Her Way of Things

Chapter 1: The Lady Tycoon

DANA

"Caramel macchiato for Miss Dana?"

The woman behind the counter was wearing a red and white polo with a black pencil skirt. Her name tag says her name is Alex, quite uncommon for a girl to be named as such. Her tight brunette curls were kept in a black hairnet with a red bow. She looked like a minor, maybe a high schooler.

"Thanks, Alex. Here's for your tip."

Her round eyes widened when I gave her a $100 as a tip. Maybe the biggest she received? She murmured her thanks and I got the coffee, giving her a wink. I exited the small coffee shop and my driver, Marvin, opened the car door for me. Today I decided to use the black Mercedes-Maybach Exelero, a gift from Dad last month for my birthday.

"Miss Dana, your dad called your office. Do you want me to call him back?" – Zyril said, my personal assistant and secretary. She was sitting on the back seat with me.

"no. I'll call him back."

I handed my coffee to Zyril and fished my phone from my handbag. There was one missed call from Dad. What does he want? I bet he's already in his office today. Being the Chief Operations Officer of the company, I'm always the next one he calls. Most of the times, I feel like his employee rather than his daughter, if truth be told. We even talk business in dinner tables.

I dialed his number and he picked up after the second ring.

"hey dad. You called." – I greeted

"Dana, where are you? We have to prepare for the meeting with the O'Connells." – dad's voice was cracked.

I glanced at my wrist watch. It's 7:31 in the morning. The meeting starts at 9:00 am. Right, I need to be there soon. My presentation hasn't been proofread yet. I also need dad's review of it.

"I'm almost there, I promise. Bye, dad."

I ended the call before he gives me an earful for being inconsiderate of the time. I told Marvin to step on the gas so we could arrive there earlier. I wanted to open my laptop and proofread but the car's motion was driving me dizzy. I'd rather wait until we reach the company.

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"Miss Dana, we're here."

I was awakened by a slight nudge from Zyril. I gave out a small yawn and got out of the car myself. My handbag and my laptop was held by Zyril, together with my untouched coffee. It's now cold anyway. I got it from her and threw it to the nearest trash can. I didn't plan to sleep, but I guess I was too tired from staying late last night to finish the presentation.

Zyril and I entered the company's door and there are already people queueing for the time in checking. The security guard greeted me and I nodded at him. I headed to the elevator and Zy pressed the number 16, where the main meeting hall is. The elevator door closed and we head up. I watched the digitalized number on the center of the elevator changed from 1 to 15. When it did, I straightened my back and prepared as the door opened and an empty hallway welcomed me.

There was only one door at the end of the hallway where the main meeting hall is. I fixed my brunette hair before I turned the knob. Inside, dad was facing his laptop with a huge white mug of espresso beside him. The room was filled with smell of caffeine and now I regret throwing mine to the garbage bin.

"Good morning, sir." – I greeted. Yep, that's how I greet him at work.

"Good morning, please sit down."

I dismissed Zyril and sat on dad's right side. I peeked at his laptop and he was staring at graphs of our company's sales for the last five years. I didn't see much but I know the numbers are high. Russel Clothing, Inc. has always been at the top.

I opened my laptop and checked the presentation I did last night. There were 35 slides about the company's history, its goals, its aims and even the pioneering people that's behind its success. I spent a maximum amount of time I can to make sure it's ready for today. Hopefully.

"Here's our presentation, sir." – I turned the laptop so that it would face Dad. He leaned a little bit closer, adjusting his glasses, and looked at the presentation, slide per slide.

"okay… I guess this will do. I trust your competence anyway. Your eyes look… did you have proper sleep?"

I chuckled.

"victors don't have proper sleep, sir. You taught me well."

He smiled. There was a hint of pride in his eyes. That's all I live for, my father's pride as me being his daughter. The next CEO, next in line in leading the company.

"I did, didn't I? I'm sure when the time comes that I have to go, RCI will be in good hands."

Urgh, I hate it when he talks like this. I reached over the table and held his hand.

"dad, you're the best teacher there is. Don't worry about the company, I got it. I won't let any failure go near it. It will be my life someday."

He brought my hand holding his closer to his lips and he kissed it.

"I know you will, my Lady Tycoon."

I smiled, my eyes welling with tears. I blinked, trying to shake it off. My dad should be retiring this year, he's already 71 years old, and is still going to work. He looks younger for his age, and stronger, too, but still. I know the sands on his hourglass has started to fall a little bit quicker than before. I know, because we have weekly appointments with our family doctor and he gets weaker and weaker every next appointment.

"I love you, Dad, I hope you know that."

He smiled with a complete row of fake teeth. He leaned in again, this time, to give me a hug.

"I love you more, my only daughter."

The hug was quick, but it meant everything to me.

Now, let's go and impress this investor.