First Company Meeting

The atmosphere in the meeting room began to tense. Everyone looked at each other while Rose, seated on her chair, studied their expressions and body languages. Earlier on she had sent out her memo personally through company Telegram platform. The sudden call to attend the meeting was something beyond their comprehension and of course, stirred a wave of bewilderment among the higher-ups. Each of the director and managers came swiftly and took their seat, each with their own portfolio. Rose smirked.

Steve Mclare took a glance at Rose before he diverted his eyes to different directions when he caught sight of Paul looking intently at him. But when he recalled the way Rose smirked earlier on, he felt uneasy.

Among all the directors that attended, Director Blair, as a Managerial Director had the most ghastly expression. Rose couldn't help but noticed it in instant the moment he stepped into the meeting room. Interesting… The meeting had yet to begin, but this particular director had peculiar behaviour among the rest. Hmm…

"Hello. Welcome to this meeting. I won't take a long time to address a few agendas." She paused and looked at everyone while her fingers continuously swirled her fountain pen in an elegant way.

"Some of you here most probably think that I am young and immature that I am not suitable to become the CEO. well, I might be young, but, young age doesn't mean I am too young to manage this company. And the way I am going to steer our company will definitely different from your previous CEOs. Therefore, I really need each of you to give me your utmost loyalty and dedications. Let's move on to our first agenda." Rose gestured to Paul to insert the thumb drive into the projector. On the fifty-two inched OLED HDR-10 TV, the figures for the last three months presented to everyone that present. Rose cast her glances to the board of directors and studied their expressions at the moment.

Based on their expressions, some seemed to have fidgeted and unease. Hmm… As expected. There must be something wrong with these people. Could it be that her father was old enough to begin to show their true colours?

"Excuse me miss CEO, what do you mean by showing these figures to us today? I don't see any problem with these figures," an elderly director asked her. Rose smirked upon listening to his question and glared at him with a menacing gaze.

"These figures were taken from our company data site and these -" Instead of answering the director, she continued to speak and then tapped on the screen, showing different figures to them while her eyes landed on the managers this time.

"Were the figures presented in the report sent to me three days ago. May I know why is this happen?" She then glanced at the elderly director that questioned her earlier.

"You are Mr Caldwell, aren't you? Maybe you can explain this case scenario to me?" Her voice stern and menacing, threatening their senses to be cautious with her. All the directors and managers exchanged glances among themselves but no one dared to say a word.

Mr Caldwell's expression darkened. He was obviously seethed in anger by the casual way his Miss CEO addressed him. Damn this young lady! He cursed inwardly.

Rose ignored the old man and started to count the magical numbers in a backward manner silently, and when no one tried to explain the scenario to her as expected, she smirked. She then stood and took out a folder from her bag. She gestured Paul to distribute the documents to everyone.

"Now I will need to trouble the gentlemen and ladies in this meeting room to read and understand the documents especially the clauses as per your agreement when you took over your current position. That will be the second agenda of our meeting. Any question so far?" Looking at everyone lowered their head, whether they were immersed reading the documents or they were cursed her, she really didn't give a damn. She really needed to make herself clear: don't mess with her!

"If there is no question, then, the meeting is adjourned."

She still sat on her chair as she watched one and each of the manager and director walked out through the door. Some were sweating, some were calm. The only left in the meeting room was her, Steve and Paul.

Steve cleared his throat and looked at her before glancing at the busybody Paul who sat quietly next to Rose as if he was guarding her, like a ferocious tiger. He sometimes felt that Paul was more than a personal assistant. He acted as if he was a bodyguard. Could it be that he was really a bodyguard?

"Rose, I need to talk to you. Alone." he emphasised the word 'alone' that made Rose arched her left brow in curiosity.

"Sure." She turned to Paul and smiled reassuringly. "You go first. And get me a set of cheese tart and cappuccino. I'm famished!" Paul bowed his head slightly before leaving her alone in the meeting room with Steve.

"So, what is it now?" She nonchalantly asked him. She crossed her legs, tapped her fingers lightly on the table.

"I don't understand one thing. Why did you hold this meeting in the first place? Don't you know that it might cause you harm?" Oh, luckily he didn't have any intention to talk about the previous occasion between him and her. Rose sighed in relief.

"It might bring me harm, but I don't give a damn. I need to make sure the company survive. Can't you see in the reports? There's one big loophole that I found suspicious. Especially the one managed by Mr Blair and Mr Caldwell. If I am to pretend not to see these problems, do you think our company will survive? And, uh… I wonder where did the funds that the company has raised two weeks before George's death go? Don't you feel it's weird to see all these? You are part of Smith's company, are you sure you want to see our company sinks? Ask yourself, Steve. Do you willing to see it gone?" She blurted each and every word clear and sound. Steve was momentarily shut his mouth.

"Now, if you don't mind, I need to go. Anything, just call me. And -" She stared at him before adding, "Think wise before you take any harsh action. And never disclose whatever we had said in this room. It's between you and me." She was about reaching the doorknob when Steve grabbed her and simply kissed her lips. Her eyes widened, surprised by the sudden kiss. She brutally pushed him, swiftly opened the door and stormed out in rage.

Somewhere in the company.

Mr Caldwell sat on his chair angrily that even his secretary was cowered in a corner, literally biting her tongue. When he realised that his secretary was still in his room, he quickly shooed her before sat back. His breath heaved.

"Damn that young lady! Who does she think she is? Heh! You are just a little lamb. Soon, you'll be sorry for the humiliation you caused me today!" he hissed under his breath. The man opposite him smirked.

"Well... Well... She ain't somebody weak, no? I like her!" he uttered with a sheepish grin plastered on his face. "Ah... the way she questioned you really... feisty." his eyes gleamed evilly as if he found someone worth his attention.

"I really didn't expect she will go to that extend to check the reports provided by each department. Damn!" he cursed for the umpteenth times since coming back from the meeting.

"You need to be careful next time. Any single mistakes, you will be done, for good." the man tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest while recalling the way their young CEO acted today.

It was the first time he met her after so long. The day Mr James announced her appointment as the CEO, he was away for the business. He had never expected the young CEO was a lady with substance. Young but vigorous and witty. And, ah... she is a beauty, no? He could easily discern her curves, perfect and right curves. And those lips were smoking red and seductive that inviting people to kiss them. For a man to have the chance to kiss and caress those curves indeed a lucky man.

"Anyway, is she really dating Mr Townshend?" he asked curiously.

"You might as well forget about it, Mike. She isn't worth it." Mr Caldwell advised him. Mike chuckled evilly. "Oh, you don't know how deep is my grudge towards Mr Townshend, Caldwell. It's time for me to take revenge." And to execute this plan, he had the best chance - Rose Smith.