After that one night

chapter two

Diana lay awake in her darkened bedroom, staring into the shadows while trying to piece together what had truly happened at the party the night before. She remembered being drunk, and she vaguely recalled having a conversation with a man she had identified as a stranger. Beyond those fragments, however, everything remained indistinct and difficult to remember.

“We will be going to San Francisco tomorrow, Diana,” her mum called loudly from the living room.

“Must I tag along?” Diana muttered under her breath. Even so, she did not argue or refuse. Instead, she decided to stop dwelling on the events of the previous night. There was no point in worrying about the man she had met when she was obviously never going to see him again.

*******In San Francisco******

Every one of the executives sat around the conference table in tense silence. Ashley occupied the seat at the very front, with Diana positioned directly behind her, while the remaining executives sat along the sides of the big conference table. The large conference table dominated the executive meeting room, and its polished surface reflected the tense expressions of everyone gathered around it.

“Lay down your complaint,” Ashley said with a straight face. She was not smiling, but she was not frowning either. Her expression remained controlled, while the firmness in her voice made the request sound fierce and unmistakably serious. The executives exchanged uneasy glances and subtle hand signals. It was obvious that none of them wanted to speak first; they were all too intimidated by Ashley’s authority and the sharpness of her presence.

“I think it is the general manager’s responsibility to speak, right?” Diana said. Her tone was calm and measured, neither harsh nor demanding, but her words directed everyone’s attention toward the silent man at the head of the table.

The general manager, who had remained quiet throughout the meeting, turned toward Diana. His eyes were filled with barely concealed hatred, and he cleared his throat and began to speak

“The situation began approximately two months ago, following the emergence of a new competitor in the market. Since then, the company has experienced a noticeable decline in sales and is currently operating at a loss.

This is not the first time we have faced competition. In the past, we have been able to maintain our position as the preferred choice among customers despite the presence of other competitors. However, recent feedback indicates a change in customer preference. Several customers have reported that the new competitor’s product is significantly better than ours, which appears to be contributing to the decline in our sales and overall performance.”He rounded up and proceeded to take his seat when Ashley interrupted .

"Don't tell me you were planning to sit there and do nothing." Ashley gave him a sharp side glance, one so intimidating that it nearly sent him running for his life. "If their oil is better than ours, then improve ours! Is that really so difficult?! Go out there, find out what their secret recipe is, and get the Sylvester Oil and Gas San Francisco branch back on its feet, you dumbasses!" she shouted at the top of her voice. Her anger filled the room, and no one dared to respond or even meet her eyes.

"You have three weeks to fix this," she continued. "And during those three weeks, Diana Sylvester will be the one running the company. She will be your new CEO for that period of time." Ashley said this without sparing her daughter even a glance, though she could already imagine the expression on Diana's face.

They had never discussed the matter at home. As far as Ashley knew, her daughter had never shown any interest in her father's company or in the family business. She gazed at her mum in utmost surprise but choose to stay quiet throughout the meeting and when they were finally done she confronted her mum

“You don't think things like what you did earlier should have been discussed at home? I don't want to be involved in all this s**t and you know fully well that the only reason why I am here is because of Dad and to tame your damn hormones so everyone won't know you take drugs!!! I'm too young to have a mother in a rehabilitation center and a father in heaven!!” Diana said silently but with a voice that carries anger . Ashley gazed at her and just smiled

“Now this is the daughter I raised,get to work and do that quickly .you won't be going back home with us as for your clothes get new ones.your favourite designers are scarce here but you can buy them to carry aura .what else….ermmn…oh accomodation. We have that prepared for you already or do we?? No I don't think we do .Book an hotel for the three weeks and with that being said and pretty sure it's clear I'm off “ Ashley said and walked off leaving Diana behind

Hours and minutes passed .Diana was spending her second day in San Francisco already because she had no choice as she wouldn't be let back home if this problem was not fixed .

It was her first day at work as the CEO . She was dressed in a purple suit and trousers ,and black pointed heels .She looked so good on corporate and she has this top notch fashion sense .Her hair was packed in a messy bun with few strands left hanging over her face,her make up was light but still carried an aura. As she stepped out of her hotel room her company staff were already outside ready to give her all she needed.

The car was already in motion and was headed right to the company when she told her driver to turn around “let's see this company that brought me here ..take me there “

“Where ma’am” The driver asked cuz he was not sure what she meant

“Our rival company!the one that brought me here “she said almost yelling

“Alright ma’am”

They turned and drove kilometers to pay a visit and negotiate if possible .