DARK SIDE OF BECOMING CEO

Picking up the pieces

Priscilla’s POV

Its 8:00AM. The sound of speeding cars and blinding lights made me open my eyes. I rolled out of bed, half awake, rubbing my eyes as I went to the kitchen. Kendra was making breakfast. She saw me and let out a warm smile whilst cooking.

“Morning Priscilla” Kendra said, handing me a cup of coffee. I took a sip and it was exactly what I needed to wake me up.

“Morning.” I replied.

“You slept good?” Kendra asked with concern.

“Yeah.. I guess” I replied.

Kendra hands me a plate of pancakes. My eyes lit up, like a child on Christmas morning. The pancakes had my favorite toppings. A dollop of whipped cream, handful of strawberries, a drizzle of maple syrup finished with a dash of cinnamon. Those pancakes were honestly the only thing that gave me true joy at the moment.

“Here you go” Kendra says while handing me a plate of pancakes.

“Thank you so much Kendra.. For everything.” I said.

“Anytime.” She replies softly

I took a bite of the pancakes with a little bit of everything. That first bite was heavenly. The toppings merging into a harmony of flavors. I rolled my eyes in amazement, hitting my fist on the dining counter.

“That good??” Kendra said, chuckling.

I nodded. My mouth stuffed with food.

“About yesterday,” Kendra began “what’s going to happen now?”

“Last night’s event still haunts me Kendra. Like, how on earth do I face Dad? How would he possibly believe me after seeing those terrible pictures of me?” I said

There’s silence in the room

“Oh I almost forgot. I noticed something Kendra” I continued

Kendra adjusts herself to the edge of her seat, eager to know what I was going to know what I was going to say next.

“I was in the bathroom last night. I heard a familiar voice at the door. It sounded like…”

My phone rings, interrupting our conversation. I picked up my phone and it was Dad. My heart sank as I answered the call.

“Priscilla! You have exactly 1 hour to get to my office. Now!” Dad said. His tone rigid, but calm. Calm like a storm was coming next. I’ve never heard Dad in such a tone before. My voice caught in my throat. I couldn’t say anything. The call abruptly ends.

“I have to go Kendra” I said sharply, getting up from the chair. “Dad needs me.”

I quickly freshened up, changed into one of Kendra’s clothes. A black buttoned shirt and brown slightly wide-leg pants. Nothing fancy, simple and casual. I hurriedly grabbed my keys from the dining table, rushed into my car and sped off. I arrived at Tennex building 10 minutes earlier than my time frame. Taking a deep breath, got out of my car and walked into the building. I got into the building, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. But I felt the stares, like bullets shot without a miss, whispers filled the room. My knees suddenly felt too weak to carry my body as I tried to walk with composure hiding the embarrassment I felt inside. The journey to Dad’s office seemed too long, the longest journey of my entire life. I finally got to Dad’s office and gently enter inside

“Took you long enough.” Dad said, not looking up from his laptop.

“Hello Dad.” I said, my voice shook slightly. “You wanted to see me?”

Dad slides some documents across the table.

“Care to explain this?” Dad asked. Looking furious.

I grabbed those papers, my hands sweating and trembling. What I saw shocked me to the core. My eyes widen.

“What… What is this?” I said, as my voice cracked.

“You tell me!” Dad cuts in sharply. Banging his fists on the table.

“This… This is not possible” I said. Tears well up my eyes. “I didn’t do anything. I can never steal money from the company.”

“Then explain the stupid expensive trips you had last summer” Dad says. Raising his voice.

“Yes.. I went on those trips with my OWN money Dad. You of all people should know I can never steal from the family company!” I replied.

“How dare you talk to me in this manner!” Dad says. Getting up from his chair.

“I can’t believe my own father would think I would steal from the company!” I said. My voice cracking.

“Oh please! Don’t play the emotional card!” Dad said. Rolling his eyes. “I don’t even want to mention the disgusting pictures I saw last night. Please tell me Priscilla, Did I train you this way? Do you know how much your ‘scandal’ has ruined the company’s reputation?!!”

I just sat there in silence. Tears overflowing my cheeks as I wondered why my father, of all people would think I’d do such a thing. I sat, confused, as to why someone would want to tarnish my image in such a way. What could I have done? I thought. Just then, we were interrupted by a knock. It was Ethan Pierce, Dad’s special assistant.

“Is this a bad time” he asked, opening the door.

“No.” Dad said firmly, staring daggers at me.

“Well Sir,” Ethan continued “I came with some reports concerning the Helix contract?”

“Yes.. uh..” Dad responded. Gesturing his hands to his table. “I’ll look at them later.”

Ethan immediately turns and leaves. Dad turns back, resuming his deathly gaze on me.

“Now you listen to me clearly, Priscilla.” He says. Pointing his finger at me.

“I’ll have an emergency conference with the reporters and an emergency meeting with the Board, to clear up your mess. But if this happens again, you’ve lost all rights to this company!”

I sit there, confused. Unable to comprehend what was happening, why my own father won’t believe me. My chest felt tight, I couldn’t breathe. It felt like my whole world just stopped for a second. I immediately gathered myself, got up and left Dad’s office without saying a word. On my way out of the building, I was cornered by Ethan.

“Hi Priscilla”

I turned and saw Ethan in his crisp grey suit, approaching me with a calm smile.

“Hi.” I replied. Looking irritated.

“I’m sorry, I think we haven’t properly met. I am..”

“I know who you are” I replied sharply, “I’m in hurry please.”

Ethan smiles gently “Last night still bothers you huh?”

“What do you know?” I replied defensively.

“Enough to tell you that not everyone in this company is who they seem.” Ethan replies gently. “If I were you, I would watch my back.” He said.

As Ethan left, I stood there stunned. My heart pounding, I thought the whole world could hear it. A million thoughts rushed into my mind. It felt like I was in a dream. A dream I desperately wanted to wake up from.