Still uncomfortable with what he saw on Jocelyn's wrist, Derek was in deep thought as he rode his private elevator to his office.
Ding!
The doors opened and Derek walked into his office, where Amanda was waiting for him.
Upon seeing Amanda, Derek could not help but be mezmerised. The hot redhead was clad in a long, hot red dress with a matching red blazer and four inch high heels.
For a split second, Derek's worries were forgotten seeing Amanda; but he refocused and was back in business mode.
"Good morning, boss." greeted Amanda.
"Good morning, Amanda. Say, did you dress like this knowing that I was driving in a red car today?" Derek joked.
Amanda couldn't help but chuckle, still blushing slightly.
"All jokes aside, Amanda. We have much to discuss. Let's take a seat." said Derek, his demeanour becoming more serious.
Both Derek and Amanda took their seats. in front of his desk.
"Ok, first item on the agenda, Madison's proposals. Have you checked if we have received her submissions?" asked Derek.
"Yes, boss. While waiting for you, I did the checking and upon confirmation, I've deleted her copy in my phone." replied Amanda.
"Good to know. Remember to send out the announcements of the submission deadline and subsequent dinner party to announce the winner."
"Right now, we have a more pressing issue on our hands. Did you notice anything unusual about Jocelyn this morning?" said Derek.
"No, boss. I was here earlier than she was. What happened to her?" asked a concerned Amanda.
"Earlier at the reception, I noticed a nasty bruise on Jocelyn's wrist. When I enquired, she told me it was her ex-boyfriend who hurt her with a pipe." recounted Derek.
Amanda was shocked upon hearing Derek's recount of Jocelyn's incident.
"That's horrible. I'm sorry for not noticing earlier boss." Amanda apologised to Derek.
"It's not your fault, Amanda. No one in the company is to blame. With that said, we need to better oversee our staff welfare." Derek thought aloud.
"Boss, were there any witnesses that can step forward to assist Jocelyn's case?" asked Amanda.
"I'm not sure. I didn't enquire in more detail; but if we can handle this matter without involving the authorities, it would be best." replied Derek.
"Boss, do you mind if I handle this matter?" asked Amanda again.
"Are you sure? Can you handle this?" asked Derek.
"I have a plan. I'll need your help though, boss. I'll need a security team to spy on his movements. When the time is right, I'll handle him."
"Let me guess....you're gonna give him more than one face bleeding kick." Derek said with a sly smile.
Amanda could only return Derek's sly smile with one of her own.
"Very well, then. Assemble your team later today. Speaking of team, we'll need a security team for the condominium compound when the buyout is complete. Get that buyout done by this week. I want you to choose your apartment. And after that, you can reserve an apartment for Madison."
"Will do, boss. I think Jocelyn may need an apartment too. I'll make sure that buyout is done in two days." replied Amanda.
Meanwhile, at the DreamSmith building, Madam Louise was in the midst of a meeting with her grandchildren about all their individual proposals for the Quinton Consortium projects.
Charles, Mason, Chloe and Juri were in their seats anxiously waiting for Madam Louise's review, while Madison was acting nonchalant and not caring about the other four.
After all, she had secretly submitted her own proposals to Amanda and the Quinton Consortium portal behind her family's backs.
And after taking occasional peeks at her sisters and cousins' designs while Madam Louise was reviewing them, she knew her designs will shine over theirs.
After a thorough review Madam Louise addressed her grandchildren.
"These designs are good enough for submission to the Quinton Consortium. I'm confident that one of these designs will be selected. Well done, all of you. You may submit your proposals today." Madam Louise complimented.
Turning to Madison, Madam Louise continued, " You see these designs Madison? This is the standards that you can never meet. That's why I asked you to sit out. Don't waste your time trying to compete with your sisters or cousins."
While the other four had pride written on their faces, Madison remained calm. She was visibly not affected by her grandmother's criticism.
Madison then stood up, surprisingly took a slight bow and said, "I understand, Grandma. Good luck to everyone." before walking out of the meeting room.
Everyone else in the meeting room was caught by surprise. Since when was Madison so obedient and courteous?
The truth was, as soon as Madison walked out of the meeting room, she couldn't help but giggle.
'Those four goons get forget about winning the Quinton Consortium projects. Even if I don't get selected, they won't have a chance at winning.' thought Madison.
Deciding she wanted to get some fresh air, Madison left her office and drove to the BDT mall. After receiving an email about the dinner party organised by the Quinton Consortium, she decided to shop for a dress.
While at the BDT mall, Nick Lopez just finished his lunch and was about to return to his shop; when he noticed that same blonde woman he saw the previous weekend.
He took a second look because of her familiarity. After five seconds, he remembered who this blonde woman was.
"Oh my goodness. Madison Smith? Aren't you Derek's cousin?" Nick asked as he approached her.
Madison turned towards the sound of the voice calling her name and was surprised as well.
"Hey! Nick Lopez! What a surprise. You actually remembered me?" greeted Madison.
"It took me a while but yes I remember you." replied Nick with a smile.
"So what brings you here to BDT mall Nick?" asked Madison.
"I work here. My shop NL Suits is two stores ahead." replied Nick.
"Ahhh that's so cool. Just so happens I'm looking for a cocktail dress for an event in two weeks. Can you recommend one here in this mall?" asked Madison.
"See the shop next to mine? That's my sister Joanne's shop, JL boutique. They have top quality dresses and in all its glamour. Let me bring you in." offered Nick.
"That would be great. I'm lucky that I met you today, Nick." replied Madison as both of them proceeded to JL boutique.