Whisper Destiny

Chapter 17

 
  ~ Catherine ~
 
  The next morning, I wake up on autopilot, getting ready for the office. My mind races through the day ahead: unfinished sketches for my winter collection and an important meeting about the acquisition project in France, our first collaboration with Grayson.
 
  Grayson is a giant in mergers and acquisitions, property, and development. When Emmette proposed the collaboration almost a year ago, my interest was piqued. Despite my team's lack of experience in this field, Emmette assured us of his full support. Ortiz & Co.'s established reputation in France would be a significant advantage in this venture. After months of meetings and discussions with Grayson and the hotel's current owner, we're nearing the project's final stage. This morning, I will have meeting with my team before we finalising the contract with Grayson's the following week.
 
  Normally, I spend the night preparing, ensuring everything is in order, before the meeting. But last night's events threw me off, and today, I forgot my morning coffee. I left a heavy sighed.
 
  As I walk towards the elevator, familiar faces greet me. For the past ten years, I've felt this familiarity. As the number one leader of Ortiz & Co., I believe respect is mutual and earned. Early year in my career, majority of senior management doubted me, thinking I was too young for the position. But I proved myself. Now, no one questions my ability and competencies, and many employees look up to me as a capable leader.
 
  I'm not overly friendly, but approachable. I encourage feedback and new ideas, which help improve both myself and the company. I make sure my team knows their boundaries and feels comfortable speaking up at the same time.
 
  "Good morning, Ms. Ortiz," Mr. Olson, the security guard, greets me.
 
  "Good morning, Mr. Olson," I reply, reminding myself to remember as many names as possible. Small gestures make people feel appreciated.
 
  "Good morning, Ms. Ortiz," the receptionist says.
 
  "Good morning, Fiona. Your lipstick looks nice today," I comment, noticing her blush.
 
  As I head to my office, employees greet me along the way.
 
  "Good morning, Astrid. Can you do me a favor?" I greet my personal assistant. She's been with me for over five years, and aside from Louisa, my best friend, Astrid is the closest person to me in the office.
 
  "Good morning, Cate." Astrid replied with a smile before standing up following me to my office. Then she started to brief my schedule of the day as usual,
 
   "You have a short briefing with Mr. Ortega before the committee meeting at 9, then straight to the committee meeting until 12. After lunch, you have a meeting with..."
 
  I tune out, unable to function without my coffee.
 
  "Cate," Astrid call me, bringing me back.
 
  "Are you okay? You seem off this morning," she asks, concern in her eyes.
 
  "Yes, I'm fine. Can you do me a favor?" I ask again, feeling my patience waning.
 
  "Oh, yes, of course. What do you need?" Astrid asks.
 
  "Buy me a coffee, please," I said before settling down into my usual routine.
 
  Astrid nodded. "I'll bring it in a minute." But before she could leave, Archer appeared at my office door.
 
  "Your coffee delivery is here, Ms. Catherine Ortiz," he announced with a grin.
 
  I looked up and gave him a curt smile. "How do you know, I really needed this now? But thanks, Archer." I said acknowledge his thoughtful gesture. I turned to Astrid, who understood she no longer needed to buy the coffee.
 
  "Of course I know, I can read you like an open book" Archer complimented himself with a hint of pride. Astrid, who I suspected could sense the unspoken connection between Archer and me, simply ignored the exchange and went on her way to resume her work.
 
  "Oh, Astrid, just remind me of my schedule again after my meeting this morning. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention earlier," I said, noticing the puzzled look on her face.
 
  Archer sat down in front of me, handing me the coffee. I took a sip, feeling the caffeine work its magic, making me feel much better and ready to tackle the day. It was Friday, and my schedule was packed. It looked like another weekend in the office.
 
  "Okay, let's start, Archer," I said, determined to push aside last night's thoughts and focus on the tasks at hand.
 
  As the day goes on, no matter how much I try to focus on my work, I can tell my team is noticing that I'm a bit off. Several times, I've had to ask them to re-explain things because I didn't understand what they were trying to say. That's so unlike me.
 
  Outside the meeting room, Archer stops me. "Are you okay?" he asks, concern etched on his face.
 
  I force a smile and nod. "Everything is fine, Archer. Just a lot on my mind."
 
  I leave my phone in the office during the meeting, knowing that if anything urgent requires my attention, Astrid will let me know instantly.
 
  Back in my office, I eat my packed lunch that Astrid bought for me, while checking my phone, replying to messages and emails from the morning.
 
  Suddenly, Louisa bursts into my office, her face red with anger.
 
  I raise an eyebrow, silently asking her what happened.
 
  "Oh my god, Cate. The models are being so demanding. I hate dealing with them. They think they're so important. I just can't... urghh!" Louisa vents, her frustration palpable. This isn't the first time I've heard this; in fact, before every event, Louisa stresses out about the models. I smirk at her.
 
  "By now, you sound like a broken record, Lou," I say.
 
  "Tell me, who's the culprit this time? Let me talk to them," I offer. Louisa just glares at me.
 
  "I don't know what they see in you. When you start talking to them, everything goes smoothly. I sometimes think they just want to get into your pants," Louisa says. I laugh at her remark.
 
  We've known each other since our days studying together in France, and since then, Louisa has been my closest confidante and unwavering support. She was there for me during my darkest moments, offering comfort and understanding without judgment. Her loyalty knows no bounds; she's never left my side since.
 
  Louisa is the only outsider, aside from the Graysons, whom I've allowed into my inner circle. Despite my attempts to push her away at times, she's always been incredibly persistent, refusing to let our friendship falter. And throughout our years together, she's remained blissfully unaware of my true identity as 'the Ortiz' until we headed back home from France
 
  It's this genuine friendship and her unwavering loyalty that convinced me to keep her in my life, despite her occasional annoyance.
 
  She's also my Head of Event Management. She's excellent at her job; otherwise, I wouldn't have hired her at Ortiz & Co. But sometimes her mouth needs a filter. She says whatever crosses her mind without thinking twice.
 
  "Just tell me their names, and I'll give them a call. I don't want my Head of Event Management going crazy before my show finishes," I decide.
 
  I turn my attention back to my phone, but suddenly, my eyes catch a message from an unknown number.
 
  "We need to talk!"