WANTED BY THE TOP THREE CEOs

News reporters covered the entrance to Belmont Corporation, a well known clothing brand company located in the heart of New York. The glass building soaring high above the city skyline, its logo, a ‘B’ and a ‘C’ stylishly joined together is attached to the side. A black sleek car pulled up at the front, two hefty men in a suit came down. One opened the door to the back, a pair of long legs in heels stepped out. The reporters immediately rushed to the car, their voices clashing with each other. “Miss Smith, is the news true? Are you the one in the video?” one of them asked as he pulled out his mic, but was pushed back by one of the guards as he tried to get closer. “What led to that action Miss Smith?” another chimed. “Has there been any issue after the incident?” “Is it because of what happened to your brother?” “The public will like to know” They kept asking as Ava walk towards the entrance of the company, refusing to say anything. The second she got in, the guards closed the door, shooing the reporters away. “Miss Ava” a lady in a grey formal wear with glasses called out, her hair packed in a bun and she’s holding a pad in one hand. She had a worried expression on her face as she got closer, “The boards members are waiting for you” she informs. Ava sighed, giving the lady her handbag, “Is there anything else?” The lady bit her lips, hesitating before speaking up, “I heard them discussing about a change of heir, and some other drastic topic that I couldn’t pick up before leaving” she said. Ava expression didn’t change, she knew this was going to happen after all. “Very well…” Ava says calmly, “I guess I’ll go find out the rest for myself. Take my bag to the office and cancel everything other thing I have to do today” she orders the lady as she starts walking but paused shortly, “Mia” Ava calls softly. “Yes Miss Ava?” The lady named Mia answered, as she stares at Ava’s back. “I’ll be fine, so stop worrying” Saying that, Ava made her way to the meeting room, as she enters, their chatter died down. Her father, stepmother, stepsister and the other board members were all seated. She calmly made her way to an empty seat which was next to her father and sat down. “Her highness is finally here” Maurice, her stepsister, taunts with a sly smile on her face. Ava’s face hardened slightly, she exhaled, calming herself down. She was in no position to talk, but one thing was certain, no matter the outcome, Belmont is hers and she won’t give it up that easily. Ava’s father cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention, “Now that we are all here, let’s get to the matter at hand” One of the board members spoke up, “There’s really nothing much to say Mr. Smith…” Everyone turned to stare at the old looking man. Mr. Anderson, a fifty year old man and the company biggest investor. “Miss Ava here has caused us quite a great harm, I don’t think we’ll recover from this anytime soon.” Maurice smile widen, she exchanged a secret side glance with the old man before shifting her gaze to her father. “Mr. Anderson is right father.” She agreed, her expression changing into one of concern, “Five modeling agency have cancelled their contract with us, our charts are declining and we have already lost a good amount of investors. This is not something we can easily come out of.” Mr. Smith sighed, looking at everyone, “I understand, and that’s why we’re here, to look for solutions… Miss Ava, my daughter, has contributed so much to this company and all of you can testify to that…” “So you rather lose the company?” Mrs. Smith interrupted calmly, silencing him. “Suicide is no joke, it’s not something the people can easily forget.” She added then continues, “Or have you forgotten what some of our partners said before leaving.” Her eyes shifts to Ava, “They said she’s unfit, probably still… recovering. And besides, we have already come up with a solution if I remember clearly” “I don’t agree with it” Ava finally spoke up, breaking her silence. She stands up slowly. “I apologize for the frustrations you all must be going through, it is indeed my fault and I will try my best to find a solution, no matter how tough it may be.” She says loudly, her eyes locked with Maurice who was silently fuming, she smirks, “…but what I won’t do is let someone take what is rightfully mine.” The room fell silent after that, then Mrs. Smith chuckled, catching her off guard. “No one said anything about giving up anything Ava dear, I guess your assistant didn’t deliver the message well to you.” Ava’s brows furrowed, same with Mr. Smith, and some of the other board members. Seeing their confused state, Mrs. Smith speaks up, “A marriage proposal” she smiles, turning her head towards Mr. Anderson who nods. “I have decided to marry Miss Ava” he declares, earning gasps and murmurs from some of the other board members. Ava stunned, quickly looking at her father who equally looked surprised too, then turned to her stepmother and sister, they weren’t smiling, but she could see the excitement in Maurice eyes. She balled her fists, seething as she tries to regain control before she says something out of tone. Mr. Anderson has always been one to get under her skin, literally. Mr. Anderson lets out a satisfied smile, getting Ava has always been his primary goal ever since he set his eyes on her. She is smart, competitive, always determined to get what she wants, feisty, and best of all, beautiful. “It’s your choice Miss Ava, marry me and save your company or… watch what you’ve struggled for years go to someone else” “I think we the board members have the right to pick who we see fit to take over. A marriage proposal is the only option you have now, or you can say no and we choose someone else.” He added. Another round of murmur went on, their gaze settling on Ava as they await her decision. “Mr. Anderson, if you can just give us some time to think about it…” Mr. Smith tried to speak. “I’m not asking you Mr. Smith,” Mr. Anderson cuts him off, “I must say that I am quite disappointed, as the head of this company I expected you to be more rational, I’m certain many agree with me… and besides, if she agrees, you’re the ones who will benefit the most” He turned back to Ava, “I don’t have time to waste dear, are you going to accept my proposal or not?” he asks her. Ava continued to stand. She clenched her fists tighter, the wrong answer will cost her so much, she refuses to be tied down but the consequences of saying no is eating her up. “Just give it up” Maurice suggested in a low voice, almost inaudible, trying hard to hide her smile. It felt like a dream come true, seeing her all high and mighty sister like this, her heart raced with excitement as she wait for her response. Ava seethed, “I…” she paused, the decision weighing her down, “I will…” “She will not marry you I’m afraid.” A deep voice said from the door, the figure tall, dressed in an all black richly made tailored suit with a coat draped over his shoulders. All eyes turned to him. Ava and Maurice eyes widen in shock. “Andrew!?” they both shouted at the same time.