Chapter 20

Rosie swept into her office, Hannahby her side, and found Archie already waiting for her.

As Archie caught her eye, he rose to his feet, a hint of a smile on his face. "Rosie…" he began, his voice warm with familiarity.

Rosie's expression shifted, her smile faltering for a moment before she regained her composure. "Moore Archie, let's maintain some boundaries?" Her voice was firm but polite, a gentle reprimand. "As the president, I expect a level of formality in our interactions. Let's keep things professional."

Archie's gaze dropped, a flush rising to his cheeks as he nodded. "Of course, ma'am," he murmured, his tone subdued.

Archie's gaze dropped, a flush rising to his cheeks as he nodded. "Of course, ma'am," he murmured, his tone subdued.

She studied him for a moment, expecting he'd start a conversation, but he remained silent. His eyes fixed on the floor, and he rubbed his palms nervously on his thighs.

"Mr. Moore, what brings you here today?" Her voice was crisp, a hint of curiosity underlying the formality. "I don't recall scheduling a meeting with you."

Archie's gaze met hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Hun?"

Her expression remained unwavering. "Yes, I'm asking what brings you here," she reiterated, her voice firm.

"Uhm… actually," he stammered, his words catching in his throat. His mind was a jumble of thoughts, the perfect opening line rehearsed and ready, but his mouth seemed to have other plans.

Rosie's gaze flicked to Hannah, her voice crisp with authority. "Excuse us, please. Come back later."

Hannahnodded, her voice soft. "Okay, ma'am." She dipped her head in a brief bow before turning to leave.

The door closed softly, and Rosie glide over to the sofa. She sank into its plush depths, her movements relaxed. Crossing her legs, she leaned back. "We're alone now," she said, her voice low. "So, speak."

His smile faltered, his eyes darting around the room before settling on her. "Yes," he said, his voice a little too eager. "I just came to ask about the company. When will we change its name?"

Rosie's expression turned skeptical, her eyes narrowing slightly. She'd seen the flash of nervousness in his eyes, and his forced smile only reinforced her doubts. "Are you sure that's all you're here for?" she asked.

He nodded vigorously, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Yeah, that's all."

Her gaze lingered on him, her expression unreadable. "I see," she said. "But didn't Dominic already brief you on all this??"

"Uhm." He murmured, speechless. Rosie's gaze seemed to bore into his very soul, and he knew he'd been caught in his own web of deceit.

"If you'd like to hear it from me, I'll explain it again," she offered, her voice calm, but her tone held a hint of authority. "For now, you'll maintain your position as leader of the company, but let's be clear; you're the managing director, and I'm the CEO,"

She paused, her eyes locking onto his. "I won't announce it publicly just yet."

"When will you announce it?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Her expression turned stern, her voice firm. "That's not for you to know. When I'm ready, I'll let you know. And when I do, be prepared to step down the next day." 

He nodded slowly. "Okay."

"As for the name change, it's not a priority. Moore company is a minor asset, and it holds little significance for me," she said, her tone dismissive. Her words dripped with disdain, making him feel like a pawn in her game.

Archie stared downward, his face burning with embarrassment as he realized the true extent of his role.

"I expect it to generate minimal income, to be honest. I acquired it primarily to help you," Rosie continued, her words cutting deep.

Archie nodded again, the air escaping his lips in a soft whoosh. He wanted to speak up, but the humiliation silenced him.

Rosie's gaze lingered on him before she moved on. "To avoid raising suspicions, it's best you don't attend the directors' meetings. I don't have time for unnecessary questions."

She leaned back in her seat. "The company's profits may be modest, but I won't tolerate any embezzlement. You'll submit a weekly report to me, detailing sales and revenue. It'll be on my desk every Monday morning, before I arrive at 8 am sharp,"

"Do you understand me well, or should I explain again?"

"Yes, I understand, ma'am," he replied, his tone tinged with gratitude. "Thank you."

"For what?" Her query was laced with curiosity.

"For helping me." He responded, his words sincere.

Her laughter was low and mocking. "Help you?" She repeated, and chuckled softly before she clarified. "Mr. Wright, let's be clear. This is business, nothing more. I'm keeping the transaction under wraps because it's not the right time to disclose it, not because I'm doing you a favor."

"Why–" Archie began, but Rosie's stern expression cut him off.

"Mind yourself. There are limits to how much you can question me," she warned, her voice firm and authoritative. "I am your boss."

Archie nodded hastily, his eyes cast downward in submission. He glanced up at Rosie, his expression pitiful. "Rosie–" he started, then quickly corrected himself. "No, Ms. Wright, I apologize."