Anastasia rushed to Flynn's company after receiving the call from David. Although she was a bit tired from running around, her face brightened with relief. The thought of the company recovering filled her with hope. Even better, the marriage to the Harrington family wouldn't proceed, which meant she could avoid any conflict with Bella. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and for the first time in a while, she felt a sense of peace.
The moment Anastasia entered the meeting room, all eyes turned to her. Among the unfamiliar faces, she recognized only two people: David and Caroline. She started to head towards an empty chair at the back of the room, but Caroline stopped her.
"You need to sit there..." Caroline gestured to a seat in the middle of the long meeting table.
"Sorry? No, I'm okay sitting back there," Anastasia replied, pointing to the seat she had in mind.
Caroline shook her head gently. "I'm sorry, Miss Anastasia, but Flynn mentioned in his will that if anything happened to him, you would be the Interim Chairman until his return."
Although Anastasia didn't agree with the arrangement, she sighed and walked to the designated seat. As she settled into the chair, an awkward silence filled the room. She glanced around, feeling the weight of everyone's expectations. Before she could muster up the courage to say something, Caroline, sensing her hesitation, stepped in.
"Thank you all for joining on such short notice," Caroline began, her tone confident and professional. "As you all know, Flynn's recent absence has left us in a difficult position. But with Miss Anastasia here, we'll be moving forward according to his instructions. Let's start by reviewing the current state of affairs."
After Caroline's introduction, Anastasia took a deep breath. She wasn't used to being the centre of attention, especially in a room full of people she didn't know. But she had to get through this.
"Thank you, Caroline," Anastasia began, her voice a bit shaky at first. "I… I know things have been difficult lately. But I have some good news that might help us all breathe a little easier."
She glanced around the table, meeting their eyes. "I've secured an investment, and the funds should be transferred by tomorrow morning."
The room went quiet, everyone absorbing her words. Anastasia continued, "This money should keep the company afloat and give us time to figure things out. I know it's not a permanent solution, but it's something."
She noticed a few nods and murmurs of relief. It was a small victory, but it was enough for now.
After sharing the news, Anastasia noticed the atmosphere in the room shift. The tension eased, and there were visible signs of relief on everyone's faces.
"Alright," one of the senior members said, "we'll continue with the plan. Thank you, Miss Anastasia."
With that, the meeting ended. People started gathering their things, offering polite smiles and nods her way as they left the room.
David and Caroline stayed behind. David approached her, smiling. "You really came through, Anastasia. Thank you."
Caroline nodded. "This investment gives us the breathing room we need. Flynn would be proud of you Miss Anastasia."
Anastasia, still feeling a bit overwhelmed, managed a small smile. "I just hope it's enough to keep the company afloat."
David chuckled lightly. "It's a start. And right now, that's what matters." He paused, his tone becoming more serious. "But being in this position means you'll be facing more pressure from now on."
"Wait…" Anastasia looked baffled, "Do I need to like…work here for the time being?"
David exchanged a glance with Caroline before nodding slowly. "Yes, at least until Flynn recovers. As the Acting Chairperson, you'll need to oversee things and make sure everything stays on track."
Anastasia's eyes widened. "But I've never run a company before! I was just trying to help with the investment…"
Caroline gave her a reassuring smile. "We know it's a lot, but you won't be doing it alone. We'll guide you through it. Plus, Flynn trusts you, and so do we."
Anastasia sighed, her shoulders slumping. "This is way more than I expected, and I have my own job to handle."
Caroline hesitated before asking, "Can you take a break for a few months?"
Anastasia shook her head, letting out another sigh. "It wouldn't be possible. They might think it would be better to let someone else take my position instead of leaving it empty for months." Her tone was practical, knowing how businesses worked.
Caroline nodded, understanding. "I'm sorry, Anastasia. I know this is a lot to handle all at once."
"No, it's okay. I'll settle everything with my current job and get back to you," Anastasia replied, trying to maintain her composure. "Oh, and by the way, can I ask for both of your help?"
"What is it?" Caroline asked, ready to listen.
"Please don't tell Bella about this. We're already in a tough situation, and if she finds out I'm managing the company, it'll only make things harder for all of us." Anastasia knew that revealing her new role would likely spark another conflict with Bella, and she wanted to avoid that at all costs.
"Got it," Caroline replied as David nodded in agreement. Then, with a hint of curiosity, Caroline hesitated before asking, "Miss Anna, if you wouldn't mind, may I ask something too?"
Anastasia gave her a nod, signalling her to continue.
"The investment," Caroline began, carefully choosing her words, "who is it from? I apologise if this is too personal, but the amount is quite substantial, and I can't help but wonder if it came from someone we might know."
Anastasia hesitated for a moment, then offered a small, reassuring smile. "It's from someone who trusts me and believes in the company's potential. I can't share more than that, but I promise it's all above board and intended to help us get back on track."
Caroline and David exchanged glances, but both nodded in understanding.
Just as the room began to empty, Anastasia's phone buzzed in her hand. Glancing at the screen, she saw Daniel's number flashing. Her eyes widened in surprise as she answered, "Hello?"
"Are you done yet?" Daniel's voice was casual, but she could hear the hint of a smile in his tone.
"Wait… you're still waiting for me?" Anastasia asked, shocked.
"Of course," Daniel replied with a hint of cheekiness. "It's my first day with a… wife. I figured I should make sure my new wife is properly picked up."
Anastasia swallowed, unsure how to respond. "I... I didn't expect you to wait. You really didn't have to."
"Perhaps, but I did," he said curtly. "I'll be outside whenever you're ready, Mrs. Harrington."
As the name "Harrington" reached her ears, Anastasia's mind flashed to Ethan Harrington. A jolt of recognition stirred in her, but she quickly dismissed it. When they registered their marriage earlier, she'd noted the family name but brushed it off. After all, it was possible for people to share the same last name. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear the lingering confusion.