Chapter 4: Drowning Empire

Azalea’s Pov 

I stared at the tall building that is Dante's Empire and the advert playing out before my eyes in front of the building. When the driver opened the door, I took deep breaths before stepping down from the car and taking cautious steps forward.

“Welcome to Dante's Empire ma'am. I am Gina Taylor, your personal assistant.” A lady about the same age as myself greeted me as I walked into the swinging glass doors. Our eyes met briefly and she smiled genuinely at me.

“Thank you, Gina.” I returned her smile coolly and let her take my handbag while I finally found the courage to look up as she led me to the receptionist’s desk first.

“I have your schedule ready and it's going to be a long day, but I can assure you that everyone here is very cooperative and friendly. You just have to trust the process and be yourself, especially when you have your first meeting with the board members by 10.” She went on explaining everything and introducing some of the employees to me. 

It wasn't an easy feat trying to get to know the staff and see the plan of the building. Before ten o'clock, I was already exhausted and my feet were killing me, but I still stood tall in front of the board members to address them.

“I'll gladly hold the press conference,” I answered one of a hundred questions thrown at me with something close to a real smile that I have adapted while shuffling through the day. 

If I survive today, then I'll overcome every other day that comes after. 

“How will this organization adjust to coming changes and challenges in our industry?”

“What long-term goals do you hope to achieve during your tenure as CEO?”

“I want to adapt to the new work environment as quickly as I can to perform better. My long-term goals are to pursue opportunities that help me grow. Progress is the key. I want to see myself extracting every single drop of experience as I move ahead.” 

“Here we go again,” I exhaled when I heard Morris' voice as he entered through the double doors into the room. He walked up to my seat and stood beside me. “I urge everyone to go easy on my sister-in-law. It's what we do: support and help each other, especially when it is such a brilliant idea for a woman to lead a weapon manufacturing company that not only ranks as the number one firearms distributor in the US but across the world.” He admonished while keeping his eyes on me.

“Very debatable words, but you know that the world has advanced so much that there are no limitations to who sits on the mantle of leadership based on gender. You've learned enough to know that.” I countered his words, our eyes in battle.

“Are you trying to lecture us on gender equality here? Don't play the cards of feminism in this industry, you won't last!”

“Oh no, I'm trying to bring you back home to the current year because my brother-in-law seems to be drifting away and clinging to the past. What has feminism to do with IQ? From the information I have gathered, there has not been much progress in three years of your leadership as an expert in the game like you claim!” I fired back, wondering how Dante doesn't see his cousin for who he is. If he gives the reins to him, he'll steal his horse.

“Interesting,” one of the board members, Mr Copley, cleared his throat. “I think this meeting has to be adjourned when the new CEO, Mrs Dante, has drawn up her progress report sheet.” He added when I looked at him.

“Yes, we'll look forward to seeing you prove Mr Morris wrong.” Mr Winfield added as they stood up and filed out of the room.

I grabbed the file on my desk and walked out to the hallway with Morris on my heels. We bowed slightly as they entered the elevator, as soon as the doors closed, he flung me against the wall and grabbed my neck.

“You really want to fight with me? Let's hope you're strong enough to survive the heat my blows will generate because I don't fight fair. This time, you wouldn't become half-numb as your mother's disastrous demise made you; you might just hug an oncoming train and be gone for all I care!” He threatened and started to release my neck when he caught sight of an employee entering the hallway.

“I see you did your digging, Brother-in-law. Thanks for the heads up,” I brushed his hand off and walked past him.

I was able to control my emotions until I was alone in my office and the heaviness of his words hit me harder than his other sabotaging strategies. How on earth did I get here? Fighting a battle for a man that doesn't even want me! 

I made myself a promise to marry for love after watching my parents grow apart in their arranged marriage. It was a marriage for mutual benefit, and my mother never had a moment of happiness apart from the little time we spent together, away from my father. Ever since she died, my life has been controlled by my father and his mistress who he is now married. And Leo fucking cheated on me with her daughter! 

I shut out the world as everything started coming back to me. Sinking into my chair, I covered my mouth to suppress a scream as tears streamed down my face. I can't believe I am married to a man who is a younger version of my father! He sees me as a business transaction, too, and gives me conditions on every step I take. He'd not only control my life but enslave me if I failed to save a business I know nothing about. 

A tap on my door made me jump off my seat to wipe my tears. If I am going to beat Morris, I have to gather all the knowledge I need to understand everything about the company. I grabbed my bag and phone and opened the door to find Gina about to knock on the door again. I informed her of my will to leave early, asked her to get me detailed information about the company and every past sales report before and after Morris took charge and recommended books that have vast knowledge about the industry at large.

“Reschedule whatever plans I still have for the day and send me a single file that contains everything I requested.” 

“Yes, ma'am. Bye!” She turned quickly to head back inside after walking me out the entrance of the building.

I left in a lighter mood especially when I didn't see Morris in his office when I passed it. Gerald drove me home since he was the driver Dante trusted to monitor and report my moves thereby assigning him to be my driver while suspending his duties for him at the moment.

I stepped out of the car before he proceeded to park it properly; immediately, he pulled into the driveway. While I hurried toward the house, I received a message that made me slow my steps to look at my phone. While I was opening a file sent by Gina, an unmistakable voice drifted into my ears from the living room.

“Yes, I want us to activate our plan B and I can assure you that it'll work. Together, we can achieve this. I'll keep her occupied and you bring Dante to his knees. Babe, the sky will be our starting point soon.”