An unmistakable encounter.

...

Anderson walked out of the conference Hall, his secretary and a few other head staffs running behind him to meet up with his pace.

"What's next on my schedule?" He asked her, making a sharp bend towards his private elevator.

"You have a business meeting with Deluxe by nine concerning the business proposal we offered," she said.

"Okay. Joey?" He called.

"Yes , Mr Riecke?" Joey ran up to him, bringing out a pad and pen. 

"I need all the accounts from every department, in my office before the end of today."

"Yes sir," Joey nodded, scribbling something on his note.

"And-

Anderson's words trailed off when he noticed Reynard stepping into the company.

"Hello brother!" Reynard smiled, taking the dark shades off and making his way towards Anderson.

Anderson paused, instantly stopping the rest of his workers as Reynard stood in front of him.

"What are you doing here?" Anderson asked him.

"Why? Because you're the acting CEO doesn't mean I can't pay my the company's HQ a visit," Reynard shrugged.

At the words 'acting CEO' Anderson noted the look of surprise on the faces of his workers. Thanks to Reynard, they are all now aware that he isn't officially their CEO.

 He ignored their gossip stares and turned to Reynard.

"Well, enjoy your visit," Anderson replied him plainly and began walking past him to the elevator.

"Why so formal, Anderson?" Reynard asked, stopping him. "You're not even sure if your position in this company will be exterminated today," he added. 

Anderson frowned, his palm curling to a tight fist by his side.

"Infact," Reynard walked to stand beside him, "I think I'll be the one running father's companies soon." 

Anderson's jaw tightened, his fist trembling in anger.

He glanced at his workers and found them all looking downward, none of them daring to raise their head up.

"Enjoy it while it lasts," Reynard whispered in his ear before finally walking away, his laughter echoing in the hallway.

"Get the car ready" Anderson said to his secretary before stepping into the elevator, seething.

..

Katherine added a last touch of makeup to her face and stood up, smiling at the perfection. She walked to grab her bag that had her folder and CV, the heels on her shoes clicking on the concrete floor as she walked out of the door. 

"Dad, I'm off!" She informed him, Xavier turned to look at her from the newspaper he was reading.

"Another interview?" Xavier asked.

"Yes, I'll be back soon." 

"Alright honey, be careful!"

"Sure." 

Heading into the van, she inserted the key and started the van before driving off.

At the company's venue, Katherine parked the van and got off. 

She stared at the big company before her, it appeared to be made of glass but it was impossible to see anything going on in the building's interior. 

She grabbed her bag and climbed down from the van, walking towards the entrance.

"Hello Miss," the security at the door accosted her. "May I know your purpose for being here?" 

"Er, My name is Katherine, and I'm here for the interview," she said, bringing out her phone to show him the text.

"Oh right," he said, "go on in. You'll see the others waiting at the front hall, you can join them." he said.

"Thank you," Katherine said and walked in.

Arriving at the interior of the company, she inquired for directions from the receptionist. After confirming her words, the receptionist handed her a tag with the number 10' and directed her to a hall where the other interviewees were.

Katherine occupied a vacant seat.

"Tag number seven, please come with me for your interview." a man came in their midst and announced and a lady, dark skinned and petite stood up and followed him. 

Glancing at her tag number and suddenly feeling pressed, Katherine turned to the lady beside her.

"Excuse me," she said and the lady gave her a look.

"Hi," she said when she got the lady's attention. "I believe you're here for the interview?" Katherine asked.

"I am," she answered stressfully.

"Good, I am too. Can you watch my bag while I make use of the restroom real quick?" Katherine asked.

"Sure. But you have to be really quick, I'm only two numbers away from the last person that got called in," she informed, revealing her tag that had the number seven.

"I will. Thank you," Katherine said and walked out of the hall, arriving at the front desk.

"Hi. Could you tell me where the restroom is, please?" She asked.

"Of course. It's just by the corner right there," the receptionist replied sweetly and Katherine thanked her before leaving.

...

Anderson arrived at Deluxe, his secretary alighting and opening the car door for him. He climbed down and adjusted his tie. Letting her carry his briefcase, they head into the company together..

Arriving at the front desk, Anderson caught sight of a lady just walking away from it. He paused, a deep sense of familiarity hitting him. 

With her back at him, Anderson recognized her walking steps.

"Sir?" His secretary called, wondering why he suddenly stopped. She traced his gaze and it landed on a lady walking away. Anderson paid her no attention, his gaze intent on the woman who looked very much like his ex-wife or could possibly be her.

He watched until she disappeared into a corner.

Thoughtlessly, he made to follow her, taking a step forward.

"Mr Riecke!" A sharp voice halted his movement and he turned to see Julio Deluxe, walking towards him with a huge smile. "I'm so glad you made it," he said, offering his hand for a shake, Anderson took it with disinterest, his mind occupied with thoughts of the lady he had just seen.

"This way, please," Julio led.

Anderson nodded dryly, his gaze darting to the corner she had vanished into, he stared at it for a moment before walking to where Julio directed.

As he walked, he tried his best to control the urge to look back, to check if the lady that he saw is who he had in mind.

Katherine, his ex-wife.

If she truly is back as he thought, he wondered what she was doing there?

Why she looked almost unrecognizable in just their four months of separation.

As those thoughts lingered on Anderson's mind, he shook them off, wondering why he was even thinking about her.

What she does isn't his business anymore. He tried to accept that fact but somehow he didn't. He couldn't.

Somehow, he was still restless about that lady whose identity he wanted to confirm, and with that thought, he regrettably concurred to the urge and turned towards the direction she had passed through again.

.