ISLA’S POV.
The phone rang and Ian picked almost immediately. “Hello, grandma!” His lively voice came on sending a wave of relief over me.
“Still mad at me?”
“I dare not, I’m sorry I’ve not been in touch with you since your birthday.” Ian voice softened with regret as he apologized. “I just didn’t know want to say to you.”
“Silly boy.” I said teasingly and drew a small laugh from him. “You really do not have to apologize, Ian. I would’ve been angry if I were in your shoes and I apologized for my actions.”
“You don’t have to apologize, grandma.” Ian said. “I understand you perfectly, anyone would have thought of me as the culprit.”
“But I’m not anyone, I’m your grandmother.” I reminded him.
“Still, the Newman’s empire is your sweat and blood and Saraya’s reputation is tied to it at the moment. From that perspective, I can understand you trying to protect it from harm.”
“You’re so like your father, Ian.” I complimented him. “Thinking from other people’s shoes. You’ve grown, my boy.”
“Its all thanks to you, I’m lucky you’re my grandmother.”
I shook my head. “I’m the one who is lucky to have you.” Then I remembered something. “When will you be done with your final exams? We should visit your parents columbarium sometimes.”
Ian’s sighed at the mention of his parents. “I’m almost done, grandma. I’ll be rounding up by next month, afterwards we can do everything you want us to do together. I’ll be happy to visit the columbarium with you. It’s been a while since I last visited..”
Even though time had passed, I knew he still carried that loss deep inside, the guilt of surviving alone but I was glad, he survived at least.
“I’ll be waiting for your return,” I said, my voice filled with excitement. “And Ian… I’m proud of you, more than you’ll ever know.”
“Thanks, grandma. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The call ended and my eyes were teary, I blinked severally to make sure not a tear fell on my cheek. “Not today.”
“Now that I’ve reconciled with Ian, what about I clean after Saraya’s mess?” The words had barely left my mouth when I heard a soft knock on the door.
“Yes, come in.” I adjusted my blouse.
The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Mary, standing there with a bright smile on her face.
“Good morning, mother.”
“Good morning, Mary.”
“Breakfast is ready,” she informed me, still smiling.
I smiled back but shook my head gently. “Not today, Mary. I already made plans for breakfast with someone.”
Her brows lifted in playful surprise. “Oh? And who might this be? A lover, perhaps?” she teased, eyeing me with exaggerated curiosity. “You look exceptionally beautiful today, mother. You could easily give me a run for my money. Are you trying to impress someone?”
I let out a laugh, the sound escaping before I could stop it. “A lover?” I repeated, shaking my head. “I’m not meeting a lover, dear. I’m rather going to war.”
Mary’s teasing smile faltered, and she raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Going to war? What in the world do you mean by that?” she asked, walking closer to me and wrapping her hands round my arm. “Now, I’m interested.”
I patted her lightly on the arm, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. “Oh, Mary, you’ll find out soon enough. Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.”
Her expression softened as she watched me carefully, but I could see the curiosity still dancing in her eyes. “I hope it’s a good kind of war then,” she said with a hint of a smile, though I could tell she wasn’t entirely convinced.
“I’ll be fine,” I reassured her. “Just something I need to do. But I’ll be back soon enough, I’ll join you for dinner.”
Mary gave me one last look before nodding, her expression unreadable for a moment. “Alright, just be careful, mother.”
*
I reached Arlan’s company and walked up to the receptionist.
“Good day ma’am, how can I help you?” She asked with a practiced smile and that I could tell wasn’t genuine but entailed in her job ethics.
“I’m here to see Mr Arlan Reef.” I stayed my mission.
“Do you have an appointment with him?”
My patience running thin. “Do I look like someone who would need an appointment to see Arlan?”
“I’m sorry ma’am, it’s the company’s policy.” She began. “You need to book an appointment to see him.”
“To hell with it.” I snapped. “I want to see Arlan and I’ll advice you ring his office and inform me of my arrival.” Throwing my weight around. I had intend to cause a small ruckus and this receptionist was giving me all the chances I needed to make it a reality. “Or you want me to create a scene?”
“A minute ma’am.” The receptionist took punched some buttons, “what’s your name, ma’am?”
“My name is Isla Newman.”
“What?” The receptionist gasped, her eyes wide opened. “Sir, Ms. Isla Newman is here to see the chairman.”
She nodded. “Okay sir, I will send her upstairs.” She ended the call. “You can go through the elevator, the third floor by your…”
“I’ll find my way.” I said and was set to leave but the receptionist was obviously not done with me.
“By the way, ma’am.” The receptionist continued. “It’s a huge pleasure for me meeting you in person, I’m a huge fan of you ma’am.”
I paused, eyeing the receptionist carefully. “A fan?” I raised an eyebrow, though her words were polite, the admiration didn’t seem sincere. I gave her a curt nod.
“Yes, ma’am,” she responded quickly, her smile now more genuine but still veiled with the professionalism of her position. “I’ve read all your articles. Your work is incredible. I’ve always wanted to meet you.”
Her words felt like a forced compliment, but I wasn’t in the mood to entertain her for long talks. “Thanks,” I muttered before turning towards the elevator.
The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside.
The third floor arrived before I knew it, and the doors opened. As I stepped out, I was greeted by another receptionist at the entrance to Arlan’s office, a more formal-looking man with a serious look who I presumed to be Arlan’s receptionist.
“Ms. Newman, welcome,” He said. “Mr. Reef is expecting you.”
I gave him a curt nod, and he led me down a long corridor. The sound of my heels clicking against the polished floor, I loved the sound and the way each step was announcing my presence.
Finally, he stopped at a large door. “Right in here,” He said, opening the door without waiting for a response.
I pushed the door opened and walked inside without hesitation. There he was-Arlan Reef.
“Good morning, Ms. Newman.”
“Nothing is good about the morning, Arlan.” I retorted.