She stared at the tower for a while, many thoughts running through her mind. Colossus, it was the only company that she couldn't get Marudas Inc. to surpass no matter what she did. Thanks to that, Marudas Inc. was known as the second biggest corporation, and Colossus, just as its name, remained at the top, immovable and seemingly untouchable.
She was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she didn't realize when her thoughts began to stray.
'If after all I've done, I lose it all then why not make them lose it all instead? Why not take all down with me?'
The voice was only but a faint whisper, but the thought shocked her because it was something that she had never imagined she would do, at least not to the company she built with her own hands. Her breath hitched as the thought lingered giving her reason why she should ruin the Marudas. No matter how much she tried, the thought didn't leave.
While she was still distracted by her own thoughts, a familiar car drove past her, and she was jolted back to the present. Her brows jotted together as her gaze followed the car wanting to confirm what she saw. The moment it took a turn and drive into Colossus, she quickly opened the door and stepped out.
She didn't know what made her do that, but her legs just moved on their own. She moved briskly, even adding a little run to her steps. By the time she reached the car, it was already in the underground parking lot. She slowed down to catch her breath and fix her attire.
Two men exited, but they were not the one she wanted to see, and disappointment marred her expression. Just as she was about to turn and head back to her car, the second door to the back seat opened, and she paused.
"So he is back, huh?" Annabelle muttered under her breath.
The moment door closed back, she stepped forward, but a pair of security guards approached her, preventing further advancement.
"I'm afraid guests are not allowed here," one of the security guards said, but Annabelle only spared him a glance.
"Mr Quinn," she called before he was out of sight and earshot. The three men in front paused, but none of them turned to look at her. "May I have a moment of time? I promise you won't regret it."
"I'm sorry, lady, but I'll have to ask you to leave now," the security guards frowned, glaring harshly at her, clearly restraining themselves from hurting a woman.
"Wait," one of the three men spoke, and everyone stopped. "let her through. Let's hear what ahs to say to be this desperate."
Hearing his words, Annabelle was taken aback. Was she desperate? The word sounded so weird even in her head.
The guards stepped aside, bowed, and left.
"Let's hear it," the same man, whom she has come to recognize as the Chief Secretary of Colossus, Isaac Stones spoke again. "Who are you…?" His brows drew together as soon as he saw her, and the look of recognition crossed his eyes, but he seemed to be in denial.
"Annabelle Marudas," Annabelle replied, stepping forward. She almost smirked when she saw the shock on Isaac's face, and as if on cue, the other two turned as well to look at her. "...and I have come with a proposition that will be of benefit to you."
"That was a nice joke, Miss. If you have nothing important to say, leave before the security see you out," Isaac's voice and demeanor suddenly dropped, and Annabelle almost instinctively took a step back.
"This is not a joke. I have come with a proposal for Mr Quinn," her eyes moved toward the men behind Isaac. "You won't be disappointed I guarantee it." For a moment, Annabelle thought she saw his lips move before turning and heading for the elevator.
"You expect us to believe that you are truly Annabelle Marudas. Your presence here alone makes that hard to believe …" Isaac said, ready to throw her out but was interrupted by his companion.
"Let our guest through. She is here, and if she is who she claims to be, then this is bound to be interesting," Isaac turned and glared at him but raised his hands in surrender.
He raised his hands as if in surrender. "The boss' orders, not mine," he said with a smirk.
Annabelle was taken aback to hear that it was the presidents orders. She looked between the men, skeptical.
Isaac's frown deepened. "If she is truly who she claims to be, then that is even more reason to send her back. What could be the reason for…"
"Go take it with him. What did I do to you." He walked over to Annabelle. "Shall we? The President does not like to be kept waiting."
"You are Mr Grey, right?" Annable asked, her eyes still scrutinizing him.
"Kevin Grey, yes," Kevin replied with a warm, almost child-like grin. "Now then, shall we go in?"
Annabelle's eyes met those of Isaac. He was still glaring at her, but she smiled and nodded. "Yes, let's."
They walked past Isaac, who remained standing where he was, displeased at how thing are proceeding. Why would the president want to see the woman? They had no reason to listen to anything she had to say. It was unlike the president to make impulsive decisions.
Meanwhile, Annabelle and Kevin had already entered the elevator, and without waiting for Isaac, Kevin pressed the button to the top and the door closed, leaving his companion behind the with smile and a wink.
Once they reached the top, Annabelle was taken to the presidents office.
"Have fun inside, Miss Marudas. I wish you luck," Kevin said before opening the door for her to go in.
"Thank you…?" She uttered, her brows drawn together and her heart beat picking up. She had come here impulsively, but now that she was here, Annabelle didn't know what to say. What led her to him?
"My job's done, right?" Kevin asked , his gaze on the man standing by the glass wall with his hands tucked inside his pockets. "I'll take that as a yes. All the best."
He left and the room fell into silence as if everything else had gone still.