn't forget the smell.
Harvey was the first to act the moment the rat came out of the fallen box, screaming loudly enough to startle the whole staff and my parents into checking what just happened. Henry came rushing in and his face grimaced at the sight of it. I didn't even realize I just stood there, staring at space when Mom pulled me to her side. Seeing the ugly thing made me want to vomit that I started to gag. Mom made sure to rush me to the toilet before my lunch came out in full force into the floor. Suffice to say, both of my parents are very distressed at the moment.
“You okay now Sweetheart?” Mom asked with concern, taking the glass from me and setting it down on the coffee table. I nodded, reassuring her. While Mother took the incident in a calm way, Dad took it the opposite way. He is absolutely livid! Furious, he immediately called his guards and ordered them to search the grounds in hopes that the culprit hasn't left yet.
I knew something was off the moment I saw the window was open. I rarely do so, and besides, it looks like Dad wouldn't let us anymore from the way things are happening right now. His eyebrows furrowed in anger as he yelled at his phone, giving out strict orders.
“I want the maniac caught and sent to prison! How dare he enter my house and give my daughter that incriminating box!” He seethed. The last time I saw him angry was when he lost a contract and he didn't stop snapping at his employees. At least he got over it. I looked down and bit my cheek. Mother turned to her husband and gestured for him to lower his voice, which he did. If there was someone who could calm him down, it would be my mother. Harvey stared at his shoes, contemplating if he should say something or not.
Sighing in defeat, Dad hung up and sat down, rubbing his temples tiredly. “Damon, could this possibly be the doing of one of your enemies?” Mom inquired, worry and fear evident in her tone.
“I don't know, Helen." Dad replied, tired of today's sudden turn of events. Another con of having a well-known family, other than no privacy, is that Dad has a lot of business rivals that are set out to find every loophole in him just to destroy Dad's image and his company. There were times that I wish we were just an average family, not having problems with rivals and the media that is always out to get a daily scoop of our life.
Don't they have better things to do other than get the latest gossip? That I don't know.
Harvey can't even go to school without being surrounded by the media. He must be looked after by his own set of bodyguards every day. Obviously, Harvey doesn't enjoy it, but just like me, he has no say in it. Both of us accepted it. But we can’t help but wish sometimes that both of our parents were just normal folks living down the street instead of billionaires running a company, making sure it won't crumble overnight.
Wealth has its own pros and cons.
Mother got up from her seat to comfort my father, trying to ease his own worries by giving him reassuring words. “Hon, we'll get to the bottom of this case, okay? The guards are on the case, we may be able to apprehend the violator before we know it. Don't stress yourself too much.”
One of the things I like about my parents is that, unlike others who marry for more power and riches, Mom and Dad married for love. Both helped each other to conquer the business world and are happy with one another.
“What's going to happen now, Mom?” Harvey inquired, making both face the curious boy.
With a comforting smile, Mom leaned forward. “Don't worry sweetie, your dad is going to find the person responsible and won't bother us again. Everything will be all right. You'll see.”
Will it?
Harvey nodded in agreement, sporting his own smile. He didn't question Mom's words and got up. “Okay, I'll be in my room if you need me.”
Turning on his heel, Harvey walked away and climbed up the stairs before disappearing from our view. I turned to both of my parents once I made sure Harvey didn't hide behind the potted plant to eavesdrop on our conversation. He tends to do so when something has happened or our parents are arguing and didn't want us to know.
“Dad, what if the intruder is just somebody here in the house?” I voiced out my thoughts, unable to keep it myself. It was a possibility that one of them gave me the box, no one could go in our house without being seen by our security cameras or personnel.
Dad raised an eyebrow. “And who would do that? You're not suspecting that it may be one of the staff, Rachel?”
“I don't know Dad.” I admitted, fiddling with the strands of my hair, something I do out of habit. “I just thought apprehending the person faster will ease my thoughts.”
The image of an unknown person watching me in my room through a camera he or she attached made my blood boil. In all my years, people tend to spy on my family, their reasons different. Last time, a guy followed me while I was out with Francine, taking pictures of us. I was absolutely horrified when one of the guards caught him and exposed the pictures to us. Turns out he has been stalking me for years. Dad filed a case on the man, and he was put to jail. Having a stalker is never delightful.
I remembered what Dad told me after that, he wasn't furious but alarmed. “All this money can provide us security, but still be careful Rachel. No matter how tight security is, there are criminals always lurking around, ready to strike. Please tell me you'll be careful next time.”
“And we will catch them.” Mom reassured, face determined. “Therefore, your dad always wants us to have bodyguards, to keep us safe. Your dad and I don't want any of you to get hurt. We will add more to your set, I can't take the risk of you having a confrontation with the violator without any defense if he or she may try to hurt you.”
I pursed my lips in a thin line, nodding softly. Having more bodyguards only meant one thing, I won't be able to enjoy going out with Francine without men in suits following behind us. Not only that, Dad would nag at me that I should be home early. But I would obey.
I wish I am just an average woman without a lot of people expecting and counting on me not to fail. But the moment I was born, that privilege is taken away from me. At the age of six, I was already taught how I should behave and act around parties. I must be the model daughter. The perfect girl.
I should be.
Although I am twenty-five years old, I still need to bond with Francine when I have time. Running my own company is no game and stressing, but I manage. Taking my phone, I got up and excused myself to go back to my room. It's close to five in the afternoon and we still must visit Francine's Dad at the hospital. Which reminds me...
I stopped on my tracks. “Mom?”
She turned to face me. “Yes? What is it dear?”
“Are we still going to visit Francine's Dad?” I questioned, hoping she'll say yes. However, this caught Dad's attention, making him pause his pouring of whiskey in his glass.
“Why? What happened to Mr. Winstel?”
Mom took it upon herself in telling Dad the whole story. As they talked, I turned to my phone to type a message for Francine.
To: Francine Hey Fran! Hope everything's all right there. How's your dad? Is he awake? Send my love to your parents.
“Sorry Helen, but my answer is no.” I looked up, suddenly aware of Dad's words. Dad looked at my mother with a hard look, Mom sighed deeply.
“Damon… come on.” She drawled, but Dad shook his head, stood up and crossed his arms.
“No, no one is going out tonight. It's late and there is still a violator on the loose. I'm sorry Hon, but I'm not risking it.”
“Dad,” I laughed lightly to try and lighten up the mood. “Five pm is not late.”
He faced me, unfazed by my words. “I made my decision, Rachel. Surely of all people, you'd understand. I expect everybody to follow my rules. Nobody is allowed to stay late outside unless it is necessary. You will do whatever you want to tomorrow.” I sighed, familiar with the song and dance my Dad pulls when being overprotective. Standing up, I turn to walk away. Mom protested a few times before Dad cut her off, driving his point home that Mom gave up.
There's no point in arguing with Dad, he sticks to his decisions and doesn't let anybody change his mind. What he says, follows which is why he's a successful businessman. I aspired to be like him back when I was little, always dreaming about having my own office and be the boss. Dad used to take me to his office, showing me around. But now, the dream itself isn't appealing like it did before.
No, the job itself only sealed off possible relationships. My time is always consumed on work, making it impossible to have time for myself. If I do, I spend it with my family and friends. This only made my other relationships with other people fall to the wayside due to the lack of communication and time. I'm lucky to have Patton and Francine still on my side. Without them, I'd probably lost all my sanity.
I swallowed hard at the memory of having arms wrapped around my waist, a huge smile on his face as we watch the sun set. The parties and late night conversations, probably all means nothing to him now like it is to me. The gray eyes staring straight at me as if staring right through my soul. Now loneliness occupies my heart, the idea of having somebody to laugh with or share your love with now extinct.
But it's better off this way.
***
Nursing a growing headache, I ended the fourth meeting of the day and watched as the rest of the board left the room. Time to get ready for another one. I almost popped my eyes out when I heard that Mr. Lim, a famous Chinese businessman, changed his mind and cut the merger off. It was supposed to be the big success of my company but it all vanished into thin air now. All thanks to Ned!
Ever since the rat accident last week, everything started going downhill for me. I couldn't leave the house with bodyguards following me everywhere I go. Dad wouldn't stop nagging on how slow the investigators he hired are on tracking the violator and Harvey keeps complaining about little things. Mom began to come home late, due to preparing the gala that is only a few more days, much to Dad's chagrin.
I don't have time anymore to comfort Francine, even to talk to her over the phone. Patton hasn't come home and my company isn't running smoothly like it did for the past few days. I lost investors left and right because a rival company offered more than I could. The factory I built a few months back burned down and it cost me millions for the damages. Now, I just lost an important merger with a famous businessman in China that would have saved all the trouble I've been through. Just great.
“Are you all right, Miss Maxwell?” Patty inquired, fixing her glasses. I brushed a few strands of stray hair off my forehead and sighed tiredly. I thought everything was going smoothly but I guess not anymore.
“Patty, please don't let anybody in my office right now. I need to get this merge back and I won't be able to do so with all the paperwork coming.”
Without much of a word, she nodded. I stood up, leaving the boardroom with my phone and pen in hand. I passed by a few employees and retreated to the comforts of my office. Closing the door behind me, I pressed my back against the door and closed my eyes. Silence at last. I held my pounding head that was ready to burst and went behind my desk. I began to relax as I rested my head against the cold surface of my table.
Damn Ned, why do you have to be an idiot and screw the merger up? I rubbed my temple, letting out another frustrated growl at the slip up. Sending him to meet up with Mr. Lim and stall until I arrive shouldn't have been hard. What did he even do to make the man change his mind? I told him that this would be his last chance and now he decided to screw up? Is he testing my patience? Because if he is, it has run out.
I sat up straight and deliberated to call my mother to ask for help. I stared at my phone unsure, maybe if I do she'll just lecture me for not being extra careful. I knew there was a lot at stake if I failed, but I was careful, very careful. Now look at all my hard work in uniting the Lim Industry with my company, it has all gone down the drain.
Just because of Ned Lanston.
I immediately looked up, startled when my ears picked up a slight commotion coming from outside. What is going on out there? I hope Patty holds off all incoming paperwork, I hate to be disturbed. Just as I was about to dial my mother, thinking it was best to ask for her advice, the door burst open making me jump in surprise.
“Sir! Please listen! Miss Maxwell doesn't want to be disturbed.”
I frowned slightly at the interruption but my eyes instantly widened as I caught sight of the unwanted intruder. “I'm sure you're just doing your job but I need to talk to her. It's important.”
What is he doing here?
Chad Montgomery stood in front of me in all his glory, sporting a blue suit with a silver tie. His blond hair combed back and his blue eyes observed my office before they met mine. A small smile slowly graced his lips.
"Hello Miss Maxwell."
"What are you doing here?" I blurted out, probably looking like an idiot. How did he even know where my office is located? Patty stood behind him looking very sheepish.
“I’m sorry Ma'am, but he insisted on seeing you and—”
“It's all right Patty, thank you. I'll take it from here.” Her posture relaxed and scrambled out of the office. Turning to Chad, I cocked an eyebrow at him as he made himself at home by sitting comfortably on the couch. “What are you doing here Mr. Montgomery?” I asked, hoping this'll be over soon.
“Nothing, I just wanted to see where you work.” He shrugged, giving me an award-winning smile. I gave him an unimpressed stare.
“Cut to the chase, as you can see I have a lot of work to do.”
“I know that, we have the same jobs.” He pointed out the obvious and leaned forward, all humor gone in his face. “You are going to be my escort to a party this evening.”
What?
“What? You want me to be your escort?” Is he bluffing? This is not funny at all, and here I thought it was important like he mentioned earlier.
“Do I have to repeat myself?”
I shook my head, walking towards the glass window. “No. I don't want to be your escort, you have to find somebody else.” I answered bluntly. The idea of being his escort is absurd and laughable. “And why me out of all your options? What about Heather?” I admit that women would not reject the choice of being his partner. When it comes to looks, Chad Montgomery is far to be deemed unattractive. Way far. Too bad his attitude is different and top it off with that inflating ego.
“It's Ruby now, and trust me when I say I don't want to take you either, but I don't have any—”
“Wait, what? Ruby?”
Chad nodded, a smirk on his face that I so badly want to punch off. “Yeah, I cut it off with Heather after she mistakenly thought the Lamborghini Huracan was a Ferrari. At that moment, I knew we weren't meant to be.”
He's joking, right?
“Then why not take Ruby as your escort then?”
“That's just it, she's out of town at the moment. My mother asked for help and Mrs. Maxwell recommended to take you instead and Mom agreed! I—”
I cut him off again, my jaw hanging at the mention of my mother. “Wait a minute. She did what!?” Chad hushed me, gesturing to lower my tone.
“Shh! You don't have to shout.”
I couldn't believe this!
“No! I am not going to be your escort, date or partner to this stupid party! I have more things to deal with, much more important than being partners with your sorry butt. As for my mom, I would have to let her tell your mother to find someone else. I'm very busy.”
Much to my surprise, he merely shrugged, leaning his back against the couch and stared at the figurines on the coffee table with interest. “That's too bad, I wanted to offer you a partnership with me to save your company from crumbling but if you insist. I'll see you around Miss Maxwell.”
How did he even know that my company is close to ruins? Probably the media or some whispers on the street. Whatever it is, he did a great job bringing it up. I'm going to hate myself after this.
“Wait!” I called as he was about to leave. Chad stopped by the doorway and turned, looking at me in fake surprise.
“Yes?” He knew I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity, the manipulative bastard. I'm going to hate myself for agreeing to this.
I sighed in defeat. “Fine. I'll be your partner only if you help me save my company. Deal?” My statement alone made him smirk, shaking my hand.
“Deal. You know, a lot of girls would kill to be in your position.”
Oh, really now?
"Sorry, but I'm not like most girls."
He pointed a finger at me and smiled. “That, we can agree on. Not all girls your age hold up a company with an iron fist. I'll pick you up by six, wear something formal. Less skin would be great. See you later Miss Maxwell.”
“But what if—” He left the office before I could even finish my question. I frowned slightly, frustrated that we didn't discuss our companies partnering further. Sitting down, I palmed my face in disbelief. I can't believe I even agreed to his terms. Yes, I'm definitely going to hate myself after.