Chapter Twenty-Six

Everyone quickly gathered around when Madam Sinclair called for their attention.

Clearing her throat, Madam Sinclair looked different with her reading glasses. Dressed in a black skirt that reached a little above her knees and a frilly white blouse tucked into it, she had light makeup and her hair dyed black in a fancy updo.

Cute pearl earrings, most likely costing an arm and a leg, fell from her pierced ears onto her shoulders.

She looked sharp and sophisticated for the meeting today. As she spoke, her voice was loud and filled with authority.

"As you all know, this is not the first time our company has undergone and dealt with a large project."

She had stepped up in her role in the past four days. It seemed that Sharlene's pregnancy had given her a wake-up call. After all, she was the COO of the company, the right-hand person of the CEO. She had become too complacent.

Everyone was attentive, their eyes focused, including Rita and Sharlene, for this was the first time they had seen their boss so solemn.

"Those new to the company have never experienced something like this, so pay close attention to every detail discussed."

When she said that, her eyes zeroed in on Sharlene as if she was sending an unreadable message with her eyes before moving on to the others who were shaking with nerves.

"The Forever Shining—a project we invested millions of dollars six months ago, had become successful. This accomplishment was not only regional but global. The company gained further popularity from this achievement and is at the number one spot for the best jewelry company. N&R and its subsidiary companies are the most profitable revenue to purchase exclusive and customized jewelry. In just one year alone, N&R acquired a 2.8 billion dollar investment from dedicated customers, stockholders, and partnerships."

Everyone's mouths flew open, including Sharlene. Sharing a glance with Rita, who shared the same sentiment, she was glad she accepted the position because she had hit the jackpot by being hired by N&R despite having to move to another country. They both were.

"I believe everyone can recognize the seriousness of this upcoming project. It is bigger and greater. Today, as we sit and discuss the different proposals stemming from every department about our second project, we should remember, it will be the biggest project we have ever handled. That is because our aim this year is to release six pieces of jewelry dedicated to earrings, ankle and wrist bracelets, necklaces, and various other forms of jewelry, including chockers. We are speaking of a 3.8 billion-dollar investment. We are going to create something completely different than any other company. The competition this year is going to be massive. This is because many more jewelry companies are competing for the top spot this year. N&R has no room for failure. Any questions?"

Someone behind astonished Sharlene raised their hands.

"Yes?"

Acknowledging the person, Madam Sinclair was patient.

"What is the duration for this project?"

"We have three months to plan, create and bring the pieces to life."

Someone sucked in their breath.

Sharlene also doubted the time frame after hearing about the budget.

"Can we accomplish this goal before September 2nd?"

Someone else questioned.

"Of course, we can. We are not called the leading jewelry company for nothing."

Madam Sinclair responded with confidence and arrogance.

Glancing down at the watch on her wrist, she informed.

"The CEO will be arriving in the next twenty minutes or so. Please get to your seats."

Everyone nodded and instantly obeyed.

"Make sure everything is in order, Mr. Lairison."

Timmy instantly responded.

"Will do, boss."

Double-checking the equipment once more with the help of the other employees of the IT department, Timmy sent an okay single in Madam Sinclair's direction.

Dismissing them with a nod, they quietly left the room.

Timmy sent a smile in Sharlene's way before disappearing out of the double doors.

Someone from another department had walked over to whisper in Madam Sinclair's ears as she had finished overlooking the files on the laptops placed on the separate desk next to the white wall, where the projector reflected the information on the whiteboard.

Nodding at whatever the person had said, she lifted her head to look in Sharlene's direction, who was conversing with Rita.

"Miss. Cunning-ham?"

Bristling when she had suddenly called her by her surname, Sharlene was surprised. She was so fascinated she almost pointed at her chest and glanced behind her.

"Yes?"

With a come here motion done with her finger, Madam Sinclair sent the person back to their task before turning and walking towards the door.

Glancing at curious Rita, who gave a small shrug, Sharlene quickly followed behind her boss.

When the door closed behind them, she walked another safe distance from it before turning to face her.

"I want you to do something for me."

She began in the same business-like tone from inside the room.

A little undecided, Sharlene questioned.

"What is it?"

"As I said earlier, the CEO is arriving soon, but I want you to meet him halfway to give him this."

The news had shocked her, as well as the brown file she had stretched towards her.

Slowly, she took the file from her hands.

"It is the information I wanted you to give him at the mayor's congratulatory party a few weeks ago. I knew you stalled at that time. I hope you won't do it again."

Taken aback, an embarrassed blush adorned her cheeks when she placed two and two together.

Nicholas Ross? Her boss's boss? Oh, how fate works.

She was going to get married to the CEO of her workplace!

While she was screaming inside, she was calm like a potato outside.

Placing the folder underneath her arm, she nodded like a doddle head.

"I won't."

Muttering, she told the truth. Inside her belly was a zoo of animals, preferably butterflies, and bees. She was freaking out.

Unaware of Sharlene's internal struggles, a satisfied smile spread across Madam Sinclair's face, the first in four days.

"Good. You can wait here or in the lobby on the last floor. Your choice."

"I will wait here."

An automatic answer, Sharlene's brain began to conjure what if's if she chose the latter. Thinking of meeting Nicholas Ross in the lobby, riding in an elevator alone with him, made her blush intensify.

Madam Sinclair raised an eyebrow but she spoke no further on the matter.

"That is fine with me. Giving him the file is the most priority. You can also escort him inside after. That is not a request but a command."

With that last unnerving statement, Madam Sinclair left her alone in the hallway and stepped back into the room.

Releasing the breath she was holding, Sharlene turned to face the wall.

"Am I in a romance movie? How can the father of my child—the man I am going to marry be my boss's boss?"

Groaning, she lightly hit her forehead against the wall.

"Oh, what am I going to do?"

*~*

Today was the first official meeting in six months, and hopefully, many more in the future. Nicholas could finally inform the company of the ideas and direction he wanted the upcoming event theme to go.

Tailored in his best business suit, which consisted of grey and black and his favorite Rolex watch on his left wrist, Nicholas examined his reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirror in his enormous bathroom. Buttoning the third button of his suit jacket, he was satisfied with the outcome. He was presentable for the occasion.

God knew why he took this affordable amount of time to look good today. He did not know what to expect. Although Nicholas disregarded interest in fame and popularity, he always cared for his appearance. Today was no exception, but a feeling deep in his gut told him he would find the answer soon enough.

Waking up every morning at four was always a hassle for some people. But to him, it was the best time.

His thought processes and drive for the day functioned better, as well as his energy levels.

It had taken him approximately two hours to get ready. That was because he would take an hour for an outdoor exercise and fifteen minutes to enjoy a delicious brew of his favorite cappuccino that the warm and motherly chef would prepare for him every morning. However, he prioritized his appearance, most preferably his hair the remaining hour.

Glancing down at his watch, he grabbed his scarf on the edge of the sofa near the mirror, but after checking the weather forecast, he second-guessed its use. Throwing it on his bed, he straightened his slightly crooked tie and grabbed his briefcase off the edge of his bed. Another once over of himself in the standing mirror in his room, he smiled.

Nicholas was ready to face the hectic day.

It was half past six by the time he arrived downstairs.

"Bye-bye, Nicky! I will ride with Cline today! I do not want you to be late!"

Riana's cheery call erupted from the hallway that led to the kitchen and sitting room.

He sighed.

"Why do keep calling me that, Nana?"

Turning around to face her, he did a double-take, for she looked as...no words could describe how she looked.

Frowning as he scrutinized the clothes she wore, Nick raised his eyebrows.

"What are you wearing?"

Glancing down at her clothes, Riana shrugged, for she did not find any fault in her dressing.

"What is wrong? It looks cute."

Scrunched face as if he ate something sour, Nick did not find her dressing cute. No, not in the slightest.

"I can see you do not know the right term for cute. That is not cute, Riana."

Rolling her eyes, she retorted.

"And you know? Wearing pink does not make things cute."

This time he rolled his eyes.

"It does not, but this..."

Pointing to the opened-mouthed creature printed on her shirt, Nick clicked his tongue, for blood was dripping down from its mouth to fall to the edge of the shirt.

It looked grotesque.

She also had darker makeup than usual, and surprisingly it fitted her pretty face.

Stiletto-heeled boots he had not known she owned were on her feet.

There were four earrings in one ear, while the other was bare. A black skull chocker occupied her neck, and she at least had decent black leggings underneath the shortest frilly skirt he had ever seen. The outfit somehow matched and complimented each other.

She looked as if she came straight out of a dark gothic horror rated-19 comic book because of the gore that her clothes represented. It appeared she had upgraded to a darker stage.

He could only shake his head.