Chapter 14 BUSINESS ASIDE
Julia returned to the floor, staring at the empty room with a pensive expression.
“Sorry, did I take too long?” she asked anxiously.
“No, the meeting was brief... Mr. Morgan arrived. Please give me the coffees; I'll take them to him. Maybe he can understand what he did!” I snapped impatiently, grabbing the items. “Thank you.”
“Good luck!” Julia smiled reassuringly.
I entered the elevator, where one of the executives was watching me from the corner. Roger was the newest director added to the staff, maintaining a long-standing friendship with the CEO.
“Mrs. Elisabeth, what a pleasure to see you. Is my friend still giving you a hard time?” Roger smiled politely, holding the elevator door open for me.
“You know him very well, so you probably already know the answer.” I smiled formally, pressing the button for the floor where the CEO's office was located.
“He makes your life too difficult, doesn't he?” He laughed, turning to face me. “I could ask for a transfer, maybe become my executive secretary; I have vacancies open.”
I sighed, considering the possibility.
“I'm afraid Mr. Morgan wouldn't agree to that. I was handpicked by him; God only knows how difficult it was for me to adapt to the CEO's routines and schedules.” I glanced at Roger. “Why don't any secretaries stay in the position with you?”
“They say my temper is difficult; can you believe it? If they knew Patrik, they would cry.” He smiled seductively, looking at me. “But I'm easier than Mr. Morgan!”
Winking at me, I laughed. The elevator door opened, and across from us, Mr. Patrik stood still with a stern expression.
“Roger, are you trying to steal my secretary again?” He raised an eyebrow in a threatening look.
“Me? Never, but I'm not to blame for being a more fun boss. Maybe she wants to work with me.” Roger teased.
The CEO put his hands in his pockets, adopting a more relaxed posture.
“Trying to quit, Mrs. Lis?” His voice, though impartial, revealed that the situation had bothered him. She had worked for him for a long time, which gave her the ability to perceive nuances.
“Mr. Roger was asking me for recommendations for good assistants, Mr. Morgan. However, I emphasized that I was handpicked by you and value the choice and value attributed to me.” I replied formally, stepping out of the elevator. “Here's your coffee.”
I extended the cup towards him, handing it over. The CEO stood still, analyzing me, until a subtle smile formed on his lips.
“Mr. Roger, I'll overlook your vulture-like way of circling my secretary, but if I see you doing it again.” Patrik looked over my shoulders, coldly staring at his friend. “I guarantee you'll never get a good job again in your life!”
“Well...” Roger scratched his head awkwardly, sighing. “That's fair. I apologize to both of you if you'll excuse me.”
Pressing the elevator button, Roger quickly left the floor.
“Mr. Morgan, has it become your motto to threaten people's careers?” I arched my eyebrows, intrigued.
“Mrs. Elisabeth, one does not attempt to steal the employee of their CEO. If Roger is acting like this, perhaps it is necessary to remind him of his place in this company as well as yours!” With Mr. Morgan's empowered voice, he turned his eyes towards me. “We need to align the next steps and improve our contract with Forbes.”
Turning his back, Patrik entered the office, leaving me still holding the coffee in my hands. I quickly headed to his office, stopping only at mine to grab the computer and the file for this possible partnership!
“I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan, but didn't you say we wouldn't close with him? CEO Celdric left here furious; I doubt we'll get this partnership.” I echoed, concerned.
“Celdric doesn't have any power yet. Powerful men like me and Mr. Forbs are surrounded by vultures ready to attack us, even when we're not dead.” Patrik approached the floor-to-ceiling window, creating a cozy atmosphere where the Seattle rain could be admired. “They're despicable!”
“I apologize for the confusion, Mr. Morgan, but... Isn't Mr. Forbs in poor health?” I looked confused at the CEO, who seemed to be lost in thought.
“It will still come out publicly. Some time ago, I found out about Mr. Forbs's delicate health condition.” Taking a cigar from his pocket, Mr. Morgan lit it, still staring at the enormous glass window. “Do you know the story of the Forbs, Mrs. Elisabeth?”
“It was founded by Mr. Andrew Forbs, the father of Mr. Elijah Forbs, who took over the company. Since its inception, the company has grown exponentially, becoming a reference in the world of publishing.” I replied firmly, still standing, staring at the CEO.
“That's what the newspapers and magazines have sold about the story... But the real story is completely different.” Looking sideways, Patrik nodded his head for me to sit in the armchair near the large window, so I did. “The co-founder of Forbes News Times, Andrew Forbs, started the idea after his wife was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She told scary stories to the children, and with her husband's encouragement, she started writing. Unfortunately, the delusions and difficulty in distinguishing reality from imagination led her to madness and decline.”
“My God, I had no idea!” I covered my mouth, shocked.
“Not all stories have a beautiful plot, do they?” The CEO sat beside me in the side armchair, taking the coffee from my hands and drinking it. “With his wife's death, Mr. Andrew found himself lost, drowning his sorrows in drink. Elijah was forced to take care of his siblings and father, eventually taking over the company, expanding worldwide, and bringing intriguing movies and series to the industry. He created his own brand of makeup and costumes used in productions; it's a great legacy.”
“Surprising, Mr. Morgan. I was thorough in my research. How have I never heard of Mr. Forbs's siblings? Nor did I know the outcome of his father.” I commented analytically, furrowing my brow.
“Money is power, Mrs. Elisabeth. We can hide a body without being discovered.” He laughed ironically. “Elijah sold the story he wanted the world to know; his father died from alcoholism. Celdric was an extremely troublesome and resentful brother for not being recognized by the family; he is a half-brother, discovered recently, who desires to take over the industry.”
“Wow, he seemed to be an honorable man.” I accidentally let slip.
“Looks can be deceiving!” The CEO shrugged.
“You mentioned brothers in the plural, and the other brother?” I picked up the other coffee that was in my hands and decided to drink it.
“Heloise Forbs, a woman of extremely strong personality and atypical temperament.” Mr. Morgan scratched his chin, seeming to remember something. “Anyway, she never took much interest in the industry; she pursued a career as an actress, dissociating herself from the Forbs name to have a career on her own merit, without needing the merits that the surname carried!”
“Admirable of her, isn't it? Building a career without assistance is incredibly difficult.” I sighed, reflecting on my professional journey. “What is Mr. Forbs's health problem? Do the siblings know? Why don't they come together to maintain this incredible empire?”
Laughing, the CEO stood up, stopping in front of me and placing his hand on my face, where he caressed the corner of my mouth. I noticed a sparkle in his eyes. Despite the cold temperature, I saw him sweating.