ASHTON'S POV
"Yes Father, he said he'll get back to us in a few days." I reported and father nodded slightly with a small smile, while reclining more on his seat.
"Very good. You've done well Ashton, I know I can always trust you." He said and I smiled.
"Thank you for your generous words, Father. If you need anything else please let me know, I'll do it right away."
"Not at all. For now, I need you to focus on securing Project XR contract with Song and Kwan Group before the next board meeting." He said and I nodded slightly in acknowledgement.
"Yes Father." I wanted to ask him about Scarlett's new position in the company but on second thought, I decided against it.
"Is there anything you want to ask me?" He said as though he could read my thoughts.
"Not at all." I smiled and was about leaving the exquisite office when he interrupted me.
"Ashton,"
"Yes Father," I turned around to face him again.
"I trust you'll assist your sister, Heidi, around the company."
"Certainly. You have no need to worry Father."
"Thank you." He smiled. I nodded and exited his office.
SCARLETT'S POV
"Hello Scarlett," the redhaired woman said and I stared at her in confusion.
"Hello." I said, looking from her to Lexi and then to Mr Finley. I've never seen her before. Is she one of mother's people? Considering she came in with dad's PA, should I consider her as one of the people dad said would assist me? Ugh! I don't know.
"Ms. Grey, this is Madam Freya Roberts. She's one of the top shareholders of the company, also the Secretary of the Elite Women's Club of Birmingham city. She was once a close friend to your late mother." Mr Finley explained.
"Oh really? I was a bit flustered earlier I'm sorry." I smiled. "Hello Ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet you." I said shaking hands with her.
"The pleasure is all mine, Scarlett. Truly you are the exact replica of your mother. It's like I'm having a conversation with my late friend." Madam Freya said smilingly and I smiled.
"Thank you Ma'am, I get that a lot. Please sit," I said, motioning her towards the couch.
Soon we were all seated and about to start discussing business when something flashed in my mind.
Freya_That name was mentioned in mother's diary. Yes, mother had written about her. She was among the first people my parents had started JP's Enterprise with. From what mother wrote down, Freya could be considered a distant but helpful friend.
"Chairman Grey was kind enough to let me be your private tutor in this business world, and it's a rare opportunity I mustn't dare lose to assist an intelligent lady as you're in your pursuit, Scarlett." My eyes widen slightly and I glanced briefly at Mr Finley and he nodded positively.
"Wow! I'm flattered by your words ma'am, I sincerely look forward to learning from such inspiring personality as you." I said sincerely and she smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine dear. We'll have to consider your working schedule and fix time for your personal training if that's okay with you."
"Sure. Of course I'm cool with it."
"I hope you don't mind me calling you by your name? If that's a problem I can easily switch. I just want you to be comfortable around me. I hope I'm not asking too much?" She said and I chuckled slightly.
"No Ma'am. I actually like that you call me that way." I smiled. I like the lady. She's easy going and nice as mother had said in her diary.
"Well, will you do me a favor too by simply calling me Freya? I'll really appreciate if you can drop the formalities." She said with a grin and in no distance time, we were laughing.
I sincerely enjoy her company.
NARRATIVE
Jamie Grey was sitting in his office and casually going through his files when the his office line rang on his desk. He picked up the receiver and uttered just a word.
"Yes,"
"My apologies, Sir Chairman. Minister Jordan Bryant just sent in a message, notifying me he's at the company now and would like to have an audience with you. What should I do, Sir?" His female secretary announced and Jamie Grey fell silent for a while, stroking his beards in thought.
Jordan, what does he want? Is it time already?
"Alright. Let him in when he arrives."
"Noted, Sir." Jamie dropped the receiver and continued in his reminisce for a while.
Moments later, the door of his office opened and his secretary escorted none other than Minister Bryant in, while his guards remained outside.
The lady bowed and left the men to their discussion.
Jamie Grey stood up from his chair and took a short stride over to his visitor.
"Jordan, to what do I owe this amazing surprise?" He asked and Jordan chuckled loudly.
"Relax Jamie, won't you usher me to a seat first?" He said and Jamie smiled.
"Pardon my manners, please sit down." Jordan nodded and sat down comfortably on one of the exquisite cushion in the office and Jamie Grey sat on the opposite one, facing him.
"Alright. I'll just go straight to the main reason I'm here_as I didn't want to discuss this over the phone with you." Jordan Bryant began and Jamie gently tapped his temple as he listened to what he had to say.
"Sure, I'm listening."
"Over two decades ago, do you remember your promise, Jamie?" Jordan asked as a smirk appeared at a corner of his lips. Jamie Grey sat up instantly as memories he never gave serious thought to, began to replay in his head. In a matter of seconds, he stood up and began to pace up and down his office while Jordan Bryant watched him with a lazy smirk on. After a while, Jamie turned to look at him.
"Jordan, that was many years ago and as you know, things didn't go as planned. You should forget about it, there's no way it's go..."
"My son," Jordan interrupted him. "My son Palo, just returned from Japan coincidentally at such time. He'll be sending in his files, please review them." Jordan said and stood up from his chair too. Jamie's eyes widened on realization of what he meant and he couldn't pretend to be cool with this news.
"Jordan you can't do that. We mustn't do this. Let's not allow unforeseen events from decades ago ruin our lives at the moment. You have to listen to me." Jamie tried to say but Jordan's mind was already made up.
"Looking forward to your positive response, Jamie. I'll see you around." He said and briskly walked out of the office, leaving Jamie Grey to ponder on this not so pleasant development.