My dad cleared his throat loudly,causing each and every person in the boardroom to stop arguing and listen to him. I snorted furiously. He has been doing all the talking and no one complained. Why on earth is he doing the opposite right now? But everyone complied which shows that he was undoubtedly the boss.
"Sincerely I have my reasons for this decision. The acting directors will have to compete between themselves to earn points. By this, the most competent will get rewarded with the company at the end. If there isn't competition, there certainly won't be ambitions and goals. Reason with me please."
My unreasonable dad said, justifying his crazy decision. He couldn't be serious. I have been waiting for this day my whole life and he ruined it. I had no words to quantify my anger…..it was beyond words.
"Dad"
I said through clenched teeth. I haven't said that word to him in a very long time but I needed it to pacify him.
"Dad… this is unnecessary. I'm more than competent and capable to run my father's company." I added.
"You need competition Carter to grow and what better way will you learn if not to appoint you as one of the acting directors. Please come and stand here with me Mr. Acting director."
Dad beckoned unto me and I went to the podium practically shaking with anger. Was he appointing Edward with me! He can't. Couldn't he see Edward's extreme hate for me? I looked at Edward and I saw him adjusting himself as if he was preparing for my dad to call him out too. I figured the two friends must have planned this stunt before the meeting.
My anger didn't help me see the standing ovation that was awarded to me until my dad put an end to it.
"The second acting director is someone that has shown me what competence really means. This person is my very good friend who has learnt from me and whom I learnt from also. If anyone deserves it, it is this person."
My dad's praises made everyone stare at Edward Smith, his only friend. The person sitting next to Edward tapped his shoulder lightly as a way of saying congratulations and Edward himself smiled gratefully at my dad's slim face. Edward was on his feet already… he was ready to come forward, staring expectantly at my father.
"The second acting director is no other than Miss Christabella Smith."
My dad finished, clapping but not a single soul in the boardroom joined him.
I was shocked, Edward was confused and embarrassed, every other person in the boardroom was wondering what the hell was going on and Bella?
I turned my gaze to her and she was completely out of it. Her face showed her surprise at my dad's revelation. She didn't leave her seat to acknowledge the bomb her boss just threw at her and my dad was the only person grinning from ear to ear. He was pleased with his decision.
I could only ask myself… Why was he so determined to ruin my life? To say I was angry is an understatement. My own biological father was finding pleasure in embarrassing me in front of so many people. Some of the board members were looking at me with pity in their eyes while some were trying to figure out what was special about Bella. Edward's face was screaming anger… his entire face was red and the angry veins on his bald head were so visible that they spoke volumes of his anger.
"Join me Miss Acting director. Please." Dad said, calling Bella again.
Bella joined us. I noticed the nervousness in her steps as she came to stand beside us and dad went on with the appointment assuring the board members that the company is in good hands. He made emphasis on Bella and I working together to achieve our goals but we were still competing against each other to earn points.
I completely zoned out afterwards, shifting my attention to myself. I was struggling to keep my anger in check. How can I be competing with someone who doesn't deserve a dim out of my dad's riches? Or no, the question is why should I? I own it all….
I stormed out of the boardroom after the meeting, chasing after my problems in the shape of Bella. I caught up with her in a less occupied hallway and without making my presence known, I spinned her around, pinning her roughly against a nearby wall.
"What exactly are you after? My dad or my downfall?" I barked harshly at her. She was struggling for her release but I didn't let go.
"You are hurting me Carter."
I ignored her and asked, infuriated
"Are you sleeping with him?"