Whiplash

He looked at me casually as if the question he poised was as mundane as the weather though I stiffened in response when I heard. It wasn't something that was embarrassing to me but I never expected him to know that. I was a very private person even with acquaintances. Most of the time any information I would divulge related to me would be carefully weighed for pros and cons, in case it came to bite me back in the future. Rising to this position, I learned not to be too trusting.

However, I was caught off guard by the question and I unconsciously blurted out, "Where did you get that information?"

It was his turn to raise his eyebrows at me, "You were the one who told me."

I was speechless at his words. I didn't have any knowledge of it which means it was during my drunken episode. This time, my cluelessness dug my own grave. I would be surprised if he still didn't figure out that I remember nothing from that night.

I still haven't recovered from my unintentional reveal but he already moved on, "Did you feel bothered about it?"

It took me a minute to understand what he was asking because of the sudden jump in topic. We were back to the news headlines instantly.

Welcoming the change, I honestly said, "It wasn't a big deal since it wasn't an emotional relationship anyway."

Something seemed to change with the atmosphere after I answered. There was no change in his expression but I have this feeling that he was upset. Having no idea on what caused his sudden shift in mood, it made me feel confused.

"You don't remember anything do you?" His dark eyes seemed to radiate with even more intensity.

I felt whiplashed at the questions though I answered them because it was the truth and it didn't bother me but this time I didn't speak.

With the desk separating us, Ethan leaned over, bridging the distance even closer. I frowned, caught in an unfamiliar situation.

"Do you want me to tell you what happened?" He whispered.

My heart weirdly thumped in response.

Suddenly the intercom beeped, shattering the mysterious ambiance inside the room and saving me from responding.

"Miranda, Mr. Anderson is here and would like to talk to you," Heather's voice came out.

"Don't," he said quietly.

I pushed Ethan's forehead away with my index finger resolutely while I replied, "Let him in."

"Coward," he murmured with a teasing smile.

He turned around right after and went for the door as it opened with Bert Anderson coming in. I filed the earlier scene to think about later as I concentrated to keep my annoyance at this person off my face.

"Who was that?" His tone took the stance of an elderly to a junior and completely lacked the respect of a subordinate while glancing back to where Ethan came out.

"My new driver," I replied succinctly, displeased with his behavior so I didn't stand up. Not even bothering to make him feel welcomed. I won't bother to pay any respect to where it wasn't due.

"How can I help you?" I spoke again as he seemed to be taking his time.

"I heard about the scandal this morning," he started, sitting comfortably at one of the sofas without my invitation.

"Calling it a scandal is excessive. It's just a couple parting ways for good and some people sticking their noses in it," I shrugged casually but I was irked at his nosiness.

Posturing like a caring elder, he lectured, "I know that it's between the two of you but it ceases to be your business when it affects the company. I know you're still young and don't know a lot yet but Uncle has already seen a lot and doesn't want you to suffer."

Hearing his words, I had to restrain myself not to show a disgusted expression. I have been managing the company for 3 years since I was 24. It grew even larger under my management but they refused to acknowledge my efforts. The company was filled with misogynistic pricks from top to bottom.

After my father died, I inherited his shares all according to his will as his sole child. They were fine with it at first when they thought I would assign someone else to manage the company in my stead but they started to get restless when I took interest.

My dad built the company from the ground up and had several friends who helped him along the way including this self-declared uncle. They were all getting along well but when my dad died, their greedy natures surfaced. Their favorite way to discredit me was my inability to lead the company well as a woman. However, time and time again, I proved them wrong by continuously improving the company, especially the profits but today, with the recent news, they managed to catch a hole that they can poke through.

It was an endless cycle until I could remove them though it was proving to be a struggle. Compared to the years, I spent in the company, their roots were all deep and had a lot of influence. I cannot act rashly without justification since they would all surely band together against me.

"Don't worry, this matter would be quickly forgotten once we released news of the collaboration with Regal," I waved off his worries.

Regal, one of the in demand high fashion brands, would be using our fabrics for the next fashion season. It has always been one of my goals for the North Industries to enter the designer market as it extremely boosts our reputation by leaps and bounds to the global market where mostly western companies dominate.

Judging by the widening of his eyes, he still didn't know that we already finalized things with Mr. Lee.

"As expected from a woman who knows the fashion industry well," he nodded after a few seconds.

With just a sentence, he managed to undermine the achievement and difficulty it took to get it. Backhanded compliments had always been his forte.

I only smiled graciously to acknowledge his words and he stood up after saying a goodbye. Unsurprisingly, he loves rubbing my face with my issues but hates to praise me.

I stared at the door for a moment until I got distracted by my phone ringing which I readily answered.

"I thought the breakup was amiable?" Elaine's bubbly voice drifted out.

"It sounded amiable to me," I replied while rolling my eyes.

She definitely called just to make fun of me.

"Ohhhh. . ." She trailed off.

"Anything else?" I asked as I have a scheduled meeting that I have to attend in a few.

"Found a driver yet?"

"I'm going."

"Wai- don't hang up," I hung up the call without hesitation.

The intercom buzzed again and Heather reminded, "Miranda, the meeting is due in 5 minutes. Do you want me to reschedule?"

"No. The contract signing for the collaboration needs to be ironed out today so we can set a day and invite the press," I replied and stood up to go to the door.

I stretched my neck after exiting the conference room, satisfied with the plans we'll be rolling out. I can't help but smile in triumph with the way things are moving forward.

I walked on ahead in a good mood with Heather right behind me, intending to go back to the office. My mind was already flying with my next set of plans.

"It's the other way around," Heather whispered.

I nonchalantly turned the other way around like I wasn't getting lost in my own company. After a few steps, an unfamiliar female employee bowed slightly in greeting.

"The factory in F city," she said as I passed her by.

I glanced at Heather in question and she nodded back to confirm that she heard it too.

What was this about?