she's the one

IN THE BROOKS MANSION

The silence at the breakfast table was deafening. It had been a week since Adam's had had the argument with his parents, and the tension still lingered. They both had refused to say a single word to him. It become a normal routine at the table that whenever he showed up for breakfast his dad would leave for work, followed by his mom, without so much as a glance in his direction. Adam's siblings, Felix and Kimberly, seemed to sense his unease, but he tried to put on a brave face.

Felix, twenty years old and the second child of the Brooks, with his messy brown curls and easygoing grin, shot him a sympathetic look. Kimberly, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement, chattered on about her upcoming 18th birthday, oblivious to the strained atmosphere. Adam forced a smile. He would be lying if he said he didn't fell bad that his parents had refused to speak with him. But that wasn't going to change his mind. He still stood firm on the decision of not taking over the family business.

"Mom and dad are still giving you the silent treatment, aren't they?" Felix said with a little hint of worry.

"Oh yeah I've noticed that you three haven't really had any interactions in a while". Kimberly said pitching in her observation. " Did something happen?"

"Nothing that concerns you. It's adult stuff" Adam said smiling at Kimberley. He loving teasing her on how young she was. He remembered how his mom and dad had tried to have another baby after him. Thankfully Felix came seven years after he was born and Kimberly two years after.

"Adult stuff! Tsk. I'm going to pretend as if I didn't hear. And for your information I would also be an adult in just five days. I hope you haven't forgotten my birthday and had gotten me a birthday present." Kimberly said with a little frown and warning on her face. She might be the youngest but she was also the fiercest

"Oh my goodness, I wish I'd forgotten but you keep reminding me every 10 seconds. My phone is literally blowing up because of your timely reminders." Adam said trying to look a bit sad. His little sister had been sending him messages over the past months reminding him of her birthday.

"Hehehe sorry about that. I just don't want you to forget cause like you always do."

"Have I Kim? When have I ever forgotten your birthday in fact when have you ever made me forget your birthday." Adam said sharply to Kimberly. Never had she ever made anyone in the Brooks family forget her birthday.

"Yeah yeah whatever just get me a really big birthday present." She said with a straight face. To her a birthday wasn't a birthday wasn't presents.

"You don't have to worry about that." He reassured her

" Yayy! But be sure it isn't something weird. And you too Felix. No one is allowed to forget my birthday."

"Actually Kim, am quiet surprised that am not the only one whose phone blows up with messages everyday ten seconds."

"Mmm." Kimberly simply said and got up to leave. She felt a bit shy embarrassed now.

Felix left shortly after Kimberly and Adam was seated alone left in his thoughts. He got up a few minutes after when he remembered he had to go meet up with his college friend, Chris, at a certain restaurant.

IN THE LUX MANSION

Amaya looked at herself in the mirror wearing a beautiful red blouse made of structured chiffon, paired with a fitted black pencil skirt and a tailored blazer, enhancing her commanding presence. She completes her look with simple pearl earrings and classic black heels. She admired her hourglass figure, fitted bodice which highlighted her toned arms and shoulders, her beautiful skin which most people described to be golden and her beautiful shaped face. From her almond shaped brown eyes and thick eyelashes to her small slightly upturned nose which looked perfectly proportioned to her face to her rosy pink lips which looked totally inviting in smiley. Even she was well aware of the fact that she was beautiful.

She turns to face her bed and sees Joanne sleeping comfortably with no intentions of getting up. She sighs as she picks up her bag and car keys and leaves for the office.

She passed by Catherine's and would tell that she was still sleeping. Not wanting to wake up up she silently walked away.

IN LUX FASHION INDUSTRY

Amaya arrives at the office of Lux Fashion Industry, her heels clicking authoritatively on the polished marble floor. As she strides through the lobby, employees who were previously chatting and laughing quickly straighten up, their eyes following her with a mix of admiration and apprehension. When she was completely out of sight some began to murmur.

"I wonder why she suddenly appeared after a week of not showing up. And we are know how crazy she is about work." One employee who recently joined the company said.

"Well you're new so you wouldn't know. She does that sometimes and no one knows why. Some says she eventually gets tired and leaves for a week to take a rest whiles others say she had this terrible illness which relapses and is admitted." One employee who had been there for about five years said. They both stared in the direction that she had just went to wondering the kind of secrets she was hiding.

Just before Amaya reaches her office, her assistant, Claire, approaches her with a warm smile. Claire, dressed in a chic but casual navy blazer and jeans, holds a tablet in her hand. Despite knowing how strict Amaya can be, Claire is one of the few who feels comfortable enough to be slightly informal around her. And it was mostly due to the fact that she was with Amaya one time and got to witness her "secret".

"Good morning, madam. You have a meeting with the board of directors at 8:00 a.m, after that there is lunch with chairman Lee from All Shapes at 12:00. Your schedule is clear after that but there are a few documents that need your signature." Claire quickly reported

"Alright. Thank you Claire. Has the reports for the meeting been prepared?"

"Yes, everything's ready. I've also included some additional data on our latest distribution to country M performances. Thought it might be useful." Claire said with a warm smile. Feeling a bit proud. She like it when her boss complimented her.

"Good thinking, Claire. Could you bring me the documents so I could go over before the meeting starts." Amaya requested. She had nothing else to do before the meeting started. Claire nodded and went back to her desk for the documents as Amaya entered her office.

BOARD MEETING

Amaya walks into the conference room, which is elegantly designed with a long, sleek mahogany table, high-backed leather chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. The walls are adorned with contemporary art, reflecting the company's creative spirit.

The board of directors, comprising a mix of seasoned executives and innovative thinkers, were already seated. The most influential member, Mr. Harris, the vice chairman with the highest company shares of 10%. Catherine Luz, the chairwoman has a 45% share which is likely to be inherited by Amaya. Amaya herself has 25% which the remaining 20% going out to the public.

"Good morning, everyone." She greeted as she took the president's seat. "Let's get started. Anything to report

Miss Cater, the procurement director was the first to speak.

"Our contract with Best Materials expired three days ago which was on Friday. That weeks Monday one of our staff was sent to renew the contract but they refused to. Just yesterday it was discovered that Best Materials was sold to The Brooks." She quickly reported.

"Situation." Amaya said keeping a straight face.

"125 new designs are to be released in the market in six months. With the lack of materials needed we might have to extend the release date to seven months if new materials aren't acquired in two week." Miss Cater continue, sadly a bit worried.

The meeting had lasted exactly three hours and thirty minutes. They had looked for solutions to their problem and the only one was to form a business alliance with the Brooks. Most of the Materials making companies were partners with the Brooks making it difficult for business alliances with them

At 11:45pm Amaya had left to have her dinner with Chairman Lee. She had just got into the restaurant which was the best for Japanese food in country z.

As she made her way to the entrance someone unexpectedly saw her and immediately recognized her.

"She's the one. She's the lady from that day." Adam said to himself as he watched Amaya walk pass his table.