“Is this a sort of ploy to get the approval of the general public ?” One the journalist called out.
I smiled confidently,”On the contrary, I already got the approval of Mr Beaumont, what more could I possibly ask for..?
The crowd mumured at my response however I didn’t stop there, “be rest assured that Kings Land will be brought to greater height under my leadership, and I plead to you’ll to show your support cause you won’t be disappointed. Thanks.” I turned to leave making sure my hair concealed my face.
“Lady B, is it true you’re unmarried, yet you have two children ?”
I paused on my track, amist everything I expected, this question wasn’t one I had thought would be thrown at me.
I turned towards the direction the question came from and it turned out to be a lady , I smiled at her graciously and said,”Yes, I have two beautiful children.” Without looking back I walked majestically out of the conference room.
“I’m sorry about that ma’am,” Juliette said running after me apologetic, “I had specified we won’t be welcoming any questions regarding your personal life to the interviewers, I honestly didn’t know what she was thinking, I’ll be sure to quarry the lady.” She added, her voice quavering in fear.
“Is almost Juliette, people have mouth so they’ll definitely talk, for now show me a photage of the interview.” I said crashing into the chair in my office.
She typed something at her iPad and passed it over to me.
The video started, and there I was standing in the podium, just like I have instructed one couldn’t clearly see what I looked like.
As a matter of fact the only reason I could tell was because I knew I was the one standing there.
“This is perfect,” I said to Juliette passing back her iPad to her, “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome ma’am. The interview with Mr Jerkins is in thirty minutes time.”
“Alright, I’ll get myself ready.”
After Juliette left, I choose to scout the internet, stuffs like this doesn’t waste time before people start talking about it.
The first thing I saw was the interview, #NEW CEO OF KINGS LAND.#
The comment section was crazy, the blurry images of me was everywhere.
– “Who is this Lady B? Why can’t we see her face clearly?”
– “Is she trying to hide something?”
– “Love the mystery surrounding her!”
– “Why is the predecessor a female ?”
– “She sounds so confident..”
– “Does she really have two children ?”
-“Is she related to the previous CEO?”
I’m not surprised to see all of these, but one thing I’m grateful for is they still don’t know who I am, the last thing I want is to drag myself and my children to the lime light.
Checking the time I realized it was time for the meeting with Mr Jerkins, I packed up my stuff and readied myself to convince him I’m the right person for the role Mr Beaumont has bestowed me.
Damn it, I never knew it was this stressful getting everyone on your side.
As I was about leaving the office a knock on the door came in,”… ma’am, Mr. Jerkins is waiting for you in the conference room,” Juliette said, holding the door open.
I nodded, smoothing my dress. “Thank you, Juliette. Let’s get this done.”
As I entered the conference room, Mr. Jerkins stood up, his expression unreadable. “Lady B, pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise, Mr. Jerkins,” I replied, extending my hand.
We exchanged pleasantries before settling into the meeting. Mr. Jerkins didn’t waste time. “Lady B, I must say, your… unconventional approach has raised eyebrows. Care to explain?”
I leaned forward, confident. “Mr. Jerkins, Kings Land needs innovation, and I’m willing to take calculated risks. My vision aligns with that of Mr. Beaumont’s, and I assure you, results will speak for themselves.”
Mr. Jerkins raised an eyebrow. “And your personal life? The rumors are already circulating.”
I smiled graciously. “My personal life is exactly that personal. I assure you, it won’t impact my leadership.”
As we settled into the meeting, Mr. Jerkins’ expression turned serious, his eyes piercing through the dimly lit conference room. “Lady B, I must say, your vision for Kings Land is impressive. However, I need to see tangible results.”
I leaned forward, my hands clasped together on the polished wood table. “I understand, Mr. Jerkins. What specifically would you like me to achieve?”
“I’ve spoken to the other shareholders, and we agree that expanding Kings Land’s reach beyond Paris is crucial,” Mr. Jerkins said, his voice low and measured. “I want you to establish a partnership with Blue Enterprise in Boston.”
Boston… Blue Enterprise ?? The city’s name echoed in my mind like a whispered secret.
Memories long buried began to resurface the scent of salty ocean air, the sound of seagulls crying overhead, and the feel of chilled autumn breezes on my skin.
But most of all, I remembered him Raymond McLaren, CEO of Blue Enterprise, I could forget every other thing, but certainly not him, certainly not the Blue Enterprise, the same company that made me leave all that I love.
My gut twisted into knots as I pushed the memories away. “Boston? That’s a significant undertaking. What makes you think Blue Enterprise would be interested? Why not London, New York, or Tokyo?”
I had to push my personal life and see where this whole thing is going to.
“Boston offers a unique advantage,” Mr. Jerkins explained, his hands gesturing expansively. “Blue Enterprise has a strong presence in the city’s biotech hub, and their expertise complements Kings Land’s research and development goals. Partnering with them will give us access to cutting-edge technology and a foothold in the US market.”
“Moreover, Boston’s proximity to top-tier universities and research institutions provides an unparalleled talent pool,” he continued, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “This partnership will not only expand our geographical reach but also enhance our innovation capabilities.”
I narrowed my eyes, sensing an ulterior motive. “Are you trying to get rid of me, Mr. Jerkins? Send me to Boston to fail?” The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
Mr. Jerkins held up his hands, his expression reassuring. “No, Lady B, nothing of the sort. I genuinely believe you can convince Raymond McLaren to partner with us. From the information have gathered, he’s a very difficult person especially when it comes to Business, Mr Beaumont had had dealings with him in the past, it will be disrespectful just sending anyone, as the CEO it will be much easier to convince him, I believe your leadership skills are impressive, and I think you’ll creat a good impression.”
Raymond McLaren. The name alone made my heart skip a beat. I hadn’t seen him in years, not since our tumultuous relationship ended. The thought of facing him again, of returning to Boston, filled me with dread.
“Can’t this atleast wait, I only just took my seat as the CEO, leaving it empty will be crucial.” I said trying to reason with him, not just reasoning actually, delaying my going to Boston is the plan.
“Staying back is even more crucial for the company, since Mr Beaumont passing we’ve been experiencing some crisis, this will help alot and the other shareholders agrees aswell.”
I ran my hands through my hair in frustration unsure of what else to say.
Why Boston ?
“I know this is a difficult situation, and leaving your comfort zone to a new place is overwhelming, but Kings Land needs this.”
From the way he spoke it’s obvious he has no knowledge that I’m actually from Boston.
“Alright, I’d like to hear this proposal from the other shareholders themselves,” I said, stalling for time. “I don’t appreciate decisions made behind my back.”
Mr. Jerkins nodded. “Understandable. I’ll arrange a meeting with the shareholders. But, Lady B, I assure you, this is an opportunity for Kings Land to expand its global presence. Boston is just the beginning.”
I leaned back in my chair, mind racing. Return to Boston? Face Raymond again? The prospect sent a chill through me. But the part of me that wants to prove myself and secure Kings Land’s future burned brighter.
“Arrange the meeting,” I said finally, my voice firm. “I want to hear the shareholders’ proposal and understand the expectations.”
Mr. Jerkins smiled, satisfied. “Excellent. I’ll schedule the meeting for tomorrow morning.”
No matter how I saw this, this had to be a ploy of someone.
And I already have my suspicion….