Yours Sincerely

CHAPTER 02: THE FIRSTS...

SAPPHIRE’S POV:

I snuggled more into the soft silk pillow... Wait ... Pillow... what the!!!

I groaned rubbing my butt as I fell on the ground in fright. Sleep was now long gone and I rubbed my eyes to adjust them with the brightness. I let out a relieved sign as I found myself in My New room. How did I get here? Hmm... I'm sure Lucas was the one. Who else will? But umm..... I had a strange feeling. A strange one, like I was feeling the warmth. And I'm sure that the warmth was not from Lucas here. It was a new, a kind of attractive feeling. I can’t say it was a feeling of.... uh. Just GREAT!!!!

Jesus Christ WHAT AM I EVEN THINKING?!!! I'm imagining things now??!!! Just freaking Great!!! I need to get ready for the office. And I need to clear my thoughts first... Go. To. Bath...

I glanced at the watch on my bedside table and it read 6:30 AM. I have to reach the office before 9, I better get myself moving. I signed and got up from the floor.

I brushed my teeth and took a quick - long shower. I washed my hair with my mild rose fragrant shampoo and walked out of the bathroom with my royal blue fluffy bathrobe secured around my waist. I just hope I would get proper business attire for my 1st day as the CEO of Steel & co.

I was surprised by the upgrade in my walk-in closet. The furniture was wall brown and black with a big off the white table with an expensive flower vase in the middle which had my favourite flowers, lavender and baby’s breath. I love that calming fragrance.

I touch the drawers on the side and found it had any makeup product a girl would need and the other side of the table drawers were filled with beautiful wristwatches. There was a brown sitting just in front of the full-length mirror and a small table beside it.

The closet had everything a girl can desire. Suit pants set, formal and casual one-piece, formal suit skirt set, formal and casual jumpsuits, Ballgowns, winter wears, casual attire, nightwears, you name it. Not only that, there were the footwear of every kind and don’t even get me started with the purse collection. There were many delicate and accessories too. I guess dad had planned this for a long time.

I signed and dried my hair before letting them down in natural curls. I grabbed a full sleeve pastel pink jumpsuit with a white coat and grabbed my stuff important for myself like my glasses, phone, etc. in a white Gucci clutch. To finish my look I pulled on some lipgloss and a Van Cleef And Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet Watch. Lastly, I wore a pair of pink stilettos and made my way downstairs.

I know this house like the back of my hand. Dad and I spent our last summer here with my friends. As mom was too stubborn to let dad waste his precious time for my vacation trip. We had a great time here. I and dad spent most of our time decorating every part of it. As some part was perfectly done while some were ‘waiting for my attention as daddy quoted.

I set at the dining table for the breakfast. As I’m sure like Lucas someone is an in-charge of home too. And I was right, A lady nearly in her late 50's came out of the kitchen with a polite and motherly smile.

"Good morning Ma'am I'm Sophia Paul your cook and head housekeeper.”

“Good morning Mrs Paul, nice to meet you. And please call me Sapphire.” I stood up to shook her hand but she pulled me in for a warm hug. I smiled and patted her shoulder awkwardly.

“I hope you'll enjoy the food. And the guest will be joining us soon." I nodded my head- wait a minute who GUEST???!!

" Umm... Whoo... Guest???" I trailed off.

"Ma'am your father's best friend and his son are staying here for six days now. Yesterday Sir Adam bought you home." She explained in a calm voice.

"Ohh!" That's all I said after the little information she gave me. She said She'll call the guest and left for the same.

While I remember an inspiring man who was Daddy's best friend. Ethan Black. He lives in New York with his family. More precisely his son, daughter and his 2nd wife. His first wife and particularly the love of his life died in a car accident with his son's twin brother when he was just 9. He married again for the sake of his son and the woman's daughter who's father was non-other that himself.

I've met Uncle Ethan before as he used to come and spend time with us. More like me and Daddy. We used to have lots of fun. But I've never met his other family members. Though I know that Daddy was impressed with his son and he used to spend his time with him if he was not with me or the business. Daddy told me once that Adam respected him as a role model and loved him as his godfather. But I don't know him at all, let alone met him.

Just then I heard footsteps coming towards the dining room. Uncle Ethan came with a young boy just of my age. He was like a waking Greek God. Though he looked like 17 or 16 his muscular body would make any girl do crazy things to get him for herself. His eyes locked with mine and he looked at me as if he can see right through my soul. His lips made a sly smirk indicating that he knows that I'm checking him out. AND I came to my senses.

What the hell I'm doing????!!!!

For God Sake Sapphire snap out of your Wonderland!!!!

He was wearing a casual - formal kinda attire and if you ask me... NO NO NO, SAPPHIRE DON'T GO THERE...

I scolded myself and stretch my hand towards Uncle Ethan for a handshake. But he pulled me into a fatherly hug. Patting my back. Telling me how I'm so grown up from a little sweet girl to a Business Woman. To be honest, I feel like I’m suppressing the nervousness inside me because if I don’t, I’ll f*****g blast!

I smiled and Uncle Ethan introduced me to Adam. We shook our hands and I swear I felt the same warmth from my previous feeling fiasco. We settled for the breakfast and Mrs Paul served us heavenly made pancakes with juice and waffles.

I complimented her food as it was yummy. we ate in comfortable silence before sitting in the living room. Adam sat on the couch with me, keeping a reasonable distance while uncle Ethan sat on the single couch.

“How are you holding up, sweetheart?” Uncle Ethan asked after a few minutes of awkward silence.  Wrong Question to ask... Cause I don’t know the answer...

“I feel like I don’t have time to mourn for my dad. Not now and I guess not anytime soon. Which will help... I guess?” The last part was more like a question. It’s true, I don’t know how I feel about the whole situation. But I am fine with that because if I let myself feel the grief right now, the company will fall apart and saw with the life of each employee we have. It’s better to ignore than to let that happen.

Uncle Ethan smiled at me with the best fake smile he could muster and left telling me that I’ll do just fine and he has meetings lined up so he won’t join us for the dinner. We exchanged greetings before he left and I was left alone with Adam.

“Well.. thanks for bringing me back home. I would’ve been frozen by the weather.” I chuckled nervously, trying to defuse the tense atmosphere.

“It’s nothing, I just saw you sleeping and couldn’t get myself to wake you up. You sleep like a child.” We chuckled. He turned to convert into a light and casual one and I immediately relaxed by his strangely calming voice and smile.

We talked about our hobbies, likes, dislikes and our friends. I don’t unusually can bring myself to open up with a new person but something about Adam felt different. In a good way, surprisingly. Because everything that is ‘something different’ nowadays is worst than the worse.

We were so engrossed with the discussion over stupid stuff that I didn’t notice Lucas was standing right behind us until he cleared his throat loudly. 

I quickly looked at the wall clock and saw it was already 7:55. I should leave.

I nodded my head towards the exit and Lucas nodded before leaving. Smiling sheepishly, I turned back to Adam.

“I should get going. We’ll meet at dinner, tonight.” I smiled and got up, taking my coat and clutch.

“Well, if you don’t mind. Can we go out for dinner or something?” He trailed off, nervously scratching his forehead. The question took me off guard.

“Umm,” but he cuts off.

“Okay! That sounded a bit too fast. I wanted to say, can we have dinner out tonight? Cause dad is not going to be able to make it for dinner and you can use some relaxation for upcoming stress. You know....” I chuckled, stopping his nervous babbling.

“I’ll. Pick me up at 8:00.” I quickly walked out of the house with a blushing smile on my face. As soon as I closed the door, I saw Lucas holding the door of dad’s White Rolls Royce Cullinan open for me.

I signed and quickly got inside the car.

We drove out of the estate in no time. As the buildings passed, the only thing that came to my mind was how my life took this drastic turn.

It’s not a turning the tables situation, it’s called tearing them apart. I always wanted to make my father proud, happy. But now all I can see is a responsibility full life. It’s not the way I wanted it to be. Not a bit.

The brakes of the car made me come back to life. I looked to my left to see the highest building in London.  STEEL IN. & CO. The same building I used to come to as a carefree child, just less than a month ago.  But it is the first time I'm here as an authorised person. It is for the first time I'm here for making decisions of the business empire that my Father nurtured with his time, sweat, hardworking and love. Am I the best person to run such a huge empire? Why Dad choose me over My Brother? Ohh dad, I just hope I won’t let you down.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and Lucas opened the door for me. As soon as I got out, the paparazzi started going crazy with the questions.

Miss. Steel, why are you the heiress of this business empire and not your brother, Noah Steel?

What is the reason for Mr Steel’s death?

Why is the family so quiet on his death, was he suffering from a disease?

How will a 16-year-old girl run a multibillion company? Are the board members even involved in the decision?

We heard that Mrs Steele is not your legal guardian anymore and Noah and Olivia Steel are not even got a single penny from Mr steel’s heritage?

Why you are the only heiress of estates and empire, even when you’re not a blood family?

Miss Steel the rumours are that you’ve been sleeping with your adoptive father and manipulated him into this decision. Is that true?

I looked at the woman who asked the last question. Her face screamed ‘you are only here for our humiliation and fun, Bitch.’ I maintained my neutral face as the bulky bodyguards continued to make my way for the entrance. They kept the paparazzi away but not enough for me to not hear them.

As soon as I entered the luxurious glass building, I was welcomed by the man j didn’t expect.

Manish Trivedi. CFO of Steel industries. And my dad’s most reliable asset. He was a 45-year-old Indian man who worked for dad for at least 15 years. His work ethics are the most inspiring one for the recruits of our company. He smiled at me and pulled his hand out for me to shake.

We did a formal handshake and moved to the elevator. Everyone around us looked like I was the only hope they have left.

We kept quiet through the lift as I don’t know what to ask him. The lift dinged on the 50th floor. We stepped out of the elevator and were greeted by the receptionist of Dad’s office Mrs Eva Morris and Dad's secretary Miss Kate Pablo. Mrs Morris was a lady of 37 years old and Miss Pablo was 26. She is a very beautiful woman.

“Good morning Miss. Steel, it will honour to work under you after your father. Congratulations..” Miss. Pablo handed me a rectangular wooden box. I looked at her with a raised brow. And she answered, “This is from your dad Sweetie.”

I looked at the box and nodded leaving the three of them behind as I walked to dad’s office door. The same heavy wooden door with white and brown furniture and an explicit wall with books you’d love to read. A wall glass window right behind the luxurious Lignum vitae wood table and comfortable yet powerful chair.

I was told to be prepared for the board meeting that will hold in the next 20 minutes. Taking a long breath, I opened the box and found dad’s most favourite pen with a note which said-

You are not here because you are chosen. You are here because you’re worth it. You’ll know it sooner or later but always remember, you’ll always be worth it.

PS: Don’t use my pen for your silly English projects...

I smiled and took the silver pen in my hand. I looked around the room and forced on what I have to do. I have to be calm, be sure that every board member accepts me as the CEO and board head when I turn 18 and for that, I have to prove myself in the meantime.

I sat on my dad’s chair for the first time and felt the rush of overwhelmed sadness which was quickly turned to responsibility. I closed my eyes and focused on each memory I can remember. How I can make a decision, How to persuade your board to do what you know is good for the company, How to be calm when someone disrespects you, How to talk when you know you have to.

Every word dad taught me in one way or another. To know who is right and wrong. To be a good listener. To see the truth in a person’s eyes before I start a conversation. To work, to carry you myself with dignity, to the passion I have, to the knowledge. Everything I can get for gaining enough confidence that I can walk through the doors of that conference room.

I opened my eyes slowly and touched the family photo on dad’s desk, which was of me, dad, Noah and mom on our private island. With a final glance at myself in the glass wall, I walked out of the office.

“Ma’am, all the members have arrived for the meeting. Mr Pots is here with the will.” Miss. Pablo informed me as we walked to the door of the conference room that was on this floor.

She held the door open for me and I entered the room with my high. Everyone in the room stood up just as they used to for my dad, except Mr Jason Velvet.

I wasn’t bothered though. He was the man you always imagine as the liability and an asset at the same time. He is always beneficial for the business but is toxic as a friend.

I sat at the head of the table, nodding my head. They all followed the suit. Not after a second the questions about what, who and how started. I leaned back on the chair and looked at Mr Pots. He nodded and I nodded back. Just as I raised my hand, the voice quiet downed.

Everyone looked at me and I smiled at Mr Pots, signalling him to continue. He stood up and opened the file.

“We all know that The Steel IN. & CO. was found and grown by the Steel family. So, after the death of Mr Steel, it will be run by the nominee of his will. We all are gathered here to read the Will of Hunter Danial Steel CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF STEEL IN. & CO..” Mr Pots cleared his throat and wore his specs. He took the papers in his hand that had LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT written in bold and capital. He started to read.

‘Know all men by these presents, That I Hunter Danial Steel, S/O Theodore Charlie Steel, R/O 42, London Park Hyde (imaginary address), the ring of full age and sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this instrument to be my last testament, hereby revoking all prior Wills and Codicils.

DECLARATIONS:

ITEM 01: At the time that I make this Will, I have one living children whose names are:

Sapphire Grace Steel and Noah Hudson Steel.

At the time that I make this Will, I am not married.

EXECUTORS:

The expression Executor’ used throughout this Will includes the singular and the feminine gender as appropriate wherever the fact or context so requires. The term ‘executor’ in this Will is synonymous with and includes the terms ‘ representative’ and ‘executrix’.

APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR:

I appoint the following: Sapphire Grace Steel, my Daughter, of 16 years, to be the sole executor of my Will. But till my executor becomes legally eligible for the titles, Manish Trivedi, My CFO, of  Steel IN. & CO. To be a legal guardian and temporary executor of my Will in the place and Stead of Sapphire Grace Steel. Until Sapphire Grace Steel is 18 years old.

I looked at Mr Trivedi in surprise. I thought it was just a rumour that Mom isn’t anymore my legal guardian but turns out that she even isn’t mentioned in the Will. 

Mr Pots read the rest of the Will like all the securities and rights of dad is passed down to me after I turn 18. Till then I need to get my degree and take the training as per the guidance from Mr Trivedi. He will neither live with me nor he will be helping me to meet the terms of the Will. He will simply Sms how me the path and I will have to walk my way through.

Not only that I have to maintain my social appearance as the heiress of Steel in the business parties and charity events. I even have to work and get educated about the company’s required areas and have to be a part of board meetings even though I can’t vote or make final decisions.

I listened to everything carefully about how I have to make yearly payments to Olivia Josh as the Alimony for the next 20 years. And how Noah has neither any rights over any of dad’s possessions nor any obligations over his Liabilities. Which is very strange if you ask me. 

Noah was also as mom entitled to a yearly payment of 100,000 dollars and that too after I get the full rights as dad’s executor. Which will be after 2 years.

After all of it, Mr Trivedi was declared to be temporary CEO of the company and Mr Velvet was appointed as the temporary CFO. Now, the most important part. I wasn’t allowed to meet my mom or Noah. We can also put it as they were graced by restriction orders.

After many more clauses and irredeemable points, finally, the Meeting was adjourned.

I sook my hand with every board member who returned the gesture willingly. Even Mr Velvet, who had a frown on his face was now smiling ear to ear. And the scene is really scary if you ask me. Cause Mr Velvet is the bald head 47 years old man with two MRF tires as a stomach and a golden tooth which gave him a perfect creep look.

Me and Mr Trivedi entered the CEO’s office again and I Sood on one side of the table, not knowing where I belong.

“You are the only right one who can sit on that chair, dear.” He pointed at dad’s chair. “I’ll work as CEO from my office.” I nodded and smiled at the vice man. He gave me a soft smile and told me to make appointments with my school principal and look forward to some business schools in the city that can give me a degree in Business management within Two years.

“How are you so sure that my teachers will give me a pass. Just like that.” I raised a brow and sat on dad’s chair turning on the computer.

“Simple, you’re already in the senior year when you should be a newbie and we have to work it out on time.” He chuckled and was about to leave when I remembered something.

“Mr Trivedi, what is it with Mr Velvet? He seems off on the starting but at the end of the meet, he turned out to be the happiest one.” I leaned back on my chair, getting familiar with it.

“Well, you see he has confidence that he can be a better CFO than me. And now that he has a chance he wishes to prove himself as a better replacement for me.” Mr Trivedi signed and left.

Well, I guess I have to contact my principal after all.