Chapter 19 His Childhood FriendX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.Xander chuckled at something Nina said on the other end. “You sound like you have it all planned out.”She made a gurgle sound on the other end. “I am just nervous.” He reached for the pen in front of him and started twirling it. “Come on. You are not new to this. Don’t let yourself get worked up for nothing. It will all work out, trust me. So, what are your plans for the weekend?” “Why? You need me to do something?” “Err, I am not sure yet….” He drawled as the door opened, letting in an excited Dawn. “You know what? Let me call you back.” He said.“Sure,” Nina replied, ending the call. “Hey boo boo!” Dawn screamed as she rushed towards Xander. “Oh My Dawn!” Xander dropped the phone, stood up from where he sat, and pulled her into a hug. Dawn is his childhood friend and COO of X&J Empire. She had gone on a two-month leave and was returning from her vacation. He didn’t think he would miss seeing her around. “When did you retur
Chapter 20 A Fulfilled PersonTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.With a delightful tune on her tongue, Tania strolled into the room, giggling multiple times. Nina looked up from the sweater she was crocheting. “What's going on? Why do you look so happy?” She asked. Tania exhaled like a fulfilled person and handed her an envelope. “Take a look at the content.”Nina raised a brow as she received it. Reading through it quickly, she gasped. “Oh, my goodness! Tania, this is such good news. Brooklyn College? That’s a big deal.” She squealed, clapping her hands. “This is my lifelong dream, Nina. I will finally study art history and learn as much as I want. And this is all thanks to you.” “Me? What did I do?” “You noticed my excitement whenever there’s a new art piece in the house. You made it a duty to always seek my thoughts on any new art piece that caught your interest and even praised me, saying I would make a good curator. So, I got more curious and started reading. I got my GED and then
Chapter 21 Dining With Xander Jackson“Are you that excited to have her over?” Carla asked Xander as they arranged the dining table. Xander grinned sheepishly. He had invited Nina and Tania to have dinner with him at his house. He would have loved to have Nina alone, but he worried she might decline. But inviting her friend seems like a good idea. “I won’t say I am not. Nina is a long-time friend of mine, and I am just happy to have her around me.” The older woman smiled; she didn’t need anyone to tell her that there was more to his explanation. However, it felt nice to see Xander look radiant and bustling. He has never invited a female friend over except for the one who barges in like she owns the place. He hardly does anything aside from work. His diet and social life are unbalanced. He practically lives like a monk. She hopes this Nina lady will make a good impact in his life. “As long as your face keeps being this radiant. I don’t mind entertaining this woman every day.” Carla
Chapter 22 The PresentationX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.Nina chewed nervously on her nails. She kept pacing the office back and forth, hoping that Xander would branch at the office before heading to the meeting room. It's been two days since she resumed work, and they haven’t met since then. Her attitude at the Sunday dinner didn’t seem pleasant, and Tania had something to say about it, putting her in a fix. She apologized for treating Xander like that when he only showed concern. She had arrived early at the building of the X&J Foods factory to take a look around and note things for the meeting she would be having with the CEO, the COO, and other administrative officers of the company. At first, they had set up the office of the research department staff at the factory location, but the company’s team moved it to the main building the day before. And it felt nicer as it would make meetings like the one they are about to have much more accessible, while the factory will only be more super
Chapter 23 Who is Nina? X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. Jace didn’t look pleased with Dawn’s presence in his office. “The last time I checked, we don’t have much business together; why are you here?” Dawn scoffed. “You must think yourself as important to have me in here. I have some questions to ask you.” “And if I refuse to answer?” “Then I will tell Minny how much of an asshole you are.” He looked unfazed as he leaned further into the chair. “Go ahead, tell your sister. Do you think she doesn’t know that already? Your sister likes to roll with the bad boys. And I am a motherfucking good-looking one.” He smirked proudly Dawn wanted to throw something at his face to wipe off the dumb smirk. She would never understand what Minny is doing with him. “I bet she is just using you.” “Well, I am glad it is a mutual feeling. Once again, Dawn, what do you want? It is too early in the morning for me to have your face in my business. What the fuck do you want from me?” “How did Xander get t
Chapter 24 Busy BeeANDREA’S HOME, NEW YORK.Andrea hissed for the umpteenth time as she reloaded her feed, hoping something of interest would pop up. Nina seemed determined to hide away from her. She was surprised that Nina no longer worked at the grocery store. It made her feel good that Nina might be scared of what she would do. Even though it is inevitable that Asher would rather be with her than Nina, it doesn’t stop her from being paranoid. Many things are at stake for Andrea, so she considers knowing a possible enemy has been dealt with a significant step forward. Giving up on the phone, she tossed it to the bed and stared blankly at her closet. She must send a few out for her to have enough to survive on. Settling some of the companies on behalf of Asher because of Nina drained her a bit. Her mother walked into the room and went straight to her vanity mirror without a word. “Mum, for goodness sake! How often have I warned you to stop barging into my room like we own it toge
Chapter 25 The Family DinnerPRAWNS & SHRIMPS RESTAURANT, NEW YORK.Asher got out of the car, checking out the restaurant space. He has always heard about the Prawns and Shrimps but never got the chance to visit. Not because he couldn’t afford it; it was just never on his bucket list. Rumour has it that Chad Davis owns the place, and only VIPs are allowed to eat there. He chuckled to himself at hitting the jackpot. Leila pushed past him. “Will you quit looking around like you have never seen something like this?” She hissed. “You are always so impatient, Mum. Sometimes it's nice to take it all in without being in such a hurry every damn time.” He said. Darren cleared his throat loudly, “I understand we need this person. But that doesn’t mean I will be so low to please them. I am a pioneer of packaged foods in the country. I deserve to be as regarded as anyone else. So respect yourself, son. Don’t make me lose my patience.” Asher groaned inwardly. He would never understand his pare
Chapter 26 A Success?X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.Dani and Carlos almost collided as they rushed into the office breathlessly. “Nina!” They called out at once. Nina stopped her call with Tania to look at them. “I will call you back, Tania. I have something to attend to.” She said, ending the call. “What is it?” “You won’t believe this!” The two of them chorused. “Can you stop imitating me?” Dani sneered at Carlos. Nina sighed softly. “Alright, let Dani tell me, Carlos, please.” She had to beg because Carlos might take it personally and refuse to let anyone speak. “Thank you.” She mumbled when he huffed in response, folding his arms. Dani squealed. “Guess who is raving the markets?” “Who?” “The veggies package we made. People are going crazy over it.” She announced. Nina blinked in surprise. “How do you know this?” Dani scratched the back of her head and looked towards Carlos. “We have our ways.” He responded on her behalf. Nina wasn’t sure to smile just yet. As suggested, they got