Grayham’s POVWhen I got to the stage, all eyes were on me. I took my seat and crossed my legs. The moderator cleared his throat and settled into the chair facing us.“As you all know, our topic is Integrating social service into the business world,” then he turned to me. “I wasn’t informed that Mr. Wilson won’t be coming,”I smiled and turned in the direction of all the guests. “Mr. Wilson is a bit unwell so as acting CEO, he sent me here to speak on his behalf,” I turned to Victor who was standing at a corner of the room with an impish smile. “I understand that so many of you have a lot of doubts about my qualifications and level of experience but by the time I’m done with this panel discussion, I’m certain your opinions of me will change and maybe, you’ll see what Wilsons saw in me,”Victor clenched his jaw.“Okay then let’s get on with it,” the moderator began. “The first question goes to you, Mr. Grayham. How do we integrate social service into the business world without politici
I adjusted my silk tie and pressed it onto my shirt. I took another glance at my reflection in the large standing mirror in front of me and then traced my way out of the room.When I got to the café, I met Shirley running around with an apron tied around her waist. She was clearing the tables and serving at the same time. Max was behind the counter and a bunch of customers were seated.Max cleared his throat loudly right after I descended from the staircase.“I’m attending an event,” I said.He swept his gaze all over me and then nodded repeatedly. “Of course. I just hope they don’t turn you into one of them before this whole project you’re running ends,”I smiled and stepped out of the café. I heard a car revving toward the building. I stood in front of the entrance. I think my ride is here.I’m feeling quite powerful tonight. I don’t know whether it’s because of the branded suit or the thought of having to be in the same room with people of my class. I’ve missed this life.I walked
Grayham’s POVI have to give it to Miles. He’s smart. I underestimated him. I’ve been analyzing records, going through receipts, and tracking cash inflow and stock growth in the last couple of months, and guess what, we didn’t just record profit, we recorded a 50% increase in supply.I know Miles goes through me with every work document but trust me, the way he presents himself, talks to potential partners, and runs this company is above average. Maybe, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have someone assist me in the future.Someone I can trust so that I won’t have to suffer from burnout because I’m carrying all the workload alone. Miles has just indirectly taught me the value of delegation and trusting people and that’s why while I’m seated in the office going through the files on my screen, Shirley and Max and running the café.In the future, I would delegate more tasks to my executive assistant and then increase his salary. Speaking of an executive assistant, Henry just barged into my
Grayham’s POVI stepped out of the cab and marched toward Kaden home. It’s been a long day. I was halfway there when I stopped in my tracks. A few people were loitering around the building.Customers!I breathed a sigh and wondered how long they’ve been there. Before leaving for Wilson Industries that morning, I ensured the ‘closed’ sign was flipped.Looks like they kept coming back to check whether the sign was flipped. It was very unusual for the café to stop running for 24 hours. And now that the renovations were complete, I simply had no excuse.I was overwhelmed with guilt as I took slow steps toward the building.“There he is!”“What happened, Miles?”“You were gone the whole day,”I stopped when I got to the front of the building where everyone was gathered. “I’m very sorry, guys. I had something to handle in town and it looks like it took a lot of time,” I glanced at my wristwatch. It was almost 7pm and I was exhausted as hell. “I don’t think I’ll be opening tonight,Some of
Grayham’s POV“This way,” Henry said and led me toward the CEO’s office. I could see that he was quite uptight. Perhaps, he was on the edge because he believed that someone from the street had come to take over his boss’s position while there were better replacements. Like him of course. I stepped into the office and stopped when Henry walked toward the desk.My God!It’s been ages.It’s been 73 days minus the one-month period that I was in a coma. I can’t believe I’ve been away from my haven for months that feel like a decade. I slowly stepped into the office and smiled when I caught a portrait of my Grandpa on the wall.He was the first CEO to ever run this company and right beside his portrait was my father’s and then mine. I turned to the visitor’s sofa and brushed it. There was a glass table at the center and my curtains. My black curtains.Miles changed nothing but how could he? To alter anything is to arouse suspicion. I walked to the window and parted the railings.I miss th
Grayham’s POVAt first, I thought I had imagined him speaking but when I turned around, I noticed his eyes were open. I smiled and rushed toward the bed. I quickly sat and then took his hand.“What happened?” Miles asked and then painfully rolled his eyes around the ward.I sighed. “You don’t remember anything. Do you?”He pressed his eyes against each other and then opened them with a groan. Looks like he was in so much pain.“I remember falling,” he managed to say. “It must be around. I can’t believe I ended up in a hospital,” he said.I began to brush his hand. “You’re fine now,” Honestly, he did give me a scare. “I..I immediately stopped speaking when it occurred to me that I’d be stupid to say what was on my mind.Suddenly, the door to the ward opened and the first thing I did was let go of his hand. My Granpa and the doctor appeared.I cleared my throat loudly, stood up, and retreated from the bed. “He’s awake!”The doctor immediately went to Miles and began to check his eyes w