CHAPTER 6: THE BOARD

I managed to get home from work by 8pm; after Kate's continued persistence for me to come home. I went directly up to my room before anyone could spot me.

I puffed out of relief, when I finally landed on my bed.

I hurriedly changed, and got into bed to sleep for some hours, knowing fully well that Kate won't be home for about an hour.

All my plans of getting some sleep were thwarted, when I heard the sound of knocking on my door.

The door opened and my dad entered.

He wore a casual grey track pant and a blue t-shirt. He looked somewhat stressed, and if I didn't know better, I would have said he was ill.

"Hey Fluffy"

I frowned at his usual greeting, due to his appearance.

"Dad, is something bothering you? You don't look very fine"

He rubbed his palm against his face before answering.

"The board wants me to step down. The two years notice I gave them, has expired."

"You've always wanted to step down, and pass the baton, so why do you look so distraught about it, or did you suddenly have a change of heart?"

He seemed to be contemplating telling me something before he finally spoke.

"They don't think either you, or Rebecca have proven yourselves worthy enough to lead the company. They're suggesting the Director of design, Michael Stewarts."

I couldn't believe this, how dare they? After all the late nights I put in this? This people are really ungrateful.

"I could impose you, or Rebecca on them, but that will only lead to crisis, which is why both of you need to do something big to be considered"

I sighed in frustration. Perhaps if I was to land this deal with Sam, they would see me worthy, seeing as they would be our biggest client.

"Alright daddy. Leave it to me. Your girl can take care of this"

I saw a smile creep up his face. He knew I only called him daddy when I was worried about him, or extremely happy with him.

I jumped out of my bed, and rushed to hug him.

"Alright little one, I trust you. Daddy won't worry again" I chucked at his response, before I finally freed him from the bone crushing hug.

"Don't forget to come down, and have dinner before you sleep" he said in a warning tone.

"Yes sir" I saluted at him, before he left my room. I was glad I could at least lift his mood, the last thing I wanted to see him do was worry.

I slumped back on the bed thinking. It was only that Jerk that could help me out right now. He hadn't even notified me when we would be leaving to Jordan. I never thought I'll be this desperate.

I decided to go down stairs, and get some dinner.

Kate probably noticed something was wrong with me, judging from the looks she was giving me, but I ignored them.

After dinner I made my way back to my room and drifted off to sleep, too tired to get anymore work done.

'Dub

Dub

Dub'

I groaned at the sound of my ringtone. It couldn't possibly be morning yet. I ignored it, but before I could go back to sleep the phone rang again.

I lazily stretched my hand towards the bedside table, knocking some things down in the process. I lifted the covers over my eyes, and squinted to see the caller ID.

It was an unknown number. Who in the world calls another person at 3am? I contemplated ignoring it, but then curiosity took the better part of me, and before I knew it I slid my thumb across the answer button, and put it to my ear.

"Hello?" I groggily said.

"You sound on edge. Did I perhaps disturb my Essi's beauty sleep?"

I groaned inwardly when I realized who it was. He finds every possible way to make me miserable.

"Is there something you want, or is this a social call by 3am?" I asked irritated.

"We're leaving for Jordan by 10am. Be ready, a car will pick you up from work"

I chuckled loudly at his response. What a joker. Who the hell does he think he is? Does he think I work for him, that he just dictates my schedule?

"You're crazy. I have work, and you can't just jump on me. I guess some people just age without actual maturity. You're talking all this nonsense probably because you've been staying too long in that palace of yours, and you are starting to think the whole world is your kingdom. You cannot dictate my life!"

I yelled the last part at him. He was quiet for a few moments, after I had finished putting him in his place. I was almost about to drop the call until I heard him speak.

"It's your choice. You don't have to come with me, but if you don't the deal is off so don't bother contacting me after. The car will come by your office by 9am, and if you're not in it, I will take it as you're no longer interested in this business deal. Goodnight Ms. Williams"

With that he hung up the call. I was so stunned. I don't know whether it was the fact that he hung up on me, or that he used my real name that surprised me.

I couldn't care less if he was angry, but if I lost this deal, it's as good as I lost the company.

I jumped off the bed in preparation for a shower. If I was going to be able to make this trip, I had to get on early and get some things done for work.

After I had my shower, I dried my hair. I was torn between wearing a skirt, or a trouser. I mean I have to look formal since I was going to stop at the office.

I'll go with the trouser since a skirt might be a little uncomfortable, considering the journey, and I should probably also carry a scarf.

Wait a minute why do I even care how I look? Wouldn't looking terrible be disgraceful to him?

Nah I have my own reputation to think about.

After putting on my plain grey trouser and a maroon off-shoulder blouse, I put a black scarf in my bag and quickly opened up my laptop to send out some important mails.

I hadn't even told dad, or anyone I was leaving yet, I guess I would just have to call them to notify them.

After sending out the mails, I wrote down a quick note saying I would be off on a trip to Jordan without any further details. I left it on the kitchen counter, and left for work.