Beautiful Lion

Chapter 1

5 Years Later

Arabella 🌹

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Today's the day. Today's the day my father finally announces that I'm COO. I know it's a long shot considering I'm only twenty three and only a year fresh out of college but I've been working my butt off for the past five years to prove to him that I'm ready for this.

He left me a message late last night to meet him at the office this morning for a very important meeting. Of course all of our meetings were important but he stretched that this one would be life changing. What else could that possibly mean.

I do my morning routine as regular. My early morning run, shower, make my coffee while doing my hair and makeup and finally getting dressed in an outfit I picked out the night before. Because this day was going to be absolutely memorable I had to pick an outfit that fit the occasion.

I pair my white long sleeve top with pearls on the sleeves with my cream and white plaid skirt. It matches perfectly with my cream coat. With my makeup and hair done I get dressed finishing the look with my tan purse and nude stilettos.

It was classy and simple but still sexy and screams yes a woman is taking over this bitch.

I couldn't hold my excitement as I skipped over to the elevators.

I live in a penthouse apartment not far from the company. I moved out of my father's house around my sophomore year of college to prove just how independent I could be. However the only reaction I got out of him was to have fun and enjoy my college experience.

I shake my head at the memory as I walk out to the lobby.

"Miss Romano your car is waiting out front for you." Jeffery our front desk manager says to me as soon as I exit the elevator.

"Thank you Jeffy." I say with a smile before walking out the front doors.

I hop in the car and tell the driver to head straight to the company.

I get the usual responses when I arrive, the male workers drooling over their paper work and the women gossiping about me because they believe I got here through being the bosses daughter and not my hard work.

I don't let it affect me though. I don't need their approval in order to be proud of my accomplishments.

I'm about to enter the elevator when our receptionist Mrs. Joseph stops me.

"Good morning Miss Romano, your father requests that you meet him in his office this morning." She says politely.

His office? That's weird. Why would he want to hold an official board meeting in his office. I know he tends to be a bit casual at times, but he has always tried to remain stern with his employees in order to maintain a certain level of respect.

I shrug it off and thank Mrs. Joseph before stepping on the elevator and pressing my fathers floor.

Once the elevator stops I walk to my fathers office door which covers majority of this floor and open it. No sense in knocking.

I look over to the couches and my father stops mid sentence.

"Ah Bella you're here!" He says way too happily and stands to hug me.

"Um yeah I am but where's everyone else."

I look over and spot two gentleman. One that is clearly the same age as my father and the other around my age.