The Mafia & The Billionaire

Alex

I’m back at work, and there’s a lot that needs attention. We stayed a bit longer at Portico, and I’m sure that my wife will return there anytime now. That’s why I need to organize my schedule to make sure I get a chance to join them.

Now that her grandparents are here, I believe she’ll visit Dylan’s mansion more often, where the elderly couple is staying. I can’t stop her from going because I know how important her grandparents are to her.

Serene is an exceptional woman, and I know that whatever she faces, she can overcome it. That’s how independent she is, and I admit that this is one of the reasons I fell even more in love with her.

“Sir, I contacted Philip Einspein, and he agreed to a meeting,” Von said breathlessly as he entered my office.

“Why do you look like that? You look like you’ve been chased by ten horses.”

“I got so excited, Sir, that I ran here.” I shook my head at what he said. Of all my assistants, he’s the only one who has lasted this long. And I have no plans of letting him go because he quickly adapts to my plans and work schedules.

“I didn’t think you’d get him to agree. He must know that our intention is to do business with him, right?”

“Yes, sir. I informed him about that, and he said he’d consider it. But he still wants to hear more of the proposal.”

“Okay, our presentation for him is ready, right? I’ve been asking you to prepare that just in case an opportunity like this comes up.”

“Of course, sir.” I nodded and smiled at him before he reported other matters and left my office.

I got excited because the famous designer Philip Einspein agreed. I’ve wanted to enter the clothing line business for a while now, but I have no idea about it. I even planned to study it, so I sponsored a contest and invited the designer to be one of the judges. But I got busy with my wife.

But if Philip agrees or we meet each other’s conditions, I will dedicate time and effort to this new business.

I suddenly thought of Serene, the possibility that she is indeed the daughter of Selendro Madrid and the dangers that lie ahead for her. I know she’s used to always being in danger, but I still can’t help but worry.

I know that no matter how brave she is, she is still a woman who needs the care of a man who loves her. Every woman deserves to have someone who would become their anchor. And I want to be just that for my wife. Someone she can lean on and draw strength from, just as she is to me.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I wanted to go home around two in the afternoon, but Von reminded me of my meeting with the board. So, reluctantly, I stood up from my chair to leave my office and head to the meeting room.

I found that everyone was already there, including Mr. Mills. I wondered how this old man still had the nerve to face me after the incident at my parents’ mansion. He even looked me straight in the eye. Aside from being an organization leader, I’m sure they already know who Serene is. I’m certain the old man knows my wife’s status, which, compared to his, would make him look like he belongs to the middle class.

I sat in my usual seat during such meetings. As the CEO, I commanded all their attention. While many are intimidated and pleased with my leadership, I feel that some are envious and want to oust me from my position. Mr. Mills is one of them, especially since he knows there’s no chance of marrying his daughter off to me.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” I greeted them, and they returned the greeting with faint smiles. Von started placing folders in front of them containing the items we needed to discuss, which they opened and read simultaneously.

“More or less, with that report, you know the company’s current situation.” Some nodded at what I said, but I knew someone would object. And I wasn’t wrong.

“Just because the paper looks good doesn’t mean that’s the company’s real situation,” Mr. Mills said. “We all know Mr. McGregor has been too occupied with his personal life. You’ve all seen it; he hasn’t been coming to the company for a while and has left everything to his assistant, which is unacceptable to me.”

“I agree with Mr. Mills,” said Mr. Yan, who had been quiet until now. “I want someone who can fully devote themselves to the company.”

“I thought you wanted me to get married so I could become more responsible? Isn’t that what you’ve been pushing for in every board meeting? Why is it that now that I got married and was actually doing my part as a husband, you see it as a mistake and a shortcoming?”

Everyone exchanged looks, and those loyal to me didn’t seem affected by Mr. Mills’ and Mr. Yan’s accusations. “You need to learn how to balance your family life with managing the company, which is why I suggest you step down from your position for a while,” Mr. Mills said with a grin, seemingly unfazed by what I said, even though he was one of the main proponents of my marriage.

Despite my anger, I chose to calm myself. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions get the better because I knew they’d use it against me. However, I had a feeling they wouldn’t have the audacity to suggest something like this unless someone was backing them. And that’s what I wanted to find out. Before I could think of who might be helping them, the door to the meeting room opened, causing me to look in that direction and see a man enter.

“Hi, I’m Richard, the new shareholder.” I frowned because I had no knowledge of a new addition to the board. I was unaware and uninformed, so this must be the reason for Mr. Mills’ and Mr. Yan’s boldness. I wasn’t wrong because they were grinning when I looked at the two.