Chapter 039

39.

The handover ceremony came to an end and a meeting was held the next day, where Bianca would talk with the stockholders and directors as the new CEO.

Samantha was present at the meeting and only said a few words. Even when most of the stockholders were asking questions, she just sat there, watching them.

Some stood up to oppose Bianca the way they did with her, and she thought Bianca was going to put them in their places, but the lady only stuttered and tried to defend herself.

She smirked and shook her head, realizing that Bianca wasn't ready before she was thrown such a huge responsibility. After the meeting, Bianca breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought that Samantha was going to find a way to disgrace her since they weren't on good terms, but she was shocked at how quiet Samantha was, and wondered if the lady had anything else up her sleeves.

Samantha stood up and was about to walk out.

"Ms. Salvador!" Bianca called, causing Samantha to stop in her tracks. She turned to see Bianca, walking to where she stood, her hills kissing the floor. When she got to where Samantha was standing, she smiled. "Now that we're both CEOs, I wonder what you're planning right now. I was surprised when you didn't ask me any questions like the other directors. Did you run out of questions or this was your first time and you wanted to learn?" she asked, her tone mocking.

Samantha smiled beautifully and Bianca was taken aback for a second. She just said something to annoy or piss her off, and the lady only smiled at her. "You're asking if I ran out of questions?" she chuckled. "I didn't run out of questions sweetheart. In fact, I had numerous questions to ask you, but after seeing the way you melted when the directors were questioning you, I had no choice but to save your pathetic ass, so I kept the questions to myself."

"You-"

"I have a lot to do as the competent CEO of my company. Goodbye, Ms. Sullivan." Samantha smirked and walked out, leaving Bianca's ego bruised.

Bianca stomped her feet in anger. She wasn't going to forgive Samantha for this.

"Ma'am, don't forget your appointment with Mr. Callymore today." Her assistant reminded her and she sighed before walking out.

The guy followed after her immediately as they walked out of the company. She got into the car and he took the driver's seat as they headed to Aiden's company.

When she got there, she was directed to his office. Adjusting her suit perfectly, she walked into the room, her heels kissing the floor as she walked to where he was seated. Aiden looked up from what he was doing.

"Good day, Mr. Callymore." she tried her best to put on her best smile.

Aiden nodded slightly. "Good day. Please have a seat." he pointed to the chair in front of his desk and she bowed slightly before moving to take a seat.

"You said you wanted to discuss something with me," he said and she nodded. "Okay, go ahead." he said and Bianca took a deep breath.

She began talking about having a business deal with him and he just sat there, listening to her. The only problem he had right now was that he wasn't interested in having anything to do with the Sullivans. Even when she had asked for this appointment, he just had to agree because he didn't want to look rude since she was just taking over as the CEO.

When Bianca was done talking, she asked for his opinion. "So, what do you think about my plan?"

Aiden sighed. "Ms. Sullivan, your ideas seem interesting but I'm afraid I can't work with you."

Bianca's eyes widened. Her countenance changed instantly. "Why? I mean... You said my ideas are interesting, so what is your reason for not working with us?" she asked, her heart thumping in her chest.

"I'm afraid I have a personal vendetta against your family, Ms. Sullivan," Aiden said, his expression unyielding. "Your father's business practices have hurt people close to me, and I won't support or associate with anyone who bears the Sullivan name."

Bianca's face fell, her eyes flashing with anger. "That's not fair! I'm not my father, and I'm trying to make things right. You can't punish me for his mistakes."

"I'm not punishing you, Ms. Sullivan," Aiden said, his voice firm. "I'm simply choosing not to do business with someone who represents a company that has caused harm to people I care about. I'm sure you understand."

Bianca's face twisted in frustration. "No, I don't understand. You're being unreasonable and unfair. I demand to know who was hurt by my father's business practices."

Aiden leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with a hint of sadness. "Someone very close to me was ruined by your father's greed and ambition. I won't disclose any more information, but I assure you, my decision has nothing to do with you personally, Ms. Sullivan. It's about the company you represent."

Bianca's anger turned to desperation. "Please, Mr. Callymore, reconsider. I'll do anything to make things right. I'll make sure our company changes its ways and-"

"I'm afraid it's too late for that, Ms. Sullivan," Aiden interrupted, his voice firm. "My decision is final. I won't be working with the Sullivan Group."

Bianca's face crumpled, her eyes welling up with tears. What had her father done to upset Aiden so much? And why wouldn't Aiden say anything about it?

"This is business, Mr. Callymore. You shouldn't judge using past mistakes." she stood to her feet.

Aiden snickered. "Past mistakes indeed. Maybe you can go ask your father some questions, and have him tell you what he has done. You might be the new CEO, but Sullivan group still remains Sullivan Group. It isn't called Bianca's group, so I can't work with them. It brings back memories. You can leave now." he returned his attention to his laptop, signaling the end of his interest in the conversation.

Bianca stood to her feet and walked out without saying another word. When she saw out, Aiden took a deep breath. Aside from the fact that her father was cruel to him and someone dear to him in the past, he also found out that Bianca was Nathan's mistress, and she was the woman who personally abused and threw Samantha out of the house. That action alone was enough to rekindle the anger he has harbored for years. There was no way he was going to let Bianca rise over Samantha or walk all over her either.

***

Bianca dabbed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief as she walked out of the elevator. She couldn't believe she was almost in tears just because of a mere rejection from Aiden.

She scoffed and looked around, her eyes holding nothing but determination. There was no way she was giving up without a fight. All she had to do was ask her father what transpired between them and she would be able to find a solution to all these.

Just as she was about to walk out, she came face to face with Samantha. She raised an eyebrow, wondering what Samantha was doing in the Callymore Group. Samantha wasn't shocked to see her at all. After all, who wouldn't go searching for business deals after newly taking over a company?

She didn't say anything to Bianca and was about to walk past her but Bianca stretched out her hand to stop her. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone harsh.

"Excuse you? What's your business with what I'm doing here?" Samantha asked.

"You're here to seduce Mr. Callymore, right?" she snorted.

Samantha rolled her eyes. "I'm here to work, now get out of the way," she pushed Bianca's hand away too easily and walked away. "I have no idea why I keep bumping into parasites today. Seeing her face already ruined my morning, and now I'm seeing her again?" Samantha spoke loud enough for Bianca to hear.

Bianca snickered. "Me. Parasite? A parasite?" she snickered again and frowned immediately as she walked out of the company.

***

Samantha was led into Aiden's office by his Secretary. When she got there, he looked up and the moment he saw her, the frown on his face disappeared and he smiled.

"Hey, come have a seat." he beamed at her, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes internally, finding it annoying.

She took a seat and brought out the files she was holding. "Here, I'm done with everything about the model of the automobiles we're changing. I actually added a few details to the design you gave me, and I would like you to have a look. The car show in Detroit is next week and we need to be done and on our way."

Aiden nodded and took the files from her as he went through the details she talked about. He couldn't believe how beautiful it was. It was exactly what he had envisioned, and even more. Samantha had a way of understanding him like no one else did. He couldn't deny the fact that they were good partners.

As he traced his hands around the details, he couldn't help but appreciate Samantha's talent. "This is incredible, Samantha. You're a genius," he said, his eyes locked on hers.

Samantha gave him a curt nod, her expression professional. "Thank you, Aiden. I'm glad you like it." she replied and Aiden smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I love it. Let's discuss the timeline and get started on production."

They spent the next hour discussing the details, and Aiden was impressed by Samantha's knowledge and expertise. He hadn't seen her talk this much, but he loved every word that came out of her mouth, and how she always gave suggestions on what would be better. She had the ability to leave, and he knew it. As the meeting came to a close, he stood up and walked around his desk.

"Well, we are finally done with the planning phase. All that is left is the implementation."

Samantha nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Yeah, and I really can't wait to show the world what we have planned. There is doubt this is going to shake Detroit."

Aiden smiled. "Yeah," he replied and faced her. "I was thinking, since we've been working so hard, maybe we could celebrate with dinner at my place tonight?"

Samantha's expression changed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't think that's a good idea, Aiden. I have work to do."

Aiden's smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. "You're always working. You need some time to unwind, don't you think?" he asked but Samantha wasn't ready to step into his house.

First off, she wanted nothing that would bring her close to him, secondly, Mia was there and she knew Mia was trouble. She didn't want a situation where she would lose it and actually put the little brat in her place and finally, she didn't want to lead me on. Accepting an invitation out of the blue would make it look like she was interested in him, when that was definitely not the case here.

"I appreciate the kind gesture, Aiden but I think I'll pass." she was obstinate and he didn't want to force her so he just sighed and nodded his head.

"Fine then. I understand you, maybe some other time." he said, disappointment etched on his face.

Samantha nodded and quickly stood up. "Yeah, some other time then." she didn't wait for him to say anything else before rushing out of the office. Aiden watched her retreating figure as she left.

He wondered if she was that determined to stay away from him and not spend time with him. He guessed he would just have to bring her closer then. He had been holding on for too long, thinking she would fall in love with him and accept him. He had thought if he gave her some time, it would work, but at this rate, it was obvious that he had made a mistake.

If she doesn't fall, he would have to make her, and so he took his phone and called Ray, Samantha's father. The man answered the phone after the first ring.

"Hello, Mr. Salvador, I would like to make my relationship with Samantha public and not just that, I am pushing the date of our wedding forward."

Ray was elated and shocked at the same time. "Aiden, what made you say this so suddenly? Is anything wrong?" he asked.

"No, sir. I just figured it's time I make her my wife.”