Chapter 48

Mike got to the office very early that morning, ready for the days job, he was particularly excited to be chosen to represent the company on the big deal. It was always the board of directors of the company that made that decision via vote, and this was done after the entire management staff were called in differently and interviewed. He was not called at anytime for such interview hence his suprise at their choice of him. He was greeted by the secretary as he stepped into the office, she allowed him settle down before asking he saw the mail that was sent to him. He remembered he didn't check his mail that morning before leaving the house, so even if there was a Mai, he wasn't aware of it. He asked the secretary to print it out for him. He had arranged table and kept his files and other things in place, then he took his seat. The secretary brought the printed mail to him, as soon as he read the mail, he adjusted his seat, he was disappointed at what he saw. They swapped him with a lady manager and according to the mail, it was a decision they couldn't help as the company they were dealing with asked for such. He picked his phone and called Phillip. He told Phillip everything and how the decision was reversed, Philip promised to get back to him as he wanted to ask questions and find out what actually happened.

As it was natural with humans, there would always be one whom we confide or share secrets with, especially when it comes to good things that happened to us. Mike had told Olivia that he was chosen to represent the company with the deal, although Olivia would have loved that he did the job, she was handicapped as priority must take its place, priority in this case being that the wealth of the family and her position, remained uknown to Mike atleast until after they had tied the knot . He called Olivia and informed her of the change of plans, Olivia could notice the disappointment in his voice, she encouraged him to take it easy and handle it officially with wisdom. As soon as the call ended, Mike became unease in the office, this had never happened in the office since he started working in that firm, he had only one hope, and that would be Phillip. Phillip being one of the major Directors of the company, he was given the liberty to run the Regional headquarters hence his bringing Mike his friend into the managerial position. Mike had never disappointed him. The company was co-founded by Phillips father and his friend. Mike could not wait any longer for Phillip to call back as he promised, he was desperate to get the exact information on what happened, which he knew Phillip would get to know. He called back Phillip, after three trials, eventually Phillip finally picked. 

Hello Phillip he said

Hello Mike, sorry I was a little busy, I would have called earlier. Phillip responded

Phillip what were you able to find out, you know this region needed to handle that job. He said as he reminded him the benefits he and the region would gain for pulling off that job.

Mike I quite understand all and more, but in this case, my hands are tied. There is nothing I can do. Let it be. He said.

Mike took a deep breath, he never expected such from Phillip, his expectation was that Phillip was going to put up a fight for him. He thanked him and dropped the call. 

Olivia wasn't the kind of lady that mixed business with pleasure, at least she learnt that early in life from her Dad. He would tell her that it was bad for business growth, no matter whom the person was, be it her sister or even himself, she should not allow family or friendship ruin her chances of success. This was a part of her Mike would need to learn, he wouldn't believe that his ordeal was orchestrated by Olivia, if he had known, he wouldn't have told her about the deal and his position in it. Olivia called him back, afterwards, she had thought of a way to make him out his mind off the disappointment, she felt she should find a way to compensate him. Mike picked his call and she asked him if it was possible to have dinner together. Mike didn't hesitate to accept, atleast it was something to ease up whatever the effect of the news had done to him. They decided that Olivia would meet him up after work at same hotel. 

Chase and Alicia dropped Brenda at the hotel, then they left for Gabrielles house address tht was sent to them at the office. It wasn't a far place, as I took them less than 30 minutes to arrive. The house was old, and quiet. It looked deserted, as if no one was living in it, as they parked and came down from the car, they saw a young boy who was playing football beside the house all alone. Alicia suggested they should ask the young boy about Gabrielle. They were approaching the boy when they heard a woman's voice from the window of the house call him to get inside, and the boy hurriedly picked his ball and ran inside. Chase and Alicia stood for a while not knowing the next move. There was no one to ask questions around, they summoned courage, walked to the front door of the building and kicked. An old woman of about 65 years slowly stepped out and opened the door. She greeted them and asked who they were looking for. Chase told her they were to see Gabrielle, the woman smiled, and asked who they were and why they wanted to see him. Alicia told the woman that they had business for Gabrielles. The woman smiled again and told them Gabrielle no longer stay in that house. All effort to give them either a pho e number and the new address, proved futile as the woman denied having any of such. As the woman was talking, Chase noticed that someone was peeping from the door adjacent to the one the woman was standing. He could see from the image he saw that the person was a male, he concentrated on watching him, by then the woman had done with them and went back in, shutting the door behind her. Alicia and Chase left the front door and we're walking towards their car, Chase saw a young man come out of the house and while he was about to walk towards him, the young man took to his heels. Chase turned back and entered the car, as Alicia drove back to the Hotel. Alicia was the first to break the silence as she told Chase that the old woman lied to them. Chase concurred to her observation. They decided to repay a visit, only this time they would make sure they got whoever the young man was. Chase and Alicia went back to the hotel, they met Brenda still awake, she was in Chase' room watching the program on TV. Alicia handed her the pack of food she bought for her while they stopped over at an eatery on their way back. She then left them to freshen up. Chase asked Brenda how she felt on her first day on the job,  she told him her experience on the job, the way she sounded showed she was comfortable with the job. Chase was also impressed. The owner had already told them he was happy she learnt fast and that he would retain her. Chase was tired and needed rest, he knew that tomorrow would be a hectic day for him, as he would be all out to find Gabrielle and whatever he represented. so he went into the bathroom and had his bath, came out and lay on the bed. 

The next morning, Lucy woke up late, she had gone clubbing that night with Uncle Sam and they had a lot of drinks while they danced. She had fun and when they returned, as her desire was to satisfy her sexual urge, she had a quick one with Sam, before she slept off. She was able to get herself ready before Lee got to the hotel with the copies of proposal. Sam took them and read through, he appreciated Lee for job well done, and commended him for swift response. He then called the driver who took her the last time and informed him he was going back with Lucy to the same place. Lucy who has got ready took two copies of the contract proposals, and was about to leave, Uncle Sam called her back and handed her another money, he told her to stop over and have a change of clothing wherever she must have got the one she was putting on. Lucy took the money and gurroe out, she put a call across to Mary who asked her to come as she was waiti f for her. When she stepped down the lift she saw the driver, he had as usual opened the door when he saw her come out, only this time, he held the door of a Mercedes Barabus. Lucy who had not time to waste, jumped in and the driver took off. He was already awaeihe was to stop over at the boutique which she did and the owner was pleased with the second visit. Lucy changed this time I to a lovely gown and they moved to Mary's office. Once he got to the door, the secretary was aware of her visit and she immediately called Mary and told her Lucy was around. Mary took her bag and came out, asked Lucy which of the cars she would want them to use for the trip to the presidential annex office. Lucy suggested they use the one she came with. She did that so that the driver would be with her. As soon as they got into the car, Mary demanded for the copy of the proposal, which Lucy jaded over to her. She looked through the pages and from the way she turned to her and nodded, Lucy saw that she was impressed by what she aaw.They drive to the annex was a long one, Lucy noticed the way they were allowed to pass easily as soon as they saw Mary. She knew Mary was not a nobody there and her respect for her increased. Mary directed the driver through the road leading to the particular office they were headed. Finally they arrived at the building and she told the driver to stop and park the car at the car park while they got down and moved into the building. It was a tall building that houses offices, and all Lucy could remember was that they took a lift to the last floor, the door had on it Contracts. They walked in, Mary in front, while Lucy followed. The secretary this time wsia man, and from the way he respectfully welcomed Mary, Lucy was more shocked. They didn't waste time to be called into the inner office where they met with office. The man who Lucy suspected to be in charge of the office, welcomed them and offered them a seat. He proceeded to ask for the paper, Mary handed over the paper. He flipped through t ND nodded, he got to a page, looked up at Lucy and called her name, Lucy answered, she later observed it was to verify she was really the director whose name appeared there. The man pressed the buzzer, and the man they met at the first office, appeared. He asked him to get the file for that contract, the man dashed out and within few minutes,he came back with the file. The surprising thing that Lucy noticed was that the contract had already been written out and the government in their side had signed, awaiting the company that would be awarded. The man took the contract paper from the file and kept it on the table while he placed the proposal in the file. He then asked Mary who would sign for the company, Mary pointed at her. The paper was handed over to her and the places to sign was shown to her. She carefully signed and a copy was handed over to her. The man congratulated her and told her that they expected 100% delivery. Lucy was about to stand up when she noticed the man was handing over an envelope to her. She took it, opened it and saw a cheque. When she looked at the cheque, she saw well written on it, the sum of $150billion dollars. She couldn't believe it, her expectation was that the company would supply, then the payment out come later. Mary congratulated her and told her that subsequent deals would be dependent on the successful delivery of this first one. They didn't waste time as they left the office, entered the lift and went down to the car park. The driver was ready as usual and he drive back to Mary's office, Mary did not allow Lucy to come down with her, she told her to go start work but that she should make sure she was in touch. 

Meanwhile, as soon as they left the office, Olivia received a call that a mail was waiting for her, she quickly checked the mail and saw the name of the company. She then saw Lucy's name as the representative, she called her sister, Mira. Mira who didn't know Lucy's surname, moved swiftly to find out who the said Lucy was. She called Mary to give her information. She was shocked to find out it was the Lucy she had wanted to help. She communicated such to Olivia. Olivia was more concerned with making sure the company delivered as his Dad had a lot of confidence that she was in charge, hence his positioning her to oversee all the contract signed through his office. When Olivia digged more into the profile of the company and discovered Uncle Sam was in charge, she relaxed her mind. She had known Uncle Sam for years, although all his advances towards her failed, he had sponsored most of her programs. The little he knew about him, gave her reasons not to doubt his integrity.

Lucy arrived the lounge and rushed to the room, Sam was with Lee when she entered, she saw they were expectant of whatever news she came with. Sam was eating when she stepped in, She was bringing out the the paper from the envelope when Sam's phone rang, he asked her to pick it and put it on speaker. She did and the voice that came in was a female voice. The voice introduced herself as Olivia Hart. Sam's face lighted up as he shouted and the discussions they had, was that of long time friends. Olivia made Sam promise her she would deliver on the contract. Lucy could only hide her suprise as she then knew that whoever this Olivia was, she was really wielding a lot of power. She went ahead and brought out the paper which she handed to Lee as Sam directed her, then he brought out the cheque, Sam left the food and came close to Lee, he couldn't believe it the totally amount was paid upfront. He looked at Lee, the turned to Lucy, forgot he was eating, he held her so close with those hands and kissed her passionately, without minding Lees presence.