The Billionaire's Face

Chapter One

"Good morning Mr. Degatti"

The receptionist greeted as he passed by and Seth spared her a curt nod.

His steps were not as brisk as he would have liked but they were fast enough considering his situation.

Several eyes followed him and Seth ignored them all heading towards his office. His legs were beginning to tire, something his physiotherapist had warned him about when she'd advised against climbing the stairs.

Of course being as stubborn as he was Seth hadn't listened and once again it seemed he was to pay for it.

Immediately he got into his office, his secretary, a pretty, tiny woman with short blonde hair snapped to attention.

"Mr. Degatti. It's good to have you back Sir."

"Yes Jennifer. Thank you"

A lot of people would not share her sentiments, Seth thought as he lowered himself into his high backed chair, trying not to wince at the painful twinge he got.

He hoped he hadn't torn one of his healing muscles; Dr. Gail would wear one of those superior looks on her bird-like face which only proceeded to piss him off the more.

First things first, he had to meet with his board. They were getting increasingly antsy about his capacity as CEO of Rhode Industries.

The company had belonged to his mother's father Seth Rhodes. It was his birthright but the board could still kick him out if they felt he was incapable of running it. And right now, they weren't feeling very confident in him. Until he knew where he stood with them, he couldn't do any other thing.

Jennifer gave a brisk knock waiting for his approval before entering his office.

"Sir, everyone's waiting for you in conference room A"

Seth sighed. By everyone she meant the five men that made up the board. He might as well get this over with, Seth thought steeling himself for the twinge of pain he felt as he stood up and headed to one of the side doors in his office before entering.

All five men were already seated. Seth could feel their eyes burning into his body as they scrutinized him for any weakness. Keeping his face in a schooled, expressionless mask was an art he had perfected ages ago. He was so good that the discomfort he felt when he sat down didn't show.

"Gentlemen"

Seth said coolly and leaned back in his chair waiting for them to begin.

"Mr. Degatti. We trust you're doing well?"

Anthony Lark on his nearest right said and Seth gave a half shrug.

"As well as can be considering the circumstances"

"Some circumstance that was. Nearly getting crushed in a race car"

Seth raised a brow at the man and Lark shrugged.

"We're glad you're fine but knowing you hold such an important position in the company, taking risks like that are quite unwise don't you think?"

"I didn't realize my personal life was to be dictated by the board"

"That's not what were trying to say Mr. Degatti"

The man next to Lark said and Seth spared him a cold glance.

"Be that as it may, I'm perfectly fine and ready to resume with my official duties as CEO of this company"

"Are you certain you should be resuming? I thought you'd need more time. From what we heard accidents like this take a toll on a man, both physically an mentally. And yours was nasty"