Dear Boss: Wounds of The Past

CHAPTER 7

Brian stood at the back of the room, his eyes fixed on the stage as the press conference unfolded. The event was grand, filled with media personnel, investors, and high-ranking officials from the industry. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the new CEO of the rebranded hotel, Scarlett Voin Hotel, took the stage.

Patricia Celestine Fernandez Voinesse, dressed in a sharp, elegant suit, approached the podium with confidence. The room fell silent as she began to speak.

“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for this special announcement,” Patricia started, her voice commanding attention. “As you all know, this property, once known as El Mirador, has undergone significant changes. Today, I’m proud to introduce the newly rebranded Scarlett Voin Hotel.”

Brian couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked so poised, so in control—nothing like the Patricia he once knew. It was as if she had transformed into someone completely different, someone who didn’t remember their past.

Patricia continued, “The acquisition of this hotel was a strategic move by Scarlett Voin Hotel Company. The previous management faced unfortunate circumstances, leading to the bankruptcy of El Mirador. Due to personal issues involving the former CEO, the board made the difficult decision to remove him from his position and put the hotel up for sale.”

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, “Scarlett Voin Hotel Company saw the potential in this property, and we have big plans to restore it to its former glory, and even surpass it. We aim to make this hotel one of the most prestigious destinations in Spain.”

Just as Patricia was about to continue, a reporter stood up and boldly asked, “Ms. Voinesse, can you clarify something? What happened between you and the former CEO of El Mirador, Brian Thomas? Rumors have it that you two had a relationship in the past. Why did you suddenly disappear, only to reappear now, taking over the very hotel he once managed?”

Patricia froze, her mind racing. Brian Thomas? A relationship?

Her confusion was evident as she looked at the reporter, completely blindsided by the question.

“I’m sorry… what? I… I don’t understand,” she stammered, trying to process what was being asked.

She glanced at her secretary, who was standing to the side, and subtly gestured for her to come closer. “I never dated the former CEO… I didn’t even know him personally,” Patricia whispered to her, her voice laced with genuine confusion.

Her secretary nodded, understanding that something was wrong. Patricia tried to focus, but as she attempted to piece together the situation, a sharp pain suddenly shot through her head.

She winced, pressing a hand to her temple. “I’m sorry, I think… I think I’m not feeling well.”

The crowd noticed her discomfort, and murmurs began to spread. Patricia looked around, her vision blurring slightly as the pain intensified. “I… I need to step out,” she managed to say before turning to leave the podium.

Her bodyguards immediately moved in, surrounding her protectively as she started to walk away, her steps unsteady. The secretary quickly took over, addressing the confused and curious crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the sudden interruption. Ms. Voinesse is not feeling well, and we’ll need to end the press conference here. We appreciate your understanding and will resume once our CEO is ready,” the secretary announced, her tone firm but polite.

As Patricia was escorted out, Brian watched her go, a mix of concern and confusion filling him.

What just happened? Did she really not remember him? Or was this all an act? The questions swirled in his mind as he stood there, feeling more lost than ever.