CHAPTER 9: EXECUTIVES MEETING

ETHAN

The company was as I had remembered it to be. 

Peaceful. Elegant. Tense. 

Everyone worked agilely with no sense of dawdling. 

Even the most ordinary worker was someone with a postgraduate degree. They were all experienced and vibrant. 

They bowed slightly when they saw my father, and none of them acted too surprised at my presence. 

My father also replied to them calmly and led me toward the exclusive elevator, which lifted us to his office.

Following the rich chime of the elevator, we stepped out, and my eyes widened subtly when I saw the rows of officials waiting for us in the long hall.  

They were mostly old men and women with a few younger ones among them.

They greeted my father with respect and paved the way for him. 

"Thank you, everyone." My father laughed as he pulled me with him, dragging me toward the conference room. 

I raised a brow at him. 

He grinned at me. "I needed to announce your arrival in the company." He whispered back. 

My head suddenly started aching. 

Didn't we plan that I would start from somewhere manageable? Why was he putting me in the limelight instead?

I rubbed my thumbs together. Why hadn't I expected this? 

This was my father we were talking about. The man who wouldn't mind placing my name on his forehead to announce to the world that I was his son. 

I clicked my tongue and followed to sit beside him. 

The smile on his face deepened at my action. 

The numerous officials also entered and took their seats. 

I could feel their curious gazes on me. 

Though many knew I was Ethan George, the only son of Arthur George, they also knew I was a lazy bum born with the breeding constitution and expected to marry into another family in the future. 

Most people would have never expected me to show up now. Especially when my father was still so young and strong. 

I could understand their curiosity. But it didn't matter. 

This was the same mentality I had followed back then. As someone born with the female constitution of breeding, I lived my life as someone who was only meant to marry and live for my husband. 

But that was in the past. Things were different now. 

My father cleared his throat to attract everyone's attention and momentarily freed me from the uncomfortable gazes. 

"This is my son, Ethan George. From now on, he's resuming in the office." His announcement or introduction was as ordinary as it could be. 

It left the officials surprised. 

The doubts in their eyes evident. 

My father waved his hand impatiently. "He's not taking over just yet. He's working as my secretary for a while to know and learn more. After that, I will directly retire behind the screen and hand over the group to him." He paused and looked at every member of the officials. "Any objection?" Everyone was quiet. 

But my mind wasn't. 

Secretary? Didn't we plan on... I bit my tongue and abruptly stopped myself. 

This was good, too. 

Starting as his secretary would make things easier for me, and I could also make use of the power to see Leander again. 

A smile appeared on my face. 

The meeting continued for an hour longer, and soon, everyone dispersed. 

When the door closed, leaving my father and me behind, I turned to face him, and a feigned anger showed on my face. "Secretary?" 

He chuckled awkwardly. "Don't worry. I have my assistants and secretary already. You just have to follow them and learn from them for a few months, and you'd be good." 

My lips twitched. "You are really eager to drop the pies on me." 

"No. No. Don't think that way, son. I..."

I sneered and turned my head away. 

Right then, my phone buzzed with a message. 

I picked up the phone to check. My expression cooled when I realized it was a message from Vesper. 

I ignored it and dropped the phone back. The phone had barely touched the table when it began ringing. 

Checking, I realized it was still Vesper. I closed my eyes to suppress my anger and clenched the phone tight. 

"The bastard?" My father asked. 

"Hm." 

"Do you need me to send some men to cripple him. Just crippling, I promise." 

My eyes flickered. "Anyone would think we work with the Mafia." My mood lightened a bit. 

My father scoffed. "Dad doesn't mind collaborating with the mafia, you know?" 

I rolled my eyes and answered the call. Perhaps it was the confidence of having my father right beside me, or it was the comfort that came with his teasing, but I was able to place the phone to my ear and wait for Vesper to speak. 

"Baby? Are you there?" Vesper's frantic voice rang in my ears. 

My stomach churned with disgust. "Hm." 

"Baby, where are you? Where did you go last night? Are you okay?" He paused. 

"Wait, send me your address, and I'll come to pick you up." 

A frown formed on my face. Pick me up? 

I wasn't certain I wouldn't mistakenly kill him instead. 

"No..." 

"Baby, we need to visit my father. Remember what he promised to give me after marriage? Let's go together to claim it." 

My words immediately died in my throat. I swallowed and briefly glanced at the reminder on my wrist, which could only be seen by me. My expression calmed. "Okay." 

"Let's go tomorrow. I will return home in the evening." I replied. 

"Really? Where are you right now? Your parents'? Do you need me to come? I miss you, ba..." 

I ended the call and dropped the phone. 

"I still want to kill him." My father mumbled under his breath. 

I shook my head and smiled. "No, I need him alive. He could make me see Leander faster."

"Huh?" My father looked confused. 

I chuckled and rubbed my chin. "I promised I'd live longer."