BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 2

•SHELBY•

"We can make some adjustments to the budget. Please revise the official statement, and I'd like to review the overall data before submitting it."

The intern clerk nodded, and I closed the file, handing it back to her. She gave me a small smile as she left my office, exchanging greetings with Adam, who was entering with another file in his hands.

Adam approached my desk and slid the file toward me. I quickly scanned through the documents and, flipping through the pages.

"What am I looking at?"

"These are the drafts for the media ad that the creative media team has sent for your review," Adam replied.

Browsing through the pages, I pursed my lips, observing the pictures and bolded words. With a disappointed sigh, I closed the file and pushed it back to Adam.

 "Discard it on your way out."

Adam stared at me in shock. "Excuse me?"

I gave him a pointed look.

"Did I stutter?" He quickly shook his head, slowly picking up the file from the table.

"But ma'am, these are the final drafts they have come up with, and they need to start working on the media ad immediately."

I nodded, acknowledging his point. 

"I understand, but what they have presented is subpar, lacking creativity and the attention-grabbing spark. Even a 13-year-old could create a better ad. I want the entire concept revamped. If they bring another version for review and it still falls short of my expectations, I'll personally discard it in front of them."

Adam knew I meant business, so he refrained from questioning my decision. He exited the room, closing the door behind him, and to my surprise, my father stood outside, having overheard our conversation.

Adam greeted him briefly, receiving a curt nod in return, before leaving. My father walked into the room, taking a seat in front of my table.

"What brings you here today, father?" I inquired, noticing his narrowed eyes.

"Are you aware of the upcoming merger ceremony?" he asked. I nodded, leaning back in my seat.

The merger ceremony occurred every two years, where two different group companies merged to save their rankings and showcase their successful businesses.

"We haven't received any offers from other companies in the past few weeks. We're at the top of their list, and they expect us to participate this year," he explained, a frown etched on his face.

"Yes, I'm aware of that. We are participating this year, so why are you so concerned?" I responded.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. 

"Tell me, which company out there would be willing to merge with us?"

"C&E Holdings," I replied. He burst out laughing.

"Do you realize they are not a group company?" he exclaimed, shaking his head.

"I know," I said with a smile.

"What makes you think they would accept our proposal?" he snapped.

"Well, as you said, they are expecting our participation, and since we're at the top of their list, they will have to make an exception," I explained confidently.

Rubbing the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes, he sighed. A flicker of doubt crossed my mind.

"Firstly, that is not possible. Secondly, this company is already a sinking ship, which means no one will be willing to merge with us. Thirdly, do you know why? Because you're not doing your job well enough. I appointed you to make decisions that would bring us back on track, not drag us further down," he criticized.

I gripped the armrest tightly, maintaining a composed expression as I looked at him. My father may not have the heart to say it outright, but he knew how to make me feel like I hadn't earned this position through hard work, but rather because he had no other choice. He knew how to push my buttons, but I had taught myself to remain in control, refraining from turning the place upside down.

"I will find us a partner," I finally managed to say.

He shook his head, standing up from his seat. "Don't worry about it. I'll handle it myself."

Confusion furrowed my brow. "What do you mean? Are you returning to work?"

"Well, someone has to do the job for you. Clearly, you can't handle everything here by yourself. It will only be for a short period until I find us a merging partner. Meanwhile, you should focus on doing your job right, so our new partner won't find any reason to abandon us."

If my father returned to work, it would seem like he was the one running the place, not me. I wouldn't be in control anymore, despite being the CEO. He would call the shots, and the rest of us would have to comply.

It took a lot to persuade the old man to consider retirement. He was already at the age when he should be at home, sipping tea and playing golf with old friends. But when Shawn died and the news of his disappearance at sea broke out, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, and my father immediately jumped back in to stabilize it. Although Shawn had maintained stability, it was mostly due to my efforts, as I handled most of the work while he simply issued orders.

Now, I was in charge, running things my way, and slowly restoring order. Yet, my father believed it wasn't enough.

"I have a few appointments to attend. I'll see you at home for dinner," he said, leaving. As the door closed behind him, my anger resurfaced. I grabbed the pen holder nearby and threw it across the room, causing them to scatter messily on the floor.

I despised this situation. It had taken me a long time to achieve what I wanted, and just when I thought I had control, my father swooped back in and took it away from me.

Well, he better find a merging partner quickly, because once the merger ceremony is over, both he and the partner will be gone, and I'll be the only one calling the shots around here.