An Inevitable Fate?

Aaron 'smiled' at everyone and gestured them to take their seats. He proceeded to talk.

"As all of you know by now, I have been selected as the CEO of this company. It is not easy to get into Lee industries, but, yes, here I am. This alone should prove my potential. I am here due to my efforts and capability, not because of some tricks. You, the officials of this company have full rights to remove me from this position only...if you find me...incapable."

He stressed the last words more, like challenging them. He spoke without giving them a chance.

"That would be all. Thank you for your time and patience." He stood up and left the room without glancing back.

The people inside the room were dumbfounded. What the?! Why did they even bother to attend? Even though, no one raised their opinion against Aaron but left silently, one by one. But deep inside, cunning thoughts were running wild. Hah!

Inside the office, Kelvin was wiping the sweat. 'Why am I here?'

Almost half an hour had passed, but Aaron had not spoken a word. All he did was to stand in front of the window like one wooden block.

Aaron's mind was filled with the promise he had given to his father. 'If I don't succeed in marrying Rachel, I will return to the U.S permanently.'

His thoughts were brought back with Kelvin's voice. He furrowed his face, seeing him.

"Why are you still here?"

'Why...Why am I here?' Yeah, I want to know that too' Kelvin mentally face-palmed himself. Life is difficult!

"Sir, I will leave now." He promptly turned and left.

Aaron made a cup of coffee for himself and continued gazing outside.

At Orchard company, Rachel was in the meeting hall. The project head from team A was giving the final presentation for the mall being started by this company.

"Well, this is all about the details. The site for building this mall has been verified and confirmed. The contract needs to be signed. That would be all. Thank you."

He went and sat in his seat with a proud smile etched on his face. Rachel stood up and spoke unhurriedly.

"I have overlooked this project. There are no issues regarding place, investment, safety, dealers, etc. We can launch this project very shortly with your permission."

She waited patiently for the company heads to speak. All the directors were present to make a decision. But of course, the President gets to finalize the decision. They all looked in the direction of Colin.

"Alright, I am satisfied with this project. Let's get started with this one after the company's banquet. We will finalize the contract."

After saying this, he got up to leave. Soon, everyone followed him. Rachel was the last one to leave the room. She took the file and went outside. But to her surprise, Colin was waiting for her outside the room.

"Sir?"

"Rachel, do you have to work in the evening?"

"I have a few doc.u.ments to go through and a contract to prepare. What's the matter?"

"Uncle Mathew called me yesterday and asked to go over to his place for dinner. It's just us, the two families. It's been too long."

"Uhm..." She felt tongue-tied, not knowing how to answer.

"At 6.30 pm. Let's not disappoint him. Okay?" He patted on her shoulder before going away.

She sighed helplessly to herself. She couldn't reject nor accept it. How can she tell she can't go because of Aaron? If she goes...then...sigh!

She returned to her cabin, dragging her soulless body. What reason could she give to avoid this? Hmm...

Knock.Knock.Knock

"Come in." She answered without glancing at the door.

"Are you done? Let's go have lunch." A male voice sounded in the room.

"I still have work to do. You go first." She answered without taking her eyes off from the doc.u.ment.

The man pouted and went to snatch the doc.u.ment from her.

"Hey! Mr. Steve Austin!" She glared at the man who was dressed in a light blue shirt and black pants, matched with a black-tie. He was one heck of a handsome hunk with brown hair and deep grey eyes.

"I'm famished." He dragged her in spite of her protest. What a rude fellow!

"Alright, alright. Let's go."

They both took their plates and sat in the corner table of the office canteen.

He was her college friend. Now, he was working in the PR department. He was the right person for the post of PR manager due to his good looks and quick wittiness.