Chapter 4 Ghosts in the Boardroom
1037 Words
Wila adjusted her jacket and walked toward the conference room, her heels clicking against the marble floor with practiced poise. She was the woman in control. The woman with an empire. No one could see how shaky her heart had become.
She stepped inside the boardroom, greeted by the low hum of foreign accents and polite smiles. A group of five men sat on the far side of the sleek glass table, all in tailored suits. Lisa handed her the tablet with the presentation slides, whispering, “These are the foreign investors interested in a 35% share of the upscale line. Mostly from Canada and France. But one representative is from Berlin.”
Wila nodded, taking a calming breath. She raised her eyes to begin her welcome speech—
And then she saw him.
Stephan.
Older. Sharper. Still devastatingly handsome. The boy she once knew was gone, and in his place was a man—confident, composed, and smiling politely… until his eyes met hers.
For a split second, everything around her blurred. The air in the room thickened.
He’s here. He’s really here.
He didn’t flinch. He simply looked at her with eyes full of quiet intensity.
Her throat went dry. Her fingers clutched the tablet tighter. She prayed no one noticed the tremble in her hands.
“Mrs. Williams?” one of the French investors asked, “Shall we begin?” he said politely yet impatiently .
She forced a smile. “Yes, of course.”
She sat down. Stephan’s seat was directly across from hers.
Her heart was no longer in her chest—it was in her throat, pounding violently.
She wanted to say something. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. But she couldn’t. Not now. Not with all these eyes on her.
The meeting began.
But for the first time in years, Wila couldn’t focus.
Not on the numbers.
Not on the presentation.
Not on the potential millions this deal could bring.
Because across the table sat the man who once gave her everything without asking for anything in return—
And now, he is here. Not like in her past.
But as her future business partner , Wila swallowed hard, her heart slamming against her ribcage like it wanted out.
She couldn’t do this. Not now. Not with him sitting across from her like a ghost she thought she had buried.
“I’m sorry,” she said abruptly, rising from her chair before anyone could ask. I’m not feeling too well. Lisa, please have Mr. Sam take over the presentation.”
Everyone looked startled, murmurs rising. Stephan didn’t flinch, but his eyes followed her with quiet, unreadable intensity.
Wila didn’t wait. She walked out with grace—but inside, she was unraveling.
Once in her office, she closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a shaky breath.
How was this happening?
Of all the deals. Of all the investors.
Why him? Why now?
She paced the room like a storm waiting to break. Her head spun with conflict.
She needed this deal—the entry into France and Canada was essential if she wanted to stay ahead. Her expansion plans depended on it. But she wasn’t ready to sell 35%. Maybe 10%. Maybe none.
She needed money and support to enter these new markets , but not at the cost of control.
And certainly not from him or maybe why not ?, She started thinking maybe she should accept Gabriel's offer to help. But even though she will still need to partner at some point with these companies, it will make everything for her smooth and easier given the fact that they already have a good customer base ,factories for instant meals and connections.
She stared at the window, her reflection staring back. Her chest ached, but she straightened her shoulders. Time to take control again.
A few moments later, she returned to the boardroom. Calm. In charge.
“My apologies for the brief interruption. "Just a minor personal issue,” she said with a soft smile. “Let’s proceed.”
She spoke clearly. Authoritatively. A woman with no visible cracks, but she felt like Stephan could see right through her facade like he always did.
But she could feel his gaze on her the entire time. Her skirt didn't make matters better . She's not that fragile young girl anymore. She is a grown-ass woman. She looks more mature and her beauty is at its peak .
When the meeting wrapped, she stood up first.
“Lisa, please follow me,” she said, walking swiftly back to her office.
"Lisa, I want you to work closely with the manager for the completion of this deal, get the feedback and make a counter proposition if they don't take the 10percent we are selling". She said, walking with authority and bravery. Lisa walking most like running to keep up with her pace. "Yes ma, am" said Lisa back, nodding her head in acceptance. "Ummm ma, can I say something?" She pleaded, "Not now" said Wila, walking straight back to her office. She still couldn't believe what had just happened and who she had just seen.
She had barely settled into her chair when she heard Lisa’s voice outside the door.
“Mrs. Williams, Mr. Stephan asked if he could have a word with you.”
“No.” Her voice was sharp. Too fast.
Lisa blinked. “Should I—”
“Don’t let him in. Tell him I’m busy with Mr Williams. And mean it.”
Lisa nodded and left. Wila stood by the window again, her fingers grazing the glass.
Her heart whispered one thing.
Her lips said another, she ran her fingers through her hair but didn't seem to know the right thing to do.
She stayed in her office for more than an hour, but it never seemed to be enough . She had to honor her engagements and keep her company moving.
It was already 6pm, and she had to meet with Mr Williams to speak with the private investigator about the fake account typing bad reviews on all their platforms. She was far from knowing what was awaiting her at that meeting.
- Writer
