Chapter Four
THE BUSINESS PARTY...
All staffs were asked to close very early, so as to be able to prepare for the party. Thank God, I had packed my things inside the car because I knew going home was out of the option. So, I had called Sarah very early in the morning to inform her that I'll prepare for the party at her apartment since it was closer to the office.
When we got to her apartment later in the day, I firstly had a nap since I couldn't sleep through out the night, trying to finish up some work which couldn't wait till the following week. We got to the party 6.30pm and the place was already full with people and the decor was OMG. The event planner is a good one and I'll give credit to dad for always settling for the best and nothing less. I really love that about him, he would say the best last longer and brings one satisfaction which I already feel in this second party I would attend in my entire life.
We saw mum and dad, greeted them, after which Sarah and I raced to the chocolate fountain as if we were kids. Well, tell me who has the capacity to hate chocolate, when it lifts one's spirit up. We were gisting and laughing when I saw Bisade and her date, if you see what she's wearing, you would think that, she's here for a fashion parade which I'm not sure of, since we are all here for a business party.
I know for one that she can't bend down in that thing she called a dress, not to talk of walking fast in case of emergency. Her date looks her if he would be glad to be anywhere but here. Only God knows what she did to bring him to the party. We all know how she likes to get her way in every situation. I love her to the moon and back, but she's too handful.
They both went to greet my parents before she saw us and dragged her date to where we were sitting (YES, dragged...) And well, it's not new when Bisade and Sarah started bickering the moment they saw each other. Come and see drama... I never knew a business party could be this interesting. All thanks to my sis and best friend. Her date was just typing off on his phone since he tried his luck to stop both of them but they wouldn't budge.
I laughed so hard that tears started coming out of my eyes. It was when one of them tapped me and shouted at me to shut up, that I realize that I was already the center of attention. Who would blame them? The party is too boring and I'm the only one getting entertained.
RAYMOND'S POV
I was on my way to the business party of the company, I was thinking of merging my new company with, so as to expand across the state even the country when my phone started ringing.
It was Mr Pemisire, the man my father said he's the only one I can trust...
"What is it Mr Pemisire? You know I'm on my way to the business party" I said to him with a firm voice
"Sorry to disturb you Mr Raymond, but I wanted to let you know what was discussed by the board before you hear it somewhere else" he replied calmly
"That's so thoughtful of you. So, anything I should know, we both know I don't have all day" I snapped at him
"The board was thinking of removing you as the CEO, since the majority wanted you out." he said
"You've got to be kidding me right now, why would they want that, since I'm the best they could ever get" I replied with anger
"You're young Raymond, they believe you'll make irrational decisions which might be harmful to the business." he said
"So what do you suggest I do right now?" I asked
"The only thing I've been trying to tell you all this time. Get married to a beautiful lady and they'll be convinced that you can make good decisions. Infact most of them agreed when a member of the board mentioned this" he answered
"What? That's not possible" I shouted
"Unless you want to loose the company to someone else, and besides you know they're old fashioned" he said calmly
"Don't even go there... The company my dad built from the scrap, they want me to give it to that imbecile. NO WAY!!! Anyone would do, but not that stupid cousin of mine" I said with anger
"Well, there's no other option" he said
I ruffled my hair with my hand when I heard this and hanged up.
My cousin, Eric is someone you wouldn't want to see the first thing in the morning and when you do, please just go back and sleep. He was an orphan and dad brought him to stay with us when his parents died in a fatal accident. I was happy I would have someone of my age to play with since I'm the only child or so I thought. But even as a kid he was very cunning, he would steal my things and make it is own. I never complained since mum had thought me to be a cheerful giver even as a kid.
But it later got out of hand when he stole the attention of my parents from me. Everything is Eric this, Eric that... I later had to move out and get my own apartment at the age of twenty-two (22). Thanks to the power of saving... I know for sure he would run the company down with his playboy ways. Yes, I date once in a while but that doesn't mean I like relationships. Infact, I detest them. So, it is not everything you read in the tabloids that you should believe.
My driver informed me that we are already at the venue of the party and opened the door for me. Immediately I entered, the hall became silent. Well, I wouldn't blame them because it is not every day that you see the most richest billionaire in the state. I was brought out of my thinking spree when I heard a beautiful voice laughing. Well, don't ask me how I know and when I looked into her direction, I knew I guessed right. She has the most beautiful eyes have ever seen and I was damn angry when a young man tapped her to stop laughing. Well you wouldn't believe it when I glared at the guy, he peed on his pant. I'm awesome, right?
Mr Adetoun immediately came over and introduced me to his wife and other business men and women but my mind was with that beautiful lady I saw earlier and I know I wouldn't be satisfied unless I know who she is.
"Mr Adetoun, please who is that gorgeous lady over there?" I asked as I pointed at her
"Hmm Hmm Hmm.... Sh.....she... She's..... "
I was getting frustrated and I guessed he knew it.
"I'm sorry sir "He apologized
"I can't really say if your apology is accepted or not. Now, I'm waiting" I said to him
"She's my daughter and she works for me" He said with a look of admiration on his face which he tried very hard to hide.
I guess he has forgotten that I have a sharp eyes.
"Wow, truly, she looks like your wife. Please, I need you to introduce me to her" I said to him
Wait o, did he just say please for the second time? I actually thought my ears were not functioning well the first time. Hmm, I hope he doesn't have wahala(problem) up his sleeves o. I love my beautiful daughter...( Mr said to himself)
On getting to where they were, my eyes were just on her but I had to look elsewhere since she seems uncomfortable with my gaze on her. I saw how her friend was winking at her and she was glaring back at her and I wonder how someone has beautiful has her could do something like that.
Oh, help me God, who is this one that is flirting shamelessly with me in front of her family. I don't hate ladies but I hate ladies flirting with me. I mean how low can she get, most of her breast is outside and her face is caked up with makeup or whatever they call it and the most funniest part is that her date is trying every possible means to catch her attention. I had to ask Mr Adetoun if truly she's their child since she doesn't look like any of them and she is too fake. When I realized he wasn't going to say the truth, I texted my PA/PI (Personal Assistant /Private Investigator) to find out at all possible means if she was their biological daughter.
I know you might be wondering what's my own, well, it becomes my own since my beautiful lady is involved.
'I have a proposal for you Mr Adetoun" I said to him immediately we left them.
He looked at me expectantly but it changed to a look of horror when I informed him about it....
"I want to marry your daughter. I mean your older daughter."
"B..bu... But si....si.. r, you..... don't don't.... k.. no...w know her" he stammered
"Well we have a lifetime to do that." I said with a smirk
"You can't marry my daughter sir" he said trying to be bold but fear was written all over him.
"Then this contract is over. We both know you put everything you have in this business and even borrowed from bank. Let's see all your hard labour go down the drain. I give you 24hrs to decide. Good day"
Immediately I finished talking I regretted it cause I can see he is already on the brink of tears, he is a very good friend of my dad but what can I do? I need a wife and his daughter fills in the description. I left hurriedly so as not to change my decision.