The tension in the board room was palpable as the board of directors was presently waiting for the arrival of their boss who had organized the meeting. Intense murmur echoed through the room as they all gave their opinion concerning the recent plummeting of their stocks which they blamed on their boss’s negligence and wrong choice.
The huge door, which was the only entrance to the room, flung open. The silhouette of the CEO and his secretary strutted into the room with a calm and collected expression on their faces that made it seem like all the recent happenings were just a bluff.
Liam Callahan sat down on his high-back leather chair, in a relaxed and content manner without difficulty or strain. “Let the meeting begin” he declared with a steady voice that hinted at a tranquil inner feeling.
“The stock’s rate has plummeted to an unbelievably low price which was caused by the recent scandals”Liam stated as he gazed at each person in the room until his gaze finally landed on Max who had a bandage wrapped across his face.
He snorted and looked away. “The future might seem bleak but there’s a ninety-nine point nine percent chance of getting it back to its former position and even more and….”
“Sir, I hope the scandal is included in your plans because it is the main source of our problems”one of the directors interrupted Liam causing his gaze to darken but he remained calm.
“A damage control has been set in place for that. You shouldn’t worry about any more slander from the media” Liam explained with a forced smile on his lips which made all of them sigh in relief.
But the inquisitive director was still persistent in his questioning,” So, you mean your engagement with the woman in question still stands?”
“Yes, it still stands until I say otherwise” Liam responded with a sharp tone that spelled trouble if the matter wasn’t abandoned immediately. The director, sensing his boss’s displeased tone, rested his case and sat down.
“Our focus now, that is if we want to get back on track, is the company’s financials, products, and services. We need a series of brand-new marketing strategies and business ideas that would have been effortlessly covered with Project Phoenix. But was lost due to some unpleasant circumstances…. So, I’ll leave you all to work harder for the company’s reputation. The faster I get a response from you, the quicker the huge problem at hand is resolved”
Liam signaled to Sarah to distribute a list of stapled materials to the directors while explaining what its content was. “Those papers contain all the company’s financial records for the past two years with their marketing strategies. I want you to work with that and produce something more enticing and profitable than it… Any questions”
A total silence ensued, evidence of the tacit agreement and understanding between them. After making sure that there were no objections or forms of disagreement, Liam dismissed the meeting.
“Sarah… Get prepared. I can’t wait any longer for the project Phoenix to be retrieved. I need to work on something entirely unique. Something that can’t be stolen and to do that, I’ll need your commitment and dedication, as well as Adrian’s skills and knowledge. So please, do well to inform him so we can begin as soon as possible” Liam poured out his thoughts to Sarah who was touched by her boss’s sudden decision.
“I look forward to working with you as always, Mr. Callahan” Sarah responded with a jovial smile on her lips as she left Liam to walk to his office while going to make preparations for a great change that was about to transpire.
***
A sharp knock interrupted Liam’s thoughts as he stood by the window.
“Come in” he uttered clearly to the hearing of the visitor as he walked back to his seat.
“Adrian…. I was going to come to you” Liam revealed as his tech guy walked in
“Well, I heard from Sarah about your new plans so I came to offer my support” Adrian replied with a smile on his face as he was also pleased by his boss’s sudden move.
“Yes, she’s right” Liam affirmed as a question popped up in his head. “What about the findings I asked you to make regarding Gina?”
“Her movements have been discreet but she was once seen at the Russo company, the company of your business rival” Adrian replied with an underlying meaning in his tone.
“So you mean she’s been an acquaintance with my business rival?” Liam asked with a confused expression mixed with unbelief. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, sir. I totally am” Adrian affirmed to his words as Liam got lost in thoughts. No wonder, he was always apprehensive at the sight of her. He wanted to pursue the matter but regaining his former glory was more essential, so he had to make a choice.
“Adrian suspends all investigations for the time being but keeps monitoring Penelope’s medical condition. We need to focus on the work at hand” Liam ordered after much deliberation. He need not waste resources on unimportant people. “But keep tabs on Damien Russo for me. We need to be fully ready for his next course of action”
“Alright, boss. I will”Adrian agreed without hesitation. “But, I think there’s something missing regarding the scandal. Something we aren’t getting at”
“What are you insinuating, Adrian?” Liam questioned with furrowed brows.
“The pictures that were leaked were made to seem ambiguous but I checked to confirm, it looked like young madam was compelled to follow Max” Adrian revealed his assumptions. “I think there must be something between the both of them that led to that day”
“It’s alright, Adrian, “Liam said and after much hesitation decided to postpone the investment of his fiancee too. He had given her her freedom. If she loved him as she had claimed, then she would gladly reveal the things that she was hiding from him.
“Have you noticed any movement concerning the project Phoenix?” Liam asked with an expectant gaze. It was his sweat and blood. It wasn’t easy to let it go.
“Well, they haven’t made any move yet” Adrian replied. “It’s either they can’t comprehend its nature or they are waiting for something”
“Alright, let’s see how things go”Liam replied.