Episode # 3: “Unseen Allies”

Along with Abria, Hailey emerged from the airport and surveyed their surroundings. Abria was holding her cellphone, scanning for the car number sent by the HR personnel.

"There," Abria pointed out when she spotted the car parked a short distance away. The HR had informed her that the company car would pick them up from the airport. They approached the car and settled inside.

"How long will it take to reach?" Abria asked the driver.

"About thirty minutes," the driver replied. Abria nodded and glanced at Hailey, who sat with her eyes closed. After around thirty minutes, they arrived at the underground parking of the Holt Group of Companies Head Office.

"Ma'am," Abria called softly, and Hailey opened her eyes and looked at her. "We've arrived." Hailey nodded and stepped out of the car. They stood in the parking lot. "Where do we go?" Abria asked the driver, who directed them towards the elevator.

The driver took them to the reception area. "We're here for a meeting," Abria informed the receptionist.

"Hailey Andreev?" the receptionist asked.

"Yes," Abria replied.

"This way, ma'am," the receptionist said, leading them to the meeting room.

"Sir will be here in a minute," the receptionist added.

"Thank you," Abria responded. Hailey remained quiet, observing her surroundings. They took their seats at the large conference table.

Moments later, the door opened, and two people entered. Hailey and Abria stood up to greet them. "Welcome, Miss Hailey, to the Holt Group of Companies. I'm Caleb Grant, the Managing Director of the company, and this is my P.A., Skylar," Caleb introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Caleb. This is my P.A., Abria," Hailey replied, introducing Abria. Caleb nodded towards her with a smile and gestured for them to sit down.

"I hope your journey was comfortable and that you didn't encounter any inconvenience," Caleb said. Abria opened her mouth to respond, but Hailey cut her off.

"Why are we here? Why did you call this meeting? I know you don't even know about me or my company until my issue with Adam Steve came to light," Hailey blurted out bluntly. Abria and Skylar's eyes widened in shock, and they exchanged fearful glances before looking back at Caleb.

Caleb was momentarily taken aback by her directness but soon let out a chuckle, shaking his head slightly. "Blunt, aren't we?" Caleb said teasingly. Hailey remained silent, giving him a blank look.

"Miss Hailey, you know what?" Caleb continued, as Hailey, Abria, and Skylar looked at him curiously. "This is one of the major reasons you have a long list of enemies—perhaps even more than you have well-wishers," Caleb said. Abria couldn't help but agree, but she stayed silent.

Hailey shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Caleb noticed her reaction. "I know everything regarding your issue with Adam Steve, and to be honest, it's commendable," Caleb said.

"You called me here to appreciate me?" Hailey asked, and Abria wanted to bang her head somewhere. She wondered when her boss would start thinking before speaking. Caleb chuckled at her response.

"As much as I want to do that, the real reason you're here is because you're the first woman to stand up to Adam Steve without any fear. And that's precisely why we're interested in you. Miss Hailey, Holt Companies is going to invest in your company, and in return, we'll own 15% of your shares," Caleb explained, handing her a file after taking it from Skylar.

Hailey was shocked to hear this, but she composed herself and took the file to read the documents. There was nothing suspicious in the papers. But why were they being so generous with her company? Only 15% shares and nothing else? No profit clauses, no CEO rights, nothing?

On the other side, Abria was silently thanking God that her boss would finally be safe, as she knew Adam Steve wouldn't leave her alone easily.

"Such simple papers from the MD of a company people think twice about even mentioning? It's hard to digest. And last but not the least, why the CEO of Holt Group of Companies not doing this meeting?" Hailey remarked, and Abria pondered on that for a moment.

"Believe it or not, Miss Hailey, but this is the truth. And regarding the CEO, then I'm also authorized by the CEO only that in his absence I can take the decisions." Caleb said. "So, will you sign the papers?" Caleb asked, handing her a pen. Hailey stared at his face and then at the pen in his hand. She looked at Abria, who was watching her with eagerness.

Hailey raised her hand and took the pen from Caleb. She knew she had no other choice but to sign the contract with Holt. She looked down at the papers and gripped the pen tightly. Suddenly, she hissed and dropped the pen.

"Ma'am," Abria said in a worried tone. Caleb and Skylar also gazed at her with concern.

"I'm fine," Hailey said, pressing her hand for a moment before picking the pen with her other hand and signing the document. Caleb gave her an amused look.

"Ambidextrous, impressive," Caleb muttered inaudibly and took the file Hailey passed him after signing.

"Miss Hailey, Miss Abria, our driver will take you to the airport, but please have lunch before you leave," Caleb instructed Skylar to order the chef to bring the food. Skylar nodded and used the intercom to contact the kitchen.

The food arrived, and all four of them began their lunch. Suddenly, while eating, Hailey started breathing heavily. Abria, who glanced at her randomly, was shocked to see her in distress.

"Shit, shit, shit, ma'am," Abria hurriedly got up, followed by Caleb and Skylar.

"What happened?" Caleb asked.

"Is there peanuts in any dish?" Abria asked in panic while trying to calm Hailey down.

"Skylar?" Caleb asked.

"Sir, one dish contains peanut butter," Skylar replied worriedly.

"Ma'am is allergic to peanuts. I don't know how I forgot to check," Abria exclaimed, rummaging through her bag for Hailey's medicine.

"I'm calling the doctor," Caleb said, pulling out his cellphone. Skylar wiped the sweat from Hailey's forehead. Hailey was struggling to breathe; it was getting increasingly difficult. Suddenly, she stood up but stumbled.

"Ma'am," Abria exclaimed, and before Hailey could lose her balance, Abria and Skylar caught her just in time. However, their expressions turned horrified as Hailey fell unconscious.

To be continued...