Chapter 9

SILVANA

Settling down on the chair in my office, I looked at the business card James gave me, and scoffed. He must think so high of himself.

Dropping the card carelessly on the table, I took the documents containing the information of the people who were practically Xander's people and began to go through it.

I could barely finish before I called for Mr Gregory.

"Fire all of them." I said, giving him documents.

"Will do." He bowed and turned to go.

"Wait.." I spoke up, and he turned back to me.

"Could you set up meetings with companies that are suitable to be business partners with us? I would like to meet them."

"Okay. I will set up a meeting with them and also send their information to you."

"Thank you." I smiled and he nodded, before walking out.

I also began doing the work I had, which was Xander's abandoned work. A lot of things needed his attention but he paid no attention to it, now I have to do it all. Well, it's fine though, I signed up for this anyway.

Speaking about which, I don't think I've set my eyes on him after sending him out of the company. I didn't see him yesterday, and at work today. Did he abandon his work because he is no longer the CEO? Unserious bastard.

______

"Young miss!" About three hours later, the door burst open and Mr Greg rushed in with a panicked look while holding his phone.

"What's going on?" I stood up worriedly. He handed me his phone and I looked at it to see the news airing.

It was about a certain business which happened to be an investment fraud. The owner had fled from the country but the cops are still searching for him.

"What's this?" I looked up with furrowed brows.

"This..." He trailed off and my brows inches higher. I didn't see how this concerned me and why he was panicking until it suddenly hit me.

"Don't tell me..." I chuckled in disbelief, but my face fell when I saw his saddened expression.

"What!" I didn't need him to tell me that the Hardin corporation had also invested in it.

"How did this happen? How!" I shouted.

"I...it was Mr Xander, he kept insisting that we invest in it, saying we would yield a great return. He did it without the boards' permission, and we are simply bankrupt right now."

"What! You must be joking." I chuckled nervously.

"I'm sorry." He said, facing the floor.

A chuckle left my lips as I turned around. I didn't want to believe it, but...

"Ahhh!!!! That bastard...Ah.." I yelled in exasperation. My knees felt weak, so I bent down slowly, heaving a sigh.

What should I do? How can I... Xander. I need to see him for myself.

I looked up swiftly at Mr Greg. "Xander. Where is he?"

"Err...he didn't report for work, so I don't know." That was the last straw. I sprang up, took my phone and car key before storming out of the office. I would check the house. Mr Gregory rushed after me.

Just as I was getting to the entrance, Xavier walked in, his hands in his pocket.

I stopped for a moment before picking up my pace, walking towards him. I landed a slap on his face the moment I got to him and everybody gasped, but that was the least of my problems. I slapped him once again, this time on the left cheek.

"Are you crazy!" He yelled, taking his hand to his cheek.

"Am I crazy? Do you know what you have done? You've completely ruined the company you jerk!" I yelled back.

"What do you mean?"

"The investment you made without permission, it's a fraud, and we are practically bankrupt now!"

The workers gasped and began whispering among themselves.

"What? That's not possible."

"Of course, you didn't watch the news cause you were busy lazing around. Look at the time you are coming to work. It is 12pm jerk." I said, pointing at my wristwatch.

"I.."

"You have to take responsibility for this."

"How? What do you..."

"You are fired!"

"What? You are joking." He said and I scoffed.

"I'm not. You are tired so get your ass out of this company." I said, staring at his face with a serious look on my face.

"No, you can..."

"Guards!" I shouted, and the guards rushed in.

"Take him away." I said, and they immediately grabbed him.

"What? No..you can't do this, Silvana! I have shares in this company!"

I scoffed. Shares my foot. The guards dragged him out and I sighed, loudly.

"Young miss. What do we do?" Mr Greg asked, and I looked at him, but I didn't say anything. I have nothing to say.

I turned and began walking to the elevator. He followed me.

"How about looking for investors. We could find one." I was even unsure, because who in his right sense would invest in a company that is in ruins and is about to identify as bankrupt.

I fell on my butt the moment I stepped into the office. Placing my head on the door, a tear slipped out of my eyes.

I'm sorry dad, mum...I failed to protect the company. Closing my eyes, more tears slipped out of my eyes. Shareholders would probably start asking for their investments and asking for answers. It would be worse because Xander didn't get their permission before investing in the fraud.

I wish I could turn back the time to five years ago, before I got married. I wouldn't have said 'yes' to Reed when he proposed, then I wouldn't have to get married and hand over the company to Xander. If I didn't, the company wouldn't be going bankrupt now cause I was sure I would have handled it better. It was my father's legacy, so I was sure to not let him down but it's all useless now.

I was still wailing in my misery when I recalled James' words.

"I want you to be my business partner."

"You will be, maybe not now, but you will surely need it."

My eyes widened and I immediately sprang up, going to the table where his business card was. I picked it up and typed the number there on my phone.

It rang for some seconds before he picked it up.

"Hello."

"It's me, Silvana.”