Chapter 35

Fuck! I reach for my zipper and open it. My cock throbs in misery. How am I supposed to walk into a boardroom with a hard-on? I lean on her desk as her office mate walks in as soon as Cara walks out. The moment she sees me she jumps in fear and immediately rushes out. I adjust my pants and coat for the last time before heading out. "Get back to work!" I demand when I find some people around Cara's office probably trying to eavesdrop. I head to my office to retrieve the files, Stephen Cooper asked me to carry them along. My phone snoozes as a message from Courtney pops. She has taken Theo for a treat. She is determined to make this work. I find everyone settled in the boardroom, two seats remain unoccupied and I choose the one beside Cara. All the eyes watch me like it was expected that would be my move. I sit and offer my apologies for being late. My father is glaring at me with disapproval, I ignore him and pass the files to Stephen Cooper. I have disliked the man always. People may describe it as a pushover but I think he is a dark horse. He is covertly aggressive, he may appear subtle keeping his intentions in check and unknown to most people that is how they fall into his trap. "Let me introduce everyone to our new director, Quinn Nickel," He points at me "...and one of our new interns, Cara Black." He directs his focus on her. I still don't know why we are all here especially, Cara. Could this be about us? "I will go straight to our main agenda for this meeting. As you know the company has been facing financial distress and for that, we had to sell 'Lauren Black fashions' to try to reorganise La Cooper. The move worked for a while but due to economic and legal challenges the entity is facing it fell deeper into distress...." I watch Cara react to all that her 'uncle' is saying. Her face is contorted with anger. Again I don't get why she is here. Such information is only shared with the directors. My attention is brought back when he mentions Cara's name, "This young girl report is impressive." He passes a copy to every one of us. "She audited historical data dated ten years ago to present, from it as you can see it the entity can recover from its losses without going public." My father studies the report and lifts his head to frown at me. It is clear he is disappointed, his plan is falling into pieces. He turns to Cara and the look he bares is deadly. I turn to look at her. I can't believe she went behind my back and did all of that. I am impressed and worried all together. If I fail to convince Stephen to go public then my family is doomed. The Nickel Audit is facing legal charges after Cara and Andre leaked the false financial positions of several companies we audited. "I can't believe you went behind my back and did all this," I whisper to her. "Was I suppose to include you?" She mutters. "I am your superior," I say. "Yeah right." "What is that suppose to mean?" "Your double standards are disgusting, you want an explanation as to why I did what I did but you cannot offer one as to why you left me in that hotel. How entitled are you?" Her voice is raised and the boardroom becomes silent as they listen to her. When she realises what just happened she immediately stands and rushes out. "I am sorry it is just a misunderstanding that can be fixed," I state. "It should be. Urgently." Angela, one of the members say. She is a middle-aged woman that dresses like a sixteen-year-old girl. She finances young boys in exchange for sex. "That girl's work is impressive but she is tarnishing this company's name. There are other smart young people we can employ. I pass a motion to fire her." Mr Daniels another member states. "I second it." My father says. "Aren't we being harsh on our judgement? Mr Daniel, you are right there are smart graduates out there but none come close to the dedication that young girl has. She has taken her time without being asked and found a solution for this company like it is her father's. That is what sets her apart. " Stephen Cooper says. He is right, no one will come close to fighting for this company like Cara because it is her father's company. " She may possess all of that but her indecency will bring down this company, her association with my son has already affected mine." My father speaks. "I agree, that was our second agenda. However, I am not going to fire her. I am considering transferring her to La Copper Hotel that is in Europe to head it." I suck in the air. "Unbelievable you want to reward her indiscretion, have you seen how she just shamelessly ran out. She is too emotional to lead." Angela spats. "I want that gold digger out of my son's life." My father demands. "Cara is not to blame on anything, she is a victim of my foolishness and so is everyone around me. No one should suffer for my mistakes especially her." I speak. "What is so special about her?" Angela mutters. "Let's not more working time on this matter, I will personally talk to her and I am sure she will make the right decision," Stephen says. "What if she doesn't?" Angela asks. "She will. That's all for today." He says. "What about the IPO?" My father asks. He has been pushing Stephen to go public something he is reluctant about. "Today was just a briefing but our AGM is in two weeks, then we can discuss in depth." Stephen leads by leaving only Angela and my father linger behind. She warns me not to choose a girl that belongs to the street over my family before she leaves. Such irony, for a woman who has slept her way to the top. "How could you let that girl ruin our plans. Do you know what this will cost us?" My father barks at me. "I never wanted to be part of all this." "Yes, all you want is to write those silly children's books. What kind of a man are you?" He asks. "More than you could ever be." Cara walks in. "Stay away from my family's business." He warns her. "Too late now, you should also have stayed away from mine." "Are you crazy, you are a nobody I don't see at any point I would be interested in your family." He turns to me. "Deal with this before I do." He points at her. I watch him gather his briefcase and jacket before leaving. The room falls silent and cold. Cara walks to where she was seated and picks her bag. She attempts to take a step forward. My hand is quick I snake it around her waist pulling her to me. Her eyes are red, I am surprised I have never perceived her as the crying type. "I am sorry. " I whisper. She can not hold her stare at me. I gently turn her face to mine... "You bastard..." We both turn to the door where Theo and Courtney are standing.