"WHAT???? The person who hates training so much is asking me to supervise? Did the sun rise from the west today?", he peeked outside his window to have a look though it was night.
"Hey, stop messing around na!"
"Okay, but what will happen to your companies in your absence?"
"Ruby will handle it. I will speak with her regarding this."
"Let me warn you then. You will be in isolation for one month totally."
"Ya ya I know. I shall inform the others about my absence too."
"Okay come to our usual meeting place tomorrow. Let's start training from tomorrow then. Is that okay my queen?"
"Yup, then I'm hanging up first."
"You heartless woman, where is my goodbye kiss?"
"Get lost you playboy.", Lisa gritted her teeth.
"Ha ha", a deep peal of laughter was heard on the other side of the phone.
Lisa hung up the phone and heaved a huge sigh of relief. She didn't want to go back to that lifestyle again. She was a perfectionist and was highly valued but she didn't want that lifestyle, so, she quit that. They knew that they couldn't persuade her, so they offered that she could join anytime she felt like.
Lisa never considered doing this before, but she needed to now. She needed to make herself strong again. She needed to protect her loved ones. She couldn't save her mother. She needed to save Robert. She couldn't endanger his life.
She stopped thinking about these things and went off to sleep. She knew that her life will change again from the next day. So she needed to charge herself.
------------------
The next day:
Lisa woke up at dawn, dressed up and went to the parking lot, took her car and left Scarlett Inc. She drove straightway to the mansion. Upon reaching there, she found everyone asleep. She quietly tiptoed to her bedroom and packed the necessary essentials. She then went to the kitchen counter only to find Elliot and Natalie standing there. She felt very scared upon seeing them. They too, were also similarly shocked. They felt as though they have seen a ghost.
"You both scared the hell out of me.", she whisper-yelled.
"And what about you? We thought we have seen a ghost. What a scare!", Natalie said playfully.
"Okay guys, I have something serious to discuss with you."
"Say, I'm all ears.", Elliot said with a grin.
"Me too", Natalie smirked.
"Guys, I'm going for training starting today. I think I don't need to explain anything anymore. I don't want others to know about it. I want you all to inform Ruby about the fact that I won't be going to the company for one month starting today. As I will leave early, I will not be able to inform the others, would you do it on my behalf? Most importantly, other than any emergency, please don't contact me. You'll know the other number. Only through that can you contact me in case of any emergency."
" Sure Soph. Take care.", Elliot patted her head.
"Rest assured my dear. Do your thing and we will take care of the rest.", Nat said.
"Thanks El and Nat."
"Now can we have the breakfast. Eat first and then leave.", Natalie handed her a sandwich.
After having breakfast, she left.
Natalie and Elliot were having a discussion regarding Sophie, when others woke up and came downstairs. They hurriedly informed them about Sophie's situation. They understood her intentions. So, instead of worrying, they divided the work among themselves. Ben was assigned to manage Scarlett Inc. along with Ruby. Giselle and Natalie took up the job of the boutique, which they all owned but was mainly managed by Giselle and Sophie. William was already busy with his own company, so he was spared. Elliot needed to fly overseas while Ed was busy with something important.
Ruby was in her office, when Elliot called to inform about Sophie's absence and whatever instructions she left for her. Ruby was shocked due to her sudden leave.
"What? Sir are you sure it's one month of leave? Is she trying to prank me?"
"Sorry, but no, she's not pranking you and yes, she is on leave starting today."
"But what will happen to the project of Incoda Technologies? Mr. Robert Atkins called earlier to inform that he is going to come today to discuss about the project."
"WHAT?" It was Elliot's turn to be surprised. "What did you say? Can you repeat it once more?"
"Sir, I said that Mr. Robert Atkins is going to come today to discuss about the project. Is there any problem Sir?
"Nope. I'm hanging up first. Have a good day Ruby."