Wistcoástia (On Hiatus)

Chapter 19: Enemy

Lance: I can’t believe that a company like Keithton Corporation would be able place second next our company. It’s ridiculous! How can an upstart company like theirs dare challenge us? I really can’t believe it.

The weather today seems to coincide with my mood: dark and angry. Rain clouds have been gathering ever since morning. I can feel them and the force of the wind is stronger than usual. Looks like there is a storm coming.

Despite my upset thoughts, I still can command calm on the surface. But I bet people near me can sense that I am dangerously calm and this will not be a good time for them to talk to me.

“My lord, we are nearly there...” my driver informs me.

I am currently on my way to our company’s headquarters. I want to talk to Bridgette in person and not over the phone. I already heard about the statement she released to the media through the mini television in the car. She called me before she sent it to the network to make sure that everything that will be said has my approval.

I’m also sure that the media currently are gathered in front of the building so it will be best to enter through the basement parking lot instead to avoid the cameras and reporters.

The car comes into a halt a after a few minutes and my door opens. I step out of the car.

“Welcome, Duke Xaltaire.” It’s the voice of my secretary, Peter Benners. “Please let me lead you...”

I follow him through the automatic sliding doors and into the elevators.

“Are the media still outside?” I ask.

“Yes, sir...”

“We already gave a statement...what are they still doing here?”

“They might be hoping to catch a glimpse of anyone of your family.”

I sigh.  “The media are really persistent in getting a picture of the most elusive duke house...”

I hear Peter trying to stifle a laugh.

“What are the reactions of our employees?”

“Many are surprised, sir but they still believe in this company. They have confidence in you and in your family, my lord.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, sir I assure you...”

Ding!

The elevator door slides open and I step in the carpeted corridor of the topmost floor.

“Welcome, Duke Xaltaire...” people from both sides of me say as I pass them. I nod in acknowledgement.

Someone starts approaching me and I know right away who it is.

“Bridgette...”

“Chairman...” she says. “I am happy that you came. It’s been a while since we last met.”

“How are things here?” I ask as we continue walking and into my office.

Peter opens the door and I step inside. I can tell that nothing has changed in my office. It only consists of my smooth table that has only a few things on it: a canister with a few ball pens inside and that is beside a small flowering plant and of course my name plate. In front of my table are seven white plush chairs and a wide screen flat television. By the corner of the room, a there is a stereo and a glass container of CDs. A high ceiling window occupied the whole back wall that is overlooking the skyline and the other skyscrapers in Vierra. But from the outside, no one can see what’s on the other side of the glass since it is tinted black.