Salted

Madam Crimson

                                 ALTHEA

I woke up as the sun pricked into my eyes from my ivory coloured curtains. For a moment I wished I had opted for black ones, instead.

I rolled around and then sat myself up as I recalled all that happened. My information was getting more broader and I realised that the world was much more than I saw when I woke up from my coma.

Yes, I had been in a coma for months hence resulting in the loss of my memory. I had no idea what happened to me but according to Anabelle, it happened within the asylum.

I think I was attacked by one of the really psychotic people in there. I have met serial killers, victims and murders who ain't even afraid to tell the truth.

I climbed down from the bed feeling my muscles ache like I had been beaten up by a baseball bat across my entire being. I think it was the late night work that made me like this.

Also the constant flash of memories made me have insomnia as I knew what would come once I closed my eyes. The picture of them with holes and blood lived rent free in my brain.

I stepped into the shower and ran my hands through my hand in an attempt to lower the intensity of my thoughts. Perhaps I could distract myself from all this thinking and tap into the real plateau I was about to face.

Once I was done, I dried myself and stepped into the closet. Shelves and racks held onto the millions of dollars worthy garments that were branded. Was I a brand liker?

I searched the room for an exceptional formal wear but none stuck out to me. I continued on with a search when my eyes stuck on a certain red dress.

It was drop shoulder with long sleeves and it reached around knee length. It held to my body like a glove and exposed the needed curves and hid away the reserved skin.

I combed and held my hair into a clean lower bun and finished off with some white Louboutin heels that matched my nails and a crimson small purse that detailed the whole outfit theme.

Checked the time and I was about 30 minutes early so I sat down and did my makeup smooth with a matte crimson lip.

I walked downstairs and stepped out of the mansion. Xavier stood with my door open and I climbed inside with a just a curt nod towards him.

He drove away and I started to attend to the needed work on the seat. Time passed and soon after, I was in front of the 50 floored company that needed saving from predators.

I stepped inside as the eyes turned towards me and all the order in the company paused. I passed by the receptionist and she called out to me as she ran and stood before me.

"Ms, I cannot allow you to pass without an appointment" she mentioned and a smirk rose onto my face. She really had no idea who she was dealing with.

"Do you love your job here?" I questioned.

She furrowed her brows in confusion but then nodded towards me. I stared up removing the smirk and shades on my face to be replaced by my emotionless face.

"I am going to become the CEO in the next coming five minutes so if you do not clear the way right now, I swear you will have no job once I step out of that boardroom"  I said and she shook in fear as she moved from my way.

"Good choice. Now get me some water and the recent updates of the company. You have five minutes" I muttered and she sprinted off as I went towards the elevators.

The doors opened and I stepped inside with an expectation to feel anxious but none came to me today. Thank goodness! But I have not been anxious much since I lost my memory.

I strode down the top floor and stood before the closed doors as I heard the conversation that was happening inside. The decision was also about to be made.

They sure wanted to get rid of this business but not under my watch. Pushing the doors open, all the attention turned to me and the faces soon expressed shock. Guess they never expected me to really be here.

To the world, I had been off the radar since my parents died and I finished varsity. I had disappeared from the face of the earth and some even believed I had died.

"Althea?" One questioned.

"In the flesh. I am sorry to keep you waiting but I had some duties to sort out before I made my return back here" I said and walked towards the head of the table.

"As you all know, I was on a business hiatus and left Mr Hernandez in charge but since he passed away, I am here to take back what belongs to me" I said with my head held up.

"What? You should apply for ownership. You cannot just claim the company back" Mike Hernandez mentioned and I rolled my eyes as I dropped some papers before him.

Guess Anabelle knew the bitch enough to prepare for this just in case. He glanced at me when I gave him the papers. Anabelle also distributed the same ones for each and every member present.

"Those clearly state that since I am the sole inheritor, I need no application. The proxy belonged to your father but this company is mine" I clarified so that everyone could also here.

"Now does anyone else have something to say?" I questioned as I looked around and they all sat quietly. A smirk arose onto my face as I saw how much power I had over these powerful businessmen and women.

"Well I guess that marks the end of it. From today I will be the new and permanent CEO of Caddel Holdings. Everyone is to rightfully report to me if any problem arises. Are we clear?" I questioned and everyone nodded.

I turned specifically towards Hernandez and raised my brow. He struggled with himself but surrendered and nodded his head in agreement with me.

"Now if you will excuse me, I have meetings to attend. Just a quick reminder, there is new governance in town so please work as clean as possible. I will not hesitate to fire you" I said with a small smirk on my face.

"Threatening directors on your first day? You will never change" A husky male voice said and I rolled my eyes. Who does he think he is?

"Since you know me so much and then you should know not pick a fight with me cause that is similar to playing with fire" I said and turned towards the door.

Once I set my eyes on him, my smirk rubbed away and I was instantly taken back by the perfection I was being presented with.

Who is he?