"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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Lana sits up and stares at her visitor. A familiar face, one she thought she had gotten rid of. "What do you want and What are you doing here?" Lana asked in a vicious tune after a lengthy stare down.
"That's not really a polite way to address your new Manager, Ma'am " Aaron said all smiles.
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"I should have listened to Leo this time" Aaron said and picked up his phone from the couch and dialed Mr. Jones' number. "Those old men really owe me an apology". The phone answers on the second ring. "Hello, Mr. Jones, I need explanations and fast". Aaron not wasting time goes direct to the point and sounds out Mr. Jones on the phone.
"Mr. Aaron, I understand your frustration and disappointment after the day's drama. "But can you come to Sydney Park, so I can explain everything better there."
"I'll be outside Sydney Park in 2 minutes, don't keep me waiting" Aaron hangs up the call and immediately puts on his hoodie and Snickers, and heads out to Sydney Park.
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SYDNEY PARK
Aaron arrive at Sydney Park a little late than Jones hoped he do come. "You arrived late" Remarked Jones immediately he sighted Aaron.
"I'm not here to entertain any nonsense from you, with due respect Sir. Just tell me what I need to know. What was the meaning of what happened today" An angry Aaron responded to Jones which forced a surprised smile from him.
"I didn't quite expect that, but I've gotten used to being disrespected by kids, so I will just tell you all you need to know. Lana is the director of Double Lake Production and Mr. Steve is her father." Mr. Jones gets interrupted by Aaron.
'Was she not aware of my appointment? Aaron jumped in, clearly not interested in the family history or the company background.
"Well, she wasn't...."
"What the hell?
"Her father was clearly worried about her, so he ought to make her life easier by hiring a manager for the company and you happen to be the perfect fit for Double Lake. Your profile and history in similar roles shows you can handle being the manager of Double Lake."
"Sorry, Mr. Jones, I'm not sure I want to continue with this appointment, let your mistress oversee everything. I'm out of here" Aaron finishes and turns to leave.
"You can't resign now, Aaron. or..."
"Or what?" Aaron turns back. "Or what? Mr. Jones"
"You'll ruin your reputed image, Aaron. You don't back down from any challenge. You always proved your doubters wrong everywhere you have gone to".
"This isn't about reputation, it's about dignity..." Aaron stops and stares back in at Mr. Jones.
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"That's not really a polite way to address your new Manager, Ma'am " Aaron said all smiles. "But I'm reporting to duty, though a little bit late but I hope you don't mind." Aaron stops to get a reaction from Lucy but she's speechless. "I'll be at my office then, if you feel there's anything else you need to know, ring the dial - No. 3 and I'll be here in no time. See you around Ms. Lana" Aaron smiles and leaves Lana to a state of astonishment.
After meeting with Mr. Jones at Sydney Park, he realized he needed this job, not because he was poor but because he had something to prove. He has the backing of the board and the necessary experience to thrive in Double Lake. His only challenge was Lana. It was a personal challenge and he couldn't wait to get it started.
"Was that a dream? Was I daydreaming again?" Lana asked herself trying to process what just happened seconds ago in her office. "It better be!" She affirmed, closed the Application File she was reviewing and went out to look for Aaron.
All workers trembled at the mere sight of her. She walked elegantly across the hall. Straight face, no smile and no reply to any pleasantries.
"Ms. Lana, are you heading out? Mr. Jones breaks in.
"You're not the target, but both of you are working together". Lana stops and stares at Mr. Jones.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what you have meant by that but I hope it's something good" Mr. Jones tries to show his innocence.
"I don't want to sack you again, that will be a lot of time, energy and resources wasted on one person". Lana remarked drawing eyes and the attention of other workers to her and Mr. Jones. "Where is Aaron?" she asks barely calmed.
"Aaron?, I haven't set my eyes on him after I came back".
"How did my father trust you so much when you are so filled with lies and secrets?"
"...Because he is loyal and honest" A voice replied behind Lana. Eyes widened, fear of what will happen next gripped the workers and they anxiously tilt their neck towards the direction where the voice came. They wanted to see the face of the creature who dared jumped in on Lana's conversation. Lana turns around and across her stood Aaron and the Chairman in his wheel chair.
"Dad!" Lana exclaimed.
"Sir!" Mr. Jones sounded out, surprised.
"...It's the Chairman"
... Isn't he the new Manager that was fired on his first day?"
"...Oh my God, this is giving me goosebumps"
"...box office stuff"
The co-workers couldn't hide their shock, excitement and surprise either.
"How did you get here? I don't see your car, I don't see your driver and there was no announcement that you were here." Lana on seeing her father with his health condition suddenly changed from the cold blooded she-devil to a warm-hearted Angel.
"Lana, It's best if you don't see me as your father now. I'm coming as the Chairman of Double-Lake and my attendance here today is strictly best for the business." Mr. Steve replies.....
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