SCARLETT'S POV 
  "I must say your confidence amazes me, Mr. Bryant," I said as I took a seat opposite him.
  "And I must say it is an honor that I am able to amaze a woman as amazing as you are, Ms. Grey," He retorted flirtatiously, a corner of his lips curving upwards in a smirk. 
 What a confident flirt he is... 
  "Palo, right?" His brow shot upward and a mysterious glint came in his eyes at my use of his first name. And then he smirked again. 
  "Yes, Scarlett. I really find you very interesting. Do you want to know why?" He returned his teacup to the table ever so elegantly and crossed his long legs, fixing those dangerous eyes at me. 
 My mouth parted open to say something but dad suddenly cleared his throat. 
  "I am glad you both are getting along quite well already, that saves me the stress of introducing you two." He said with a small smile. 
  "Couldn't agree more, Mr. Grey." Palo said.
  "Alright then, I'd leave you two to do some catching up."
  "That won't be necessary dad, as there's no catching up to do." I hurriedly said. The idea of being left alone with such a temptingly gorgeous man wasn't all that cool with me.
  "Oh, of course there is, dearie." 
 Dearie? Why does he have to call me that? He must greatly delight in doing whatever he pleases without being bothered by the reaction of the other party. 
  I frowned slightly and he chuckled. "You still don't know I would be working here from now on I guess." I raised a brow at him in question. "Remember how I told you we would meet again?" I nodded and he continued. "Well, you and I are officially work colleagues now. Isn't that interesting?" 
  Confused, I turned to Dad in question and he nodded in agreement. "Sorry Heidi, I couldn't inform you earlier. But Mr. Bryant here starts work at the company today as the COO. I hope you both get along properly." He said and I honestly didn't know how to feel about this news but I believed in Dad's decision and judgement. For him to appoint Palo Bryant to that position, meant he deserved it.
  So I just nodded in understanding at my Dad and smiled at Palo. "Indeed, it is interesting Mr. Bryant. Congratulations on your new appointment, I hope we both get along properly." I extended my hand towards him for a handshake and he gleefully received it. 
  "Thank you. It would be a pleasure to work with you, Ms. Grey." He smiled as well, his hand lingered on mine for a while before he retrieved his.
 He must be feeling quite great in his head. Who knows what he's thinking...
  Dad's gaze lingered between us before I saw him nodded, a small smile curving at his lips as he said. "Heidi, I believe you wouldn't mind showing Mr. Bryant around the company. Lexi would fill me in during your absence on the details concerning our last discussion so you don't have to worry and take your time while at it." He concluded, not giving me any room for disagreement. 
  "Alright, Dad." I said with a slight nod, my eyes met Palo's and I knew he was also excited about this development.
 ASHTON'S POV
  I sluggishly dragged my feet from my bedroom after getting dressed for work and took my bag alongside me. I was the only one at home. Well, the only family member at home.
  Imogen seemed to have taken father's advice quite serious. She left for work very early today. Scarlett was the next to leave. And then mother went out without saying where she was going to.
  "Young master, you are leaving for work now?" The Chief butler said the moment I walked in the large living room downstairs.
  "Yes, Raymond." I said and walked on while he bowed slightly as I left.
  My mind was in turmoil, father's words to me during the weekend at his yacht wouldn't let me have peace of mind. I wonder what I'm going to do now. 
 Mother definitely wouldn't be pleased by this news.
 FLASHBACK
  "Ashton," 
  "Yes, father." I said, wondering what he wanted to talk about since I could see how serious he looked and sounded.
  "The reason I asked you to come today is because I have something to tell you personally. You are the smartest and most hardworking child I have and I am very grateful for you in my life." 
  "You flatter me, father." I said quietly, wondering where he was driving at with his words.
  Father lowered his teacup and quietly observed me. 
  "Is there something bothering you?" I asked and he sighed, raising his hand to stroke his brows. 
  "I am more bothered by how you would react to this news. But I know you would be more understanding than Imogen that's why I want to say this to you first." He said and I shifted in my seat.
  "Alright, father. I am listening." I urged and he nodded before dropping what sounded like a bombshell.
  "Your elder sister, Scarlett, is going to be the next CEO."
  "..." For some seconds, I was speechless. As much as I saw this coming, I never wanted to believe it. Mother was right after all. 
  My mouth remained open as I stared at my father in disbelief. 
  Do I really matter to him at all? Does he ever consider how much I've worked with him, how well and how long I've been by his side, helping and bringing solutions to issues regarding the company?
  "Father," I muttered in disbelief when I found my voice. "What about me?" 
  "Ashton wait, I'm..."
  "Do you really not consider me worthy enough for that position? Do you count all my efforts as nothing for the many years since I've worked by your side, putting the interest of the company at heart? Or are you really doing this because I'm not your legitimate child? Is that even my fault? Is it our fault?" My eyes clouded with tears but I fought hard to keep them in, my hands were gripping onto the teacup so tight that I had to drop it on the table, even though my hands trembled greatly.
  "You're going to make a child with no business experience at all into a CEO of a very big company like this, whereas you have a child with many years of experience but you are choosing to neglect that fact. Why? Because he isn't your legitimate child? Father, how could you?"
  "Ashton," father began when I was done with my outbursts. "You might not understand no matter how I explain to you but there's a reason I must do this. The future of the company depends solely on this decision, Ash." I raised my cloudy eyes to meet his, somehow hating myself for doubting his words right now.
  "However, I want you to know that this isn't because I don't see or consider your qualities." He continued and I sniffed back my tears and tried to listen and understand him. "To be honest, there's no better candidate for the position than you, my son, Ashton. So don't think you're not qualified or anything. This isn't a permanent decision. It's only for a matter of time, I assure you. And as far as I'm concerned, you are my son. Legitimate or not, you are my son, my bloodline and only son. I can't trade you for anything in this world so you must never doubt my love, support and care for you. Okay?" 
  "Okay, Father." I sniffed and father poured some tea from the kettle to my cup. 
  "Drink up, this would make you feel warm and then we can continue our discussion." He said and I nodded, picking up the cup and taking a sip from it.
  "I hope you won't mind assisting your sister as the Vice CEO, Ashton." He said and I almost choked on my tea. My eyes widened in surprise as I searched his and he nodded at me with a small smile.
 PRESENTLY
  Well, maybe this wasn't a bad idea afterall. As far as I'm being promoted, I think I'm fine with it.
 But will mother and Imogen be fine with this news? There's no doubt I would be having a hard time convincing them.
  Feeling somewhat better after reminiscing through my thoughts, I noticed I was already at the exit door of the family's manor.
  I opened the door and came face to face with a woman I have never seen before. And she had a huge luggage with her.