Chapter 9 - Problem Solved
1043 Words
GENERAL
Aurora dug her nails into her lap, and her lips formed into a forceful smile as she tried to stop Layla from going to the party.
For months, she had planned for the award ceremony because that was the last thing she needed to finish the contract she was working on, and the success of the contract would help her prove her worth to their grandfather.
But who would have thought that Layla would call her three days ago to inform her she would be returning to the country three days later? She was at the office, performing her duty as the acting CEO, when the call came in. She was extremely frustrated and exasperated, to the point that she ended up breaking her phone, since that was the only thing she could divert her aggression to.
Layla’s arrival was always at the wrong time. It was the same six years ago, when she returned from her marriage. She hijacked the little attention Aurora was gradually receiving from their grandfather, and ever since, the old man had only sung her praises and raised his plans for Layla. He had never spoken about Aurora once… not even when Layla chose her to handle the company in her absence.
For six years, she had worked tirelessly to prove her worth, and just when she was on the verge of doing that, Layla returned to take it away from her again.
She bit her lower lip as she rummaged through her head for a solution. She wouldn’t agree. She wouldn’t just let her take away her hard work of six years.
She gulped and sat upright, tilting her body to the side so she could face Layla properly.
“You still want to go to a party after your trip to the country today? Are you not supposed to rest, Layla? I can always go to the party on your behalf. I’m sure you made me manage the company on your behalf because you are aware of my capability.”
One… two… three… Her heart counted the beats as she anticipated Layla’s response. She really wished she would listen to her and let her go to the award ceremony in her stead.
Layla stared at her for a few seconds, and her lips curled into a smile. She placed her hand on Aurora’s and patted it gently.
“I understand that you are worried about me, Aurora, but you should know that this is an important project. This is an international project, and it would push the company to the first position in the country and also give us the opportunity to penetrate the international markets if we win.”
She paused and took a deep breath.
“You know how much I’ve put into this project, even when I was in Canada. I shouldn’t slack when we are just at the end.”
Aurora’s stomach dropped. Her plan to stop Layla from going to the party failed. Her blood boiled and her stomach churned, but she still had a smile on her lips as she nodded.
“It’s fine, Layla. If you think you can handle going to the award ceremony, I will not stop you. You just need to be careful and let me know if there’s anything I need to do for you.”
Layla pursed her lips and nodded.
“Yes, Aurora. Thank you so much, sister. You are the best.”
The two shared a glance and chuckled.
•
Bastian’s Company
He walked up and down the office. He had been like that for more than thirty minutes. His hands were sweaty, and his feet were cold. Every attempt to meet the CEO of BOA had failed, and that was the only thing needed for the preparation of the contract he was about to compete for.
A knock ripped through the air and was followed by cautious footsteps. He turned his gaze in that direction and saw his assistant approaching him.
“How is it? Did you set up a meeting with him?” Bastian threw the question at him while rushing to his seat. Anxiety was evident in his eyes.
Nicole rubbed the back of his head and shook it.
“I… unfortunately, no. His assistant said he doesn’t want to speak with anybody.”
Bastian clenched his teeth and hit the table.
“s**t!” he growled. “He’s an arrogant bastard. What will it take for him to meet me?” He raised his gaze. “Ask his assistant. What do I have to do to meet him?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, boss. Somebody like him will surely not be a fan of bribery. I’m afraid doing something like that might jeopardize our chances of competing with other companies squarely,” Nicole advised.
Bastian paused and thought about it. Nicole was telling the truth. It could really jeopardize their chances and neutralize their hard work. It was better to play safe… but he really wanted to meet him.
Nicole cleared his throat to get his boss’s attention.
“Umm… well, I think you might have a chance of meeting him tonight,” he said.
As expected, Bastian’s full attention shifted to him instantly. With his brows creased, he asked,
“How do you mean?”
“While on the call with his assistant, I heard another voice in the background instructing somebody to prepare the suit the CEO will be wearing to the ABA Awards Ceremony,” he said.
“Really!” Bastian stood up. “Are you sure you heard right?”
“Yes, boss. I heard the background voice clearly. The CEO of BOA will be at the award ceremony tonight.”
He snapped his fingers.
“Better!” He clapped. “Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I’ve been stressing myself over this.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Call my designer and tell him to start coming. I need to start getting ready so I can reach the ceremony on time,” he instructed.
Nicole smiled and nodded.
“Yes, boss.” He exited the office afterward.
Bastian reclined in his chair and leaned his head backward.
“Finally,” he muttered with a smile.
- Writer
