***
Yet this morning had other plans.
"Boss? Are you listening? You think we should quote keeping 23% margins given the inflating prices of oil?"
"Umm... sure Mark. I trust your knowledge and expertise on the subject. Just go ahead and wrap this up before end of this week."
"Okay.... Are you feeling alright? You look uneasy."
"Umm yes, I think I might need to call it a day early today. Can you coordinate with Maria and be my proxy for all my meetings today? I would rather go home."
"Sure, thing Boss. Consider it done. Take Care."
"Thanks Mark, and for the millionth time. Call me Jacob or Jake please. You are amongst my most trusted people, more like a friend, enough with this formality."
"I know Jake. I just go with the flow when at work. Don't mind me. Take good rest, I will manage here."
"Thanks buddy. As always."
Mark was by age and experience, a couple of years senior to me. When I was still in college, I remember how Dad used to always say great things about him. He had achieved a lot at a very young age. He was the youngest Vice President Richmond Corp had ever seen.
Dad even made me work in Mark's team as an intern during my fellowship days. We shared a great rapport then, that was until the unexpected happened and by default I became his boss.
Irrespective of the situation, Mark had always been extremely loyal and hard-working. He helped me a great deal in settling in when I took up Dad's position. I was grateful to have him in my team.
I drove back home, and strode straight to my room.
I could not stand to think or deal with anything else. For now, I had Emma all over my mind, and I needed time to calm myself.
I already had many problems to deal with. I had to protect my family and my father's empire. Nobody knew what I was dealing with. My family was at the center of a huge conspiracy, and Emma would be better off without me.
Chapter 9
Pep Talk
Emma
Life wasn't that bad after all. Your career is going well, and your family back home are doing just fine. Isn't this more than enough already? I was pep talking with myself, while walking down to the sub.
People have way too serious problems weighing down their shoulders, and yet here you are, whining over petty boy issues. What are you? Fucking thirteen?
A couple of people gave me strange stares watching me blabbering to myself. But I continued ranting, paying no heed to my audience around.
How can you forget to be thankful about how blessed your life already is? You really need to get a grip Ms. Carter. I rolled my eyes after reprimanding myself.
Minutes later, I decided to call my dad. Whenever I felt low, his words of wisdom helped me stay positive.
"Hi dad. How are you?"
"I am good baby girl. And just got better after listening to your voice."
"I just felt like talking to you, I had my first client meeting yesterday and it went really well, and Benjamin and Raina had their baby boy." I filled him in on the latest events.
"That's great Emma. Give my regards to Benjamin and his family. Why don't you come home this weekend? You can tell me all about your meeting, and we will all spend time together? Your mom will take your favorite cake."
"Wow. That actually sounds like a great idea. Yes, I will be home Saturday morning dad. See you both soon." I hung up with a smile on my face.
I entered the office. I was running a little late today.
"Morning Britney. You are looking gorgeous, red is so your color."
"You don't look bad yourself Emma. Fresh as a daisy! How are you? How did it go yesterday?"
"It went fine I guess; I need to connect with Benjamin and give him details."
"Oh yes. He is already in; I am sure he is waiting for you."
"Alright, see you around lunch, we can eat together if you are free?"
Britney immediately agreed and I headed straight to my office. When I entered, I found Benjamin on his seat. He was hooked at his laptop screen.
"Good Morning Benjamin. Many congratulations again! How is Raina and our little boy doing?"
"Thank you, Emma. They are doing well. And Thank you really for stepping up on my behalf yesterday."
"No problem at all, it indeed is my job to assist you in all your client engagements. I actually want to fill you in on the details." I put my files on table to let Benjamin know of the Richmond proposal status.
"That won't be required." He said cutting me out. He was now walking towards me with a serious expression.
"I have news." He said sternly.
My mouth went dry looking at his piercing gaze. Did something go wrong? As far as I remembered, I had double checked every detail before finalizing the proposal yesterday, did I screw it up?2
I was anxious and confused. If I really made a mistake, I can kiss this job goodbye.
Richmond's are S&M's biggest client and they won't allow any slips when it comes to them.
"We have heard from Richmond Corp. In fact, we heard directly from the CEO." He said while sitting on the chair next to me.2
I was almost dizzy hearing this. Jacob spoke to Benjamin about yesterday's meeting?
Is he going to get me fired?
Was he mad at me for kissing him off guard eight months ago? Was he trying to get back at me?1
I silently cursed myself. I should have thought
