CHAPTER FOUR

Brian's POV

“What do you mean you still can’t find that crazy orphan?” I yelled into the phone.

“It’s been one full year, and you still haven’t given me any meaningful information about her. Are you trying to tell me that she just disappeared from the surface of the earth without a trace?”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I’ve tried everything in my power. No one seems to know where she entered or if she’s even dead.”

The word dead did something to my chest, and I couldn’t even explain why it bothered me so much.

“I don’t care about your excuses. Find her or kiss your job goodbye.”

With that, I ended the call.

Closing my eyes for a brief moment to calm the anger that was already rising inside me.

“Mr. Whitmore?” Emma called from behind the door as she placed a gentle knock on the door.

“Not now, please!” I snapped, turning my chair to back the door.

“I think I’ve found a way to secure the partnership with the Beaumont group.”

Her words didn’t click in my brain at first.

“What did you just say?” I said, swinging my chair to face the door once again.

I didn’t even wait for her to say it again before I invited her in.

When she stepped in, she showed me the headlines on her tab, a young reporter with a mic to her mouth. 

“The Beaumont family has finally announced the return of their daughter. The welcome party will be taking place on the 25th of November…”  

That’s five days from now.

I looked at Emma.

“How is this supposed to help us?” I asked, brows furrowed.

She swiped up to reveal the comment section.

Comments were flowing in, increasing by the second.

“The Beaumont heiress is very beautiful; I’ve been privileged to be in her presence once before.”

“The heiress is highly educated.”

“Rumors have it that the heiress is very much single.”

“There!” Emma pointed.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“That’s your golden opportunity right there, boss.”

For some seconds, I tried to convince myself that she didn’t mean what I thought she meant, but then she finally said it outright.

“You can win her over and that way, you can get the partnership so easily. You know, when a woman is in love…”

“You think she’s dumb?” I snapped. “Of course she knows many people are going to want to take advantage of her.”

“You’re not many people, boss. You’ve got your charm, trust me… This is a very good opportunity.”

“Cut the crap, I’m not doing that.” I finally dismissed her.

By the time I got home, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling so heavy from the day’s stress.

A lot of companies had been refusing our offers lately, and the numbers were increasing every day. Securing this partnership with Beaumont Group didn’t only mean working for them alone; it would open doors for other contracts, increase the weight of our portfolio and our visibility too.

Emma’s words wouldn’t stop echoing in my head.

No, that’s too risky. I concluded, staring at the ceiling.

If she finds out I’m with Sophia…

I hadn’t married Sophia yet, but the public already tagged her as Mrs. Whitmore.

Speaking of Sophia…

“Babe… You’re finally back.” Sophia said, closing the door as she stepped in. She collapsed onto the bed by my side. “ I almost thought you weren’t going to return today.”

“You need to stop coming back late, you know.”

“Can you believe your mom asked me to prepare dinner after I just finished getting my nails done? Like, is she kidding me?”

“Anyways, I’m going to let that slide. I just need you to warn her in case of next time. My nails are too costly for that shit.”

She suddenly turned, taking my hand in hers. 

“Babe… I think we should get a nanny for the baby; I don’t think I’m mentally built for all that stress she keeps putting me through.”

Without saying a word, I pulled my hand from hers, stood up, picked my shirt and made my way out of the room.  

“Babe!” She yelled behind me, but thankfully she didn’t follow me. 

As much as I hated comparing them, I knew deep inside of me that Jolene was never this noisy and full of complaints.

There was never peace with Sophia, unlike in the days of Jolene .

I hadn’t fully agreed to this whole heiress stuff yet, but whether I agreed or not, I had to be there. I have to win the chairman’s trust, and I guess the Heiress truly is my only ticket.

I stood in front of the mirror, straightening my tie.

I paused for a moment.

Jolene used to do this for me.

I quickly shook off the thought, not wanting to dwell on it. My life is just okay without Jolene in it. By the way, she owes me big time. I’m not letting the car damage go just like that. 

Everything I was telling myself sounded less like facts and more like me trying to convince myself on why I wanted her back here. 

I took a deep breath as I stepped out of my car.

The cameras began flashing, forcing me to put on that practiced smile I had learned to wear for years now, even when nothing in my life called for happiness.

I noticed that a lot of people were standing outside.

When I got to the door, I suddenly understood why many had not entered yet.

About four heavily built men stood at the door of the hall, checking for invitation cards.

Of course, how could I forget that a party of such caliber would be strictly by invitation.

I stayed back instead of letting myself get embarrassed by the angry-looking bouncers.

What do I do now? I thought, frustration eating me on the inside.

The paparazzi weren’t even helping matters, their cameras still clicking around.

“Mr Whitmore?” Someone suddenly called.

I followed the sound of the voice; it had come from inside.

I could barely recognize the face, but I knew that face was familiar.

When I took a closer look, I realized that it was the chairman’s son.

I walked towards the door with so much hope.

This time, the guards didn’t stop me. Instead, they paved the way for me.

“Mr. Beaumont Jr…” I called.

“It’s good to finally meet you,” I said as soon as I got in.

“I could say the same.” He said, extending his hands towards me with a small smile spread across his lips.

“Thank you for helping me with the guards back there; I had honestly lost hope of entering.”

He waved it off. “It’s nothing.”

The chairman’s son invited me in…

This must be a good sign.

“Just maintain your cool and don’t mess things up,” I muttered to myself.

A smirk appeared at the corner of my lips as I joined the crowd.

Businessmen and women dressed in perfectly tailored suits and dresses stood around. Some circled around themselves, talking in small groups.

I greeted a few people and networked with some I hadn’t met before.  

“Wine?” A waiter said to me.

“Sure.” I took the wine, maintaining my smile as I looked around for Mr Beaumont Jr, who had suddenly disappeared into the chattering crowd immediately after inviting me in.

Tap. Tap.

The MC tapped the mic as he tried to get everyone’s attention.

“Good evening, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. I humbly welcome you to this gracious occasion. I would advise everyone to remain joyful as we are just getting started. Thank you once again for honoring Beaumont Group today; we do not take your presence for granted.”

He went on and on, introducing some of the big guests present there.

Then finally…

“With a clapping ovation, join me as I invite to the podium. Mr. Richard Beaumont, Chairman of Beaumont Group.”

Everyone began clapping as Mr. Beaumont ascended the stage.

I had expected an elderly man, after all, the media said he was fifty-eight years old. But the man who climbed onto the podium didn’t even look like he was up to forty yet.

Anticipation began to bubble on the inside of me. I was waiting for the moment where they would finally introduce her.

The chairman gave a very lengthy speech which I barely heard.

All I could pick from what he said was that she was going to be taking over from him as the new chairwoman of Beaumont Group.

Once I win her over…

The partnership is a done deal.

The thought had already settled in the back of my mind before I got the chance to talk myself out of it.

“Everyone… the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here.”

The chairman smiled as he looked toward the grand staircase overlooking the ballroom.

“Ladies and gentlemen…” His voice resounded effortlessly through the silent hall. “Allow me to introduce the future of Beaumont Group…”

He paused, his eyes softening with unmistakable pride.

“My daughter.”

The lights dimmed.

For one heartbeat…

The entire ballroom fell into complete silence.

Then a spotlight pointed toward the staircase.

Every head turned.

Even I found myself looking toward the staircase.

The first thing I noticed wasn’t her face.

It was the sound.

The soft click of a pair of heels descending the stairs.

Then a figure emerged beneath the lights.

A champagne-gold gown hugged every curve of her body with effortless elegance. Diamonds rested delicately against her collarbone, catching the light with every graceful step she took.

Her long dark hair swept over one shoulder, revealing a pair of emerald earrings that probably cost more than most luxury apartments.

She walked without hesitation.

Without nervousness.

Without trying to impress anyone, yet she managed to impress everyone.

Business leaders who moments ago had been chatting confidently now stood silently watching her descend.

Halfway down the staircase…

She lifted her eyes.

My fingers tightened instinctively around my wine glass.

No…

That couldn’t be…

My breathing slowed.

No.

She looked…

She looked exactly like…

My wine glass slipped from my hand.

“…Jolene ?”

The name escaped my lips before I even realized I had spoken.

The sound of the shattering glass echoed in the silence. Everyone turned to me. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t even say a word, my eyes just remained fixed on her. 

A cleaner quickly rushed to my side, taking care of the broken glass without calling for attention. 

She reached the final step, her eyes meeting mine for a brief second. 

I forgot how to breathe. 

Richard Beaumont walked forward with a wide smile.

He opened his arms without hesitation…

She smiled warmly and embraced him.

“My daughter…” he said proudly before turning back to the audience.

“It gives me great pleasure to officially introduce the future Chairwoman of Beaumont Group…”

He rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Miss Jolene Beaumont.”