At BET
Joan was working in her office when Betty suddenly walked in. "Ma'am there's an issue, the file on the system is gone", She said. Joan got up and checked the system. "When did you notice this, notify the IT department immediately", she ordered. "I'm sorry Miss Joan, it's my fault it's missing. I saved the file last night but I noticed it was gone this morning", Betty replied. "I've told you guys many times to always lock your computer before getting up and have a backup folder for your files", Joan said. "It's alright, I'll get it fixed. There's no use being upset, you can continue with your work", she added. "Thank you sis Joan", Betty replied. "Miss Joan someone from the IT department is here", Andre reported. "You can show it to him", Joan replied. The man checked the computer and said, "There's nothing wrong with it, the file was deleted. I happened to see a backup file and retrieved it". "Alright, thanks", Joan replied. "I'll take my leave now", the man answered. "Anna, notify the security department about today's incident. Let them check the cctv footage", Joan ordered. "Yes", Anna answered and left. "What happened last night exactly", Joan asked. "I was working on the computer till late at night, my colleagues had left and I was alone. Kate suddenly passed by our office and saw me working working through the window. She probably got carried away and didn't look in her direction, so she hit her leg against the flower vase outside. I ran out to help her and called a taxi for her. By the time I returned, the system was off already, so I closed the windows and doors and left. It was just this morning that I checked the computer, it was my negligence sis Joan", Betty replied. "I think this is part of Anita's plan, she sent Kate here to distract you on purpose and lure you out while they carried out their plan. I know how to deal with them, carry on with your work", Joan replied. Anna returned and said, "Ma'am the cctv footage is gone. The security department couldn't find it". "I can't believe she went to this extent just to get rid of me", Joan said and nodded her head. "She probably doesn't know we've retrieved the file. I'm attending the meeting soon, she added. "I'll be more careful next time", Betty said. Joan took her leave and attended the meeting.
The meeting comprised of the directors of each department and some shareholders. "There's no much about today's meeting actually. Mr Fred just joined the company and is new to the operation here, so the meeting is held especially for him", Mr Steve said. "I think the meeting should be held for another person instead. I heard a particular department misplaced an important file", Anita said. "And the director in charge of the department is Joan. This morning, Andre notified the IT department about it, it must be something important. Could it be the new project the company's working on?", she aded. The board directors looked at Joan while she kept an unwavering look. "Is this true?", a board member asked. Joan got up and inserted a flash drive, the contents was displayed on the screen in the meeting hall. "The project has been completed, we can carry on with it now", Joan said. "The file was indeed lost, but was recovered this morning. The culprit hasn't been caught yet cause the cctv footage was deleted. The person is meticulous indeed but left a trace, the security department is working on it", Joan added. Anita looked at her disappointed and wore a frown look. "Anita, why did you report your colleague without concrete evidence? could it be you were the one behind the incident?, Steve asked. "No sir. I didn't do it. I only reported it cause I was worried about the company", Anita replied. "You were the first to know, it possibly can't be a mere coincidence. Ensure this doesn't happens next time, you must always report accurately", one of the board members said. "You're all dismissed", Fred said and left while Joan followed him out. "Do you also think Anita is behind the incident?", she asked. "Obviously it's her. But you don't have an evidence yet", Fred answered. "The cctv footage is gone but I know she'll find another means to get rid of me", Joan said. "I let Henry remove the cctv footage. He saw a man trying to remove it last night, so he got it before him and replaced it", Fred replied. "You mean you let Henry remove the footage before the man did, that's brilliant. Now I have evidence against her, but what about the man?", she asked. "He's still on the run, we'll catch him later", he replied. "Thanks so much Fred. You helped me out with this", Joan said. They got to Fred's office, he held Joan's hands and said, "you don't have to be thankful sweetheart".
Fred's phone rang, it was Josh. "What's up Josh?", he asked. "The man with the chairwoman is one of BET's old staff. He's been in the company for over twenty years. The spy confirmed they're having a secret affair", Josh replied. "Alright, noted. Ensure to keep watch over them", Fred said and hanged up. Fred wore a disappointed look and went through his phone. "What's going on Fred", Joan asked. "The chairwoman is in a secret affair with the man we saw with her the other day in the restaurant. Josh said the spy confirmed he's an old staff in the company. This is becoming complex, how do I face it", he replied. Joan went closer to him and hugged him. "Don't worry Fred, we'll get to the root of the matter", she said. "How do I tell dad about this. I can't bring myself to, I really can't", he explained. "Let's take it easy for now, but ensure you gather every evidences you can. Whatever the result is, you need to learn to accept it and face it", Joan said. "How about we visit the chairman today?", she asked. "We'll visit him later today when we're done with our work", Fred said. "I'll prepare some gifts for my father in law then", Joan said. She was about to leave when Fred drew her back. "What's up Fred", she asked. "The police called earlier today", he said slowly with a sad face. "What did he say then?", she asked. "The man at the incident scene has already been identified, but he hasn't confessed. He works as a dispatch rider mainly as a cover up. It's still uncertain who's behind him, I'm scared. I hope it's not my mum again. I already received a huge blow today", he answered. Joan held his hands and said, "it's fine. Whatever the outcome is, we'll face it together". She stayed with him for some while and took her leave.
Joan returned to her office and continued with her work. "What's going on with the chairwoman. She's in a secret affair with an old staff in the company. The culprit behind Fred's incident hasn't been caught yet. All of this leads to one thing, she's trying to get rid of Fred, even if she does, there's still the chairman. Could she be trying to ...", Joan said in her mind and opened her eyes wide. "I can investigate what's happening to the chairman when I visit him later", she said in her mind and continued with her work. "I'm going out to get something, I'll be back soon", Joan said to her team members and went to a nearby mall. She picked out some gifts for the chairman and his wife, and returned to the company. The employees was busy with their work when she returned. "You're back so early Sis Joan", Anna said. "Yes I only went out to get a few things. I'm leaving work early today, y'all need to do your work well", Joan replied. "Yes ma'am. You even have your gifts packed, who is it for?", Betty asked. Joan smiled and said, "Don't be such a busybody Betty". "It's definitely for someone special, maybe Fred", Andre said. "It's indeed Fred", Betty said. "Enough of the chattering, let's get back to work", Anna said.
Maggie was returning from work when she saw Richard in front of a store. "Richard", she called out to him. "Hello Maggie! Where're you coming from?", he asked. "I'm just returning from work and happened to see you in front of this place", she replied. "Ohh alright, hope you're doing good", Richard asked. "Yeah I'm good. What're you doing here?", she asked. "I'm waiting for someone actually, he asked to meet me here", he replied. Maggie laughed and asked, "who would meet up with someone in front of a store. Could you be waiting for me?". Richard laughed and said, "it's nice meeting you here. How's Joan?", he asked. "She's fine and is probably at work now. She enjoys working and talking to Fred", Maggie answered while smiling. "Joan is indeed in love with Fred, even I can see that. Extend my regards to her Maggie", Richard said. "Alright I will. I tried to talk with you the other night Richard", Maggie said staring at his eyes. "Let's talk elsewhere", Richard said and went to the nearby coffee shop with Maggie. "I feel it's much comfortable talking here", Richard said. "That night, I tried to talk with you so we can get along better", Maggie replied. "Do you like me by any chance", he asked. "Yes I do. But you only have eyes for my friend, Joan. I understand you love but you can consider having me as a friend as well", Maggie said. Richard smiled and said, "I'm more than interested in being friends with you. You're Joan's friend, also my friend. Here's a toast to our unique friendship", Richard said and drank his coffee. "Can we hang out during weekend then?", she asked. "Of course, we can. I'm the man here, let me handle this", he replied. "Joan is busy enjoying her relationship, you and I can enjoy our friendship. Fred already took her from me", Richard said. "C'mon Maggie, let me drive you home", he added. Maggie smiled and left with him.
At the chairman's house
The chairman and his wife was in the sitting room talking about their younger days when Fred came in with Joan. "Dad, mum, I can see you're enjoying your love when I moved out. You don't seem to miss me", Fred said. Mr Benard laughed and said to his wife, "look at my son, he's so much like you". "Dad, I brought you and mum gifts. We missed you and thought it check on you", Joan said. "Wow, you're so filial. I'm glad you called me mum", Mrs Benard said. "Thank you my good daughter. I'm happy seeing you're good with my son. When do you intend to marry into my family?", the chairman asked. "We intend to take things slowly for now. We haven't considered getting married yet", Fred said. "You should get married soon, you aren't any younger. I can't wait to see my grandson", the chairman said. "Your dad is right. Joan is a smart and capable woman. Though she doesn't come from an influential family like Jane, Joan is still a good match", Mrs Benard said. "Yes. I used to think Jane is more suitable so she could be a big support for my son. But I feel assured seeing he's standing strong in the company with Joan by his side", Mr Benard said. He coughed and said, "I'm getting older son. I was talking about the younger days with your mum when you entered. You and Mitchell are grown now, it's time to start a family". "Alright dad. I'll ensure to fulfil your wishes with Joan", Fred said. "Rest assured dad. We'll make you happy", Joan replied. "You see, your dad is getting older. You guys should make a decision soon and make us grandparents. Do you remember the CEO of Antique Crafts, his son got married last month, you're about the same age", Mrs Benard said. "Don't worry mum, I'll keep urging Fred", Joan said. "I need to make vegetable juice for your father now. I'll leave you guys", Mrs Benard said and went to prepare the juice. Joan followed her to the kitchen and stayed by her. "What're you doing here?", she asked. "I came to help you out mother. And also learn how to make it", Joan answered. Mrs Benard laughed and said, "you're such a good girl". Joan smiled and looked around the kitchen in a non suspicious manner. "Your father-in-law likes this vegetable juice a lot. I started making it for him some months ago. The doctor said the chairman isn't taking good care of his health and a dietician prescribed this for me. So I decided to make it into a juice for him thinking he would like that", Mrs Benard said. "You're so thoughtful mum. You take care of the chairman with much dedication", Joan replied. "Yea, you should learn from me", Mrs Benard said and tapped Joan's hands lightly. Joan observed how she made it and memorized the prescription. "The color of this juice is off, could something be wrong with it", she said in her mind. "Alright, we're done", Mrs Benard said and served the juice. "Let me take it to dad", Joan requested. "No, don't bother. I'll serve the chairman myself", Mrs Benard replied and signaled to her maid, Vivian to keep watch. Joan got them and dropped one of her earrings. She called Vivian over and said, "Auntie, I think I dropped my earring. Could you please help me look for it, it's a gift from my mum". "Alright miss. Where did you drop it?", she asked. "I don't know. I think I dropped it outside the kitchen or dining hall. I looked around the kitchen, but I couldn't find it", Joan replied. "Please you must help me find it, it's very important to me", she added. "Alright miss. I'll check the dining hall, you can check around here", Vivian replied. "Thanks auntie", she said. Vivian left while Joan looked around the cupboards for a clue. She picked a small bottle from the cupboard and poured the leftover juice. She heard Vivian's voice and Joan quickly hid the bottle in her shirt pocket. "I didn't find the earring", Vivian said. "It's alright, I'm leaving now", Joan replied and left the kitchen. "Wow, this is where I dropped it! I guess it was when I was helping mum. I found it already, thanks auntie", she said. "You found it outside the kitchen? but I checked there", Vivian said surprisingly. "You probably overlooked it. I found it here", Joan said and left. Vivian looked around the kitchen and saw nothing was off. "Thankfully she didn't touch anything", she said to herself.
Joan returned to the sitting room and talked with the chairman longer. "It's getting late, you guys should leave now", the chairman said. "Take care of yourself dad. Mum, you should look after your husband. We're leaving now", Fred said. "You only care about your dad now. What about me", Mrs Benard asked. "You know I love you dearly mum. I trust you'd take care of yourself too", Fred replied. "That's my good son. You can leave now. Drive safely and look after yourself well", Mrs Benard replied. Fred thanked her and left with Joan.
Joan stared at Fred while he was driving. "Why do you keep looking at me. Is there something on my face?", he asked. "No dear. I'm looking at you because you're so composed, you talked with the chairman so well today. You didn't even act as if something was off, I really respect you for that", she replied. "Of course, I can't let mum know I found out some of her deeds already. I need to get to the end of this matter", he replied. A text entered Joan's phone, it's her personal group chat with her friends. "Guess what ladies, I met Richard today on my way back from work. We have an hangout this weekend, he agreed to enjoy a friendship with me", Maggie posted. "What's up. What's with the texts entering your phone?", Fred asked. "It's my group chat with my friends. Maggie is progressing with Richard as friends. Annie and Tracy are teasing her, I need to reply to this", Joan answered. "Wow! I expected this to happen. That night, Maggie exchanged glances with Richard. They look good together, this way I can have you all to myself", Fred replied. "By the way, I noticed something was off with the juice the chairwoman served your dad. So I took a little portion with me to have it tested", Joan said. "Do you mean it's likely the chairwoman has intentions to harm dad?", he asked. "It's just an assumption. But we shouldn't miss out on anything or overlook the juice aspect. According to the chairwoman, she's been feeding the chairman the juice for six months now. There has to be more to it, we need to check it out", Joan answered. "Come to think of this, after she gets rid of you, the chairman is next", she added. "You're right. This is becoming more complex than I imagined", Fred said. Joan sighed and said, "let's talk about happy things".