Chelsy had discovered the scheme that Douglas had plotted with Gilmore to swindle Daniel's company.
She went to Daniel's office, and told him about the conversation she had heard between Douglas and an unknown caller. Daniel was so furious and cursed Douglas under his breath. He took out his phone and placed a call to Hank.
After a few rings, Hank answered with a dull voice, indicating how tired he was. ''Hey D. Why are you calling so early? It is barely five thirty in the morning, and I am trying to get some rest.''
Hank had just arrived in New York, and was resting before Daniel's call came in. ''Hank, please can we talk?'' Daniel spoke in a serious tone.
Hank was a little bit surprised by the serious tone coming from Daniel. His normal playful tone would be ''Hey H. What's up?''
Ok
But whenever Daniel called him Hank, he knew something was up, or he was probably in trouble. Daniel was the only person who could tease and play with Hank, and got away with it.
Hank cleared his throat and said, ''Ehm. What is going on? Is everything okay with the Gilmore deal?''
Daniel, on the other hand, replied, ''H, you were right about Gilmore. He connived with Douglas Lampard to swindle us off.''
As he spoke, he forwarded the soft copy of both contracts to Hank. ''I have emailed the contracts to you.'' Daniel continued.
There was a little silence, as Hank opened his laptop and glanced over the French version of the contract.
Chelsy was still standing in his office. When Daniel realized Chelsy was still sitting, he removed the phone from his ear and said, ''Chelsy, you can go back to your desk now. I will get back to you, okay? And please, don't mention this to anyone.'' Chelsy just nodded and said, ''Mister Rivers, don't worry. No one will find out about this. You have my word.'' She spoke, turned around, and left.
Daniel put the phone to his ear and Hank asked, ''You don't speak nor understand French. How were you able to figure this out?''
Daniel took a deep breath, and replied. ''It was all Chelsy's doing. That girl is so smart.''
Hank was a little annoyed and said, ''Daniel, I don't work in your company, so how do you expect me to know your staff? And who is Chelsy?''
Daniel felt as if he was going to have a headache. ''Like seriously H? So all this while I have been talking about the girl I wanted you to meet, you didn't even pay attention to her name? Jeez. What kind of brother do I have? Anyway, we will talk about this Chelsy issue later. I guess this Gilmore crisis thing is more important now.''
Daniel let out a big sigh, and explained everything that had happened. The tiredness on Hank's face automatically vanished, and he said, ''I have asked Clarissa to come see you right away. This is what we are going to do.''
Daniel and Hank were on the phone working on a plan on how to rectify the issue.
Meanwhile, Chelsy had returned to her desk with so many things running through her mind. She had so many thoughts running through her mind. Oh God. What if they are not able to rectify the issue before the other party arrives? They have barely two hours before their arrival. Chelsy thought to herself with eyes showing nervousness.
She sat down and tried to concentrate on her task of the day, but she couldn't.
Meanwhile, the party from Gilmore Enterprises had arrived. They were directed to the conference room. Pierre Gilmore and his entourage were seated in the conference room.
Daniel, Lucas, and his lawyer walked in. Douglas was already seated at the table.
When Pierre Gilmore saw Daniel, he stood up and spoke in his French accent. ''Bonjour, Monsieur Rivers. It is nice seeing you.''
Daniel nodded and shook Gilmore's hand firmly, and spoke with a smile that did not reach his eyes. ''Bonjour, Pierre. You are welcome to Rivers Holdings. Hope we have a great collaboration.''
The two men looked intensely at each other before letting go of each other's hands.
As they sat, Clarissa, one of Fitzwilliam Group's translators, walked in, wearing a white bodycon, knee-level dress.
When Douglas saw Clarissa, he suddenly became so tensed and worried. Is this not Clarissa Adkins? What is she doing here? Douglas thought to himself. His face automatically became pale. He knew that Clarissa's presence wasn't a good sign.
Clarissa Adkins was not only known for her strikingly beautiful face and strong personality, she was among the top translators and interpreters in London. She was the definition of beauty with brains. She worked for the Fitzwilliam Group, and was a force to reckon with.
As she strode into the room, the men in the room were mesmerized by her beauty. Her aura made people adjust, whenever she stepped into any room. She held out two folders, and handed them to Daniel and said in a low and charming voice, ''Mister Rivers, here are the files.''
She handed two dark blue files to Daniel, walked over to the edge of the table and sat down.
Douglas was still tensed and droplets of cold sweat could be seen on his forehead. He cleared his throat and was about to say something.
Daniel looked at him with piercing cold eyes, which made him swallow his words and he didn't even think of saying anything.
''Mister Gilmore, here are the contracts. I guess we both have gone through them thoroughly. Since it was prepared by you, we are ready to sign. But if you still want to go through it before signing, you can.'' Daniel spoke with authority in his voice.
Gilmore's interpreter, interpreted everything Daniel had said. Since Gilmore knew that Douglas was on his side, he didn't want to waste time with the contract. He knew Douglas had played his own part. He cleared his throat and said, with a triumphant smile eminent on his face. ''Oui monsieur Rivers. Let my lawyer go through it for a minute.''
Daniel just nodded as the lawyer went straight to studying the contract. When he had seen the clause they had included, he turned to Gilmore and just nodded.
Daniel gave an evil smile, and said, ''Well. It is settled then.'' He took his pen, and signed both copies of the contract. Gilmore, took out his pen and signed as well. They both exchanged files and greeted each other.
''Hope we have a great collaboration, Pierre.'' Daniel spoke with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Gilmore, who had no idea the hole he had dug for himself, said out loud. ''It will indeed be a great year of collaboration Daniel.''
The two parties bid each other farewell, and Gilmore left with his entourage.
Douglas, who had been sitting quiet the whole time with his face emitting uncertainty, stayed behind, looking like he was in a different world.
Daniel looked at him with piercing cold eyes and said in a voice that sent chills down Douglas' spine. ''I know what you did.'' He spun around, and left the conference room with his assistants.
Douglas crashed backwards into the chair behind him, knowing fully well that he was totally and completely finished.
Gilmore was in the back of his luxury car, together with his lawyer, driving back to his hotel. He was so happy that he was more than a hundred steps closer to his goal. ''I now have Daniel Rivers in the palm of my hands. The Fitzwilliam Group will soon be mine.'' Gilmore spoke as he gave a triumphant laughter.''
He looked at his assistant and said, ''Garou, take me to the finest restaurant in town tonight. We have to celebrate this great milestone.''
Gilmore's aim was to infiltrate the Fitzwilliam group. He knew Rivers Holdings, was the main and most successful subsidiary of Fitzwilliam Group. Having over eighty percent of Rivers Holding's shares and being the main shareholder, would give him leverage to a certain degree in Fitzwilliam Group.
As he was basking in his glory, a sudden phone call woke him from his reverie. His eyes widened when he heard what the person at the other end of the call said. He cursed under his breath and said, ''Damn you Daniel Rivers.''
He asked his driver to turn the car around, and go back to Rivers Holdings.
When he got to Daniel's office, Daniel spoke with an evil smirk on his face, ''I have been expecting you, Gilmore. I didn't think you would be back this early. You didn't think you would get me that easily, huh?''
When Gilmore heard this, he spoke in English, with his face red with rage. ''What do you want?''
Back in Gilmore's car, his company's vice president had called him, telling him that an anonymous person had bought over sixty-five percent of their company shares. Their secret dealings with the black market were being threatened as well. He was asked to go meet with Daniel Rivers as soon as possible.
Daniel gave a chuckle and looked at Gilmore straight into his face. ''So you do speak English this well.''
Daniel gave another chuckle and continued. ''Gilmore, didn't your parents teach you not to try swindling others? Anyway, you have to destroy the old contract and sign this new one.''
He handed Gilmore a different contract. ''This is the original contract we had written without your manipulation. Now you will sign this whether you like it or not.''
Gilmore took out the old contract from his suitcase, and tore it into two. He signed the new contract and asked, ''Is that all?''
Daniel stood up from his chair, and walked over to Gilmore. ''Now, carry your sorry-looking self, and get out of my office.''
Gilmore, with clenched hands, looked at Daniel with rage burning in his eyes. He turned, and left.
Earlier, before Gilmore's arrival, Hank had asked Gina to buy over the shares of Gilmore Enterprises. She was able to buy over sixty-five percent of the shares, which made them majority shareholders. As Gilmore was the CEO, he had thirty-five percent.
Since Hank was now the majority shareholder, he could kick Gilmore out as the CEO.
Hank had gone ahead to dig all the dirt he could get on Gilmore, and he had Gilmore in the palm of his hand. All Gilmore could do, was, accept his conditions of Gilmore Enterprises, becoming a subsidiary company, under Rivers Holdings.
Daniel sat in his office chair, with his heart thumping as if he had just run a marathon. He placed a call to Hank. When the call got connected, Daniel said, ''Hey H. Thank you for everything you have done today. I couldn't do this without you, mate. You always come through for me.''
Hank spoke with a little tenderness in his voice. ''Come on D. We are not only cousins, but you are my best friend. I know you would do the same for me. Anyway, I need to rest now. I have a meeting to catch up with in the next six hours.''
Two months had passed after the Gilmore incident. A communiqué had been passed, acknowledging Chelsy, for saving the company from a great loss, and making her employee of the month.
Her reward was to upgrade her to a full-time employee and have dinner with the executives, including the CEO.
The office became noisy and everyone was murmuring. Chelsy hadn't seen the communiqué yet, since she had been busy with her task of the day.
''Oh my freaking gosh. Chelsy.'' Erica squealed with her eyes beaming with excitement. Chelsy looked up and asked, ''Erica, why are you squealing like a little baby? Did you win the lottery or what?''
Erica rushed to her desk and asked her to check her mail. Chelsy looked at Erica and asked with a bewildered look. ''But why should I?''
Erica didn't wait for her to check it, and she said, ''Girl, you are employee of the month, and you will be having dinner with the executives, including our CEO.''
Chelsy could not believe what she said and quickly logged in to her email and saw the communiqué.
She couldn't help but smile, and she said, ''Oh my freaking gosh. I can't believe that after one year of working here, I am finally a full-time employee.'' She couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.
Nicole, who had been sitting down, furious and burning with jealousy, snapped at Chelsy. ''We know you have been sleeping with the boss. That is why you keep getting privileges and this promotion.''
Chelsy stood up from her seat, and walked over to Nicole's desk. She looked at Nicole straight in the face, and said, ''Nicole, I don't know whether you are crazy, or trying to be crazy. But listen to me, I am not like you who would sleep her way to the top, or bring others down, just to reach the top. You better mind your words. If not, I will show you how crazy I can get. Anyway, I am in such a good mood today. I wouldn't let your bitterness affect me.''
As she spoke, she spun and went back to her seat. Nicole's heart was beating so fast. She felt as though Chelsy was going to eat her up.
Ever since Hank returned from his trip to New York, he and Daniel had been going to their special kebab spot every Friday to see if the mountain fairy would come again. But it had been two months, and they didn't see nor hear her sing.
Daniel was already tired of going there and not seeing anyone. ''Come on H. We have been coming here for the past two months, and there has been no result. Just move on already. It's been more than a year since you met that mountain fairy of yours. I don't think we can find someone we don't have a picture of, or even her real name. Don't you think that is a little impossible?''
Hank scowled at Daniel and said, ''If you don't want to accompany me here, just sit quiet, or better still, go home. I didn't force you to come here with me.''
Daniel felt as if he was going to have a migraine. He took a deep breath and said, ''H, it's not as if I don't want to help you find her. I just think us coming here every week, lurking around like stray cats, doesn't look normal. Some people might even start calling us creeps.''
Daniel let out a sigh and continued. ''But you know what, if you really want to find her, I will help you out. I have a plan. Just come over to my office on Monday and let's talk about it, okay?''
Hank looked at Daniel with a little ray of hope in his eyes. He nodded and said, ''Thanks D. This really means a lot to me.''
Daniel just gave a little smirk and responded. ''In my entire life, I wouldn't have believed that the famous Hank Fitzwilliam aka the germaphobe, would be walking and pushing in a crowded area, looking for a girl.'' Hank said nothing and just continued eating his kebab.
It was Monday, and Hank had gone to Daniel's office as discussed. This was the first time he had visited Rivers Holdings in person. Daniel had always been the one going to his office.
As Hank and his assistant Gina walked in, everyone was stunned and shocked at the handsome man who had walked into their company. He went straight into the CEO's private elevator.
As he was entering the elevator, Chelsy was on her way to pick up some mail from the reception.
As she lifted her face and saw Hank, the elevator door closed. She stood there, looking like she had been struck by lightning. She stood in stunned silence. Was I seeing things? Or was my mind playing tricks with me? That can't be the quiet gancanagh. Chelsy thought to herself.
She shook her head and convinced herself it was someone who looked just like him. ''Oh gosh. I am definitely hungry. If not, why would I be seeing things? Anyway, thank God it will soon be lunchtime.'' She shook it off and went about her day.
Hank arrived at Daniel's office and sat down. ''So what is the plan?'' Daniel, who had been waiting, asked, ''Is this how you greet your favorite cousin after coming to his office for the very first time? I thought you would come along with a box of chocolates or flowers and say, Daniel, your office looks nice.''
Hank could not stand Daniel's wit. They both burst out laughing, knowing fully well that what Daniel had said was preposterous. It was a rare sight to see Hank laughing this hard.
Daniel asked his secretary to bring in the person he had invited.
A slender looking man walked into the office, and greeted both of them. ''H, this is a forensic artist, one of the best. I would like you to describe the mountain fairy to the best of your ability, so that this young man here can sketch her. From there, we can start looking for her. Is that okay?'' Daniel asked with anticipation in his voice.
Hank's face lit up for a split second and went back to his normal poker face. He just nodded.
The forensic artist took out a sketchbook and some pencils and said, ''sir, whenever you are ready, we can start.'' Hank cleared his throat and started describing Chelsy as he had seen her on that very first day. He described her as if she was standing in front of him.
When he was done, the artist did some finishing touches to the sketch and showed it to him. ''Is this the person you are looking for?''
Hank couldn't help but smile at the sketch. ''She is the one.'' Daniel, who was seated at his desk focusing on his computer, asked if he could see it.
Hank handed over the sketch to him, and Daniel froze in his seat. He looked at Hank with mouth agape and asked, ''Are you sure this is the mountain fairy you are talking about?'m
Hank furrowed his brows and said yes. ''Wow. What a small world. So all this while, Miss Powers is the mountain fairy you have been looking for?''
When Hank heard this, he raised his eyes and asked, ''Do you know her?''
What will happen when Hank finally discovers that the mountain fairy he has been searching for over a year has been right under his nose?