CHAPTER 2
1102 Words
As she applied the final coat of lipstick her hands shook a little. A deep crimson—bold self-assuredness.
The last thing she felt though was confidence. She was breaking apart on the inside but her image in the mirror was calm.
Investors were leaving. Richard Calloway had offered assistance. Suddenly ,there was a buzzing sound on her phone.
Serena looked at the screen. Cassandra, her P. A
She responded with a sick feeling in her stomach. “What is it?”
“ The board is having a meeting ma'am.”
Serena froze. “What meeting?”
“It's an impromptu one.And it doesn't look good from the way things are going.”
Her breath caught. “Who called this meeting?”
Then Cassandra paused. “ Francis.”
That bastard!
Serena held onto the edge of the vanity, shaking with anger. “He had no right to—
“They're going to start soon ma'am. If you don't arrive right away they will move forward without you.”
Her jaw tightened. I'll be right there.”
She hung up, picked up her bag and hurried out.
***
It was cold in the boardroom. Quiet. The air was heavy with judgement.
When Serena entered the weight of their stares fell upon her like a great force.
Around the massive mahogany table two women and eleven men sat with stern expressions.
Francis Laurent was seated at the head of the table, his fingers curled like a man in control, his face calm and smug.
Refusing to appear weak she drew out her chair and sat down. What is the meaning of this?”
Francis leaned back. “We were just talking about our. . . disappointment.”
One of the directors with gray hair sneered. “Moreau Enterprises is falling and you have no solution.”
Serena balled her fist. “ I've got it under control.”
Francis tilted his head and asked, “ Are you?. Because from where we stand, you're running this business to the ground.”
She took a deep breath and forced herself to stay composed. “ I have plans—.
“Plans?” sneered another director. “And what are those exactly?”
Nothing.
Serena's throat became tight. Right now Richard Calloway was the only solution and she wasn't going to say that.
Francis smirked. “Exactly. “You lack strategy and plans.
Another director folded his arms. “ We cannot stand by and watch you destroy this business.”
Francis adjusted his suit. “ We have made up our minds. You've got three months. You either turn this business around or step down.”
Serena gasped for air. “This is not possible! You can't do this.”
“Oh but we can,” Francis said with ease. We have votes.”
In her lap her fingers sank. “My mother started this business from scratch. My mother entrusted it to me—
A director spoke in anger. “ And she wouldn't have wanted it destroyed under your careless leadership.”
Eyes burning, Serena swallowed hard.
“ I'll make this right,” she pleaded .
Francis leaned forward. “Three months, Serena. tick-tock.”
She leaped from her seat and strode out. Ignoring their whispers. Tears burned her eyes.
Back in her office she put a hand to her chest and slammed the door.
3 months.
She shuddered. The framed photo of her mother was on the desk and she picked it up and held it to her chest. Her voice broke as she whispered. “What do I do Mom?
She cried uncontrollably. She had never been respected by the board. Neither as a woman nor as her mother's daughter.
They wanted her to fail so they would take over the business.
She took a sharp breath.
No.
They wouldn't get the wish from her.
Her phone buzzed.She reached for it and wiped away her tears. A message from Richard Calloway.
An old man shouldn't be kept waiting.
Her stomach churned. She hadn't remembered the meeting. She needed him whether she liked it or not. She straightened her back, put down the picture frame and picked up her keys.
LAVEZ RESORT: PRIVATE SUITE.
Her heels clicked on the marble floor Serena entered the dimly lit lounge. The private suite with its leather chairs, gold accents and expansive view of the city skyline exuded wealth.
Richard Calloway was in the middle of it all.
Waiting patiently for her, seated on a chair. With a fat cigar clenched between his teeth.
Despite his age he exuded strength. He swirled his drink and drawled. “Serena. Right on time.
She held herself, ignoring the urge to glare at him. And sat down facing him. “let's get to the point.”
And he laughed. “ You're always impatient.”
She crossed her legs. “ You mentioned that you could help me revive the company,” she said calmly, hiding her desperation.
He put his glass down. “Yes. However there is a price to everything.”
She tightened her jaw. “ Name your price.”
Richard flashed a smile. “Get married to my son.”
A gripping pin drop silence suddenly filled the lounge.
Serena felt her heart race in her ears. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. His eyes shone as he leaned forward. “Get married to Adrian Calloway. To secure your position. I'll make sure Moreau Enterprises prospers in exchange.”
Her body became rigid. “Thats—
“Outrageous?” he smirked. Think about it. You have no other choice.”
Serenas fingernails dug into her palms. “Why? Why me?.”
Richards took a sip of his whisky . “Because my son is. . . difficult. He needs someone strong. Someone who won't bend.”
Her mind reeled in shock. Get married to Adrian Calloway?
Her head was racing. She barely know him. She had seen him at functions and heard rumors of his ruthlessness. He was untouchable and powerful.
A man who was not interested in getting married. This was crazy.
“No, I can't get married to you son. I don't…
Her voice was hoarse as the words trailed off. She despises everything Richard represents, his son inclusive.
Richard leaned back his lips slowly forming a smile. “Unfortunately, you don't have time?”
She licked her lips like it would wet her dry parched throat. “I will not accept your offer.”
“So you'd rather watch them take over your mother's legacy…her sweat and years of hard work. What is it going to be, Serena?
- Writer
