Theodore
I stand in front of the board of stakeholders, concluding the presentation I had prepared for them.
"...and we are confident that this approach will yield significant benefits and position our company for continued success," I finish.
The room bursts in applause and I watch seasoned business leaders and investors nod their heads in approval and relief.
I stand back with a satisfied smile and accept my well deserved praise. For the last few days, I have thrown myself into solving a sudden problem that threatened the company and now I have once again proven myself.
However, as the clapping dies down, one voice rises in skepticism. Reginald Sharpe, an old bastard who has always been vocally against my position as CEO. As he speaks, my smile slowly drops, replaced by undisguised disdain. It is no secret what we think of each other.
"Theo," he says condescendingly and my sneer deepens. "Your plan is innovative, as usual, but there is one area where you are struggling."
Murmurs of curiosity fills the room as stakeholders whisper questions into each other's ears, giving Sharpe the reaction he desired.
"You have failed at building a relationship with the CEO of OmniCorp. Or have we forgotten that we need their help to stay ahead of the curve for this new technology in the market?" he says, his voice full of fake concern.
My eyes narrow at him, anticipating where this is headed.
"Connecting with the CEO is crucial," he continues. "And I think we all know Grant has a good relationship with him. Perhaps it is time we brought him aboard to help facilitate this partnership?" Sharpe's suggestion hangs in the air like a challenge.
My guts twist in unease. Grant's involvement will bring a host of problems. His impulsiveness and lack of discipline has led to more than a few scandals and he is sure to do something that needs me cleaning up after.
Not to mention that as my older brother, the one who was supposed to inherit the company instead of me, Grant is still a little sour about my position in the company.
Despite my reservations, I am aware that I can't shut down the idea. The CEO of OmniCorp is also not a stranger to the front pages of tabloids. All my efforts to connect with him have proved futile because he is someone so far removed from my core values. Grant and him on the other hand…
Reluctantly, I nod my head. "Very well. We should send an invitation over to Grant. Let's hope his…unique skills will help us close the deal."
Having to ask my brother for help leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, but I take a little solace in knowing that a leader is capable of making sacrifices to fulfill his responsibilities. Something Grant can never seem to learn.
As the meeting ends, I make my way to the parking garage, my mood darkening with each step.
"Button your jacket!" I snap at the intern crossing my path, unexpectedly letting my frustration boil over.
When I get to my car, I slide in, taking a deep breath to calm the storm brewing inside me as the car starts and my driver takes me home.
The days after Grant's arrival will be problematic, because problems follow my brother everywhere.
At home, I quietly climb the stairs, heading to my office where I can collapse and recharge before facing my babies again.
I explicitly instructed the staff to keep my office locked at all times, so when I get close and see the door slightly ajar, my jaw tightens.
I open the door wider. Nova, who is standing at my desk with her back turned against me and her eyes fixed on my documents, doesn't notice my presence.
What the hell is she doing snooping through my papers? I remember sending someone to drop documents off, but apparently, he didn't think of locking the door behind him.
Well someone is getting fired today.
"What the fuck are you doing in here?"
Nova's eyes widen as she turns to face me, shuffling the papers behind her away.
"I…I came to clean your office," she stammers, her voice uncertain. "I saw the door open and thought I should take the opportunity tidy up." She never was a good liar.
I would be amused at her naivete if I wasn't already pissed off. "And where are your cleaning materials?" I snap. "Or did you forget them after stealing the maid's job?"
"I didn't steal anything." Her eyes flash defensively. "The twins were tired after we went out and I left them to rest when I saw the door open."
My voice drops to a menacing growl as my anger threatens to erupt within my chest. Even within the walls of my home, my authority is being defied. "You took my children out of this house without my permission?"
Nova's eyes widen once again and she fixes her gaze on the floor as she realizes how careless her words were.
"Doesn't paragraph seven of the contract explicitly state that you are never to take my children out of these premises without my approval?" I hiss, my voice menacing.
"Well then fire me!" She says with fire in her eyes. "You want to know why I'm really here? It's to find that stupid fucking contract and figure out a way to get out of working for an asshole like you!"
I raise an eyebrow, surprised by Nova's outburst. My voice rises as I retort. "So you can go back to leeching off your friend? My employee? And what happens when I fire her for recommending a shitty nanny? Then what?"
Silence fils the room. Moments pass, and I watch Nova's face crumble and tears well up in her eyes. My chest tightens when she looks up at me with glassy eyes and I remember how sensitive she actually is, even though she pretends to be tough.
Without another word, Nova rushes past me. My fingers twitch, wanting to reach out and stop her, but I stand there rigidly.
Before I can rethink my decision, Ethan runs into the room with a wide smile on his face.
"Daddy!"
I force a smile and reach down, opening my arms to hug my son. As I hold him tightly, I feel a sense of relief wash over me and suddenly, all thoughts of Grant and the company are gone.
But I still find myself looking down the hallway after a certain nanny.