Queen of Hearts

The cool breeze hit my face as I opened the door to the rooftop garden. My heart was pounding like crazy after rushing over via the stairs. The elevator was taking too long and I needed something to spend my adrenaline rush on.

Inhaling the fresh air, I let it permeate every cell of my body as I leaned over the railings and looked down below. Main Street was bustling with activity as usual; cars passing by, people walking and crossing the streets. Only I was aware of the excitement I was feeling.

I forced myself to calm down. I still couldn't believe it. The day had finally come!

My mind was playing the scene that took place inside the main conference hall a while ago. Dad's words still rang inside my head:

"You have done well these past three years. We have watched you grow from a trainee to a top idol and an acclaimed actress, and now, Artist of the Year in the International Arts Academy Awards. You've also proven yourself capable in managing people as the creative director. With that, the Board of Directors and I agree that it is time to hand over the reins for Queen of Hearts to you. With a Reinhart back in the company's helm, we expect Queen of Hearts to rise to great heights."

Chief Executive Officer! I've finally reached my goal!

I took a deep breath and shouted at the top of my lungs, "My name is Caitlin Anne Reinhart, the new CEO of Queen of Hearts!"

Having poured my emotions in that single outburst, I was finally able to keep myself in check. The recent years of hard work and heavy multitasking was worth it. And as reality began to sink in, I thought of my eldest sister, Claire.

Claire was the one who founded Queen of Hearts seven years ago. She was 28 when she opened the company with the family's blessing and support. She had always been passionate about music and dance, and had a knack for mentoring new talents. I was her first student. Now, it's my turn to share what she taught me.

I tilted my head up and looked at the clear blue sky. It seemed brighter than usual.

"Don't worry, sis," I whispered. "I'll take care of Queen of Hearts for you."

—-------------------------

"Meeting adjourned. Thank you for your hard work."

Vic Marquez sat deeper into his chair as the rest of the employees quietly filed out the conference hall doors one by one. It was barely noon yet he already felt exhausted. It hadn't been two months since he had joined the company and already it felt like years considering the amount of problems he had taken over. The company was a mess to begin with, and with recent personnel changes, everyone was scrambling to gain a foothold.

"Boss, Mr. Smith wants to see you in Meeting Room 1," his assistant, Matt Ongpauco, said quietly over his shoulder.

"Did he say why?"

Matt shook his head.

Vic rubbed his forehead then stood up. "Whatever it is, it must be important," he said, smoothing his suit. "Gavin Smith isn't really the type of guy to pay me a social visit."

The two quickly left the conference and headed to the meeting room where they found a man and a woman waiting for them inside. The man was in his late fifties, dressed in a smart suit and tie. His ash gray hair, combed neatly to one side, was complemented by the same colored beard and mustache.

As the personal assistant to Reinhart Group's president, Gavin Smith always had an air of respectability around him. Vic used to liken him to Batman's butler, Alfred, when he was younger. With the president's recent hospital confinement since last month, it was Gavin who would travel back and forth from the company to the hospital to handle the president's affairs.

"Hello, Mr. Marquez," Gavin said. "President Reinhart sent me here to introduce to you your new Creative Director, Miss Anya Delacroix."

The person who stood up was a beautiful young woman whom he had never seen before. She was tall; had he not recognized the name given to him, he would have thought she was a runway model. It wasn't just that she was tall and slim, but her features were also beautiful; a small oval face, soft cheekbones, a small mouth, and a striking pair of big round eyes.

She smiled and offered her hand. "Please, call me Anya, Mr. Marquez."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Anya," Vic replied, shaking her hand. "I must say, I didn't expect the famous Anya to be this young."

One of her eyebrows shot up. "Were you expecting an old woman, perhaps?"

"No, I—" Taken aback, Vic stammered. "I just wasn't expecting someone who had reached such heights in the entertainment world to be around my age."

She looked at him from head to toe then looked him straight in the eye. "I guess that makes two of us, Mr. Marquez. I also didn't expect someone as young as you to be my boss, much less someone who is not a Reinhart to be the CEO of Queen of Hearts."

Sensing the tension forming between the two, Gavin cleared his throat. "President Reinhart especially appointed the both of you to your specific posts. Should you have any complaints, I can help you file a report in his office."

The two held their tongues but continued to glare at each other.

Seeing that they stopped, Gavin continued. "Although the President plans to formally welcome Miss Anya at QH's tenth anniversary banquet next week, he wants her to assume her responsibilities as director as soon as possible and expects Mr. Marquez to facilitate the handover as smoothly as possible. President Reinhart expects QH to debut a new group by summer next year. Your timeline is quite tight, Mr. Marquez. However, with a talent such as Miss Anya on your side, I'm sure you'll both be able to take on that challenge."

The two were stunned speechless. They shared a tentative look at each other, then switched over to Gavin almost at the same time.

"If there's nothing else, I will take my leave," Gavin said with a bow. "Have a good day, Mr. Marquez, Miss Anya."

With that, the man gave Matt, who was standing by the door, a light tap on one arm and left.