''Have a seat, Professor. I was eagerly waiting for your presence,'' I say, gesturing towards him to take a seat.

''Ms. McWayne, I have heard a lot about you from Ms. Jasmine. It is a wonderful idea for your company to extend a helping hand to ECU,'' he says.

''It is my pleasure, respected professor,'' I respond as I hand him the contract for his review.

I asked Jasmine to take charge of this project as well, and I've also asked Romeo to lend her a helping hand, well aware that I am playing cupid in their story.

I remember well the day I met Romeo at the retirement party of my father. That night, not only did we become friends, but it was also the time Irwin wrapped his coat around me—the coat that I have not returned to him yet. It's been so long. As the professor reviews the contract, I can't help but reflect on the interconnected stories and relationships that have woven themselves into the fabric of my life. The nostalgia of past events mingles with the anticipation of the future, creating a moment of reflection in the midst of business dealings.

Thankfully, the Director of ECU was well acquainted with the McWaynes, hence the collaboration became easier, yet it is still a challenging path to follow. The meeting was brief, as Jasmine had already done the necessary. She headed back with the professor while Calantha and I went to the boardroom.

''Hello everyone, first of all, this is our first meeting as your CEO. I have some important news to announce and made several changes in our company employment's welfare,'' I said as I clapped to switch off the lights and turned on the projector.

The room dimmed, and the projector illuminated the screen with charts and graphs outlining the changes and updates. As the new CEO, I took charge of the moment, addressing the team with a mix of authority and warmth. The air in the boardroom held a sense of anticipation, and the employees leaned forward to catch every word. The collaborative efforts with ECU marked the beginning of a new chapter, and the changes announced hinted at a shift in the company's approach and priorities.

''Firstly, two additional days will be added to your Christmas holidays. Secondly, our company decided to collaborate with ECU for the new laboratory and internship of their students. And lastly, I am inviting you to the charity gala that will be held next Sunday. Any questions?'' I asked. 

They nodded in approval; thankfully, this was done smoothly. In about ten minutes, I have a meeting with the shareholders and investors in the conference room. I feel hungry; I barely ate in the morning. As the announcement settles in, the employees exchange glances and murmur among themselves, processing the information shared.

The addition of Christmas holidays, the collaboration with ECU, and the invitation to the charity gala mark significant developments within the company. The mix of professional updates and a personal invitation creates a dynamic atmosphere in the boardroom, and as I prepare to head to the next meeting, the buzz of conversation lingers in the air.

''Good luck for the meeting, fighting,'' said the message from Irwin. I smiled at the message. The once cold-faced Greek god is wishing me luck for our board meeting.

''Stop blushing and drink this smoothie, as your strategic finance advisor, friend, and shareholder of your company, it is my duty to ensure your safety,'' Calantha said in an authoritative tone.

''Hitler,'' I murmured, and we laughed. Indeed, it is challenging at such a young age to become CEO. Gregory is managing the other industry well, finance, media, and investment, while I got into social, finance, and education. I should ensure the smooth going of the company. The McWayne legacy must live on.

The camaraderie and support from friends add a touch of warmth to the otherwise intense atmosphere. As I sip the smoothie, I can't help but appreciate the team around me, each playing a crucial role in steering the company forward. The weight of responsibility sits on my shoulders, but with allies like Calantha and encouragement from unexpected sources like Irwin, the journey ahead feels a bit more manageable.

It's going to be my first meeting with the shareholders, and I am sure someone will surely try to drag me down. I have already prepared myself. As I head towards the conference room, I can sense the turmoil inside. I open the door with a walk of confidence. My heart settles in ease when I see Irwin's face along with that of Gregory.

''Greetings Respected Board Members, I am Abelia McWayne. Nice to meet you all,'' I say as I take my seat.

 I could hear the exchange of ideas and murmurs between the investors. From under the table, Irwin grabs my hand and squeezes it to give me a sense of reassurance. The boardroom atmosphere is charged with a mix of anticipation and scrutiny. As the new CEO, I am under the spotlight, and the eyes of the board members assess my ability to lead.

The presence of familiar faces like Irwin and Gregory adds a layer of comfort, a reminder that I have allies in the room. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with their support, I am ready to face whatever comes my way.

''Miss Abelia, you are aware that this field of the market requires dedication, right?'' Mr. Fang said.

''I assure you all I will do everything in my capacities to increase the stock market of the McWayne's legacy,'' I said boldly, my eyes reflecting my sincerity. I clapped my hands for the lights to turn off, and the projector was lighted.

''The major tasks for McWayne's legacy for the upcoming year are as follows: Firstly, on behalf of the company, I have decided to work closely with the McFlurry Foundation. This will ensure the smooth going of future collaborations. 

Secondly, the internship has been reviewed. The students of ECU will be on probation for six months. If they succeed in their tasks, they will have the opportunity to be employed in either one of the McWayne's companies. Ms. Dave, the creative supervisor, will specifically be assigned to this project. As you are aware, she has always been a strong pillar in the success story of the McWayne's Legacy. 

And lastly, the McWayne will merge the two companies into one, as it was decades ago.''

The room is filled with the hum of discussion and analysis as the shareholders absorb the information. The strategic moves and collaborations outlined hint at a forward-thinking approach, and the merger of the two companies adds a historical resonance to the decisions made. The atmosphere is charged with a mix of anticipation and contemplation as the future of the McWayne legacy takes shape under my leadership.

Amidst the murmurs, there were whispers of disapproval. ''I object to the last decision, Ms. McWayne. You may not be aware of the reasons why there was a separation of the two companies. Our shares will decrease significantly if the secrets are out,'' Mr. Bones said aggressively.

''There are no secrets as such, Mr. Bones. This decision has been taken with all due considerations to your stock shares in the company. With the merging of both companies, it will add to the value of the McWayne Legacy. We have been the number one company in the field of finance and investment for the past two decades. Now it's time to be the number one in the field of education,'' Gregory adds in.

The objection raises the tension in the room, and the clash of opinions becomes palpable. Mr. Bones' concern reflects the anxieties of some shareholders, but Gregory's response attempts to address those concerns by emphasizing the strategic value of the merger. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of negotiation and persuasion as the fate of the proposed merger hangs in the balance.

''I agree with Mr. Bones. Those two companies should remain separated, as well as joining in the venture with the McFlurries. I think this needs further considerations and reflections,'' Mrs. Avalo adds to the discussion.

''I disagree with you, Mrs. Avalo. The idea of merging the company into one will be better. It adds score to new labor and ventures in the international market. The incident that happened twenty years ago was already investigated by the police, and the culprit has been arrested; hence, no one should mention it,'' Mr. Fallon backs up Gregory.

''As the president of the McFlurry industry, I, Irwin McFlurry, will ensure the smooth collaboration between the McFlurry and the McWaynes,'' he says confidently.

The room is divided, with different voices expressing their opinions on the proposed merger. The clash of perspectives adds intensity to the atmosphere as the board members weigh the potential benefits and risks. The support from Irwin adds a layer of assurance to the collaboration, but the opposition remains firm. The fate of the McWayne Legacy hangs in the balance as the discussion unfolds.

''Mr. McFlurry, if you are backing up Ms. Wayne because of your relationship with her, then let me tell you it's not going to work.'' The door flings open, and our competitor, along with a young man, entered the room.

''Who gave you the right to break into the conference room?'' Gregory roared.

''Calm down, young tiger,'' Mr. Angelo whispers with an evil grin plastered all over his face. 

''I came here today to introduce you to my son, Hades Angelo. Hereafter, he will be managing my business. Beware; I will ruin you soon,'' he menaces.

The unexpected entrance of the competitors, led by Mr. Angelo and the introduction of his son, Hades Angelo, injects a sense of tension and animosity into the room. The threat of business rivalry becomes more personal as relationships and family ties are brought into the fray. Gregory's anger and Mr. Angelo's ominous warning set the stage for a confrontation that may have far-reaching consequences for the McWayne Legacy.

''Who do you think you are, threatening me in my company?'' I said angrily without losing my composure.

''Oh, you must be the young, beautiful CEO,'' he remarked as he took a step closer.

''One step closer to my woman, and I'll make you disappear,'' Irwin menacingly whispers.

Mr. Angelo laughs, ''Oh, I'm so scared,'' he said mockingly.

''My relationship is none of your concern, but if that poses as a threat, then let me announce our engagement this Saturday. You're all invited,'' Irwin says as he drags me along with him, leaving everyone speechless as the meeting was dismissed.

The confrontation escalates with Irwin's bold announcement of our engagement, turning the tide of the power dynamics in the room. The shock on Mr. Angelo's face and the tension in the air create a dramatic conclusion to the meeting. Irwin's protective stance and the unexpected twist in the narrative leave the board members and competitors stunned. The engagement announcement becomes a strategic move, altering the dynamics not just in the business realm but in the personal lives of those involved.