*2 DAYS AGO*
VIVIA:
"Wake up! Vi, we'll be late." I groaned at her shirking voice.
Believe me when I say I've saved up years of payment from buying any alarm clocks. Because this annoying high pitched voice has been waking me up for years now and ever so does it knowing I haven't had enough sleep.
"Cyn, why the actual hell on earth are you onto torturing me?" I ask in a half asleep half clear voice.
"Good morning, Vi. It's 7:30 am. Enough sleep and now onto start the next day." She said jumping on my bed like a six years old.
I pull away the covers slowly looking at her fresh face and wonderful aura.
Her short blonde hair have been beautifully curled and set into a pony tail. She was in a nice semi casual outfit and smelled of flowers.
Normally this would give you the fresh morning vibe from a fresh morning person. Make you want to get up and be as ready as her.
But did I mention, how much I hate mornings?
"Why and how do you even wake up so early? Ugh!" I stated more than asking in frustration.
"Babe, I got a 6 hours sleep, showered, dressed up, had breakfast. The sun is beautiful and I'm happy to be alive. So, get up, we need to get to work." She said pulling my duvet away from me as I groaned again in annoyance.
"Yea, and I only got proper sleep for 30 minutes in like what, two days! I CAN SMELL SOUND. Please kill me." I replied snatching the duvet while yelling back.
"Not my fault that you're a workaholic. And we got a meeting today by 9. I can't have the CEO of Triple C sleep at home and miss it because she hates facing people." She said pulling me this time.
"It's not people, its homo sapiens all together that I hate. Ugh, get out, I'll get ready." I got up finally giving in knowing she'll keep bothering me forever or else.
"My pleasure, wear a well fitted suit, please. Not your crime against fashion white shirt and black pants." She replied walking out.
"I'm starting to hate you, just a reminder." I inform her walking into the washroom.
"Have been hearing that for over 7 years. Nothing new to me. Be quick, I'll get your breakfast." She said from the hallway.
"No need!" I replied and hearing her groan I'm sure she also rolled her eyes too.
"Don't blame me if the CEO dies out of malnutrition one day." She answered as I decided to ignore her unwillingly splashing water onto my droopy, tired and demonic face.
Yea, I'm a CEO. To be more specific I was handed over the position when the president of Triple C Ltd. (C.C.C) retired one and a half year ago, as in my ex-boss. He had no children and as he mentored me for like 7 or 8 years, he handed me the position knowing my potentials. He recruited me back in college and provided me with a scholarship to major in two more subject before graduating. Some say I got the promotions out of his generosity while others say I manipulated him. I have doubt in my luck but not in my potential. Since joining here, I've worked myself to bone to reach where I am and gain recognition. People will talk as they always do, but no one disapproved that I do deserve my position. Although personally I was more than satisfied when I was just a director or vice president or even just a head of any department. It at least didn't require me to wake up this early in the morning and work my ass off.
Though he did say he partly gave it to me because he thinks of me as his daughter. And I'm very much grateful for it. I can never repay his or his wife's kindness to me. He does have a niece who's very close to him but she's a doctor and thus she wasn't interested in this field.
(C.C.C) Triple C, or more commonly known as Click Consult Create Ltd is a software based company. I know, one hell of a confusing name and I still wonder who came up with it. In summary, our work is fully online based. We design webs, code them and help in consulting. We control what comes in or out of them. Although that's what our name suggests, but that's not all we do. We're also an online PR department. We consult over the advertising, promoting, image, publicity etc. as well. We make sure to stabilize the outcome of every action of our clients and maintain their image. In short, on top we work like any other designing firm but below we also take care of cleaning up their dirt. And no, it is not an easy job. But the profit is well, so I don't complain.
It's true I technically own almost half of the company but there's a saying with big power comes big responsibility. And thus it doesn't allow me to live in the luxury people expect of me.
I do own a big apartment, at the top of a building owned by the company. It's a industrial building but in a good place in the city. I don't complain since it's much more than I could have ever asked for.
A big urban styled living room with large open windows out looking the city is what made me fall in love with this place. A dark efficient kitchen with the same view of the city was actually Cynthia's idea of redecorating. Two amazing bedrooms with sky and city view and good walk in closets and obviously neatly equipped separate bathrooms is what everyone wants, of course. Being on the top floor has it's perks including the peacefulness and privacy.
Even though personally I like darker room, I choose my bedroom to have a large single tilted window to overlook the sky and the city. It's better than having a line of windows and too much sunlight like Cynthia who loved the morning birds. Thankfully because hes room's on the east side, she gets all the morning sun and mine being on the north, I get to enjoy my wind and no sun life.
I got ready and as much as I like being in my regular outfit, I cannot deny she was right about dressing neatly. Being the company's face has its annoying perks of always being noticed, especially in meetings.
So unfortunately in the dark parts of my closet, there's a velvety ironed maroon suit and pants. I pull out my spiked black stilettos and purse. Once done, I iron my hair which looked like a bird nest since forever now and put on a simple maroon drop stone earrings matching my outfit. Unfortunately nothing can hide my tired looks, so I proceed to usual lining out my eyes to try and conceal my tiredness.
"Good morning, Miss." My forever favorite secretary, Samantha Miles greeted me with her usual chubby smile.
I never understood the amazing genes of the Asians and it's more amazing when mixed with American.
Black sleek eyed and dark straight hair by birth is an amazing combination mixed with their short pixie like structure. But normally Asians are too white, yet because of being a mix, Sam is much more of medium tanned short chubby yet slim cute Asian-American.
"Morning, Sam. Please tell me you got the materials ready for the meeting. I might actually pass out if I have to make them now." I asked begging her to say yes.
"Its done, Miss Vivia. Did Miss Cynthia again made you get up early without letting you sleep?" She asked hiding a smile.
"Don't ask." I muttered in annoyance.
"I'm literally right here, guys." Cyn announced from behind as Sam let out a chuckle.
"We've got what, like four pending cases, right?" I asked Sam as she immediately checked her iPad.
"Yea, two from the newly opened publishing company Hallway, a branch of Hallmark Magazines. One from Floren Enterprise regarding their change in marketing department. And finally the usual requests from NYPR." She briefed me as I turned to Cynthia.
"Can you handle the first two case?" I asked knowing it's her sector of work.
"Duh! Sam, send me the files okay?" Sam simply nodded at her as both of us move to open our separate office doors.
"Miss Lee!" I hear a loud call and look at my head of project department running in desperation.
"Jack, take a breath. What's up?" I asked smiling, but he didn't return it.
"Miss Lee, we got a new request from NYPR." He informed as I nodded.
"Okay, that's good, right?" My gut said otherwise though.
"Well, yea, but it's from the S.S Enterprise talent agency, ST." He said clearly worried.
"Hang on, the Sirens? Like the Sirens Talents from Sinclair Source Enterprise and Corporations?" Cynthia asked elaborating surprised herself.
"There's only one S.S in NY, Cyn." I replied turning the keys in my brain I asked.
"What do they want?" I asked him.
"There's been a scandal by one of their clients which they need us to handle. It's a big one." His face gave away how big it was.
"Send me the file in on their details. I'll look through it." I replied opening my office.
"They said it's urgent and they asked for a informal meeting with you regarding this as soon as possible." He said handing me a file.
"Let me guess, they sent this today?" I asked crooking my brows.
"Yea, they sent in the details immediately this morning. What should I inform them?" He asked as I pondered for the answer myself.
"Tell them to contact Sam and fix a scheduled meeting. I'll handle this, so calm down, Jack." I replied with my professional smile.
"It's just, this is a big one for us and the pay is amazing. But so is the risk involved. We're behind on the loans, so this might pull us up, only if we can do it well enough without damage." He said honestly.
"What do you think? Can we?" I asked giving a look at Cyn for approval who also turned to him.
"Personally, our teams are amazing and Miss Delos knows how good we are. But we can't just ignore the risks. That's what concerns me." He replied putting his hands in his pockets.
"I'll see what can be done. You prepare the teams anyway." I replied getting into the office signaling Cynthia to follow me.
"Can you handle it?" I gave the file to her since it's one of her expertise.
"Honestly, this is nothing but the client is a big deal and so is S.S. They are crawling with unwanted trouble." She grimaced.
"Something personal, Cyn?" I asked curiously since she normally doesn't bother with commenting like this.
She turned to me slowly and I knew my gut was right. She sighed knowing I wouldn't let the matter drop anytime soon. Personal problems in deals between companies is a calling for trouble.
"Who?" I asked knowing it's definitely one of her ex.
"Mark Ivans, one of the directors managing and working under Sinclairs and head of data and information department of S.S." She let out annoyed.
"And he did, what?" I asked slowly.
"Nothing, to be honest. He's always been nice. Too nice, in fact." She said looking away as of thinking of something.
"So, whats the issue?" I asked.
"Its the S.S itself. They are ruthless. It belongs to the Sinclairs. And by Sinclair, I mean the whole damn huge Sinclair family. It's a lot to cover on the details." She said looking back.
"I know who the Sinclairs are, Cyn. Detail me on what you know. You seem to know a lot about them. And we got about an hour before we prepare for the meeting. So give me a brief. I need it to go through with it. We've never dealt with them before." I asked looking deep into her. I know Cynthia knows lot more than just that.
Except for being an exceptional programmer, she's an amazing hacker too. A part-time one at that, like a dark deep hobby. She likes unloading and uploading information on everyone she knows. And the famous Sinclair family won't be spared either.
"Sinclairs are like the five deadly sins of hell. Extremely powerful and wealthy but arrogant and ruthless too. Rafael Sinclair is the deadliest of them all, he's the eldest son of the family. He owns the S.T, Sirens Talents as well as the SINs, a multinational chain fashion branch himself which is run mainly by Mark. But Rafael manages their main brunch Sinclair Jewels all by himself. Making him the richest of them all. Then comes the infamous twins who look nothing alike, literally, and are polar opposite. Lucien and Leonard Sinclair. Lucien, the stuck up perfectionist owns the huge shoes and bags brand called Silver Leathers and Leonard, the arrogant bad boy owns the fashion brand called Sinners Fashion. Then comes the youngest of them all and the most front page boy, Maxim Sinclair, he manages the cosmetic branch known as Sinfonia Perfum. All these under the Sinclair Source Enterprise, in short S.S." She guided me on their details which few of them I'm familiar with since these brands are all top well known brands.
"I know the basics of that. You said five deadly sins?" I asked curiously.
"They have a sister too, she's a world class model and actor, beautiful Stella Eleanor Sinclair. She owns few beauty and spa salons all over the world called Stylus. I went there once, pretty good. She's a lot different from them too." Cynthia shrugged.
"Okay, so how and why does that make you grimace like that?" I asked confused.
"Ugh! It's how they are all obsessed with getting on top. Worse of them is the Rafael guy, he works like a maniac and makes everyone works like one too. Barely any offs, any weekends, any hangouts, nothing! Mark was my boyfriend and I'd only been able to see him like what 2 or 3 times a month! He couldn't even stay over because then he'd be behind work." Her ranting was a little funny to me since she also screams at me for working too much. I always thought she has a grudge over the term workaholic, now I know why. Poor guy.
"So technically, your pissed cause your Mark guy made work more important than you?" I asked trying to hide my smile.
"Yea that and also their annoying models. They all drool over him and at some point it annoyed me so I broke up." She said scowling.
She must have liked that guy a lot.
No breakups of hers made her scowl. She's mostly go party after one. And here she is scowling and the fun part is it's been a while since she's gotten into any relationship too.
"And you probably asked him to not meet them?" I asked getting up.
She didn't reply to that so I finally let out a laugh at her pout.
"Cyn, the last time I checked it's a fashion forward company as well as related to a complete set of model's working industry. And he may be head of the management, data and info department but he's also a director of SINs branch which indicates he literally needs to work with models as a job. A multi chain fashion and product branch means he needs models for showcase. Don't you think you're requirements were a little unrealistic?" I asked smirking. And as expected she let out a glare at me.
"I don't care, I don't like them." She declared.
"Were you ever thrown out of their company?" I wondered out loud.
"What! No, of course not. I'm not that stupid and neither are they." She said which made me smile.
"Then we're good. Once we fix a meeting, I'll meet them and see what's this all about." I said as she frowned but nodded anyway then left.
Cynthia and her long list of grudges against her exes.
****
Later that day after the meeting, Sam informed me that I'm supposed to meet them at their company. At first I was offended but then they informed that one of their director would come and meet me first.
Although personally I'm interested to check out the S.S interiors too. They hold one of the best buildings in NY and I'm curious to see how it is inside since I never got the chance to see it. But that doesn't mean I'll approach them first when they need me.
*Knock Knock*
I look up toward my automatic locked mirrored door. A frown forms in me since I do not recognize the man standing there. I dial into Sam's office which seems to be vacant. I look up to check the clock which said it's 10 minutes after lunch time.
She isn't back or is she out to get coffee?
Once I hear another knock, I let out a sigh and decide to let him in.
A fairly polished man in a light colored suit comes in. His brown hair almost glows under the sunlight from my windows. I immediately notice the seductive pair of pale brown eyes which held mischief in them as he checked me out which is typical reaction.
In total, a handsome smug man was standing in front of me, the usual deal. He also got the usual confident smirk of his face which isn't going to last long from my blessing.
"Hello, Miss Lee. I'm Derek Brook from S.S Enterprise. Director of Sirens Talents and head of the Management Department of S.S." He announced offering his hand which I take professionally only to let go with just one shake.
Nodding I asked him to have a seat.
"I wasn't informed of your arrival, Mr. Brook." I asked curiously but annoyed.
"Oh, the reception said I can go up to meet you since I have urgent business. After all, who'd ask to wait on the S.S." He grinned which annoyed me ever more.
I thought I'm famous for being patience and he's testing it.
"I meant we were scheduled to meet in the early evening. I didn't hear of a change." I replied swiftly.
"My schedule changed a bit. I called in but it seems your secretary is missing." He pointed out looking toward Sam's office.
It's not even over lunch time, you fool.
"Reasonable but not principled. I do hope you'd consider my office manners and timing before just dropping by. It disrupts the work flow." I replied back putting on a professional smile. And as expected wiping the beautiful grin off his face.
"I'm sorry if I offended you. That was not my intention. I didn't think it would be such a big deal." He said grimly but his eyes were judging me, showing no sincerity, .
Stuck up men.
"It's not a matter of offence Mr. Brook. It's about management and manners of a particular company and its environment. Anyway, how may I help you?" I asked pushing away the subject which I do not need the answer to anymore, knowing I proved my points.
"I'm sure NYPR reached you with the urgent issue regarding our company. We need that handled as soon as possible. We cannot let unruly people to make judgement based on foul play done on the internet. I hope you'd see to it as soon as possible?" He insists as if I'm bound to do it.
After Cynthia's briefing, I check them out a little myself. They are obviously well known everywhere but so is their long list of scandals. They have lots of branches including the trading and marketing of products. But the top most are those the Sinclair boys handle.
Even though my company does handle the wiping procedures online for others, we do not involve ourselves in anything risky or legal terms. It's well informed. So I do wonder why NYPR request us of this. They even called me after my meeting to give them a chance.
"Personally Mr.Brook, let me inform you rather bluntly if I must. We do fix reputation and image ruined by the public for a client. But we don't dirty our hands to wipe up things they ruin themselves. We help with the clean ups and recreating their image but we avoid fixing things that are beyond recovery. As such, the case you gave up requires to be handled with much care and we might need approval from legal authority to touch some parts as well. Which as I mentioned is not our sector of work." I replied with as much honesty as possible.
"I've heard about the so called safe rule they play in Triple C now. But now I know who they play it for." He smirked, again. I probably have a nerve popping at the back of my neck, thankfully out of visual eyes.
"We need to secure our own grounds, Mr. Brook. We are not as big of an establishment as S.S. We need to be careful of the project we involve ourselves with. Dealing with online fields may sound easy and safe but being in this generation where one wrong move could result in facing a ground moving drop for establishment such as us, we prefer to play it safe for ours as well as our clients benefits." I tried reasoning which I am sure won't work since I know about the problem and they know we can definitely solve this.
"I understand your reluctance. But can't we come into an agreement?" He sat up straight. So now he's taking me seriously.
"I need to negotiate regarding this deal and its conditions to accept such a risky project." I inform directly.
"Alright. Our president have asked us to arrange a meeting anyway. And thus, we should have a meeting arranged tonight, maybe?" He asked smiling as I was taken aback.
"As in?" I asked.
"A dinner invitation, Miss Lee. An informal dinner meeting with us regarding this matter." He put out as I was dumbstruck.
I thought we set a meeting tomorrow at their office. What is this now.
"We already have an appointed meeting tomorrow. Don't we?" I asked confused.
"That's for finalizing the deal but now that it seems your so reluctant I believe you should have a chat with our boss. Our President wanted explain the circumstances better." He reasoned which I know very well how it's a sly clever remark.
Thinking into it, they know as I do too that this cannot be solved without a proper talk about the ons and offs about the deal. I have no other option to give in. Our company needs this deal but the risks are also too much. Despite knowing we can easily solve this, involvement with such a scandalous company could even be the death of us. But then again those clever shits knows how good we are or else they'd have never approached us. Damn it to hell.
"Very well, but I may bring companions." I asked knowing I definitely am not going to meet their so called president alone.
Call me a coward if you must. Facing the S.S executives alone? No way in hell!
"Of course, I was about to ask you if you would too." He replied with a sly grin.
"Timing?" I asked slowly.
"Oh, ah, I'd have to inform you after we fix it with the President, miss. I apologize." He informed looking sorry which I know he's not.
"Its alright, I hope you can get in touch with my missing secretary." I smiled as his eyes scan to Sam's office behind the glass.
"Indeed, although I hope when I call she won't go missing again." He said smirking back.
Yep, I'm never getting along with this guy.
"If by chance you do miss her, you can send an e-mail regarding the issue. I'm sure your aware of that?" I replied smiling back which stopped his smirk.
"Of course, thank you." He said giving me his hand again which obviously I take reluctantly.
"Have a nice day, Mr. Brook." I said smiling still. I could see his jaw clench. Yep, the hate is mutual.
"As you, Miss Lee. It was indeed nice to finally meet you." Pissed me off with that of course
Finally he left which seem to have surprised Sam outside as she immediately got up and came into my office.
"What the hell was he doing here?" She asked immediately too shocked for formality.
"Fixing a dinner plan with me later tonight with his boss?" I said nonchalantly.
"Date with his boss?" She asked with a confused tone. As I looked up in shock.
"What? Hell no, it's just an informal dinner, you idiot. Your coming too." I replied instantly.
"Oh, make sense. I'll keep an eyes for the timing, good luck ma'am." She said with a funny salute and left.
So much of avoiding people. God help me.