Chapter 10
Charlotte's POV
The door to my car opened, and I stepped down from the car, thinking deeply about what Amelia told me. I got into the company building and entered the office, my steps slow and heavy.
My shoulders slumped, my gaze fixed on the floor. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, a burden that I could not bear. I tried to smile as I passed by my colleagues, but the expression felt forced, and fake.
They could tell that something was wrong, their eyes filled with worry. I tried to shake off the feeling, to focus on my work. But it was no use, the gloom still hanging over me like a cloud.
A lady walked up to me, with a small smile on her face. She was a petite woman, her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. She was impeccably dressed, her clothes passed and professional. But it was her face that drew me in, her kind eyes and warm smile.
She had a way of making everyone feel at ease, of putting them at their ease. She was a ray of sunshine, a beacon of light in the often-dreary world of the office. And right now, I need that light more than ever.
“Anita?” I asked she nodded, Amelia had already been assigned as my new secretary
“So what's the situation?” I asked, her expression told me what to expect, she handed me the company file,
“Thank you, Amelia”. I said to her, she was called at the last minute to compile the company's important files.
I smiled then to her, “ lead the way,” I said to her, and she walked leading the way, as we got closer to the boardroom, The noise of the staff grew louder as I approached the board room, the cacophony of voices echoing off the walls. My heart began to beat faster, my breath quickening. I could feel my anxiety rising, my mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
As I opened the door, the sound hit me like a wave, washing over me in a deafening rush. I had to take a moment to compose myself, gather my thoughts, and prepare for what was to come.
As I stepped into the room, I felt the weight of all eyes upon me. The board members sat around the table, their gazes fixed upon me. I tried to project confidence, to mask the fear and doubt that churned within me.
I could feel my hands trembling as I took my seat, my palms sweaty and cold. But I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, determined to make it through this meeting with grace and dignity.
As I began to speak, my voice quivered ever so slightly. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I focused on the words I had rehearsed, and on the message I wanted to convey.
Slowly, my confidence began to return. I felt my voice grow stronger, my words gaining power and authority. I looked around the room, seeing nods of agreement and flashes of approval.
I felt a surge of relief, knowing that I had done it, that I had made it through.
“It came to my notice that you think I'm not fit to be your CEO” I added somewhat feeling hurt.
I looked around the room, and I noticed a curious thing. No one was making eye contact with me. Everyone seemed to be avoiding my gaze, their eyes focused on their papers or their hands.
It was as if they were all hiding something as if they did not want to confront me directly. I could feel my frustration mounting, my patience waning. I knew I needed to get to the bottom of this, to find out what was going on.
“Yes, we don't think you deem fit.” A voice added I looked up, and as he stood up, I looked first he seemed to be the spokesperson here,
“And why do you think so? I fell back to my chair with my own in between my fingers as I played with them, paying rapt attention.
I felt a flicker of hope, a glimmer of possibility. Maybe he would be the one to break the silence, to explain what was going on. He stood tall and straight, his voice strong and clear. "I know this has been a difficult time for all of us," he began, his eyes scanning the room.
"But I don't think you are capable.” He says, As I looked at the director, I noticed something else about him. He had a sly smile on his face, a look that seemed almost mischievous.
There was something about him that felt off, that made me feel uneasy. His eyes were sharp and piercing, his gaze cold and calculating. I could not shake the feeling that he was hiding something, that there was more to him than met the eye. I had a sinking feeling that I did not want to know what it was.
“How do we know that you are the true daughter of the Knowles?” Was he serious now, everyone knew her mother and the resemblance should be given away, and besides I didn't know or have any pictures of them, aside from the picture hung on the wall at home.
“As you know I have not met with my parents. So I have no proof to tell you.” I said calmly.
“How sure Ma'am Amelia made the right choice?” I furrow my brows at him,
How dare he say that to me? I thought deeply,
“Yes, we need proof!” Someone yelled from the staff,
The once-silent board room had erupted into a cacophony of voices. People were shouting and arguing, their voices rising in anger and frustration. The once-ordered room had become a chaotic mess, a swirling vortex of emotion and conflict.
I felt overwhelmed, my head spinning as I tried to make sense of it all. It was like a scene from a movie, a battle of wills that was spiraling out of control. I felt myself being pulled in, a reluctant participant in this drama.
Suddenly, the door to the boardroom burst open, swinging on its hinges with a loud crash. I was startled by the noise, my heart leaping into my throat. I turned to see who had entered, my eyes widening in surprise.
There, standing in the doorway, it was Amelia. She looked fierce and determined, her eyes blazing with intensity. She strode into the room, cutting through the chaos like a knife through butter.
She took her place at the head of the table, her presence filling the room.
“You want proof? I have proof.” She said. Everyone turned to her stunned. To my surprise, even I turned too.