Dress in a white mermaid diamond gown, her now shoulder-length hair tied to the back in a simple but messy bun. Her make was dark but beautiful with a confident touch to it. She strode to the stage smiling as she hugged the chairman.
"Thank you, everyone," she said taking the microphone.
"That's my bestie up there, that's my best friend" shouted Patrica
Alex was smiling watching her reaction. Mark and Eric were gawking up at the stage with amazement on their faces.
"What's going on," they said.
Patricia turned to Alex, "you don't seem surprised" she wiped her tears.
"Am sorry but she told me not to tell" she laughed.
"Oh my God, she's the CEO, look at her so beautiful and power" she yelled.
Alex laughed, "yes Patricia we all see her," she said.
"Thank you everyone for being here and celebrating with us our achievement. I want to thank the chairman for having faith in me and giving me a chance to work for you. My business partner and friend Alex his daughter, my best friend Patrica, Eric and Mark. But I want to most especially thank my inspiration for never giving up, my wonderful angel Gabriel"
They applaud her, and the chairman walked back, "She is the new face of Black industries, the CEO, Tatiana Kennel" he said.
She elegantly walked down to her friend, Patricia jumped into her chest, "Oh God am so proud of you, bestie" she said.
"We really are" Alex joined the hug.
"Am still processing everything?" said Eric joining the hug.
"And am happy seeing you back" Mark joined in too.
Tatiana laughed with tears in her eyes, "Thank you guys but you're crushing me now" she said.
They all pulled back breaking the hug.
"Where is Gabriel?" Alex asked.
"We arrived early in the morning and he was playing all day, so when we came here he was already asleep," she said.
"Then who is holding him," Eric asked.
"I am" Steve walked in holding the sleeping boy.
"Steve!?" they all exclaimed.
"Evening guys, happy seeing you again," he said.
"Same here, Steve" Patricia and Alex pronounced.
"Your back!" Eric said.
"Yes, I could not miss my girlfriend's promotion," he said.
"Girlfriend?" Patricia repeated.
Tatiana laughed, "let's all sit down," she said.
She told them how after returned she took over several projects and increased the company's income. The board saw her capability and offered her the chance. She had talked with Alex who had encouraged her to take it.
"Now you are a CEO of a big company," Patricia said.
"Yeah, I know. I was scared at first thinking I would not manage but after we talked with Alex and her father I changed my mind".
"You even changed your mind about Steve" Eric pointed out.
"Yes she did" Steve chuckled.
"How did that turn out," Alex asked.
"After our deal was settled, we still went out on dates and small picnics with Gaby. But after a month, he asked me to be his girlfriend and having fallen for him a little I accepted" Tatiana explained.
"That's nice," Mark said.
"Welcome to the family, Steve," Patricia said.