THE CEO'S PUZZLING OBSESSION

CHAPTER 5

"So, in view of that, we wish to show our utmost respect and gratitude to all who has shown support in their various contributions to support the project.

"We want to specially thank Winston's company for their massive support to the government in constructing the first longest bridge in human history.

"To honour their rather extreme supplement, we wish to announce that the name endowed on the Bridge is 'Lady Winston's Bridge.'

The whole crowd cheered unanimously looking towards Mr. Winston.

Some, though, clapped reluctantly as they were confused as to why the new bridge in the city should be named after the dead Mrs. Winston.

Blake's face flared up. Everything that displayed on his face at this point was extreme antagonism.

He looked at Mr. Winston as he stood up from his sitting spot and went to the platform.

Mr. Winston was all smiles as he took the stairs and shook the governor and other press members.

"Despite his wife's death 3 years ago, he struggled to keep his net-worth as the biggest company in New Hilton city alongside his beautiful daughter

Mrs. Winston was one strong woman. She led all the women into a path of liberty and fortitude!"

The audience applauded once more. They indeed loved Mrs. Sarah Winston.

"I really appreciate the honour. I must say, the death of my wife was a groundbreaking trauma that I'm still trying to cope up with."

Mr. Winston began as soon as his mouth was 'on' the mic.

"It's been a rough tide for me I have to admit, but it's worth it. And thanks to my daughter and Mr. Blake, he was always there to comfort me.

"His company's products are unique and incompatible. Thank you Blake."

Blake simply smiled and waved as attention was finally turned to him for a second or two.

His heart was black towards the government and especially, towards Winston's Family.

This was just not how he wanted to be remembered. As Mr. Winston's little crippled friend?

'In a few hours from now, I will take my name from the dirt and take my revenge. You just wait for Winston'. Blake cursed under his breath.

He grinds his teeth in contempt amid his fake smile.

The audience clapped once more as Mr. Winston walked away from the platform.

"Please, enjoy the rest of the programme ladies and gentlemen. Do have a safe drive home!" The speaker concluded and gave way to discussions in the crowd.

"Aha, my friend. You did pretty well back there." Blake clicked his tongue and rolled his wheelchair as Winston walked towards him.

"Ah. How would I have done it without you?" Mr. Winston patted his friend's shoulder.

Everyone in the background chatted. They were either holding a glass of champagne or cocktail or a drink of their choice.

The grand inauguration of the new Mrs. Winston's Bridge was a grandeur commemoration.

A big artwork of Mrs. Winston was hung in the platform and was bid for $40,00,000 which the governor himself purchased for $45,00,000.

"You know, with your worth, the marriage of your daughter should not delay any longer. Think of how eminent your name and fame would sprout. Colton loves your daughter."

Mr. Winston sighed heavily.

"I don't know the next step to take concerning my dear daughter. She's just too adamant, I promised her mother that she would be the CEO of my company, and I am never going back on my word"

"You don't have to go back on your promise. But guess what?" Blake smiled and collected a document from the bodyguard standing besides him.

"What?" Mr. Winston asked curiously.

"You could enhance your promise. Here, take this."

"What's this?"

"It's the contract. My son has done his part, it's up to your daughter. You can create her future for her. Look Winston, you can sign up the contract marriage for her. She's your daughter."

Mr. Winston looked at Blake and then to the document.

He sighed. This was one big decision. He knew that his daughter Amanda was still trying to get over her mother's death. This may be an escape for her.

Finally, after some more pressure, Mr. Winston took the pen and signed the contract marriage between his daughter Amanda Winston and Colton Blake.

"Just one year, if she still doesn't agrees to it, we will call it off" Mr. Winston said as soon as he had finished signing the contract.

Blake smiled and he let out a loud sigh. He looked relieved.

He immediately lowered his escort's head and whispered something into his ear.

The man who wore a black Donald Twitter's suit excused himself and went to make a short call.

After about 4-5 minutes of chatting, suddenly, someone from the crowd screamed.

Armed men barged into the hall and began to open fire.

Everyone began to flee into different directions.

There was chaos and an unprepared uproar.

The gun men took a firelight and placed it on Late Mrs. Winston's painting and everyone gasped as they watched it burn down to ashes.

Blake smiled as he saw the uproar.

When he turned to where Mr. Winston was seated, he gasped and was shocked.

Mr. Winston, the prime target, had escaped.

*********

"I'm going to count to three, and if you don't give me a reasonable answer, I'm gonna call the cops for intrusion and theft"

Amanda charged up. Her hair was f****d up and her dress was rumbled. In conclusion, she was a mess.

Colton stood up instantly. For the second time, he was melt with an iota of fear, but he quickly swallowed it.

"Take a look at you. You drunk yourself to stupor and you blame me for intrusion?" Colton feigned anger.

Amanda paused for a moment. She suddenly remembered that she was actually drunk some hours ago.

Again, the last thing she remembered was being saved by a man who wore tuxedo white, probably a bartender, as she was about to fall from the staircase.

She didn't say a word.

"You brought me home. Then, who was the guy? The guy that saved my ass back at the bar?" Amanda then asked strangely.

It was then that Amanda realized that the gown she had on her was wet beneath.

"I was the one who saved you. I couldn't let any harm come to you, so I caught you and brought you home!" Colton tried to convince Amanda as he got up and stood still, but it proved futile.

"f**k you and your lies. Now, you're gonna get the hell out of my house before I get back here"

Amanda said and began to walk past him down the stairs.

As she walked by, Colton grabbed her by her waist and attempted to kiss her when he felt her dress was wet.

Amanda pushed him away and slapped him so hard in his face that it moved him backwards.

"If I return and I meet you here, I swear, you will regret knowing this person. Trust me!" Amanda warned and stormed out of the house in anger.

As soon as she was outside the house and was walking towards the swimming pool area, she called her chief security officer with the emergency telephone besides the pool.

In no time, he ran towards Amanda along with four other highly armed security personnels.

"Ma'am, we sincerely apologise for…"

"Are you f*****g crazy? Why would you allow a stranger get into my house?" Amanda fumed angrily at officer Fredrick.

"Ma'am, it was no stranger at all. Madamé Beareix drove you in a few hours ago when you were not very stable. She was all alone."

"And, there is a man who claims to have your Debit card and your contact card. He requests to see you urgently" the chief police officer concluded and bowed his head waiting for her reply.

At this point, Amanda was utterly confused and disjointed. She didn't know what was happening, but she sensed that something was wrong somewhere.

"Beatrix? What do you mean? She's nowhere in the house. You know what? Let this person in. Something's wrong." Amanda's emotions were rising.

She looked at herself in shame. Was she actually wet from s*x? Did Colton have his way with her when she was yet drunk?

She sighed and placed her hands on her head in agony and bewilderment.

Again, did her dad plan this all up? She knew how desperately he wanted the marriage alliance between the two families, but he wasn't this heartless, was he?

As the thought of her father flashed past mind, it was only then she realized that her phone had not been with her.

"Here he is ma'am. His name is Ethan. He was bartender at Lynch Hotel and Bar. All his information is at our disposal, would you like to take a look?" The chief said as he finally came with Ethan along with 10 other bodyguards holding up a big pad device.

Amanda suddenly turned back and looked at Ethan. This time, she looked at him consciously.

She was charmed by his smile. As they say, first impressions matter.

She admired his unfathomable golden brown eyes that contrasted his light toned face.

Ethan kept staring directly into her eyes that he forgot who the lady in front of her was. CEO of the Winston Company.

Amanda tried harder and harder to remind herself of this Ethan and what they had in common.

"Hello Miss Amanda. I'm Ethan, the bartender who caught you back in Lynch Bar when you were almost crashing to the ground."

Amanda kept silent and allowed him to keep talking.

Fear began to cloud Ethan's speech. Did she find out already? Was he going to be a dead meat?

"Few hours ago, i saw you drive into the bar and how everyone accorded you with respect, so I followed you to make sure you were safe" he began.

Ethan paused and took time to digest his lies. He actually followed her because he experienced love at first sight, not knowing who she was.

"I saw how much cocktail you took and knew it would have an effect, so I followed you and caught you before you fell from the stairs, then I took you safely to a VIP room where Miss. Beatrix came to pick you up accompanied by another man."

"You took me to a VIP room?" Amanda asked and then dismissed all the security officers in exception of the Chief.

"Yes ma'am. I did. I then called Beatrix as you instructed and…"

"What happened in that room? What did you do?" Amanda whispered softly into his ear.

Ethan quivered. He felt ice run down his spine. He immideately knew that he was in deep trouble.

"I.. I .. did nothing ma'am. Trust me Miss." Ethan stammered.

Amanda simply smiled at him surprisingly. She never took her eyes off the bartender. It was evident, she had fallen in love with him.

She admired the young man for real.

He was handsome, not perhaps in conventional sense, but had this appearance which could make him stand out among other men.

The feature she most admired was his smile that reached up to his eyes and wrinkled them, flaunting his humility and modesty.

"Did you say Beatrix was accompanied by another man?" Amanda asked suddenly to ease the pressure on Ethan. It worked, he looked relieved.

There and then, Ethan knew that danger was lurking in the shadows.

"Yes, Beatrix came here and left few minutes ago. Hello bartender Ethan!"

Amanda and Ethan both turned behind simultaneously to look at the person talking.

It was indeed Mr. Colton!