I watched each manager in turn, waiting for their response. After what happened this morning, I became even more determined to check the records they submitted to the general manager. It's been over forty minutes, and still, no one has spoken. I imagine it's difficult to redo everything for the second time.
Glancing into my cup of coffee, I realized it was empty, yet they were still not done. Without looking directly at my secretary, I handed her the cup.
"Do you want more?" She asked.
I shook my head slightly, not wanting to overload my system with coffee. She nodded and quietly exited the room. I like how smart she is, she must have gotten the message.
I'm grateful but Ethan called this meeting without my consent. I had planned to address this aftet today, and thanks to him, I am already on it.
It's been five more minutes, I was lost in thoughts, wondering here and there, when I felt someone tapping my hands, it was my secretary.
"I'm sorry about that. I called you but you did not respond. They are done." She informed.
"Thank you. So how is it? Is there a place I am wrong? Is what you submitted corresponding to what the manager presented to the company?" I asked.
They exchanged glances, seemingly unsure of who should speak first. Then an elderly woman among them cleared her throat and stood up to address the room. She had a tan skin, and a brownish hair that top her mid neck. I assume she's the eldest among them.
"Ma'am, you are right. What we have here doesn't correspond to what is on the files."
A small smlile tugged at the corners of my lips. I had been right all along. Mr. Adams must be too proud to admit his mistakes. I had sent for him to attend this meeting, but his absence speaks volume, like a guilty conscience. No matter, I will uncover the truth, make him apologize to the company, and solve this amicably.
"Very well, this meeting is dismissed. You can return to all your offices." I said, standing up. " and one more thing, let's aim for better results moving foward. There's a chance for an increase in everyone's paycheck, depending on the company's performance this month."
The room erupted with sudden murmurs, everyone was smiling from ear to ear. I need to inform others, in the next five minutes, everyone would be aware of it. They say rumors travel fast but this isn't like any rumor.
Father said he wanted to increase their pay, but since I am the one in charge, I should go ahead, but they will depend solely on their performances.
"If I don't get 80 percentage this month, I don't think there will be any increment." I injected their jubilation.
Everyone stared at me, the smile on my faces vanished. "You can count on us ma'am." They chorused. I nod, and turned on my heels.
I walked towards my office and pushed the door open, only to find Ethan sitting there, sipping from a glass of wine.
"I am sorry I came unannounced. How was the meeting?" He asked, raising the glass to his lips.
I was taken by suprise. Since when did Ethan feel the need to apologize for something so trivial ? Yes! I might be the president of the company, but he's my brother, the rightful heir to the Empire company. Why was he suddenly so formal because he's in my office? Isn't that supposed to be normal between us?
Sensing ny silence, he stood up, concern evidence on his face.
"Is everything okay?" He asked, his voice soft, yet lanced with worry. I couldn't help but smile, and before I knew it, I was laughing.
"Yes, everything is fine. I am just stunned that you are apologizing. You are always welcomed to my office." I said, shaking my head.
"Come on! I was apologizing for walking In unannounced. It's rude, you know. It doesn't matter if you are my sister, ther could be something confidential in here."
I raised my hands in a playful surrender, but before I could respond, his phone rang. The screen displayed a restricted number. Ethan glanced at me, then back to the phone, hesitating for a moment before placing it in his ear.
"Hello! Ethan speaking, who am I on to?" I didn't hear what the figure said, but his expression gave me hint that something must be wrong. The smile he had disappeared, replacing it with a terrifying look.
His face darkened, and he clenched his fist, barely holding back from slamming it on the desk.
"If you dare...." I thought he was going to say something more, but he trailed off, turning sharply and walking out of my office. The door slammed shut behind him,making me flinch at the sound. Something was definitely off, he was hiding something from me. His actions only confirmed it.
I shrugged it off, and made my way to my desk. Just then, a knock sounded on the door, and my secretary peeked inside.
"It's time for your meeting. Mr Lincoln is outside waiting for you." She informed.
"Alright, thank you." I replied.
She left, and I grabbed my bag preparing to leave the office.
Mr Lincoln, My Father's assistant was already waiting for me outside,holding the car door open.
I muttered a quiet thank you as I slipped inside, fastening my seatbelt before he pulled away, driving at a steady, fast pace. The ride was silent, neither of us saying a word.
Five minutes into the drive, we were parking at the traffic light, waiting for its signal before we move. Immediately it turned green,Mr Lincoln began to drive on the other side of the road.
I couldn't tell what happened or even see the car coming until the sound of a horn blared heavily towards us. It was close that I thought we wouldn't escape this time.
Fortunately, a vehicle behind us managed to intervene. As the car swerved to avoid us, it crashed into another vehicle, sending it somersaulting through the air.
"Park the car!" I screamed, my heart racing as I flung open the door and bolted out. The area quickly became chaotic, with people spilling out of their cars, drawn by the commotion. They gathered around the wreckage, their expression a mix of shock and concern.
"Ma'am! We have to leave, you will be late for the meeting." I heard, but didn't budge. That could have been me laying on the floor. What if the car didn't come in running ? Would I have been the victim?
I couldn't wrap my head around it. It happened so fast, and it could have been me.
"Ms. Emily." Someone grabbed me, and I turned to see the figure I met at the banquet.
'Anderson' I mumbled
"Are you okay? Let's get ou of here." He pulled me back into the car, with Mr Lincoln following.
"Yes, I am fine. I was just shocked. It happened so quickly." I replied, still dazed from the incident.
"It's okay. You should go back to the office." He turned to father's assistant. "Just be careful from now on."
"It's not his fault, he wasn't speeding. I think the car was aiming for us. Thanks for stopping by, I have a meeting."
"Alright, take care." He replied, patting my shoulders. We got back into the car and left the scene.