THIRD POV

It's the big day and Ophelia, wearing killer heels and a navy blue dress, entered the building.

This was all too surreal. She never thought that this moment would come. All the staff are waiting to greet her. She politely responds and gives the crowd a dazzling smile.

"Is my office ready?" she asked her new assistant Olga.

"Yes ma'am. You will be taking Mr. Dansons former office"

"Well, please lead the way"

Walking past the offices and the rooms and the massive hallways Ophelia couldn't believe it. This was surreal, here she was taking the Tristian Danson's old office. It felt like a dream. Walking gingerly in, she took in the moment. The room had an en-suite with a bed and a bathroom.

Enough with wasting precious time. Placing her purse on the table she brought out the folders she needed. Glancing at her watch, it was almost time. And with steely determination she walked into the board room.

The other partners and shareholders, executives and staff were all already here. Including Jessica and Ashton and Sheldon. All on time. They were looking at her with contempt but she just smiled.

Kill them with kindness. She was happy to see that Theo was right on time and was sitting at the seat on her right. Taking her place she sat the high chair. The room immediately fell silent.

"Let us begin" folding her hands in front of her. So the meeting proceeded. After all the financials and inventory were done the moment they had all been waiting for arrived. It was time to see whether Ophelia was fit to lead.

Like every president before her, she had to present to the room the latest product that will blow this nation and this world away. And her critics were determined not to go easy on her.

"Okay. First, I want to say that this company has done well"

"We know that" a singsong voice came from the table. To this there were sniggers.

Concentrating on the task ahead she ignored it "But looking through the quotas it is easy to see that Woodin and Sky-Towers have a primary market in North America only"

She paused eyeing the room. It was unnerving to see they all looked ready to jump out if the window with boredom.

"So after careful deliberation I think that it is time to move on to new heights. With new ideas. I am proposing that Sky-Towers and Woodin branch out into the fashion market"

"I knew she was going to say that" the same voice that had made the comment came again.

"The fashion market is the biggest market in the world. Now we won't be a full blown out fashion market but we will have a couple of name brands. A couple of products that speak to people around the world" she finished.

"Why don't we close down and turn this place into a runway" Someone suggested.

"Great. Now we are going to have every fashion critic here" another muttered.

"It won't be a fashion store. Or a boutique" she cut in.

"So then what is it? What is fashion if not clothing store. I am sorry but do you even know what you are doing?"

"I do. And you will come to understand the minute that you stop interrupting me"

"Can we just get straight to the point of why we are here" someone else spoke.

She knew it. She knew this was a mutiny.

"And why are we here?" she asked.

"To make money. And with that, I propose Ophelia Caine be removed as president. We have come too far to see this go down the drain" the pest cut her off.

There were mummers of approval.

Jessica couldn't help the smile that came to her lips. This was far too easy and she didn't even have to say a single word. Merissa may have hired her, but if every board member revolts Merissa will have to fire her. And Ophelia wasn't exactly popular.

"Well, a vote can be taken if it is the wish of the board. Not just now. You can vote after you hear what I have to say"

"Why waste time. It won't change my decision"

"I think we should at least give her the chance to be heard" Theo piped up.

"I am sorry but who are you?"

"Ms. Theodora Cooper. She is my new Vice" Ophelia cut in to explain.

"Oh. Your vice. Not the company's vice. Because last I checked we weren't informed. But anyways Theodora please be quiet"

Big mistake.

"Actually, you be quiet. Theo, please go ahead" Ophelia smiled at her.

"The main point of this meeting is to tell you that we branch out. Now I am black and come from a neighborhood that dosen't like Woodin or Sky-Towers. We just think it is bourgeoise company that doesn't understand our culture and our differences. Sad but true. We are proposing that we branch out. Hit every street, get into new stuff" Theo started to explain why they had to get people from every walks of life involved.

"This is a waste of time" one guy muttered. He had heard this line so many times it had become redundant.

"Listen, I don't know how they do things in your part of the world but over here we do things quite differently. Ophelia I expected more from you. This trash is not worth our time or money."

The person Ophelia never thought would go against her just did. Where was loyalty? And how dare he?

But Theo had heard quite enough.

"Johnson boi, sit yo ass down" Theo dismissed. At this Ophelia chuckled as everyone looked at Theo in shock. This was one of the reason she needed Theo here. She could kill everyone.

"Excuse me" he sputtered.

"I said sit down and shut up"

"I beg your pardon?" he sputtered.

"What you can't comprehend what I am saying? I thought you only understood me when I spoke ghetto?"

"Are you calling me racist?" he asked enraged

"No. I wouldn't dare" raising her hand in mock surrender.

"Good"

"What I am calling you is a bigot and idiot"

The room was still.

"Now like I was saying. We are branching out. But not with clothes. But with watches. Woodin and Sky-Towers have never had that before. This is the perfect opportunity. But we are not just making any kind of watches, we are going exclusive. We are catering to every race, every socio-political culture, and every group. Young and old alike."

She was gettkng their attention. Right now she was circling her prey. Now it was time to ho in for tge kill.

"So for this reason, I have brought a man who knows his way around more bolts and screws than any other. And a woman who has too much power and her tentacles stretch into every single thing"

At this Ophelia pressed a button on her intercom "Olga please send them in"

"Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce you to our new partners for the future years, Mr. Giorgio and his new wife Mai Lan" standing up.

Everyone was stunned. No one would have thought that in a million years, Ophelia would have come up with something like this. No one.

And how had she managed to snatch up a guy that is recorded as one of the greatest watch-makers of all time? But she topped it off by having one of the biggest market distributors along with her"

"Hello everyone" Giorgio called in a heavy accented voice with Mai hanging off his arm.

"Giorgio welcome. Please come sit" standing up and giving Giorgio hers. Theo got up and gave hers to Mai.

Both women were glad to see that everyone was looking at them with curiosity and awe. She had them right where she needed them.

"Before I say anything else, why don't we congratulate Giorgio and Mai on their new nuptials?"

There was stunned silence. When did these two get married?

"Congratulations" Theo started and the rest followed.

"Thank you" the couple nodding their heads to a couple of people.

"Like I was saying before the interruption, we are branching out. We are creating a new form of fashion that leans to every group. We are bringing acake and new technology. Everything you could possibly imagine will be manufactured for half the cost. Olga please pass out these notes"

"As you go through the file, our cost of production will be low because of three companies joining forces. We will cover more ground and have half of the risks" she continued using her pointer to highlight a couple of things.

"Giorgio has agreed to come up with new designs for a new market of watches. And what is even better is that the whole world will be watching. We have free press. This is just what we need. And there will be even more press when our consumers realize that we are indeed creating watches to every person group on this planet. Theo?"

"We are going to produce a wide range of watches for the ladies, the men, the lovers, the technological, the haters, the players, teenagers, surfers, rockers, hip hoppers, the street, the country girls and boys, the oldies." showing pictures on the screen.

"We have the technology and we are going to use it. For example my personal favorite of the watches is this one. Rustic but is accessible to make calls and connect to every person. Amd what about a classic watch that caters to the sick? They can be connected to their doctors and pharmacist 24/7. And thanks to Mai being on board with us, we have the means for producing that technology"

She paused to let everyone take in what she just said.

"Now" leaning on the table "Do you still want to take that vote or not?"
.........................................................................................................................................................................

"So how did it go?" Merissa asked as soon as the two ladies entered the room.

Wearing a cute suit with a hat she had her legs thrown on the table.

"Thank you Olga that will be all" smiling at the lady and closing the door.

"Went well. They bought every single thing"

"After they finished picking their jaws from the floor" in a smirk.

Merissa chuckled. "How were the two love birds?"

"They were perfect. Mai even threw that she was considering opening up a new airline with us"

"Great. So I take it that every business person was impressed"

"Oh yeah. It was too lucrative to pass. And they knew that Mai and Giorgio won't sign and work with anyone else but I and Theo. So they passed to have it completed and unveiled in half a year at least"

"I am sure they were impressed"

Indeed they were. No one could understand how Ophelia had done it. No one. She was so convincing and left no room for argument. Her ideas were crafty and secured. She spoke like she had been in the business for decades. Afterwards, she was congratulated by various parts of the staff for her awesome presentation. Even Jessica was grudgingly mesmerized. She had expected incompetence. Not Einstein ideas.

"Hey Lia?" Theo called.

"Yeah?" she muttered not looking up from her phone.

"You know that guy who was making all the comments and interruptions?"

"Yeah. Langston I believe. What about him?" still half paying-attention.

"I think he is too close to the Dansons for comfort"

Now she looked up "That is true" nodding her head in understanding.

"Well, why don't we have a word with him" Merissa her eyes twinkling with merriment.

"Sounds good to me" Theo added.

So she paged her P.A to bring in Langston.

"And what are we going to say exactly?"

"Oh just a once in a lifetime opportunity to join our side. You know what they say, if you can't beat them, join them" Merissa replied with an evil smirk on her face.

"You are learning so fast. I am so proud" Ophelia mockingly placing her hand on her chest like a proud mother.

The man walked confidently to the room. He was a little bit surprised and irritated that Ophelia had left the boardroom unscathed. If anything she had started to earn the respect of some of the people in this company. This was a slight set back but he was beyond sure that Ophelia Caine would be gone. They just had to sign a contract with Mai and Giorgio and she will be out. A woman like Ophelia would not get the best of him. Who did she think she was? She was just a spoilt brat that had everything handed down to her.

He barged into the room even when Olga told him stop

"What do you want Ophelia?" he demanded.

She was sitting at a desk but not behind it. The chair was facing the window. And they were not alone, the woman called Theo sat at the couch.

"Among other things your respect. And your cooperation" she replied.

"Just because you gave a good presentation today doesn't mean you will be here tomorrow or next week. Or you for that matter" looking at Theo.

"Words are one thing but actions are another" he continued to warn.

"But even I must give a dog her due, you have great advisors"

"Thank you" Merissa turned the chair.

Langston looked dumbstruck. He didn't expect the owner of this company to be in this room. This was bad. This was very bad. She had heard every single word. 

"Mrs. Danson" he greeted respectfully.

"Hello Langston" she said in a cold voice. She had really mastered switching between her emotions.

"It is a pleasure" he was no fool. He knew when to pick his fights. A threat had been circulating around town that anyone who messed with Merissa messed with Zach and no one had the heartache and the guts to do that. The man had almost destroyed the woman he loved. How much more him?

"I wish I could say the same. Why are you giving my two ladies a hard time?"

"It is just business"

"Please. I know business. And business is not instigating a riot on her first day"

He remained silent.

"I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that she came running to her mommy when things got tough"

"Mommy?" Ophelia scoffed. "I am older than you"

"Fine. But tell me Langston that is indeed what you are thinking, aren't you. And don't lie, I can tell"

He couldn't deny it. That was indeed what he was thinking. And he couldn't hate Ophelia the more. But he said nothing.

"Well whether that is true or isn't does not matter. The point is she knows where her loyalties lie. So Mr. Langston, you're fired"

He looked astonished.

"Now now, Merissa let us not be hasty"

"Why not? Look I get it. You are being cautious with a new boss. A woman who came from nowhere. The upset of the old regime. I understand."

"Exactly. I just don't trust her yet" he was quick to explain.

"So then you can't blame us if we have you fired"

He dropped his jaw. He had been working in this company all his adult life. He had kept this job whilst going to university. He was good and everyone knew it.

"Hey, I am being cautious of frozen vipers" raising her hand.

"You can't" he whispered. His contract was airtight but now he was not so sure.

"Maybe. But my husband can. And we will find a way to release you one way or the other"

"Mrs. Danson" he whimpered.

"But we will not" Ophelia jumped in.

"What?" turning his head to look at her.

"We won't fire you. You might have some use yet"

"What do you mean?" clearing his throat but his eyes were swimming with fear and anguish. He knew how this game was played. And he didn't like where this was going.

"It means your loyalty is to us. No one else. Got that? We say jump you say how high?"

"Or we can let Zach and Robert deal with you. Your choice" Merissa added.

"Though it is not much of a choice. It is either the devil or the deep blue sea. You know, I actually pity you" Merissa added in a fake sympathetic voice.

"Quick question, are you the devil or deep blue sea?" Theo asked.

She thought for a minute. "Don't know. Doesnt matter. Don't care"

"Your choice Langston. Join us or the unemployment line for eternity" Ophelia asked.

He sighed. There was no use. His plan had been thwarted. "I will work with you"

"Aww" Theo cooed.

Ophelia put up her hand, "Welcome on board, bitch"

"Now you can leave" Ophelia dismissed him.

He left with every fiber of his being scared and broken.

"Oh Olga, please prepare an office for Theo" she called through the phone.

"Right away ma'am"

"I will go see it" Theo waved goodbye. Leaving the room with just the two ladies.

She sat at a desk sighing.

"It is not even noon and I am exhausted"

"That is how the world runs girl"

"Unfortunately"

"We make new enemies. And we make friends. Then we make more enemies"

"Ahh. It is either poison or the gun"

"Are you tired yet?"

"N. Not even close. I think it was Eddie who said "You're born, you take crap. You get out in the world, you take more crap. You climb a little higher, you take less crap. Till one day you're up in the rarefied atmosphere and you've forgotten what crap even looks like."

"Welcome to the layer cake son"

"Welcome to the layer cake son"

They both said simultaneously

"Exactly. We are getting to our layer cake"

There was a knock on the door before she the words were out of her mouth.

And like Langston someone barged in without waiting for the come in.

"I think you need a security guard"

"Oh Excuse me. Ophelia can I have a word" the man demanded.

She looked to Merissa. This was not going to be easy.

"I was just leaving. See you sweetie" getting up and walking to the door.

Mrs. Danson" he respectfully greeted as she passed by him.

She merely nodded.

"By the way, Lia change this room. I hate the colors and the decor. Too much Tristian. Oh and don't forget the press conference" before closing the door behind her.

"Lia? Now she calls you Lia" giving her a look.

"Yup." standing up.

"You have come up in the world girl"

"Yes I have" taking the chair that Merissa had just vacated. She really did have to change the décor.

"I will admit that you were great there. I was truly impressed" he continued sitting on one of the chairs.

This was one of the rare times that he ever complimented her. Rare pop $ 1, 000 bottle of champagne rare.

"It was certainly a surprise"

"That was what I was counting on"

"Your ideas were good"

"Again thank you"

"But not perfect"

And the other shoe dropped.

"You need some guidance and advisors. Right now, you have the Dansons taking a run for their money"

She said nothing.

"But you have no experience and that could be a hindrance"

"Well you should have let me work with you in the company" she said bitterly.

"Not now. Now is not the time for cowering and tearing-up. We have too much to lose"

She raised her brow at "we" but rather asked "Oh what is the time?"

"The time to make our stand. The time to take our family name beyond. And in order to do that you need help"

"I have help"

"From whom? That black girl you want to make your vice? Come on don't be stupid" he was outraged.  What was she thinking?

"Put aside your played-out racism unless if it's more important to you than your job" in a calm threatening voice.

"Look what I am trying to say is that you need guidance"

"Did it look like I needed guidance 40 minutes ago?" she challenged.

He took a step back. This was not the way that he pictured everything going. "No. But a lot of those people are not your friends. And right now you need friends and allies"

"Are you a friend? It didn't seem so with the way that you were bashing me all over the place"

"Oh that" waving his hand away.

"Yes that"

"That was me not keeping my eggs in one basket"

She could only nod.

"I am having a Christening and a party for Tino in the next couple of weeks"

"We are talking about something important Ophelia" irritated.

"This is important" she argued.

"Why are you even having a party for that kid, huh? Why make a big deal? Isn't it enough that everyone knows that you don't know who the dad is? Why glorify the bas-"

"Don't you dare insult my son, dad" she bit out. She had had enough. She had had enough of his contempt and his hatred towards her son.

"Watch your words with me, young lady. I don't care what new position you have, I am still your father" his voice in anger.

"By donation" she bit out.

"Hi. Sorry to interrupt" a new voice joined the conversation.

She really needed a security team. She was getting sick of everyone barging in and out of her office.

"Oh hi Mr. Caine" Jessica barged into the room.

"Hi sweetie" he greeted.

Was it sad to say that her own father dotted on other people's children more than he did hers? Was it sad that he will attend other's graduation but would not even travel to London when she graduated third of all her class? This was an open secret. And what hurt more was that everyone used it as a reason to mock her.

"What do you want Jessica?" she was not in the mood.

"Just to congratulate you. You were good out there" slowly applauding her.

"Thank you. I aim to please"

"Yes of course you do. Tell me, how did you get Giorgio? I am truly curious. Did you have promise him payment upfront or settle up later"

"We are not making profits right now" intentionally. She knew what she was implying?

"Don't be stupid. I mean did you offer your services as a hooker" she growled.

"No. He just loved the idea. And he just got married"

"Bit of a coincidence that he married Mai isn't it?" he father mused. That had been bothering him for a long time.

"Yes it is. Now Jessica. Let us get something straight. I am your boss. The sooner you accept it. The better it will be. There is going to be a lot of changes around here. Like giving respect. Accept it because I won't take anything less. Let me repeat I. Am. Your. Boss."

Jessica was seething.

"So better watch your words or you'll be out. And I can assure you, your surname won't save you. Now please, get the hell out of my office. Now"

She just raised her brow, then with a smirk she left.

"That was good. But next time-"

"You too"

"Excuse me?" he asked with confusion.

"Get out. Now"

"Have you gone mad?"

"Perhaps. Now get out. And next time, pass through my P.A before barging into my office"

Only then did he realize that she was not joking. So he tried a different approach "Ophelia" he said in a much softer voice.

"No. I won't let you or anybody else ever try and control me ever again. Out. Mr. Caine" her eyes dark and serious.

Now he realized that he had lost control. What was happening? He had counted on her being overwhelmed and he will come to her rescue. But she was different. Slowly he stood up and made his way to the door. "

"Oh and one more thing. You might be related to him by blood but you are not my son's granddad. So forgive me for even thinking of asking you to come. The same mistake won't happen twice"

She was done with trying to get him to love her. Trying to get her mother to love her and move past their son. They had lost a child 15 years ago in a skiing accident but they didn't realize it but they had killed another child. All her life, all she ever wanted was for that man to love her.

"You will need me sooner or later" he promised.

"You underestimate me, dad" she laughed.

"But I can assure you that I won't. I don't need dead weight. And you are just that. Shut the door behind you" opening a file.

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The press conference was being held in front of the building. With Theo on her right Ophelia walked to where all the men and women with cameras were waiting. She could already see Merissa standing with Zach, Robert, Tristian and Amber, Jessica, Sheldon, and a couple of others.

"Let's do this"

Ophelia" they yelled.

Standing behind the podium she addressed the crowd

"Good afternoon, as you are all aware I was named the new CEO of Sky-Towers and Woodin. This task is not easy but it is a challenge. Sky-Towers and Woodin as you all know are in a variety of things. We have pushed globally, entertaining and pleasing people with our services. And we will continue to push globally to every, race, every culture, and every group from all walks of life. And we are not waiting, we are starting right now.

That being said, Sky-Towers and Woodin are happy to announce the launching of a new product. Watches. But not just any watches, but watches which are personally crafted to fit all groups of people from everywhere around the globe. Ladies and gentlemen of the press, it is with great pleasure to announce that SkyTowers and Woodin are teaming up with the legend Mr. Raphael Giorgio and his wife Mai Lan in a new era of watches"

As soon as she paused the questions started flying. The people were going out of the minds. She had signed with Giorgio how?

"You know when Merissa Danson hired me she gave me one command. And we are going to do our best to fulfill it. She said to me, I want Sky-Towers and Woodin to become synonymous with every culture around the globe. And we are going to do just that. This just the beginning, so sit back and witness as Sky-Towers and Woodin become synonymous with every group of people. Thank you."

Giving one last smile, she walked off.

This was just the beginning.