Chapter 42

XANDER

As I watched Silvana walk into her office, a smirk spread across my face. I took my gaze to Mr Greg who was also present, and my smirk grew wider. I cocked my head slightly before walking away, heading towards the security room. Giving Silvana's countenance, I felt something was not right. When I got to the security room, I was allowed to review the footage of the meeting in the conference room, though I had to convince the personnels since it was the company's privacy and I was no longer the CEO.

As I watched, I could see the reason for Silvana's expression. Throughout the meeting, she was scolded by the board members. But a particular member was more against Silvana than the others. His name was Richardson Johnson, a square headed man in his fifties with a great temperament and a cunning character. He was one of the members who pushed greatly for me to be removed from the company, though every member did the same, but he is well known to support the winning side.

Considering the situation, I think getting him to be on my side would be really helpful, so I decided to pay him a visit. I thanked the security personnels and left there, heading for his office.

"Come in." His croaky voice came as I knocked on the door. I opened it and went in as he said.

"Xander, what brings you here?" he asked, laced with a hint of disdain, but I ignored it and put on a smile.

"I wanted to discuss the situation with Vana," I said, taking a seat in the chair in front of his desk. "I think we are both aware of the ruckus she caused."

Reginald raised an eyebrow. "So?"

I leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "I think we can both agree that Vana's personal life is affecting her decision-making. And with James involved, it's only going to get worse. We need someone with a level head to take the reins."

His expression remained neutral, "So, are you trying to say you are more fit?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

I nodded. "I am. I've been with this company for years, and I know its ins and outs. I think I can operate this company."

"Oh, really?" He asked and chuckled. "How can you operate this company better when you almost ruined it."

I bit my inner lip, as his eyes pierced into mine. He surely knows how to use his words, but I had to convince him. He was an important member of the company, and having him by my side was the least I could do.

Bracing myself, I nodded, agreeing to his words. "Right, I almost ruined the company, but that was just a mistake and I'm willing to correct it. Check this, ever since Silvana became the president, it has been one problem from the other. First, it was the negative review issue now, it's her relationship."

"Right, but just so you know, she brought a five million deal, she also cleaned up your mess."

My brows furrowed. Is this man against Silvana or not? Why was he supporting her and going against my words? My brows furrowed more as I watched him lean back in his chair, a sly smirk at the corner of his lips.

My head was becoming distorted. Why was this man hard to prick into? The only option I have now is offering him something good.

"How about I give you the vice president's position once I become president?" I asked, staring cautiously at him.

"You don't give me, I earn it."

A frown appeared on my face. "What do you mean?"

He sighed, steepling his hands together. "The vice president position - it's a good one, but do you think you can go against the whole board?"

My brows creased. "Does this mean you agree?"

"Only if you have a solid plan." He replied and my eyes lit up. "Of course, I do."

"Okay then, but I hope you're worth it." He said and a smile spread on my lips.

"I won't fail you, sir." I promised and he nodded.

"You can leave if that's all." He said with a wave of his hand, and it took me a lot of control not to roll my eyes. I nodded and stood up, walking out of the office, a surge of excitement running through me. This was it, my chance to finally take back what's mine. I was a step closer to achieving my goal and I couldn't help but feel optimistic.

I left the company with a bright smile on my face. But, as I got into my car, I received a call from my mum.

"Mum." I called as I answered the call.

"How are you doing Xander?"

"I'm good, how is dad?" I inquired, because after the argument at my house the last time, he had refused to talk to me.

"He is fine, but how is the company? You are handling it well, right?"

"Of course." I leaned back on the seat with a proud smile on my face.

"That's great. You know what I did to get you into the company again, so don't you dare to do anything stupid." I laughed out at her stern scolding. "Don't worry mum, I won't let you down."

"You better not. Visit your dad and me once you are free."

"Yeah yeah. Bye." I nodded and hung up. I tossed the phone carelessly on the other seat and started the car, driving to Hardin's Construction where I headed.

As I approached my office, my assistant showed up, handing a document to me.

"What's this?" I asked as I cheeked it.

"It's the estimated expenses for an apartment construction project." I nodded, confirming it, but my brows creased when I saw the total amount needed.

"Why is the amount so high?" I asked as I looked up.

"It's not sir, it's the amount needed." She replied and I scoffed. "Well, it's too much, so reduce it. You can cut costs on materials or something."

"But sir, this amount does not surpass the budget allocated to us by the headquarters." She explained.

"So what? Does that mean we should waste money? Keep the remaining amount in the account I gave you the other time. Also, increase the working hours of the construction workers at the same wage." I instructed, turning to enter my office.

"But sir, this is not a waste and increasing the working hours of the workers could lead to accidents." She said, prompting me to stop. I turned back to stare at her.

"Look, if you wanna go to the top with me cause it's happening soon, you have to do as I say." I said and her expression lit up. I smiled, offered them something good and it's over - just the best solution.

"I will do as you said, sir." She smiled, bowing before walking away. I smiled and also entered my office.