"Alex,"
"Hi Ben, did you see this?" he showed me an article on a gossip site.
As usual, they portray me as the heartless bachelor in town. Well, I cannot deny it, I have to be heartless and ruthless sometimes, if not how can I get rid of all those women who try to come after me. It's really tough being born to a well-known family, your every move is captured like a hawk.
"Did you have time to check out the new drafts for the hotel project?" I asked Alex, who was still going through that gossip site.
Alex, who is this you may ask. We have both been like brothers since our younger days. There is no secret between us and our fathers are best friends since college. While I am the CEO of my father's architectural firm, Alex became my right-hand man and CFO. He is an accounts major while I became an architect and...
"Hmm... I did.. Overall they do look ok, but you are the one with the eye for those. Oh!! where is Sarah?" he asked looking around.
"She is with the team, getting ready for the meeting," I said looking at the time, "I will see you there at ten," and I left for my cabin. But first I peeped into her office to see her busy getting ready for the meeting in an hour.
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Mr.Alexander is one of the wealthiest men in the town. An entrepreneur, who wants us to design his newest venture a hotel by the beach. The team has worked hard on the design for the past few weeks. But on the other hand, he's also known as a ruthless dealer when it comes to planning new ventures. A knock on the door made me alert,
"Come in,"
"Sir, the meeting will start soon and Mr.Alexander and his son Liam are here," said my PA - Jason.
I went in and greeted Mr.Alexander, while the team got ready and Alex had a little chat with Liam.
"Dude, are you ok?" Alex whispered into my ear.
"Did you see Sarah?" I asked.
"Hmm ... no she was not with the team when they came in," he had a pat on my shoulder and sat next to me.
I just notified my security team to keep an eye on her and let me know as soon as they find her.
"Is everything alright Mr.Ben?" asked Mr.Alexander.
"No nothing to worry about, let's start the meeting," I said and gave knowing look at Alex.
Sarah's team went on to explain the design for his hotel. The more I looked at the design I could see Sarah's calm and peaceful look through it. She has really emphasized the design to be a family-friendly place. I saw a little smile appear on Mr.Alexander's face.
"Ben, your team has done a wonderful job. I really love how you have thought of families relaxing and enjoying time together. They have really captured my idea. Liam, what do you think, son?"
I looked at Alex, who was kind of pouting as Liam started to explain, what he wanted this place to be. So he wants this to be a romantic gateway for the young. The father and son plus Alex got together and talked for a few minutes about not letting us know about this sooner. And before things got out of hand,
"Why don't we combine both suggestions," I asked.
"Can we do that?" asked Liam.
"Yes, but we will need some extra time to come up with a new.." as I was saying my phone rang.
Everyone was looking at me, as I had forbidden phones from the conference room. I looked at Alex.
"Hi, you go ahead, I will take care of this," he said.
"I am sorry Mr.Alexander and Liam, I have to leave urgently for a family matter," I said and left the office.
"Did you find her?" I asked as soon as I reached my car.
"Ok, don't go close to her. Watch her from far. I will be there in thirty minutes."
I rushed and on my way, I was about to pass her favorite restaurant. I bought us her favorite, chicken pasta and fresh fruit juice. I also got a set of separate food for the team. When I reached I saw the team watching her from afar. After handing them the food, I went to her.
Meanwhile in office..
"Alex, as we discussed when can we see the new designs for the project?" asked Liam.
"Well, we will need about a week to redesign as the main ideas have been changed. What do you say, guys?" Alex asked the team.
"A week will be sufficient, sir. But don't you think we need to ask Ms.Sarah about this" said Tony the second in lead after her.
"Sorry, Alex. may I know who is Sarah?" asked Mr.Alexander.
OH boy... Ben, you got me in a really bad situation. I cannot say the truth or a lie.
"She is the Lead conceptualist of the proposed design. I am sorry she is not here today, due to a personal matter," Alex smiled, hoping Mr.Alexander will be ok with the white lie.
"Too bad I didn't get to meet her. So we will meet again in a week's time with the new designs," he asked.
"Yes, I will personally contact you regarding the date and the time. Thank you for coming today, Mr.Alexander and Liam,"
After they left, Alex turned to the team and told them to take the rest of the day off. They had been working tirelessly the entire week with this project.
"HI, they left," he said to Ben while on the call with him.
"ok, so did you give them a break?"
"Yes, and how is little bud?" Ben asked as he was concerned about her well-being. She was like a younger sister to him.
"I can see her. Got her lunch and I hope to go home with her. I hope you don't want me at the office for anything?" I asked as I watched her from afar.
"No bro, you spend time with her. We need to keep her safe above everything that happens," said Ben, who knew everything about them, but with a worried look.