Chapter 12 TENSE MEETING
“Forgive me, Miss Lis, but Mr. Morgan was insistent and instructed me to let you out only after you had your breakfast!” Despite Greg's firm voice, I noticed that even he was unsettled by the situation.
“You must be kidding, right?” I stared at him firmly, tightening the folder in my hands.
“I'm not known for my humor, Mr. Lis.” He replied curtly. “Please, make our job easier and have your breakfast. It won't do you any harm.”
“I swear, I'm going to kill my boss!” I turned, stomping on the floor, grabbing a cup of coffee, and quickly turning around. I stuffed the toast quickly into my mouth, with no time to savor it. With my mouth full, I looked at the security guard and said,
“Satisfied?”
He nodded, entering and grabbing the coffee, putting it in a thermos, and signaling to the door.
“We can go; I'll take you to the company!” Greg turned and left.
“No, absolutely not… I'll go in my car. I can't be seen getting out of the company CEO's car.” I said desperately.
“Sorry, these are Mr. Morgan's orders, to make sure you eat properly and take you to the company.” He replied, going down the stairs. “Mr. Patrik is right, this building needs renovation; how long have the elevators not been working?”
“Don't change the subject. You can't condone what he's doing to me...” I screamed hysterically down the stairs, making the security guard stop on the step below.
“I believe, Mrs. Elisabeth, that Mr. Morgan wants what's best for you, and I'm not paid to question his motivations.” Greg kept his eyes on mine. “You'll be late if you continue to throw tantrums.”
Turning his back, he left the building, unlocking the car and keeping the passenger door open, patiently waiting for me to get in.
“Tantrum? Seriously... Did he say I'm throwing tantrums?” I walked out impatiently, more impatient than usual, passing by the security guard, huffing and pulling the door hard, slamming it shut.
Greg seemed unfazed by my reactions, got into the car, and drove us to the company.
We stopped in front of the publishing house. I sighed as I reached for the door to open it, but I was interrupted by Greg, who hurried to open it from the outside.
“Ms. Elisabeth, please take this,” he said, handing me the thermos with coffee. “I believe you will need it. Have a great day!”
I frowned, suspicious of his words, and thanked him with a nod. I entered the building and headed to the meeting room. Furthermore, I organized everything meticulously, from the presentation slides to the mental review of all crucial information. We were determined to close the partnership with Forbs News-Times, an achievement we had been aiming for months. Tireless hours were dedicated to the meticulous structuring of this presentation.
It was a big step for our publishing house, SoundStory Press. We planned to elevate our writers to an immeasurable level of success, turning their stories into productions for cinema screens, series platforms, and even theaters. In Seattle, we offered this, but CEO Patrik Morgan, as ambitious as ever, sought to expand to other states and countries. No limits, no borders. I've always admired his drive and confidence.
“Lost in thought?” a well-dressed, elegant man said as he opened the door.
He exuded sophistication, with a cordial, empowered voice and a somewhat sharp tone. His subtle, charismatic smile and friendly expression created a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining an air of authority.
“I'm sorry, you are?” I arched my eyebrows as I analyzed him.
“Your client. I came to represent the majority partner, Mr. Forbs,” he said, extending his hand in greeting. “I am Celdric Forbs, brother and CEO of Times News. And you are?”
“Mr. Celdric, of course, forgive my distraction. I am the executive secretary, Elisabeth. It's a pleasure to meet you and have you here with us,” I replied cordially, shaking the CEO's warm, soft hand firmly.
“I thought Mr. Patrik would receive us for this esteemed meeting, Ms. Elisabeth. They are being insistent about the deal,” Celdric said as he passed by me, sitting up straight and organizing documents and an agenda.
“Mr. Morgan will join us shortly. Can I offer you something to make you feel more comfortable?” I suggested. “I apologize for being direct, but Mr. Forbs hadn't mentioned that a representative would come in his place.
“You're right, you were direct,” Celdric shrugged. “I'll have a pure espresso, please.”
“Of course, Sir,” I nodded, leaving the room and heading to the secretary at the counter. “Call Mr. Morgan and let him know that Mr. Forbs's brother, Celdric, came in his place, and do me a favor, Julia.”
“Yes, ma'am?” The young redhead asked, which was helpful.
“Research about Mr. Celdric. We've never heard of him; his appearance is... Well, research and send it by email,” I concluded, leaving, grabbing the coffee, and returning to the meeting room, where there were more people.
Mr. Forbs's executive secretary had joined the meeting, accompanied by a lawyer; both looked at me impatiently.
“Ms. Elisabeth, I'm Bennett Foster. We came for an important meeting with your CEO. Where is Mr. Morgan?” The beautiful secretary with long blond hair and blue eyes seemed annoyed. I sighed, recomposing myself, feeling Mr. Celdric's gaze analyze me.
“Miss Bennett, it's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for my CEO's delay. You know his reputation; there was an unforeseen event, and it's not like Mr. Morgan to be late.” I smiled, trying to hide my nervousness. “Can I offer you something?”
“A tea would be nice,” Bennett replied politely. “I hope you won't keep us waiting for too long; my CEO is an extremely busy man.”
“I'll do my best, Miss.” I nodded firmly. “And do you want anything else?”
Knocks on the glass door caught my attention, and Julia signaled for me to go to her to talk.
“Give me a second.” I smiled, going to the door. “Julia, did you manage to talk to Mr. Morgan?”
“Ms. Lis, Mr. Morgan said for you to start the presentation without him; he will join you as soon as he can!” She whispered so that the clients wouldn't hear.