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CHAPTER 7
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2020-11-14 06:50:09***Bernard's POV***
My morning was like any other. I woke up to the humming tone of Constanza as she zipped in and out of the rooms down the hall and fresh aroma of coffee. I lay awake for a while absorbing the rays of the morning sun as it spilled through the window. With a rushed exhalation of breath I stretched my rested bones, then sat up to start my day.
While Wilson drove me to work, I scrolled through my appointment calendar and last minute added conference calls Gladys added to my calendar.
I stepped off the elevator and walked close to my dad's office. I had to admit that lately, we haven't spoken. He was extremely busy with the latest acquired accounts.
I stood at the entrance of the door and lightly knocked. I took in the view of the man I called my father who was extraordinary. He built a company from the ground up and worked every bone in his body to create a legacy for us. I admired him.
He had dark brown wavy hair peppered with some gray strands, the telltale sign of added years to his life. I read somewhere that gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly or righteous life. I smiled; if it described my dad then yeah, it was entirely true.
His gaze lifted to mine.
"Bernard! Come in son, I haven't seen you since yesterday," he smiled offering me a seat.
If it's any consolation at this time, I would give anything at this moment to confide in my dad and tell him what I had done, but, I couldn't tell him I did something so reckless like this. He would be disappointed.
I walked in and sat down before him. He leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"How are you doing dad?" I asked making myself comfortable.
"Other than the acute arthritis pain in my bones my boy, I'm doing great," he chuckled, pulling up his tablet and turning it towards me.
I leaned forward, picked it up and read the opened email he indicated with his finger. I frowned and read through it.
Looking up amused at the memo, I saw that determined stare in those eyes of his.
"Winthrop Enterprise's acquired the Graphic and Design bid for Peterson & Lark, Ltd."
He spoke.
"I need you to step up your game and work with Chris in the design department to pull ALL the stops. I want you guys to shine on this bid. Make Winthrop squirm. "He mumbled.
I leaned back and considered his words. I nodded. There was no mistaking his itch to go up against his rival. Gregory Winthrop was that shadow in my father's closet that we frequently heard about. Rival partners since the dawn of our existence you can say. He never told us why the two that were best friends so long ago had a falling out. I mean I have no need to hold a grudge on a feud that did not include me. I've met Gregory Winthrop's' sons. We played against Each Other at an away game in high school a couple of years ago. They seemed cool and ok to me nothing out of the ordinary.
"Now young man read the next email," he pulled me out of my thoughts.
I clicked over to the next event.
The memo read in an elegant font.
Mullins & Hill
Cordially invites any and all esteemed eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes to participate in the
23rd Annual
FULTON WEDDING PLANNING
FUNDRAISING AND BRIDAL FASHION SHOW EVENT
On Saturday
At 10am
At the Meadowview Country Club
In the
HALIFAX BALLROOM
South lawn entrance
R.S.V.P no later than Tuesday
1(212)555-5555
Hosted by:
Josette Mullins & Cathy Hill
My eyes immediately shot to his mischievous gaze and I shook my head.
"Dad, no..."
But before I could back out, he pleaded with me and I agreed to it.
"Maybe this will inspire you to move things along with Jane," he chuckled.
"Maybe," I murmured.
*~*~*~*~*~*
I left my father's office with plans to join him for lunch. I powered through the rest of my day, wrapping up the week's agenda and laying the groundwork for more to come. There was a lot I needed to get off my plate before I could help Chris with the Peterson & Lark Ad.
I stood and walked to the floor length window. Winthrop Enterprise's office was the tower amongst the many high-rises that littered downtown and I could see the steel structure in the distance. I suspected that he and my father both spent more than a few moments every day staring at each others offices and planning their next move to outdo the other.
*******
****Stephanie's POV****
My morning went by in a blur as I decided to call it a day of school. I got dressed and headed out to Winthrop Enterprises. I wanted to get a head start on the design layout so I called Dana and asked her to take notes for me. As I opened the front door, I was met with the determined eyes of our Chauffeur Harvey.
I was so close to escaping him.
"Ms. Winthrop upon your father's orders I insist that you let me do my job and drive you to your destination."
I sighed a little frustrated.
"Harvey, what's the point of having my own car if I can't drive it,"
"It's for your safety, miss," he said.
"I know, but I'm in no danger Harvey. Besides, I'm going directly to the office today,"
"And for all the reasons to have me drive you, miss Stephanie." He paused. "If you have not heard this for the thousandth time, you are the daughter of a very wealthy man. An easy target to get to your father. If you didn't know it already young one you are his heart string and it will send him to his early grave if any harm came to you. So please I beg you to let me do my job," he pleaded politely pointing the way to the car.
I sighed because the truth was all of this was just too much for me to argue with. He was right. I've been dodging him for two days straight.
"O.k., I'll let you take me, but please let me at least drive myself around this weekend," I begged.
I watched him smirk and consider my plea. With a chuckle, he nodded and stepped to the side and opened the door.
As Harvey drove me through downtown, I sat back and read my last text with my sister.
"I'm heading into the office, have you spoken with dad?"
"Yeah, he told me about Matt
Are you going to be ok? Maybe I'll stop by and grab lunch with you.
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