An Ambassador

An Ambassador
Riley's Point of View:

As I finished speaking, the environment fell silent. The journalists looked at each other, seemingly unsure of how to react. I took advantage of the silence to make my exit.

"I'm done here," I said, turning to walk away.

But before I could take more than a few steps, I heard a voice behind me.

"Miss Riley, wait!" one of the journalists called out.

I turned to see a young woman hurrying towards me, a microphone in hand.

"I just have one more question," she said, out of breath.

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"

The journalist smiled. "Can you confirm or deny the rumors about your engagement to Mr. Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez?"

I felt a flutter in my chest as I hesitated for a moment before responding.

"I can neither confirm nor deny the rumors," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

The journalist's eyes lit up with excitement. "So, there's a possibility that the rumors are true?" she pressed.

I smiled, trying to deflect her question. "I think I've said enough for today. Thank you for your curiosity, but Alexender will talk about this topic during his next press conference. If you have any questions, attend it. Thank you, everyone."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving the journalists to speculate about my response. As I entered the building, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. I faced the journalists and came out on top.

But as I made my way to the meeting room, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in for a lot more than I had bargained for. Alex and I had a plan, we agreed that he would talk about it. “I just hope my little action has not ruined everything for him.”

“Sweetheart, you are here!” My mother squealed excitedly, as I entered the meeting room, and I was enveloped by the clapping of hands.

I could see my father from the corner of my eye, he was staring at me. He didn't look either happy or sad, his face was simply blank.

Daniel, my little brother, occupied the front seat, and I noticed that he was burning in rage.

“Gosh! If Daniel continues like this, he will die before you even have the time to teach him a real lesson,” My conscience hissed, and I giggled at her words.

The conference room was filled up, and I got a lot of stares. I don't blame them though, because they were all there when my parents disowned me because of my sexuality, and now they watch as they accepted back to their company.

“It must be a tough show,” I reasoned.

As I took my seat, my mother rushed over to hug me. "We're so proud of you, Riley. We all watched as handed the journalists," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

“What the hell Mom! Shut up and go and sit down! Have you forgotten so soon that you were the one who invited the journalists to mock me? Stop playing around by acting like a fool. Be wise!” Those were the words that popped up in my head, but I knew better than to say that to my mother. It wasn't like I was scared of her, but I knew it could potentially ruin my mission, so once again, I turned on my actress mode.

I forced a smile, playing along. "Thanks, Mom. Thank you everyone for this pleasant surprise."

The people seated flashed me a smile, but beneath it, I could sense hypocrisy.

My father cleared his throat, his expression still blank. "Let's get down to business, shall we?" he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. I knew this meeting was going to be a challenge. I also knew that I might receive insult if I am sworn in again….. “but why the hell does he look angry? He invited me himself!” I groaned, looking at my father.

As the meeting began, I couldn't help but notice Daniel's glare. He was seething with anger, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he exploded.

"So, Riley," my father said, his voice dripping with condescension. "We've been discussing the future of the company, and we've decided that you'll be taking on a more active role."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of role?" I asked, trying to sound interested.

My father smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "We'll be discussing the details later. But for now, let's just say that you'll be working closely with Daniel."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Daniel's glare intensified. This was not going to be easy.

"Sounds great," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. “But can I please know the details? If not all, some.”

My father opened his mouth to reply, and I knew he was about to refuse my request. Luckily, my mother beat him to it. “You will be working as our company's ambassador. You will be in charge of visiting our partnership company. You will also attend any meeting relating to our company's outside image,” My mother paused and looked at me with arched brows. “We can trust you, right?’

I smiled, trying to appear confident. "Of course, you can trust me. I'll do my best to represent the company."

My father's expression turned skeptical, but my mother's face lit up with a smile.

"Great, dear. We knew we could count on you."

Daniel, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I don't think this is a good idea," he said, his voice laced with disdain.

My father turned to him, a hint of warning in his eyes. "Daniel, we've discussed this. Riley is the best person for the job. Also, we are in a meeting, not a family group discussion."

Daniel's face turned red with anger, but he immediately kept his mouth shut.

I watched the exchange, intrigued. Why was my father so keen on me taking this role? And why hasn't Daniel convinced them to abandon me, again? This is becoming too easy and suspicious!

"I have a question," I said, interrupting my mother's speech.

"Yes, dear?" she asked, turning to me.

"What's the real reason behind this? Why do you want me to be the company's ambassador? My former position was the director of finance and management, so why should I be an ambassador, when I don't even know the basics that are expected of me," I asked, looking at my father.

The room fell silent, and I could sense the tension in the air.

My father's expression turned bright, and he leaned forward. "Let's just say that it's in the best interest of the company," he said, his voice dripping with menace.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that I was deeper than I thought. Daniel was still angry, but he had calmed down a bit, and he kept exchanging gazes with my mom.

“Miss Riley, this position has been debated on, and we've concluded that you fit this role, because of the connection you gathered during your time at Metropolis College, please don't disappoint us,” Fatom, one of the directors advised me, and I smiled broadly at him.

If they want to play. Then, I will play along with them, I made up my mind.

“Ok,” I said and stood up. “Since we've agreed on this, I would appreciate it if Daniel led me to my office,” I requested, and Daniel furrowed his brows in surprise.