"Poor Dad, I can't even get mad at him. He must have been so worried about my well being" She tries to side her father. "But still, he shouldn't have hired a manager I barely know without informing me, and what naive mind will accept an offer from an employer without meeting up with all its executives. He really is an opportunist". Lana said, now venting her anger towards Aaron.
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MR. STEVE'S MANSION
Mr. Steve lies on his bed where the family doctor, Dr. Murphy examines Steve. Lana walks in just as the doctor finishes.
"Oh, Ms. Lana, you arrive just in time" Dr. Murphy remarked on seeing Lana.
"Doctor, is everything okay? Lana asked a bit worried. She observes her father slowly opening his eyes to see her.
"His BP dropped a bit due to emotional stress" Dr. Murphy hands Lana the charts. "Making him rise slowly from a sitting or lying position may help ease symptoms. Also drinking plenty of water and eating small, low-carbohydrate meals along with fruits and vegetables may also help.
"Uh, thank you Doctor. Lana sighs and returned the chart to Dr. Murphy. She goes to sit on the edge of the bed beside her father.
"You're welcome Ms. Lana. I'll take my leave now, take good care of him". Dr. Murphy bows and departs the room.
"Daad" Lana touched her father's head. Her voice breaking while she fights back the tears. She hates to see her dad in such condition. "I'm sorry dad, I never wanted to put you in such a condition, I hate to..."
"Yikes. You whine just like your mother." Mr. Steve cuts Lana off. He groans as Lana helps him to sit up from his lying position. "When I was still young and handsome and vibrant and energetic, I was unbeatable in every field I found myself in. But ofcourse, even the strongest super hero, has a weakness." He said laughing hysterically leaving Lana confused and wondering where this was leading to. "I met a woman that I loved so much that I thought that would be the end of me. She assured me that she won't put me in danger and I won't have to die because of her. That didn't stop me from protecting with all costs and might, because I loved her so much." Mr. Steve pauses and chuckles. Lana couldn't help but admire how her father's sweet and all-loved up memories of her mother. "Though she's no more, I still sense her presence when you are around, Lana." Mr. Steve said and looked at her daughter.
"Dad, I'm sorry. I don't mean to ruin any memories you had with mom. But she's gone, she played her part. I'll do my..."
"Except this time, you're really taking my life" Mr. Steve cuts Lana off for the second time in as many attempts.
"Dad, don't say that. I've been trying my best to make you proud and hearing this from you makes me sad" Lana said a bit disappointed at her father's remark.
"What do you expect me to say, you abandoned an old man in a big house like this. Paid a dozen maids and feel that you're trying your best?"
"Dad, I'm sorry..." Lana tries to speak but gets cut off again.
"And today, I heard you fired Mr. Jones and the new manager I appointed to ease the stress and make you have a little time to think about your old man at home. At this rate Lana, you're only coming after my life than making me proud"
Lana doesn't say anything, she looks down as if disappointed. Mr. Steve stands and walks back and forth his Master's bedroom.
"You know Lana, I've always cared for you and wouldn't make any decision that would endangered you or myself. Firing Jones and Aaron was not what's best for the business but only what's best for your ego". Mr. Steve continued. "Jones is the person you can trust the most to help any new staff coming in to settle in. With Aaron, you have a committed and determined and brave and courageous mind like myself to handle any business affairs. It will do you a world of good to reconsider these decisions"
"Both Mr. Jones and another manager will be hired tomorrow." Lana says in a bid to ease her father's worries.
"You're not Just saying that to make me happy, are you?
"Mr. Jones will be rehired tomorrow, and together, we'll find a new manager as soon as possible."
"I'm not sure you'll find a more suitable person than Aaron"
"Dad..." She goes to speak but remembers his current state of health and knows arguing and back and forth will only make his situation worse. "Let's go for a walk outside" She changes the topic and drags a wheelchair for her father to sit on.
"You have a way to change topics. I thought after all these years, you'd take over me but you're pretty much just like your mother." Mr. Steve smirks and adjusts himself in the wheelchair.
Lana pushes her father gently with the wheelchair. They walk around the mansion and heads towards their garden enjoying the breeze and trying to put the business conflict behind.
"I miss the breeze of this garden. You always hid here whenever you annoyed your mom and waited till I came back and picked you up. Don't you miss this garden? Mr. Steve voiced out.
Lana well aware of where this is heading to and not wanting to indulge in any more arguments with his dad only gave a slight chuckle as a response.
"You see, if you had more time to think about family. You'd already know how it feels to come here looking for your child." Mr. Steve said and left out a soft smile.
"What?" Lana said and stopped pushing the wheelchair. She wasn't expecting that from him at the moment. "Do you hear yourself, old man?" she said a bit embarrassed to hear that from her father.
"Haha" Mr. Steve laughed and adjusted the wheelchair to automatically move on its own. He wheeled away while Lana chases after him.
"It's not funny" She says and pretends to want to catch up to Mr. Steve speeding wheel drive.
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DOUBLE LAKES HEADQUARTERS
Lana is already at her office. She had already informed Mr. Jones via email that he is rehired. So she wanted to show some respect by receiving him as a new staff would be received by his employer.
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"Good morning Ms. Lana" Mr. Jones said as soon as he was allowed into her office.
"Glad we met each other again under this roof" Lana said with a smile and extended her hand for a handshake. "Let's hope it doesn't get ruined again."
"Sure" Mr. Jones said with a broad smile and shakes her hand in a formal agreement pattern.
"Buckle up, we have a lot to do" She said reasserting to her normal self and tone. "I don't care where you guys got this Aaron of a guy from but I will hire my own Manager, okay?
"Noted ma'am "
"You can go, I'll call you back when I need your help"
"Thanks ma'am " Mr. Jones acknowledged and left the office.
"He really has a thing for respect and loyalty" Lana thought within herself. Well, good thing is he's back cause she will badly need his help and experience.
She continues her search for a new Manager when a knock comes on the door and it opens before she can even say "come in".
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