CHAPTER 24: NEW QUEST

As I gazed at Lewis with utter astonishment and bewilderment, he gazed at me with a steady pace, serious and void of any hypocrisy. The deep forest eyes were focused on me, which made me swallow some lumps as I felt my heart thump rapidly and restricted me from breathing normally.


Silence temporarily roamed the tight space, making it harder for me to be at ease. I was waiting for Lewis to take back his words and tell everyone that he was simply cracking a joke, but minutes had passed by, not a word from him came out as he continued to give me an earnest look as if meaning what he says.


“What if he does, princess? What if he takes it seriously and really intends to court you?”


Father’s follow up query didn’t alleviate the building uneasiness I was feeling, it only added tension that was erupting inside of me, which made me even more apprehensive and agitated.


I was literally lost for words as both men stared at me now, obviously anticipating my response. Lewis's bold answers made me speechless and utterly distracted me that I didn’t know how to react all of a sudden. His way of expressing himself and his thoughts were peculiar to me, because I haven’t encountered such a man who was as brave in voicing out his opinion as he was. I could feel my entire skin pores were extracting beads of sweat even if the air conditioning was at high volume.


I cleared my throat first, composing my disturbed self, before answering truthfully and set my stares at the courageous and most straight-forward man I have ever known in my life.


“I don’t want to indulge myself at the moment with any matters that would only distract my mind and attention with what I am here for. My eyes are fixed solely on the purpose I had in mind, it’s more important to anything else as of the moment. Besides, I had a daughter waiting for me back home, who I needed to confide with if ever, and I had just gotten my divorce decree days ago.”


It’s best for me not to wallow in with things that concern my heart as of the moment. I may be adamantly furious with Michael and hated him to the bones, but I am perfectly aware that it was still him who my heart was yearning for. The love I have for Michael was immeasurable and unfathomable, I am not certain if any man could match him inside this stupid heart of mine, so it is right not to venture with any matters of the heart that will just even complicate things for me. I just hope that what I disclosed would make Lewis back down on whatever plans he has in mind and not bother me again with what he was signifying evocatively.


“I admired the determination I am seeing in you, Penelope. I can see myself in you when I was your age. A person whose eyes were focused and purpose driven would go a long mile.”


“I’m simply being straight-forward, Dad. I don’t like giving false hopes to anyone by not speaking up and expressing my thoughts. I would like people to see me as an open book, not pretentious nor hiding a ghost inside my closet whatsoever, so nothing will be used against me in the end” I uttered those last lines while looking ahead to Lewis, who simply showed his perfectly white set and understandably nodded.


“Very well said, princess. Spoken like a true Hunt heiress. You got that determination and being straight-forward from me, which makes me even with your Mom.”


I simply shake my head in amusement at what my father commented. Silence reigned amidst us once again as we continued our trip to the Empire. I didn’t glance at Lewis anymore nor think of what he had in mind, as I tried to focus myself on what I must need to do today on my first day at work.


The vehicle stops in front of a high-rise building that has striking bold letters made of aluminum steel on top of glass doors, HUNT GLOBAL CORPORATION. The facade features a combination of traditional and modern elements, creating a visually striking and dynamic appearance with large glass panels, intricate metalwork and bold geometric shapes. It stood in power at the center of one of the busiest streets in New York City. The architect of the said building must have a genius mind for making such remarkable and smart shading systems that adjust based on the sun’s position, which according to my father as we walked towards the entrance, reduces heat gain and glare while maximizing natural light and optimizing energy efficiency thus providing stunning views of the city.


The main entrance features large, automated glass doors that open into a spacious lobby where all the security personnel on duty respectfully greet us the minute we step in. There are waiting areas on both sides, comfortable seating with plush sofas and chairs that are complemented by coffee tables and indoor plants. A sleek, modern reception desk stood regally at the center with the company’s initials embossed forefront. Everything was screaming in luxurious sophistication and distinct superiority.


A few securities that were my father’s bodyguards ushered us to a private elevator, which led directly to the top floor that I was told was solely intended for executives. Only the highest positions of the company had offices here, which were the CEO and COO. The floor was immaculately spacious with a reception desk made of premium materials of marble and granite staffed by a professional looking personnel in black and white three-piece business suit. There’s a waiting area as well with comfortable seating and designer furniture, art pieces at the wall and indoor plants. Alongside with it was a lounge area featuring plush seating, coffee tables and chairs.


I was literally in awe at the extravagance of the building alone. It speaks highly of itself and bores the power of the one who rules at it. I never expected such a building ever existed, yet alone the elegance of the executive floor.


“Good morning, Mr. Hunt!” Everyone greeted my father with reverence as we walked ahead.


“I would like everyone to familiarize themselves with this gorgeous lady beside me. She is my only daughter and the sole successor of HGC, Penelope Hunt.”


“Good morning, Ms. Hunt!” Everyone greeted me in unison as I smiled back at them.


“Lily, bring in the team I asked of you in ten minutes” My father ordered even before we headed inside his office.


“Yes, Sir.”


“I would like you to meet your team first, princess, before we proceed with the Board meeting. They will be the people who would help you during the process of knowing our company. I asked Lily, my executive secretary, to pick the cream of the crop to assist you well. All of them will be subjected to you and will follow your every command” He said while Lewis helped him towards his executive desk as I sat at the lounge area.


Honestly speaking, everything around me was all objectionably new to me. I am not accustomed to this kind of environment, since I haven’t worked yet all my life. It was somewhat intimidating and a bit frightening for newcomers like me, who hadn’t been exposed in the business world. This will certainly be one of the most challenging tasks I will have in my life, as I start this new quest that comes along with being a Hunt.