ANOTHER DAY FOR LATIFA
1062 Words
Chapter 18
Zack’s POV
It's been over an hour, but the two womens’ gaze remained locked, suffocating the air in the boardroom.
Lady Joan's tightened face was firm and expressionless, but I was more afraid of the un-explainable smirk on Latifa's face.
Her expression holds a deadly secret I can't fathom. Yet her constant hand tap portrays victory.
Her boldness needs to be studied.
“It's 11:49, Mrs Del Mona…” Lady Joan smirked as she raised to her feet. “I believe your time is up”
Victory was written all over her face. I have a feeling she is up to something.
“I still have a minute left, Joan” Latifa smirked.
“What can you possibly do in a minute? I mean you couldn't do it in hours, my dear”
“Alot Joan… Alot”
Their gaze starn. Fierce.
This is war I feel; war of power.
It is refreshing to see Lady Joan worked up. I never knew she could attend board meetings.
“I wonder what that could be” Joan chuckled.
I wonder too… What could be behind her. Or should I say who?
“You will see soon… very soon…” Latifa refused to be out-shined as she flashed back at Joan.
Whose side am I on again?
“Sorry we're late. There was a bit of a situation downstairs.”
All the gaze turned towards the voice from the entrance.
It was Darryl!
Dr. Darryl?… A known investor in NY and beyond.
Breath hitched. Surprise switched to panic.
He's a big catch.
He had invested in an oil firm owned by the Russian government and other foreign capitals. He doesn't just invest alone, he introduces his fellow big investors.
That same Dr Darryl's here? In Dutchman's Empire.
“Ooh… Dr. Darryl, you're here”, Latifa rushed to him.
She pulled Darryl?... It has been impossible for me to. He always had a tight schedule and was always sorry about that.
Latifa gave me a quick glance. The ‘I told you to trust me’ look.
Trusting her was worth it after all.
Who are you Latifa?
The atmosphere tensed up as more investors stepped into the boardroom. Known and the unknown.
Fixing myself up, I approached the elite men and women as we exchanged pleasantries.
“Sir… all our stock has been bought” Eric, my P.A announced
Fear washed through the room. This time it was visible.
“Wow… isn't that good news Joan?” Latifa teased as she directed the investors.
I know what she did there. She is one hell of a troublesome woman.
I watched as the old investors trembled beneath. Senator Sally's folded fist shook under the table. I understand their fears. Do you know what they will lose?
Oweing a share in the Dutchman's Empire. Many can kill for it.
The air was electric as Latifa's gaze never wavered from Lady Joan's.
"I believe it's time for you all to leave," Latifa said, her voice dripping with triumph. "Drop your shares and badges on your way out. You're no longer part of this company."
Lady Joan's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by shock and anger. "You can't do this," she spat, her face reddening.
Is this really my mother? I have never seen her this weak. Inshort, I never believed she could ever be
Latifa's smile grew wider. "Oh, but I can. And I will. You've had your chance, Joan. Now, it's my turn."
“I am the only woman in Dutchman's family. The only wife. I have every right to remain here.”
“Are you sure, Joan? Latifa laughed. Carrying mockery and something hidden.
Fear washed through Lady Joan's face before it disappeared again. I caught it. Her fist remained tightened.
What does she mean? And why is Joan worked up?
She is the only woman for now. Or am I wrong?
What am I missing here?
I feel I have been in a blank space for a long and what the f**k does she know about my family?
Anger engulfed my heart as it thudded beneath.
Was it anger?... Or fear
My eyes fixed on the aloof woman before me.
I need to dig out more about this woman. There's more to her that I don't know yet.
“Anyway, we had a deal. So off you go”
“I will be back”, Joan spatted, her eyes blazing with fury.
“Mrs Del Mon… please reconsider” I interrupted.
No matter what they are doing, I know Latifa is only teaching them a lesson. Nothing serious. The investors needed the lesson anyway.
“You can't possibly be begging her. You're the CEO”, Lady Joan eyed at me. “You should be on my side!”
“Lady Joan” my starn voice cutting her off.
“I won't stay here and be humiliated”.
She dashed off as the door closed behind her. Latifa let out a triumphant laugh, her eyes shining with victory.
The old investors looked at each other nervously, then back at Latifa. Slowly, they began to file out of the boardroom, dropping their shares and badges on the table as they went.
The boardroom fell silent; The only sound was the soft clinking of shares and badges being dropped onto the table.
I stood. My fears ended with a sense of awe and admiration for Latifa's cunning and power. The game was hers to win, and she had played it masterfully.
Engineer Dona was the last to stand. But surprisingly, Latifa stopped him.
“Engr. You're an exception… Please sit with us”, she added, leaving us in awe.
Latifa turned to Darryl. "Welcome, Dr. Darryl. I see you're just in time. The company is all mine now."
Darryl's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well done, Latifa. You're a true business woman."
Latifa's smile was radiant. "Thank you, Darryl. I couldn't have done it without your support."
“I love business like-minds like me…”Dr Darryl shook her as he settled in the room.
‘Business-like minds.. Is he saying I'm not?..’
Latifa flashed me a smile as she caught me rolling my eyes at the man.
“You're welcome gentleman, ladies” I chipped in, avoiding her sly gaze.
She sees to much.
“Let's get to business”
- Writer
