Timeless Jewel

Five

Grover had alot going on in his mind.

First there's his father's recent behaviours. He suspects he's having an affair.

"This isn't the first time. The last time that old man messed up, he was forced to step down ad CEO."

Once again, Grover cares deeply for the company. It was one of the few things he enjoyed discussing with his father. They weren't that close but they both share the same love they had for the company.

Bam. Bam. Bam.

Grover repeatedly banged his head with his desk.

"I'm not used to this feeling. I'm confused, so confused that it's frustrating."

Ring. The telephone on his desk rang.

"Yes, what is it?" Grover said, he didn't bother hiding his impatience and recent annoyance. He couldn't any longer.

"Sir, the board had called for an urgent meeting. It's in an hour."

"The board? What is it now?"

"They didn't say, sir. They did however tell me to inform you that the large shareholders will be coming."

Can this day get anymore hectic?

Grover hanged the call and leans back. He takes a deep breath and released it slowly.

"Keep it together Grover, it's just one stupid meeting, how bad can it get?"

An invincible light bulb appeared on his head.

"That's it." He snapped his fingers. "I'll bring Talia to the meeting using the excuse of giving her a chance at getting some work experience whereas I'll use that to break the ice with her afterwards. I won't look desperate or suspicious and I can get a bit closer to her."

One of Grover's favourite quotes - "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

If there's even a slight chance that Talia is a fraud like Graham said. He will have to keep a close eye on all her movements, he can't do that unless they were close.

Grover called his assistant and asks for Talia to come to his office.

Knock. Knock.

"You asked to see me, sir?" She asked from outside.

"Yes, come in."

Talia did as she was told. She walked in an elegant manner as she approached his desk.

'She's even hotter than before with that suit. This is good, she's dressed perfectly for a meeting.'

Grover clears his throat preparing to speak. "How would you like to join me in a meeting with the board, it'll be good for an experience."

Talia grinned. She took a deep breath to control her excitement. This was a crucial opportunity for her.

"I'm in!" She quickly holds her lips as she realised she might have squealed a bit when she spoke.

"Great," Grover smiled. "Don't let me down."

She smiles back. "I won't sir, I promise."

The time for the meeting came. Grover sat at the head of the table signaling his position in the company.

However, even if he was the CEO, he had to answer to the Board. They all hold large chunks of the company's share due to their investments. As such, It was important to keep them happy.

There were 12 people seated in the meeting room with Talia being the only person standing. This was usually the case for the ordinary staff.

'Keep it cool, Talia. This is your chance to show what you've got. Thankfully, I'm dressed for the occasion.'

The atmosphere in the room was still yet heavy.

'They're all bigshots.' Talia was at the mercy of the pressure they were each exhibiting.

"I noticed the board isn't complete." One of the board members pointed at the empty seat.

"Where's the former CEO?" Another asked.

"He travelled. I will make sure to convey the entire proceedings of the meeting once he's back."

"Hmm," The oldest board member rubbed his beard. "He hasn't attended his station in weeks, he doesn't pick our calls and now he left the country without informing anyone."

Grover widened his eyes, "Weeks? But he was in the off-"

He remembered that he didn't actually meet his father in work throughout the month. He believed he always left work early. This was why he was surprised when he was told that his father was working late.

'That old man, what has he done now?"

Grover meets the gaze of the old man. Mr. Shin had the largest shares after Grover and his father so he was an important figure to the firm. decided to cover for him.

"He told me." Grover lied.

Shin raised his eyebrow. "Let's say we believe you, why weren't we informed?"

'Shit.'

"Uhm, that's because..."

"Forgive my intrusion." Talia cuts in seeing Grover in a pinch. "Mr. Grover has been occupied at work these days, he leaves nearly all of us. Just this week, he has attended 4 different meetings regarding the new branch we're opening. He's only human, even a brilliant man such as himself can fall into the hands of fatigue. So, I urge you to consider these points. "

Grover was dumbfounded and amazed at the same time. He looked at Talia with a smile and a nod to show his gratitude.

Talia however was whimpering in her mind. 'Oh my gosh, did I just do that? I've sealed my fate, there goes my career once again.'

"Hmm," Shin ponders whilst the other board members muttered amongst themselves.

"Yes, I believe we were a bit harsh in judging Mr. Grover that way. The fact remains that he has carried this company to greater heights than ever. The sales so far this year is the highest we've seen. My apologies."

"Please, apologies aren't needed. I believe we all have the company's best interest in our minds." Grover sighed in relief before hardening his gaze.

'I'll have to personally thank Talia later, she just saved my bacon.'

Whether or not she's suspicious, the fact remains that her presence in the meeting helped him avoid a bullet today. Despite the fact that inviting her was with ulterior motives, he was now glad she came.

Once again, Grover was amazed by Talia. But alas, the elephant in the room must be addressed...

"This leaves me with one question though, what do?"