...One year ago....
Seven months has passed since Verona death. Evan could still remember every detail, every moment, every feeling as if it had just happened yesterday.
Harry Lancaster, being the businessman that he is, recognized Evan's potential more than ever. After seeing how he handled the aftermath of Verona's accident, his father decided to appoint Evan as the new CEO of the company.
It was a huge decision, a responsibility that weighed heavily on Evan's shoulders. But deep down, he knew that his father trusted him and believed in his ability to lead the company into the future.
The news spread throughout the business world like wildfire, with many people praising Evan's appointment as a wise and bold move by his father. People began to talk about how he was the perfect heir to the empire and would surely lead it to new heights.
Meanwhile, Evan felt the pressure mounting on him. The weight of his new role was overwhelming, and he struggled to reconcile his grief with his professional responsibilities.
His father, wanting to celebrate Evan's new position, organized a small gathering at their luxurious residence. It was a chance for the family to toast him achievement and give him a break from the demanding business world.
The house was tastefully decorated for the occasion, with elegant flower arrangements and tasteful lighting that added a warm and inviting atmosphere. The guests were a mix of close family friends, business associates, and well-wishers, gathered to congratulate Evan on his new role.
As the party was in full swing, Evan's eyes lit up when he spotted Ella and her family arrive. They walked into the room, their elegance and grace catching the attention of the guests.
Ella looked beautiful, her hair styled up in a neat ponytail and wearing a stunning evening gown that hugged her curves. She stood out amidst the sea of guests, drawing intrigued gazes from the men in the room.
Richard, never one to miss an opportunity to hit on a beautiful woman, quickly made his way toward Ella. He smoothly approached her, a charming smile plastered on his face.
Evan clenched his fists, fighting the urge to walk over and interrupt their conversation. He didn't like the way his brother was looking at her, the way he leaned in to whisper something in her ear.
Evan's gaze shifted from his brother and Ella to his side, where he saw Charlotte approaching him. Her steps were slow and graceful, her eyes fixed on him with a steady gaze.
Charlotte had always been fixated on Evan, even though he didn't reciprocate her feelings. Despite his dismissive attitude towards her advances, Charlotte remained relentless in her pursuit of him.
She was often found lingering around him, finding excuses to be near him, and constantly sending him subtle signals. But he remained indifferent to her advances, treating her with polite courtesy but showing no signs of reciprocating her feelings.
Charlotte, being quite stubborn, refused to give up easily. She continued to try to win his heart, trying various ways to get his attention and even resorting to more underhanded tactics.
But despite her efforts, Evan remained firm in his rejection. He showed no signs of being swayed by her advances, which only fueled Charlotte's determination to win him over.
Before Evan could dwell on his thoughts too much, he was interrupted by a voice beside him. He turned to see Charlotte, who was standing next to him, a hopeful look in her eyes.
"Evan," she said, her voice sweet. "I was wondering if you would be kind enough to share a dance with me tonight."
Evan felt a pang of annoyance, knowing full well that she was only asking him out of her own selfish interests. He hesitated for a moment, thinking of a way to decline without offending her.
Just as he was trying to come up with a polite rejection, Evan felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his father standing there, a knowing look in his eyes.
"Evan," his father said, his voice firm yet gentle. "Please do as she asks. Don't let her down."
Evan knew his father's words weren't a suggestion - they were a command. He sighed inwardly, realizing he had no choice in this matter.
"Alright," he replied, his tone resigned. "I'll dance with her."
Charlotte looked pleased, a victorious smile on her face. She held out her hand, signaling him to take it. "Shall we dance, then?" she asked.
Evan suppressed a grunt of annoyance, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Reluctantly, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
As they danced together, Evan tried to keep a polite distance from her. But Charlotte seemed determined to be near him, stepping closer and leaning in with every opportunity. He could feel her hand on his shoulder, her body pressing against him.
"Evan," Charlotte whispered in his ear, her voice tinged with a hint of seduction. "You know we'll be getting married soon, right? Why keep rejecting me like this?"
Evan furrowed his brow, feeling a mixture of annoyance and confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his tone cool and distant.
"You know I'm not interested in you like that," he said, his tone firm but without any warmth.
Charlotte pouted, her expression faltering slightly. She tried to recover, forcing a smile. "Oh, come on, Evan. We're practically destined to be together. Why can't you just give me a chance?"
Evan sighed, growing more irritated by the second. "We're not destined to be together, and I've already told you that I'm not interested in you. It's never going to happen, so please stop trying."
Charlotte looked undeterred, her determination unwavering. She smiled coyly, her voice laced with confidence. "Oh, you'll see," she said, her tone more forceful this time. "You'll change your mind soon enough."
Evan fought back the impulse to groan. He knew that convincing her otherwise was like talking to a wall. He decided to ignore her comment and focus on finishing this dance as quickly as possible.
Evan eventually managed to finish the song without any further incident with Charlotte. As the music faded away, he walked quickly to his father's side, grateful to get some distance from her.
His father was standing on the stage, preparing to make an announcement. Evan could tell from his father's expression that it must be something important. He stood next to his father, his curiosity piqued.
"Ladies and gentlemen," his father began, his voice resonating through the room. "On this special occasion, I have some important news to share with you all."
A hush fell over the guests, their attention fully focused on his father. Evan felt the anticipation building in his chest, wondering what the news could be.
"I am pleased to announce that the bond between my family and the Waverleys is about to be strengthened further," his father declared, a proud smile on his face.
"Many years ago, my late wife and Mrs Emma Waverley made a promise between themselves that our families would unite. Today, we are finally able to fulfill that promise," he declared, his voice filled with satisfaction.
"And to fulfill that promise, I am proud to announce that my son, Evan, will be marrying Charlotte Waverley, the elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Waverley," his father announced, his tone filled with pride and satisfaction.
The guests erupted into applause and cheers, their faces filled with excitement. Evan could feel the weight of everyone's gazes on him, their approval and envy clear in their expressions.
His mind raced with a mix of frustration and resignation. He didn't want to be forced into a marriage he didn't want, but he knew his father's word was final. He stood there, trying to maintain a neutral expression as the guests around them applauded and exchanged hushed whispers.
Evan's eyes scanned the crowd, catching glimpses of surprised but pleased faces. He could see Charlotte's family looking satisfied, their expressions smug. Everyone seemed to be happy about the arrangement except for him.
He glanced at Charlotte, who was standing beside him. She looked smug, a triumphant smile on her face. It was clear that she was ecstatic about the decision, and he knew that she would do everything in her power to make their marriage happen.
Evan felt a knot of dread form in his stomach. He knew that if he resisted, it would only complicate matters and disappoint his father. But the idea of being stuck in a loveless marriage with Charlotte was unbearable.
.... Present time....
Evan entered the conference room, a spacious and well-appointed room with a large desk and comfortable leather chairs. He sat down behind the desk, his expression focused and serious. The room was already occupied by several of his associates, and the meeting was about to begin.
Evan leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning around the room. "Alright, let's jump right in. What's the update on the west coast branch?" he asked, his tone commanding and businesslike.
Richard, Evan's brother, sat at the table, his expression calm and confident. "The west coast branch has been faring well," he responded, his voice steady. "We've made considerable progress in expanding our market share and increasing revenue."
"Are you confident in those numbers?" Evan inquired, his eyes flickering over the reports in front of him. "Are we on track to surpass the projections we set at the beginning of the year?"
Richard nodded, his composure unruffled. "Yes, the numbers are promising," he affirmed, tapping the stack of papers in front of him. "We've exceeded expectations in several key areas, and I have full confidence in our continued success."
Evan leaned forward, his brow furrowing as he studied the reports. "Hmm, I'm not quite convinced," he said, his tone skeptical. "The reports don't seem to align with the growth projections we set. Why are the numbers not reflecting the progress we expected?"
Richard shifted in his seat, clearly irritated by his brother's doubt. "The numbers are accurate," he stated, his voice firmer. "We've been closely monitoring the west coast branch's performance, and the data clearly shows steady growth."
Evan raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. "Really?" he remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Because it looks like there's some discrepancies. Are you sure your team is providing accurate information?"
Richard sighed, growing frustrated with his brother's persistent skepticism. "Evan, I assure you that the numbers are correct," he insisted, his voice tinged with annoyance. "My team is highly skilled and has been working diligently. You can't discount the hard work they've put in because of a few discrepancies."
Evan leaned back in his chair, a flicker of condescension in his eyes. "Ah, yes, the last year project that was an utter failure," he reminded, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Perhaps you remember that little mishap where we lost millions? Or do you conveniently forget about those disasters?"
Richard's jaw clenched, his patience thinning. "That was an isolated incident," he retorted, his voice tight with frustration. "It had nothing to do with the west coast branch. It was a separate project altogether."
Evan raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "Isolated incident?" he echoed, his voice laced with skepticism. "That little mishap cost us millions, and you call it an isolated incident? I find it hard to trust the judgment of someone who brushes off such catastrophic failures as insignificant."
Richard's face flushed, his eyes narrowing at his brother's condescending tone. "I'm fully aware of the consequences," he replied through clenched teeth. "But that doesn't justify your constant doubts and accusations. Have some faith in the teams I lead and the decisions I make."
Evan leaned forward, his tone hardening. "Faith isn't something easily given, Richard," he shot back. "Especially when your track record isn't exactly exemplary. I have every right to question your judgment, given your history of questionable decisions and failed projects."
Evan leaned back in his chair, his tone growing more firm. "How many resources exactly did you invest in this west coast branch?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on Richard.
Richard hesitated for a moment before reluctantly stating the exact figures. "We've allocated a total of ten million dollars to the west coast branch," he revealed, his tone guarded.
Evan raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Ten million dollars?" he repeated, his tone dripping with disbelief. "You've invested that much in a project you claim is doing just fine? What exactly are you spending all that money on?"
Richard shifted uncomfortably in his seat, growing increasingly defensive. "We've invested in expanding our team, infrastructure, and marketing efforts," he explained, his voice strained. "It's a necessary investment for long-term growth."
Evan scrutinized the reports once more, his gaze sharp. "It seems like you're overestimating the immediate need," he remarked, his tone dismissive. "Ten million dollars seems excessive for a project that claims to be doing just fine. Perhaps it'd be wiser to reconsider the allocation of resources and scale back some of those expenses."
Richard bristled, his temper flaring at Evan's condescending tone. "I don't appreciate your interference in my decisions," he retorted, his voice tinged with anger. "I have a team of experts who have carefully evaluated the needs of the west coast branch. Your constant critique is unwanted and unnecessary."
Evan's eyes narrowed, his tone becoming forceful. "Who's the head here?" he retorted, his voice laced with authority. "Let's clarify something: I'm the one driving the company's growth and success. You may be responsible for specific branches, but you take your orders from me. Remember your place."
Richard's jaw clenched, his frustration evident. "I'm well aware of my position, Evan," he responded, his voice strained. "But that doesn't mean I need you breathing down my neck and questioning every decision I make."
Evan's tone grew colder. "If you don't want any questioning, I suggest you thoroughly think through your decisions and investments," he advised sternly. "Investing ten million dollars isn't a trivial matter, and it requires careful consideration. If you don't want me to question your judgment, you should make sure your decisions are well-informed and rational."
Richard's jaw clenched tighter, his hands balling into fists under the table. "I do think through my decisions," he insisted, his voice strained. "I've put a lot of thought into the west coast branch's growth, and I firmly believe the investment is necessary for its success."
Evan leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "Then perhaps you should reconsider your thought process," he suggested coolly. "Because from my perspective, ten million dollars seems excessive for a branch that you claim is doing just fine. I suggest you revisit your strategy and make sure it's truly aligned with the company's best interests."
Evan's tone remained stern as he responded, "Remember, Richard, that the money you're investing is company money, not your own personal funds. It's my responsibility to ensure that every investment is worthwhile and contributes to the company's growth. So, if you're going to invest such a substantial amount, I expect to see solid returns and progress."
Richard's face flushed with anger, but he held his tongue, realizing the truth in Evan's words. He nodded stiffly, his jaw clenched. "Understood," he muttered, his voice tight with resentment.
Evan narrowed his eyes, not satisfied with Richard's response. "I need more than just a nod," he said, his tone firm. "I expect a detailed report on the west coast branch's performance and proposed plans for the future. I want to see concrete goals, timelines, and budgets to back up your claims of necessary investment."
Richard's shoulders slumped, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Fine," he conceded. "I'll compile a detailed report and provide you with all the information you require."
Evan nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Good. Ensure it's thorough and comprehensive," he stated. "I'll be scrutinizing it closely, and if I find any discrepancies or concerns, I expect you to address them immediately."
"Additionally," Evan continued, his tone shifting slightly, "I want an update on the company's overall growth and the performance of our stocks in the market. Has there been any notable progress or changes that we should know about?"
A confident voice piped up from the other end of the table. "In fact, we've seen a significant increase in our stocks' market price," a company executive responded.
Evan's expression seemed to lighten slightly, a mixture of satisfaction and intrigue. "That's promising to hear," he remarked, a hint of approval in his voice. "What factors have contributed to this growth in our stocks?" he inquired, his gaze shifting between the executives present.
Another executive, equally confident, spoke up. "Several factors have played a role. First, we've had a successful quarter in terms of profits and market expansion. Additionally, the company's recent strategic acquisitions have gained attention, leading to a positive perception by investors and driving up our stocks' value."
Evan leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing the executive's words. "Very well," he responded, his tone conveying a hint of satisfaction. "Keep up the good work and ensure that we close these deals swiftly and effectively. I expect to see tangible results and improved revenues in the coming weeks."
Evan's voice resonated with finality as he brought the meeting to a close. "That concludes today's update," he declared, his tone decisive. "I expect everyone to continue to make progress and stay focused on our goals. Dismissed."
The executives gathered around the table swiftly started to rise from their seats, their expressions focused and determined. They exchanged a few hushed words among themselves as they packed up their notes and files. Richard lingered near Evan, his face etched with lingering irritation.
Seeing Richard's lingering presence, Evan regarded him with a cool, detached stare. "Is there something else, Richard?" he inquired, his tone carrying a subtle edge of impatience.
Richard met Evan's gaze with a mixture of resentment and hesitation before finally finding his voice. "Can I have a moment of your time? In private?" he requested, his voice tinged with resignation.
Evan's expression remained impassive, but he gave a weary sigh as if he had anticipated this interaction. "Very well," he acquiesced, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation. "We can speak in my office."
With a nod, Evan rose from his seat and gestured for Richard to follow. They exited the conference room, leaving the other executives to finish packing up their things. As Evan led the way towards his office, his movements were swift and efficient, exuding an air of authority.