She looked up at the tallest building in this part of the city. From her standpoint, it almost touched the sky as her sight extended to the heavens.
However, entering the building would be like walking into the gates of hell. Because inside, she would find the devil himself.
But she would step through the eternal fires of damnation if it meant saving her son's life. She would not have any second thoughts of sacrificing herself for his salvation.
"Excuse me." But the woman did not even bother to look at her. "I am here to see Mr. Damon Hawkins." She insisted, not letting her snobbish expression melt her resolve.
"Do you have an appointment?" She asked, clearly irritated by her presence.
Was there something about her that pissed her off? Or she just came at a terrible time. But still, she was determined to see him, no matter what.
"No, I don't." She sharply inhaled, filling her lungs as she gathered her courage. "Just say Jules Morgan is here to see him. I am sure he will immediately want to see me." Informing her with conviction.
This time, she guessed she finally caught her attention as she looked up from her keyboard and directed her eyes at her.
She could feel the woman's gaze as she scrutinized her, scanning her from head to toe. Suddenly, her confidence began wavering, doubting if she would believe her.
She wore her best dress, shoes, and bag for today. But unfortunately, they were still not good enough for this place.
No one would believe that the CEO of this gigantic corporation would know a woman like her. And judging from the receptionist's face, she did not buy it.
"Can you wait a second?" She held her fingers at her as she called someone on the phone.
Then not a minute longer, two burly men in a security uniform stood beside her. She could only assume this was how they got rid of the nuisance in their building.
"I am sorry, but the boss doesn't deal with the likes of you. Either you leave the premises, or they will force you out. Your choice." The woman disdainfully told her.
"You are making a mistake." She said to the woman as she turned away from the front desk.
But instead of leaving, she knew she had no choice but to run for it. She had already expected that they would turn her away.
She slowed her stride, waiting for the perfect timing. Then, she dashed for the elevator that was already closing, narrowly avoiding the hands of the guards who tried to catch her.
Luckily, she managed to squeeze herself into the closing doors, escaping the men who were after her. Now, she could only hope that one of these stuffy people was also going in that direction.
"Oh, my! I must have dropped my keycard." She pretended to rummage into her bag.
"That was probably why the guards were running in my direction. How can I be so stupid." She said frustratedly, using all the dramatic skills she could muster.
"Now, I have to go back downstairs, but I am already late." She continued, sounding as desperate as possible. At least that was not pretending.
"Where are you going?" A man in an impeccable suit finally reacted and looked in her direction.
"On the top floor. I have a meeting with Mr. Hawkins." She could see he was studying her, probably silently questioning everything she said.
But a playful smile appeared on his lips as he swiped his card to the top floor when all the other occupants had exited the elevator, leaving just the two of them.
"I am going there myself. Why don't you go along with me." He offered.
"Oh, thank you." She genuinely appreciated the help. But she could not help but wonder how she had convinced a man like him to give her access to the floor upstairs.
"Don't mention it." He finally answered as the bell dinged and the doors opened to the last floor. "After you." He suggested, letting her exit first.
"Come on. I will show you Mr. Hawkins' office." He ushered her on the softest carpeted floor she had ever walked on.
She hesitated first as her nerve of steel began to falter. But thinking of her boy lying almost lifeless in the hospital had renewed her determination.
She could not give up now. She had to see the devil himself. She had to face the man that almost ruined her life.
If not for her son, she would have been nothing but a memory by now because she always thought she could never live without the love of her life. Dale, the man she swore to love forever.
"Thanks again." She said to the unknown man, thankful that her luck might have somehow changed. She hoped that it would continue until her meeting and yield favorable results.
Then, the kind stranger led her to the door, bypassing the secretary at the front desk. "After you." He suggested, proferring her to proceed inside.
"By the way, I was his next meeting, but I will give up my slot since it seems you need it more." He said, appearing amused by the situation.
"Oh!" She wanted to laugh at her situation, realizing she did not fool him. On the other hand, she could see he was having a kick out of this.
But honestly, she wanted to barge inside the room, but her feet seemed to fail her as she stood fixed on her spot.
"I just need a minute." She held on to her chest, feeling her nerves going haywire. Suddenly, her nervousness went to the roof, sending her heartbeat off the charts.
"Go ahead. I am sure this will be interesting." He urged her to enter the door as he stood beside her. "I will just wait here and guard the door."
Without notice, he opened the door and nudged her forcefully inside. She suddenly wanted to run, but the thought of her son kept her standing still.
She felt like a captive soldier, waiting for the firing squad as she stared at his back, standing by the window, seemingly busy talking on his phone.
She could only presume that he still had not realized that he was not alone in the room, so she had nothing else to do but wait.
"I don't need your excuses. I want results. And I want those papers signed before the end of the day." He roared on the receiver, filling the room with his distinctive voice.
Suddenly, she remembered that voice that plagued both her dreams and nightmares. All too well.