The name Ashford Corporation was synonymous with power.
A sprawling conglomerate with its manicured hands in everything from luxury fashion to virtual gaming, digital entertainment to real estate, Ashford wasn't just a business—it was a brand, a lifestyle, a statement. Their quarterly campaigns trended globally. Their entertainment division produced box office hits. Their fashion lines graced Paris runways.
A monthly meeting was held at the start of the month, where all department heads reported their department's sales and any major news that needed the CEO's attention.
At 8:50 a.m. sharp, Olivia stood, straightened the hem of her pencil skirt, and picked up the black leather tablet she used for live meeting notes. With a breath, she walked across the floor toward the frosted-glass office at the corner.
She knocked once on the door when she got permission, and she entered, she said, her voice clear but quiet. " Sir, the monthly meeting will begin in ten minutes."
Aiden looked up from his desk, a pen still in his hand. His shirt sleeves were rolled to his elbows, cufflinks off—an unusual crack in his usual polished armor. He nodded once.
It hadn't been an hour since he came to the office, but he looked like a mess already.
A hot mess.
Olivia looks at him and silently clenches her fists, thinking How can someone be this handsome.
One of the reasons she joins this company is that Adien is handsome.
After all, everyone likes to look at handsome faces first thing in the morning, and for her to look at him every day, it just never tires her, except for the times when he behaves like a jerk.
She observed him quietly, taking a mental snapshot of the rare calm that softened his usually sharp features.
"Let's go," Adien said.
They walked side by side through the silent top floor.
They reached the private elevator—that is the exclusive elevator for the boss.
Olivia pressed the button. The doors opened with a smooth, mechanical ding.
Adien stepped in first. Olivia followed.
It was quiet.
Adien checked the time on his watch, but didn't say a word.
Neither did she.
After some time, the elevator doors slid open to reveal a long, elegant corridor lined with frosted wall sconces and navy-blue carpet. Framed digital panels displayed each meeting room's schedule.
At the far end was the largest Conference room, especially reserved for important meetings.
As they reached the door of the conference room, Olivia opened the door for Aiden and slipped inside right behind him.
The room was wide and rectangular, with floor-to-ceiling windows along the left wall offering a breathtaking view of the city. A matte black oval table ran down the center, surrounded by high-back leather chairs. At the front, a wall-mounted 90-inch screen waited for the presentation. On the table, small name plaques, personalized binders, and branded water bottles awaited the attendees.
Everyone was present before them. They all stood up when they saw Adien walk in and said their greetings. Adien nodded in their direction and told everyone to sit down.
Olivia took her usual position at Aiden's left side.
"Let's begin," Adien said.
Each department head began presenting their monthly reports, covering revenue, marketing trends, project delays, and upcoming campaigns. Charts flashed across the screen as numbers and percentages were discussed.
Olivia took notes on all the reports.
The meeting took nearly two hours.
After the meeting ended, Adien and Olivia entered the elevator to reach the top floor, where their office was.
Adien turned to her and said, "Send me the post-meeting summary before noon."
She nodded. The elevator reached the top floor, both of them got off and went to their respective office and began their work for the rest of the day
After completing the post-meeting report, Olivia arrived at Adiens' office and gave him the report and said," Sir, we need some place to hold this year's fashion week."
For the first time, Ashford Corporation will be hosting its own independent fashion runway show. Until now, the company has always showcased its collections through partnerships with established fashion events. This upcoming show holds significant importance, as it will serve as a defining moment to present the very best of Ashford Fashion's original work. To make the event a success, they're seeking a venue that offers not just the right location but an atmosphere that reflects the brand's elegance and vision.
" Do you want me to look at some suitable lands?" Olivia asked cautiously.
Adien said while looking at the file," There will be an auction in a week for the land in the central plain. I think it will be suitable. Just prepare the necessary papers and remember to fix a price while discussing with the finance department. If thing goes smoothly, that land will be ours. I will tell you the budget later."
Olivia nodded, she told him his schedule for the day, and prepared to leave for her office to prepare for the auction.