SCARLETT'S POV
   "Strategic alliance?" I repeated, leaning forward on the couch while raising curious brows at Freya. 
   "Yes, Scarlett." She crossed her legs on the couch and leaned backwards comfortably. "And it's important you have an idea of what this is about before..."
  "Yeah, I do understand what the term means. But..."
  "Then that's okay." She smiled.
  "Really?"
  "Yes. Like I said before, it's important you have an idea on this topic now, mostly because, JP's Enterprise might be having a strategic alliance with Song and Kwan group soon." She announced and the information easily sank in. 
   This explains it. This explains why KK came to the company himself some time back. 
   "That's some good news," I smiled. 
   "Yes my dear. However there are conditions to be met before Song and Kwan would be willing to partner with JP'S Enterprise." Madame Freya continued and I was curious immediately.
   "What conditions?" I asked and she took a sip from her tea.
  "Well, it has to do with the appointment of a new CEO." Freya elegantly returned her cup to the small table and continued. "The chairman told me himself that Chairman Kwan personally requested that for the alliance between both parties to pull through, a new CEO must be appointed." 
   "But why did... why is KK...?" 
   "Interested in JP's Enterprise business?" Madame Freya interrupted with a smile as she uncrossed her legs. "I guess we would find out soon enough."
   "I agree," I smiled.
   “I would inform the chairman you’re now ready to face your duties as CEO of JP’s Enterprise, Scarlett.” Madame Freya excitedly informed moments later as she stood up. “Congratulations, darling,” 
   I stood up likewise. “I’m grateful for your believe in me, Freya. I couldn’t have attained this height without your guidance.” 
   “Darling this is nothing compared to what your dearest mother did for me in her lifetime. I would always be on the lookout for you. And…” she paused, reaching for my face, “…you deserve it all.” She smiled, touching my cheeks affectionately before walking towards the exit door of my office. 
   My smile deepened as I watched her leave. “See you soon,” I called after her and she waved back at me without turning to me. 
   “Such a lovely lady she is, right Lexi?” I turned back to Lexi and she nodded in agreement. 
   “Absolutely right, Ms. Grey,” she said, giving a low bow afterwards. 
   “Alright Lexi, shall we?” 
   “Yes, Ms.” She excitedly said and I nodded in equal excitement as I glance through the files she had given me. 
   A part of Harriet’s wings are about to be broken. And this is such a welcomed step. It’s only a matter of time until she gets a taste of the deadly meal she prepared decades ago… 
___ 
   Lexi and I discussed in low tones as we proceeded to the chairman’s office. 
   “Welcome, Ms. Grey. The chairman expects you,” Rhiannon, dad’s secretary said the moment we arrived at the penthouse. 
   “Thank you, Ms. Courtney.” I gave her a small smile as she led the way into his office. 
   “Chairman, the eldest Ms. Grey is here with her PA.” She announced even though it wasn’t necessary. I guess she’s just too good at her Job. 
   “Heidi,” Dad said and I removed my gaze from his secretary to him. “Come on in, come sit.” He beckoned and that was when I realized he wasn’t alone. A man, whose side profile was all I could see, sat opposite him, sipping tea in the most elegant manner I had ever seen. From his features I could tell he was young and something about his platinum blonde hair seems to ring a bell. 
   “Lexi, you’d excuse us for a moment, I would send Rhiannon to you once we’re done here.” Dad was saying just as Rhiannon walked forward to serve more tea _how damned good she is.
   “Yes, chairman,” Lexi bowed slightly and nodded at me before she retreated out of the elegant office. 
   “Dad,” I smilingly walked forward and that was when the man turned his attention to me. I wish he didn’t because I missed my footing the instant I saw his face and almost fell but luckily regained my balance. However, I took in a deep breath, keeping my emotions in check. And with a brow raised in composed surprise, I turned to him. “Indeed, we meet again,” 
   A pleased smirk graced a part of his elegant mouth as he lowered his teacup to the table and turned to the chairman. “See? I told you Scarlett and I have had an episode before.” He beamed and my eyes widened at his audacity and his words. 
   Then he leaned back on the couch, leisurely placing an arm on the armrest as he returned his dangerously alluring satin-gray eyes to me. “And I am glad, she hasn’t forgotten about me,” he continued and I caught the suggestive glint in his eyes. Clearly, he’s definitely having the fun of his life right now. 
   An episode? How delusional and expected of a daringly crazy individual as himself. I definitely wanna wipe that smirk off his face right now. 
___ 
IMOGEN’S POV 
   I allowed my thoughts wondered back to my discussion with mother’s doctor the previous day, while my driver drove us to the company. 
   All these while, mother was suffering and she did quite great in hiding it from us… 
FLASHBACK 
  “Come on, Doc. Do I have to reach out and shake the words out of you before I’d know what the heck is wrong with my mother?” Doctor Greg finally met my gaze and I saw the uncertainty and pain in his eyes. Whatever it is must be really intense for him to struggle this much just to tell the truth. 
   “I would be breaking my promise to your mother once I tell you the truth.” He began, “actually, it’s good you caught on now because I have been worried about none of you kids discovering something amiss with her.” Hearing his words, I found myself suddenly scared of knowing the truth and I shifted slightly in my seat. 
   “Imogen,” he started, “you asked for this so I’m hoping you’d be strong enough to handle the reality of your mom’s health.” I swallowed nervously but nodded in indication that he continues. “Okay,” he said rubbing both hands together as he continued a distant look in his eyes. 
   “Several years ago, not quite long after the birth of your brother and yourself, your mother was diagnosed with depression which became even more severe as the years went by. After several series of treatments and therapy, she got better gradually. However, her recovery was short-lived, when your mother started showing early signs of schizophrenia but it…” 
   “What!” A strangled gasp escaped my throat as tears clouded my vision instantly. Doctor Greg paused for a while and quietly observed me while I tried to blink back my tears to no avail. “Please continue,” I urged him as I buried my face into my white handkerchief.   
Please let this not be true… Mother doesn’t have schizophrenia… please… 
   He cleared his throat and continued. “Well, we discovered that hers wasn’t consistently occurring, it was more like a seasonal occurrence which…” 
   “How do you mean?” I interrupted sniffingly, raising my teary eyes from the hanky to his. His gaze seems to soften and he gave me a small sad smile. 
   “It means, she is perfectly normal and only experiences schizophrenia randomly, most especially when triggered by an event and sometimes, from having nightmares as well. But this doesn’t change the diagnosis of her health. Try as much as possible if you can, to ensure that no negative news gets to her anymore. As I said before, if she continues getting triggered, her schizophrenia might worsen.” 
   Memories of the day mother had found out about Scarlett came to mind, she had been so stunned by the news that she had collapsed. Obviously, having Scarlett around isn’t good for her health. It’s not good for Ashton and me either. 
   “Imogen? Imogen?” Doctor Greg called on noticing my silence and I returned my attention to him. 
   “I understand Doc. I’d do anything to make sure my mother’s health doesn’t worsen.” I’d take all her burdens and bear them myself if I have to. ”Thanks so much for telling me about her health, I’m grateful.” I stood up, holding my bag in hand. 
   “It’s my pleasure,” he said. I nodded and turned to leave but he stopped me with his words. “Imogen,” I turned to face him again. “Remember schizophrenia can be chronic and although treatment can help, this condition can’t be cured.” He said and although already aware of almost everything about this illness, hearing from the doctor reminded of how dreadful an illness it was. And I felt my heart sank. 
  I managed a hurried nod at him before swiftly turning around and walking off as my tears fell. 
PRESENTLY 
   We’ve arrived at the company and I alighted from the car. The door was shut afterwards and Carlo, my driver, drove off to the parking lot, leaving me standing before the towering skyscraper of father’s company. 
   I remembered my conversation with him and smirked. 
   This was what he cared the most about ever since I’ve known him. The company that is more significant to him than his family _before his legitimate daughter showed up of course _ how cool would it be when it’s taken away from him? I really want to find out. 
   He wants us all working at his company, huh? No problem. 
   For my mother, I would do anything, and not just because I love her but also because she’s sacrificed a lot to give Ashton and myself the best of life. 
   Staring at the bold engraving of the company's name on the building, I muttered. “JP’s Enterprise, I would gift you to my darling mother.”