Chapter 14

SILVANA

Entering the grocery store, I picked a cart before going in fully. I was here for grocery shopping which would actually take my time before I go to work. I began picking everything I needed, I even had to take another cart because of the amount of things I need to buy.

"Oh, it's you." I was already done buying everything I needed when I bumped into Esham, Reed's girlfriend who he cheated on me with.

Ignoring her frivolous remark, I continued my walk to the counter, but she blocked me.

"What do you want?" I frowned, looking at her.

"Are you ignoring me?" That stinking smile on her face that I wished to wipe it off, but I didn't, and only put on a fake smile.

"Can't I?"

"I don't think so, we should catch up."

"On what?"

"Oh, I forgot. Reed divorced you." I rolled my eyes. I knew she stopped me for trouble, but I surely didn't have time for her.

"Can you move out of my way now?" I questioned with raised brows.

"I still..." The ringing of my phone cut her off. I took it out of my pocket and picked it when I saw it was Mr Greg calling.

"Morning, Mr Greg." I said, as I placed the phone on my ear.

"Morning, young miss. Aren't you coming to work?"

"I am."

"So why aren't you here now? Remember, I secured a meeting with. you can't."

"I won't. I will head over to the company once I'm done with Grocery shopping."

"Okay, I'm expecting you."

I hung up, looking back at Esham. "You see, I have more important things to do than to play around with you." Giving her one last fake smile, I walked past her to the counter. The attendant summed up the amount of what I bought and I paid before leaving the store.

Getting to my car, I placed the things I bought in the car trunk before going to the driver's side, driving out of the place immediately.

I arranged the things I bought the moment I got to the house, then I picked my bag before leaving the house, and heading to the company.

"Young miss." I was heading to the elevator when I heard my name being called, I turned to see Mr. Greg working towards me.

"You're here."

"I am. What about the people I'm supposed to meet?" I asked as I continued my walk to the elevator with him beside me.

"They are already in your office. They got here a few minutes ago." Mr Greg said, and I nodded.

We got into the elevator when it opened, and I faced him. "What's it about though?"

"It's a construction company, they are looking to collaborate with us for our real estate."

"Real estate? Didn't Xander sell most of our landed properties?" I furrowed my brows.

"He did, but this is also a good deal since the construction company who has dealings with us pulled out presuming the chaos, but we have always excelled greatly in real estate. That's before Mr. Xander's whole issue, but the point is, we can do great in this." I smiled at Mr. Greg's evaluation. He is just the best person to work with.

"Then let's do it." I said and he nodded with a smile.

The elevator opened and we walked out, heading straight to my office.

"Sorry for being late." I apologized as I walked in. I went to the mini sitting room where two men were seated, and also settled down.

"It's fine, what matters is that you are here."

I smiled at one of the men's words, before speaking up. "Thank you, so let's get to business."

"Yeah, we are proposing to be the construction company for your real estate with..."

He kept talking, explaining things and clarifying my doubts. In the end, we agreed to collaborate since I was satisfied with the proposal and from the little I know about the company, it seems to be quite reliable.

"Nice doing business with you." I said as I shook hands with the two men.

"It's a pleasure." The man who seemed to be the lead front said in return.

I saw them off to the door before turning to Mr. Greg who smiled at me. "Good job."

"Thank you, could you please arrange a meeting with the workers, I have not properly addressed them." I said as I went to sit on my chair.

"Around what time?"

"This morning, maybe in the next few minutes?" I checked my wristwatch before looking at him.

"Okay, they will be ready in a few minutes." He took the signed copy of the agreement before walking out.

My phone chimed and I took it out of my pocket. I checked and it was a message. I tapped on it to see a message from James.

SORRY ABOUT YESTERDAY, I LOVED IT THOUGH.

Jerk. How can he be sorry and still be cocky? I read it again and a small smile formed on my lips.

"Goodness, what am I doing?" I offered my phone and dropped it before getting to work, but I didn't work for long because Mr Greg had gathered the workers and he called for me.

I left the office with him, and went to the meeting hall. As I stepped in, the hall went silent and my throats hitched at the numerous workers seated, while waiting for me. We still had workers even though we were about to go bankrupt. It gave me confidence and made me want to do better.

With a smile, I walked to the Dais in the hall and began speaking.

"As we all know, I became the new CEO of this group a few days ago, but I have not spoken to you all formally, but that's why we are here today. I would like to thank you all for accepting me as your leader. I want this company to function properly, so there should be no lazing around or gossip during working hours. Any one who breaks this rule will be punished adequately. Also, I need you all to be aware that your opinions are accepted. The company is at a stage where it's growing, and that can't be done without you all. I implore that each department should submit a development plan..."

The workers began grumbling and I smiled, proceeding. "Not immediately though, three weeks at maximum." I said and the hall calmed down.

"I think that will be all for now. If you have anything say, please do."

A lady raised her hand and I looked at her, urging her to speak.

"There is a slight issue though. The cafeteria for the workers... it got closed some months a go, do you mind opening it?" She said and the workers supported her, while some laughed out.

I looked at Mr. Greg who shrugged. A sigh left my lips. I had no idea the cafeteria got closed, but then, this doesn't seem to be the right time to open it.

I cleared my throat, taking my gaze to them. "It will... that's if there is a visible improvement in the company's operation." The workers grumbled, but I didn't mind. This should push them to work harder at least.

"Like I said, that's all for now. Dismissed." I said into the mic before leaving the room, with Mr. Greg trailing behind me.

"Do you think opening the cafeteria is okay?" He hastened his steps to catch up with me.

"I think it's okay, and like I said, if there is an improvement." I said.

"Hmm.. okay."

I stopped walking to look at him.

"The company will get back up to its feet then we won't have to hold back on this things, okay?"

"And..can you please find me a maid or housekeeper. I really need it." I mumbled and he nodded.