Stanley's POV
I stood tall, dressed up in my black tuxedo with my matching pants and sparkly white Nike sneakers. Even though I was in a rush, I still looked good and sharp.
I felt a sense of confidence as I headed for the impromptu stakeholder's meeting which was just called up which I am still surprised about.
For the meeting to have been called on short notice then it must be really be important and urgent
As I rushed downstairs, I greeted my mum and my little sister before I hurriedly left the house. My driver and personal assistant were already waiting for me by the car and I instructed them to start the movement without any delay.
Upon arriving, the conference room was filled with tension as I entered quietly. Seems everyone was waiting for me because all eyes were on me as I entered.
I surveyed the entire room occupied by shareholders, a mix of individuals and representatives from various investment firms, all sat down with their arms crossed and their faces etched with disappointment and frustration
I couldn't help but call the attention of my PA and ask for the basis of this meeting
"What's the reason for this meeting and why's everyone not smiling" I whispered in a low voice to the back of his ear while he bent down beside me
"I also don't have an idea, sir, I just got a call from the secretary and she sent the mail about the meeting"
"All right then" I responded, adjusted my tuxedo and sat down upright on the executive chair, and nodded for the meeting to begin.
"Now that the main man is here, Shall we?" I heard one of the shareholders ask and the rest responded that the meeting begins
"Stanley, we didn't call this meeting just to discuss the company's finances, although those are troubling enough. We are here to talk about your personal life and how it's affecting the value of our investment in your company" One of the shareholders spoke up with a stern expression
I seriously couldn't believe that I had actually dressed up and rushed all the way from my home to this meeting just to be questioned about my personal life.
I tilted my head back in disappointment while I swiveled my chair, I have a lot to deal with already, but not this now.
"We are all here to get a clear understanding of the rumors and speculations surrounding your child's paternity and it's affecting the company's reputation and, by extension, our bottom line" I heard another shareholder bluntly say with a sharp jawline and piercing eyes
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on me. They were all expecting an answer, an answer that I don't have. I stood up and took a deep breath before responding "I understand the concern of each and every one of you seated here, and I apologize for any embarrassment or distress this situation may have caused. However, I assure you all that my personal life will not impact the progress of this company…"
"That's not good enough" one of them interrupted me before I could finish
"Your personal life is reflecting badly on the company. How do we get to trust a man with a lot of our money and assets when he can't even control his family"
This statement made me really furious and angry and I couldn't control myself any longer. "What do you mean by I can't control my family!!!!" I thundered, slamming my fist at the round table. I had lost my composure, but I couldn't help myself
I knew there was no point shouting at them, they are all after the money they want to make. I took a deep breath, calmed myself down, and sat down back without giving any further explanation
"Stanley, we are giving you an ultimatum. You need to get your personal life in order, and you need to do it quickly. A lot has been published about you and your family as each day goes by. If we don't see some serious changes, we will be forced to reevaluate our investment in this company. And that's not a threat, it's a promise" one of them said and with that, the whole meeting came to an end
Tired and confused, I remained seated with my head tilted a little bit to the back. This is a serious issue right now and somehow, somehow I need to find a solution to it before it gets out of hand. My mind reeled with several thoughts.
After a short while, I picked up my phone and called my PA. I can't keep up with all these, I need to go home and relax my head.
On our way outside, we were confronted suddenly by the waiting press and different media. Immediately they had a sight of my presence out of the building, they all rushed to where I was making no room for me to enter my car
"Mr Stanley, please can you tell us what just happened in the meeting, rumors are circulating around that the shareholders all threatened to withdraw their investment from your company due to the concerns of your personal life," a female reporter asked
I hesitated for a moment, my mind racing with the implications of the question just asked. I didn't want to give the impression that the rumors were actually true even though they were
My expression turned guarded and I became careful with my words "Well there would always be rumors but I can assure you that the meeting was simply a routine discussion about the company's performance and future direction. I'm not to disclose any further details" I said convincingly hoping to deflect any further questioning
A male reporter with a loud voice trying to make sure I can get his message clearly amidst the commotion and noise spoke from behind "Is it true that you aren't the father of your new child?"
A cold chill ran down my spine upon hearing this, how do I explain this? Which response do I give? I thought my head in a confused state
For a moment, I was spaced out, unable to process the situation but fortunately, my PA realized this and immediately he called one of the security personnel to make room for us and we maneuvered our way into the car.
The driver wasted no time and drove off immediately leaving no room for questioning from any reporter. I breathed a sigh of relief as we pulled away, happy to have escaped the chaos, but knowing that this was far from over.
As I made my way to the room, unexpectedly I encountered Flora and her best friend Jessica. My gaze fell upon Jessica immediately and I couldn't deny the fact that Jessica looked really gorgeous, I tried to avoid the two of them since I wasn't on good terms with Flora but my mouth and eyes betrayed me.
I ignored Flora but ended up greeting Jessica with my mouth involuntarily curved into a warm smile, and my eyes lingered on Jessica's lovely face and her sexy body, unable to neglect
"Damn, what should I do? Should I go for her best friend?" These thoughts swirled in my head as I stood there.
Despite the complications, should I take a chance on her? Or should I maintain a safe distance?
The prospect of pursuing Jessica sent my mind racing with doubts and uncertainties