Chapter 1{Amani}
TEN YEARS EARLIER …
Sat in my dad’s home office, the scent of warm, freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air while I watched him knot his tie, absentmindedly flipping through a stack of paper work.
“You’ve been staring at those papers since breakfast, Baba,” I said while resting my chin in my palm with a playful grin. “They aren't going to disappear if you look away for five minutes, you know?” He let out a quiet chuckle without lifting his eyes. “Unfortunately”.
I slid the papers away and folded my arms. “There. Problem solved.” He lifted his head, feigning disbelief. “Are you sabotaging the CEO of Khalil Holdings?” “No, I'm saving him from himself.” That earned me a hearty laugh as he leaned back in his chair. “You know. One day it’ll be you sitting in my office and stressing over the same decisions.” I let out a dramatic groan. “I’ll leave the boring board meetings and paperwork to someone else.”
“There is no one else.” His voice softened. “One day …. Everything I’ve built will be yours.” I rolled my eyes at the thought. “Dad, I'm sixteen. I haven't even decided what I want for dinner, let alone my future.” “You don't have to decide today.” He gave me a warm smile. “Promise me one thing, Amani,” I tilted my head. “What?” His expression turned serious. “No matter how difficult life gets, don't let any one take away what our family has built. A name takes a lifetime to earn, but it can be taken away in a moment.”
My smile faded. “I promise.” He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “That’s my girl.” Dad glanced outside at the sound of a car horn. “The driver is here.” “So soon?” Of course the driver had to come when we were bonding. “I have a meeting with an old business associate.” I watched him gather his briefcase and throw on his suit before heading out. “I’ll be back before dinner.” He said as I trailed behind him. “You’d better be,” I called after him, “You still owe me a rematch in chess.” He smiled, opening the car door. “You’re still convinced you can beat me?” I let out a gasp, feigning offense. “I know I can.” “We’ll see.” He got in the car before giving me one last smile, “See you tonight, sweetheart.” “See you tonight, Baba.” The car door shut and he was off.
I felt a wave of sadness wash over me as I noticed my mum come up to me. “You wanted to spend the day with him?” she asked, turning to me. Of course, I did. Who goes to work on a Saturday? It's heinous. “Yeah, but work comes first.” She let out a laugh, “That’s Hassan Khalil for you. Always obsessed with work.” I gave her a dry chuckle. “He loves you so much, even though he shows it differently.” I looked up at her, “I know, I just wish he was around more.”
I turned on my heels and headed inside.
PRESENT DAY……
“The numbers don’t lie, Ms. Khalil.” The words pulled me out of my memories like a slap. I blinked, taking into the familiar boardroom of Khalil Holdings. The one my father used to dominate. The one investors used to trip over themselves to get onto. But now, the long mahogany table was surrounded by board members watching me expectantly. A projector overhead displayed our cold reality. Declining revenue, canceled contracts and a list of overdue debts that seemed to go on for days.
The silence was suffocating. “Our cash reserves are nearly exhausted,” the Chief Financial Officer continued, adjusting his glasses. “If we lose another investor, we may be forced to start selling company assets.” I straightened in my chair, refusing to let the unease show on my face. “We’re not selling Khalil Holdings.” I say, trying to sound as authoritative as possible. One of the older board members sighed. “With all due respect, Ms. Khalil, determination isn’t enough to pay creditors.” A few heads nodded in agreement. My chest tightened as another director leaned forward. “Perhaps, it’s time to consider stepping aside and allowing someone with more experience to lead the company.”
Silence. My jaw tightened. For years, these corporate assholes tried feeding me the same bullshit. I’m too young, too emotional, too inexperienced. None of them tried to show me some faith. They were convinced I couldn't compare myself to my father or keep his company alive.
“I appreciate the concern,” I replied calmly, “but my father left the company to me for a reason. He thought I could handle it and I would.” The room remained unconvinced. “Well, maybe he thought wrong, as you haven't done anything to prove him right.” My head snapped toward him, but before I could respond, my assistant rushed in. “I’m sorry to interrupt Ms. Khalil, but this is an urgent call.”
“Meeting adjourned, everyone out,” I said through gritted teeth. As the board members filed out, I turned to my assistant, “Who’s the call from?” She looked hesitant, “ Mr. Harrington, from Crestline Capital. He’s on hold right now.” Crestline Capital was one of our biggest investors. Frowning, I took the phone immediately. “Mr. Harrington?”
“Ms. Khalil, I'd like to meet this afternoon. There are … complications regarding our investments.” The hesitation in his voice told me everything. “I’ll be there.” I slowly lowered the phone and sighed. “Anything wrong, Ms Khalil?” I turned to her, “Nothing you can help with.” With that, I walked out.
