Emma decided to spend another day in Paris before returning back home, she was taking a run around the park while playing her favorite playlist. Betha waited for her on the bench till she was done with her rounds
' here.' Betha handed her a bottle of water
' thanks.' Emma took a few sips taking a seat
' I have already booked the tickets for tomorrow's flight to New York which leaves exactly 6am in the morning.'
' do I have any meetings today?.' Emma asked
' a conference call with the board at exactly 1pm... and you have a court case in two days time for Mr Rogers.'
' right...my law career, I have been too busy with handling my family business that I forgot I am lawyer by profession.' Emma gave a bitter sad smile,' what time and what is he being accused of again?."
' 10:30 , he's being accused of sexual harassment to his co-worker.' Betha said
' I see,' Emma simply said,' and is he really harassing the girl?.' She added
' yes.' Betha answered
' well.. since he chose me as his lawyer I can't lose can I? Losing means I don't get paid the full amount... and I don't lose.' Emma smirks. Emma has never lost a case since she became a lawyer, whether the people she was representing were bad people she made sure to win and defend her clients in court. But it didn't mean she will let them get away with it so easily, she always investigates them before accepting.. and punishes them for their wrong doing by having her people deal with them, some times she refuses to take up such cases.. only when she feels like doing it,' oh well..I could use a warm relaxing bumble bath_ let's head back to the hotel.' she got up walking away, Betha followed.
Alec was working on something on his laptop when he got a call from his mother, his face changed from calm to silent cold after seeing the caller ID...he slides the green button to answer
' Alec! thought you wouldn't pick up.' Lisa said from the other line
' what's this call about?.' Alec calmly said
' well your father wants you to attend the family dinner tomorrow night.. make sure you make it this time around Alec - it's really important that you do... don't keep us waiting like every time.' She told him with a serious tone. Alec cut the call throwing his head back in exhaustion, a knock echoed inside his room and a man walked in dressed in a black and white attire - he was a waiter
' lunch is ready in the lobby Sir.' he informed with a slight bow. Alec dismissed him with his hand as he did the finishing touches on his laptop.
' starting from tomorrow we will be in collaboration with Z.N Group, we will be partners and every information and concerns are to be shared between our two companies.' Emma was currently having her conference meeting with the board and shareholders of her company, earlier she received all the information and documents on Z.N Group from Alec on how the company works and runs... and how she must go about it, she also sent him all the info and files on Anderson Group.. since they will be working together it's important to know these sources - now that she thinks about it,' how the heck did he get her number?.' she thought
' on behalf of everyone here Ms Anderson, we are very pleased that you managed to sign a partnership contract with Z.N Group.. this will surely help us greatly.'
Emma nodded with a gentle smile, they talked more on the plans and how to go about them, since Anderson and Z.N Group will be one - new offices will need to be arranged, some workers from Z. N will have to transfer to Anderson to have full insight - and some of Anderson workers will have to transfer to Z.N Group.
' are you done?' Betha walked in..Emma closed her laptop with a nod,' we should have lunch now... it's getting pretty late.' She added, they proceeded to the lobby to have their meal,' your grandmother called_ she said you haven't been picking up their calls...may I know the reason?.'
' been busy that's all.' Emma simply answered
' I know that's not the only reason.. you know I'm always here to listen to you Emma.' Betha told her
' I know, it's just that,' Emma paused pressing her lips staring back at Betha - Betha is like a mother to Emma, she's always been there for her after her parents death...she is a kind hearted and beautiful woman in her early 30s - despite Emma being so younger than her she respects Emma and sees her as a daughter she never had, Emma also respects Betha ... She's never disrespected her ever - she looks up to her like a mother and a role model and nothing by pass her little eyes..she always senses when something is bothering her. With a helpless sigh Emma spoke,' have been ignoring them because they won't stop pestering me about the marriage issue - they want me to get married and settle down, I mean I'm only 21 I can get married later on when I'm 25 or something.' Betha held in her giggle that was threatening to come out and said
' well I remember saying the same thing at your age - look at me now, I'm 32 and still not married... your grandparents just wants what's better for you, they are pretty old and I think they just want to see you in the most beautiful wedding dress and a good husband before they reach their time..not to mention adorable grandkids that looks exactly like you.' she smiles sweetly
' I don't know Betha, I don't have the time to dedicate myself to being someone's wife or mother, my work and career comes first and I'm not ready to change that just to submit to someone..my grandparents should understand this.' Emma said standing up retreating back to her room. The elevator was closing when she called out for the person inside to hold the door, she quickly ran stepping inside while catching her breath,' thank you.' she said still facing down with her hand resting on her chest
' I wasn't expecting meeting each other so soon Ms Anderson,' Alec spoke with a straight face - his hands in his pockets, Emma stood up straight looking at the man standing beside her_ her eyes slightly widened in surprise
' you!,' she blinked a few times
' don't look so surprised, I'm staying here until tomorrow.' Alec said... Emma crossed her arms over her chest and said
' it's Ms Rose or Emma.' Anderson was her father's last name.. even though it's everywhere on her birth certificate and personal documents _ she prefers to be addressed by her mother's last name Rose. Alec raises a brow facing his entire body to her and said
' I didn't know we were on first name basis?.' he gave a slightly unnoticeable smirk. Emma's cheeks flushed red looking away from his ocean eyes
' Rose is my mother's last name.. it's not my first name understood.'
' you did say or Emma though.. isn't Emma your first name?.' Alec stepped closer to her, Emma's back hit the elevator door behind.. she was stuck between him and the elevator door, the elevator shook making her stumble and held onto Alec for support_ it stopped moving - they were stuck inside the elevator
' are - are we stuck?.' Emma began to panic..she felt like the walls were closing in on her_ sweat began to form on her forehead as it dripped - the room began to spin around her. Alec held her in his arms bringing out his phone
' hold on,' he told her dialing a number,' Adam! I'm stuck in the elevator with someone.. she's having a panic attack, get us out of here.' Alec coldly said cutting the call, Emma was in bad condition..her panic attacks were severe and Alec didn't know what to do in such a situation, the first thing that came to mind was to tie her hair up..loosen three of her shirt buttons and told her to take in slow breathes in and out. Emma did as he instructed while she clung onto him for dear life, she looked scared and vulnerable that Alec didn't let her go either - he held her close and secure
' I - I don't want to die, n - not now.' tears rolled down her eyes as she said those words
' I won't let you die so easily.' Alec told her removing her shoes, it took a while before the elevator began to move again..as soon as the door opened. Alec rushed out of there with Emma in his arms, she already passed out when he brought her back to his room. Adam had called the doctor to check on her,' how is she doing doctor?.' Alec asked worriedly
' there is nothing to worry about, your wife will be alright with a bit of rest... just make sure she takes her medicine on time, excuse me.' he said and left
' Wife huh.' Alec scoffs indicating not a chance to such a statement, he turns to Adam and said,' notify her secretary that she's here..I want her gone as soon as she wakes up.' he turns around and leaves the room, Adam used the hotel phone to call..he was Alec's right hand man - he's tall and slender with slightly longer dark hair, he doesn't speak much only when necessary.. wherever Alec goes_ Adam is one meter apart..he is like he's shadow that doesn't leave his side, only when told so. Betha rushed to Alec's room where Emma was lying unconscious
' Emma!." She went to her bedside
' you can take her with you when she wakes up.. excuse me.' Adam said leaving the room
It took a few minutes when Emma regained her consciousness
' Ms Rose..thank goodness you're okay.'
' where am I?.' Emma carefully sat up scanning her surroundings
' Mr Qinn's room...he wasn't here when I arrived though.' Betha said
' oh .. please take me back to my room - I would like to rest there.' Emma said
' sure.' Betha helped her up taking her back to her hotel room.
Downstairs the manager was pleading with Alec to not sue the hotel, he couldn't pay them off because they already had money and lots..he could only plead
' if anything serious had happened to Ms Rose... you wouldn't be standing in my presence right now, you should thank your lucky star she's okay - otherwise.' Alec glared at him with intense piercing sharp eyes, the manager flinched like a scared cockroach meeting it's death
' Adam!,'
' yes sir.'
' arrange me a helicopter..I will be leaving tonight for New York.' he said to Adam
' yes sir.' Adam walked away. Alec checked his watch,' she must have regained consciousness by now..they must be out of my room which means I can return.' he said inwardly returning to his room, he paused as soon as he got there - her scent was lingering everywhere in his room, the scent of fresh roses and honey mixed with strawberries..such a strange scent' he thought, but he found it to his liking - seeing her in such a condition earlier scared him ...she looked like she was going to die in his arms, why did the thought of losing her suddenly sting to his heart..it was frightening. Alec shook his head grabbing his suitcase and packing up, he left that same night while Emma left the next morning.
' welcome home bestie...tell me everything, how did it go?.' Trixie sat Emma down waiting for the gist
' well I managed to sign a partnership contract with Mr Qinn.' Emma smiled
' he really agreed? Congrats,' she happily congratulated Emma,' and aside from that what happened? Is he good looking? What's his body type, height, his nature?.' Trixie was curious. Emma blushed upon mentioning body type, she actually touched his body multiple times on their first night.. everything about him is extraordinary - body 100% _ nature in attitude..5% , she doesn't understand him some times,' you're blushing which is unlike you, am I missing something here.. what happened in Paris?.' Trixie was curious
' nothing extraordinary happened in Paris, the real thing happened here...at the party a month ago.'
' wait that party, what happened?.' Emma took a few deep breaths before she spoke
' remember when I got so drunk and decided to go up to my room,'
' Aha.'
' well I got confused and ended up in Mr Qinn's hotel room,'
' Mr Qinn's hotel room? Wait did he actually attend the party.' Trixie blinked
' yes but he was in his room the whole time, I went in there and I think he mistaken me for one of his women..the room was pitch black and hardly could see anything,' Emma said
' then what happened?.'
' it happened...we had s*x,' Trixie's eyes lit up with excitement
' no f**king way.' she chuckled
' I swear I ran out of there the next morning while he was asleep, when we met in Paris I wanted the ground to open and swallow me whole.' Emma embarrassedly admitted
' that's so amazing... how was he? Was he gentle or rough with you?.' she gave a naughty smile
' Trixie! Come on.' Emma stood up
' what? I'm just curious here..I wanna imagine him ' she teased
' you're so dirty.' Emma laughed throwing a pillow at her
' come on tell me.'
' you know what I'm going to take a shower.' Emma said walking away
' Emma! Pretty please.' Trixie begged but Emma wouldn't tell.
Alec was in his office when his phone rang - a frown settled on his face seeing the caller ID..he swiped the screen putting the phone to his ear
' Alec! thought you never pick up.' an excited voice spoke from the other end
' why wouldn't I? What's up?.' he calmly said
' where are you?.'
' at the office, why do you ask?.'
' I'm at the airport just landed in New York.. can you come pick up.' Alec leaned away from his chair confusingly
' you're in New York?.' he spoke
' Aha...I will be waiting for you.' the woman said hanging up before he could say anything. Alec leaned back running his fingers through his silky hair, he stood up straightening his jacket as he headed out
' Mr Qinn! Are you heading out?.' his secretary asked
' yes.'
' but you have a meeting in half an hour.'
' cancel it.' he said pressing the elevator button to down floor, he left the building getting into his car driving off - in half an hour he arrived at the airport and saw a slender woman waving her hand at him with a wide smile, she has really long dark hair..tall and pretty..her fashion was amazing and her ascent was beautiful and elegant, she went and got into the car hugging Alec so warmly
' why didn't you give me heads up that you'll be coming to New York?.' Alec spoke driving off
' I wanted to surprise you...are you surprised?.'
' you know I don't like surprises Laura, what brings you here... thought you hated New York?.' Alec kept his eyes on the road
' yes but Lisa... your mother called me last night and told me to attend tonight's dinner.' Laura happily said
' Lisa called you? Alec creased his brows suspiciously
' besides I was dying to see you so I booked the tickets last minute.'
Alec and Laura have been friends since kids, she was born in London and moved to New York when she was 10..they met in middle school and became friends, after finishing high school Laura went back to London to enter college..they only kept in touch with one another, they would visit one another on public holidays like Christmas..new year.. thanks giving and so on.
' where will you be staying?.' Alec asked
' I asked Lisa if I could stay with her while I'm here...I would have asked you but I didn't want to be a bother.' she gave a slight smile. Alec kept silent, they reached the Quinn estate and Laura said her goodbyes getting her bags
' I will see you at dinner.'
' see you.' Alec gave a slight nod driving off
' Laura!' Lisa approached her,' Alec just dropped you off and left?.'
' he had to return to the office... but not to worry I will see him at dinner time.' Laura gave a gentle smile
' how sweet.. let's go inside and I will have someone take your bags up.' they proceeded inside. Time seemed to pass by quickly - it was almost noon and darkness was slowly creeping
Trixie spread out the quilt and pillows for their movie night, Emma came with the popcorn and cold cola from the kitchen
' what movie should we watch?.'
' oh I so badly wanted to watch that new series Maxine Hall... put that one.' Emma excitedly said. Trixie puts on the movie sitting back comfortably.
Alec arrived at his parents house going inside..he walks into the dining room handing Laura a gift bag
' for me?.' Laura blinked at him with admiration
' your favorite chocolates... that's if you're still into candy.'
' of course..thank you.' Laura smiled tucking some hair behind her ear
' Father, Lisa.' Alec gave a slight nod taking a seat
' I heard you signed a partnership contract with Anderson Group.' Mr Qinn spoke
' yes.. it's a good company with a good reputation and status.'
' agree...it just came as a surprise to me because you never accept any contracts from any companies.' he spoke - Alec remained silent
' Laura, how is London and your parents? Aren't they planning on coming to New York?.' Lisa spoke
' My parents are alright..they actually traveled to Thailand for work related, and London is pretty cold compared to New York.'
' I see.' Lisa sipped on her wine
' may I ask what this urgent dinner is all about?.' Alec spoke...he kept on wondering why Lisa insisted on this dinner and Laura's sudden visit
' well yes..the reason why I arranged for this important dinner and the reason I asked Laura to come is because, your father and I would like you to get married to Laura.' Alec paused staring at his mother
' what!,'
Alec tilted his head raising his brow,' listen Alec,' Mr Qinn spoke,' your elder cousin will marry his girlfriend very soon.. and my elder brother thinks it will be wise if his son who's getting married should run the family business, I entrusted Z.N Group to you who's my son.. everything have built is for you and I won't let my brother take over your empire.'
' but do I have to get married to run my own company?.'
' it's to secure your position Alec, you and Laura have been friends since kids she's not a stranger.' Lisa cuts in
' it's marriage we're talking about here..a life time commitment it's not a game, you want us to marry just to secure my position at my own company...is Laura okay with such an arrangement?.' Alec felt enraged
' Laura loves you and she's willing to marry you..I know for a fact that you hold a special place in your heart for her.' Lisa calmly said
' I do feel something special for Laura but as a friend nothing more, I can't marry her.'
' it's an alliance Son.. and Laura doesn't have a problem with it so why won't you marry her?.' Mr Qinn spoke
' because I already have someone and I was planning on proposing to her.' Alec coldly told his parents..truth is, he didn't have anyone special who he was planning on proposing to, but he wasn't going to marry Laura either just for the sake of it... instead he was going to make a business proposal with a certain someone, that way they will both be in agreement with no strings attached
' you really have someone? Lisa surprisingly widened her eyes, everyone had the same reaction,' why didn't you say anything before Alec?,' Mr Qinn added, Laura clenched her fists feeling disappointed and raged by everything and everyone,' excuse me.' she stood up running upstairs
' poor thing, she must be feeling really disappointed..why don't you go and talk to her.' Lisa uttered, Alec gracefully wipes his mouth getting up,' I have to go now.' he simply said walking away without looking back,' that boy, I wonder where he got that attitude and personality from..I some times wonder if he's really my son.' Lisa said gulping down the wine, Mr Qinn simply sighs.