Chapter 2. The departure

Chapter 2. The departure

The new week arrived. The week of her departure. She handed over everything to the Managing director of Royale before leaving.

Reporters already filled the entrance of the airport waiting for their 'queen of fashion' as she was called by one of her fans.

"Girl, you don't want those vampires shredding you before you even get on the plane yeah?", Mia asked. Her voice was hoarse due to the stick of cigarette that was in between her lips. She was a smoker but not the heavy type of smoker.

Leilani chuckled at what her friend has said. "That's why I'm taking your ride".

"EssDee is a very influential company. There are probably wolves there".

"I'll be fine bao bao", she assured.

"Not to mention TopLine, babe you're gonna make a big hit over there".

"I'm already one".

"I know right?"

The two ladies laughed at their words.

"Hey", Mia continued, "remember, if it ever gets rough, you can always come home".

Home.

Now that Mia said it, she realized that this place was really her home. Her peaceful abode. However, how peaceful can it be when that nightmare keeps haunting her? That particular voice... She wondered if she would ever recover from it.

"Sure", she replied after a short while. Mia took her to the airport, in incognito due to the presence of the crazy reporters.

On her arrival, her parents were already waiting for her, next to her flight.

"Mom, Dad", Leilani called the moment she reached the spot where they were standing.

"Your flight is ready. You should take care of yourself", her mom said. She held her in a warm embrace bringing tears to the eyes of the young CEO.

"I will mom". Her Dad hugged the two of them while Mia was left to admire the heart-warming scene.

"Come here Xiao Mia", Mr Zhang said to her in their native tongue.

Mia giggled and joined in the hug.

After the byes were said, she took the flight, and left.

In a dim lighted office

A figure sat behind the desk clutching the fountain pen loosely between his fingers. His face was furrowed in a tight frown as he thought of the revelation his assistant had told him.

Another figure walked in, with strides as confident as a peacock strutting its feathers. He had a sly smile on his face with a murderous gaze fixed on the man behind the desk.

"You called me in".

"Yes. I heard something. Wanted to know if it's true".

"What did you hear, sir?", he asked his smile ceasing.

"Can't talk about it anymore. I don't believe them. I believe you because we're family ".

The other man chuckled. "Are you warning me?"

"If that's how you see it. I don't care what you do in your cupboard but, I don't want things that affect the company ".

The other man heaved a sigh. "Yes sir. But, I didn't commit anything wrong. But, does this mean that you've watching me?"

"I have to watch over my employees to make sure they're ok. You're no exception".

The other man scoffed. "You've grown a lot Stephan".

"Better. Now I feel comfortable".

The man looked at the guy named Stephan who was seated on that seat and on the silver name panel that had his name engraved on it and his blood turned hot.

"You may leave now".

The man's eyes turned to slits as he looked at Stephan. However, he still bowed and turned to leave.

The guy by name, Stephan looked at the man as he walked away, his shrewd eyes smiling. He knew just how much the man that had just left wanted this company, TopLine but, it was not his possession to take.