“Mason dear, you do realize you’re very special right ?”
“I know mum, but why can’t we have a daddy ? Does he not like us ? Or is it because we disturb too much and aren’t likable ?” He said.
“That’s not true Mason..”
“What then is it ?” Mia asked, “is he poor and can’t take care of us that’s why he ran away ?” She added.
“Jeeez Mia, where did you hear that from ?” I asked surprised she’d think to that extent.
“My friend in the daycare said her friend’s dad ran away because he couldn’t take care of she and her mum because they are too expensive.” She said innocently.
“You shouldn’t be having such conversation Mia, isn’t nice to talk about other people’s problem.”
“Okay mum, but why can’t we see Dad, is it because I’m not pretty enough.” She asked, subconsciously straitening her hair.
“Who is telling you both all of these ?” I said slightly raising my voice, ” you’re both beautiful and handsome well behaved children and your daddy loves you alot.”
“If he does why is he not here with us ?” Mason asked.
I ran my hands through my hair in outmost frustration.
Bringing down my voice I drew closer to him holding his hand,” he isn’t here because he’s out there making lots of money to take care of us. And no he isn’t poor.” I said the last part looking at Mia.
“If he’s making lots of money like you said, and he isn’t poor, why then do you work so hard and don’t stay home with us. All my friends mum just sit at home, doing their hair and makeup, they don’t work so hard, and they’re always home when they get back from the day care because their Dad make all the money.” Mia said without as much as taking a breath.
This is really getting out of hand..
Don’t they do anything else in the daycare other than talking about their family ?
I knew if I don’t give them a satisfying answer they won’t stop.
“Mia dear, mum works because she loves working, she loves making her own money, she doesn’t want to depend on daddy’s money.”
“Is that a good thing ?” She asked innocently.
“Yes it is baby, it doesn’t mean your friends mummies are lazy thou.”
I said the last part cause I knew she’s definitely going to read it the other way, and that will be just perfect.
How dare they brag to my daughter with their mum ?
“Can we atleast see a picture of Dad ?” Mason said.
I was still lost in my own thoughts when the question registered in my head.
“Huh !!!” I said trying to hide my shock.
“I asked if we could see a picture of Dad, since he’s busy and we can’t see him, it will be nice to see a picture of him..”
Ooh damn it, what do I do ?
I can’t afford to let Mason see his picture, he’s just too wise for his age, from one picture hell scout the internet for more and end up looking for a way to contact him, if that happens , it’s game over for me.
There’s no telling what Ray will do if he finds out.
I had to think of something fast…
“I’m sorry baby, I don’t have any of his pictures with me. But I promise when the time is right you’ll see him.” I said trying to coax him. “Now enough questioning for one night let’s get you both tucked in bed.” I added quickly before they ask anymore questions.
Picking up Mia, I stood up quickly and shouted..”Race you up the stairs Mason..”
He ran after me not wanting to come out last..
“Run faster mum, don’t let him win us,” Mia shouted as I tried to beat Mason in the race.
I tucked them both in bed, whispering “I love you.” to them before leaving the room.
Pheeew, who knew answering questions can be this stressful ?
I just hope I don’t have to go through this again for a very long time , I don’t want to even think about what it will be like if they start asking me this everyday.
I wish I could go to bed immediately, unfortunately I have to prepare for tomorrow’s interview….
From the mail Juliette sent, she made it clear that some unprepared questions will be thrown at me, however she sent me the ones I’ll be receiving from our end.
As much as I tried not to worry, I couldn’t help but worry, so many things keep running through my head.
What if the general public doesn’t approve ?
Damn this whole thing is becoming more and more difficult every day.
Soon it was morning and as usual, Laurent was outside waiting.
“Good morning Ma’am.” He greeted opening the door for me to get in.
“Good morning Laurent. Thanks.”
The ride to work was quiet, all I did was run through my answers over and over.
I entered my office, feeling confident in my black pantsuit and crisp white blouse. Juliette greeted me with a warm smile.
“Good luck with the interview,” she said, handing me a folder containing my notes.
They had arranged for the important questions to be asked in an interview with the shareholders before going in for the conference, this will be broadcasted, and Juliette has assured me they will only see my silhouette but not what I looked like.
The interview panel arrived, and we began. Mrs. Thompson, happened to be the lead interviewer, “Can you share your vision for Kings Land’s future growth and development?”
“I plan to expand our sustainable energy solutions, foster innovation, and strengthen community ties,” I replied.
Next, Mr. Jerkins asked, “How will you address the company’s current challenges in the renewable energy sector?”
“We’ll invest in research and development, forming strategic partnerships to drive progress,” I said.
The questions continued, focusing on my strategy for Kings Land’s success.
It went well cause have gone through the questions and answers before arriving.
After the interview, Juliette escorted me to the conference room.
“Time for the press conference,” she whispered.
I stepped into the crowded conference room, the air thick with anticipation. Camera flashes illuminated the space as journalists and shareholders filled every available seat. The hum of conversation ceased as all eyes locked onto me.
I had dropped my hair, so walking into the podium it was just the side of my face that could be captured.
I made my way to the podium, my heels clicking on the polished floor. The room seemed to shrink, the faces blurring together.
I stood on the blind spot where it will be very difficult to take a perfect shot of me.
I could only control the people in the company, however most of the people here are outsiders.
“Welcome, Miss Nora,” a journalist called out, his voice piercing the silence. “Can you tell us about your relationship with Mr. Beaumont?”
I paused, scanning the room. The expectant faces, the cameras, the microphones all seemed to close in around me.
“I…,” I began, my voice steady. “Mr. Beaumont was a mentor, a guide. I considered him a father figure.”
Murmur rippled through the crowd.
“But why did he choose you to succeed him?” another journalist pressed. “What makes you worthy of this legacy?”
I took a deep breath, the question echoing in my mind. Why me?
“Honestly, I still wonder that same thing,” I admitted. “But I believe Mr. Beaumont saw something in me, something that made him trust me with this responsibility.”
The room erupted into a flurry of questions.
“What’s your vision for Kings Land’s future?”
“How will you address the company’s current challenges?”
I fielded each question, my confidence growing with each response.
Then, a pause.
“I’d like to address something,” I said, my voice clear. “To show my respect for Mr. Beaumont’s legacy, I’ve chosen to go by the name Lady B representing Lady Beaumont.”
The room fell silent, the only sound the soft clicking of cameras.
Gasps and whispers spread like wildfire.
“Lady B?” someone repeated.
The name seemed to hang in the air.
“From now on, I’m to be addressed as Lady B..”