Hollow

Twenty Two | Throne

"Good morning everyone, hope you're all doing well." I greet, getting a couple of replies before resuming. "Allow me to introduce to you Adrian Palma, founder and CEO of Palma Hotels & Resorts all around the world."

Adrian stands from his seat and hand claps erupt in the room. "Thank you all for your wonderful welcome, I'm very honored. And a massive thank you to Zahra as well."

I smile, nodding slightly.

"I'm sure you have all heard that Palma Hotels & Resorts are looking to expand to the States, starting with Miami. We've held talks with numerous collaborators for this project, but your beautiful boss here was quite convincing." He laughs.

I chuckle, joined by a few others in the room.

"My team and I have decided to partner with Pierce Industries for this project, this not only makes Pierce Industries a major shareholder in the hotels but also makes it our official security partner."

Gasps are heard then followed by hand claps and whistles. Obviously, you can tell there are several eyes trained on me and faces covered with shock. See, business is fun when you win but it can be less delightful when you're subjected to the whim of those who don't like you; this is what happened when I first took over.

I avert my gaze to Tate, who gives me an approving nod before turning to Adrian, waving the paper in my hands. "Want to do the honors?"

He nods. "There are slight changes in the chain of command so without further a due —Enzo Dubois, Deputy Assistant Manager and Mila Valiente, Managing Director."

I smirk at the mention of the first guy I interviewed, and somehow my eyes land on Alex, who gives me a knowing look while clapping along with everyone in the room.

"Congratulations to you both. You're all flying back to Barcelona with me for a three week training to get familiar with how things are done at Palma." Adrian announces before sitting back down.

"Remember you still report to me so please behave." I add, letting out a chuckle at their confused faces. "Just kidding. Have fun, guys."

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

I am lying on the couch in my office while scrolling through venues with Alex, for the launch of the our new device when Maddie bursts through the door with a Starbucks cup and places it in front of me.

"You're 10 o'clock is here."

"Can you reschedule it?" I ask, sipping on my strawberry Açaí.

"No." Alex jumps in.

I pinch the bridge of my nose glaring at Alex who stands to walk Maddie out and comes back with a red-haired man.

"Jack Edwards." He replies, graciously shaking my hand.

"Zahra."

I motion for him to take a seat next before resuming my seat. Alex hands me his iPad with the background information; turns out this man is the Lead Designer here.

"Forgive me, Mr. Edwards, but what brings you to my office?"

"Call me Jack." He requests.

I nod, taking a sip of my Açaí as I wait for him to resume. He hands me a file and I open it to view its contents.

"I brought you the promotional posters, a couple of 3D pictures, demos and every detail you need to approve before the release party."

"Can I have a customized one?"

"I'll notify production." He laughs, standing.

"Thank you, Jack."

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

I make my way to the living room where I find Luca busy watching something. I take a few steps toward the couch and grab the remote, switching off the TV before tossing it on the couch. Just as I'm about speak, my phone vibrates in my hand and I unlock it to find a text from Jas. I lock my phone, deciding to answer her text later.

"Do I want to know what you were doing in Tokyo?"

"You're not too happy to see me." He states, earning a glare from me. "The Tokyo deal was taking forever and I had to look for other ways to speed things up."

"If I hear another complaint from Marketing or HR, I'll fire you myself. Those people are your team, Luca. They're not your lapdogs."

"You can't fire me." He snorts.

"Another smart comment and you'll be voted off the board."

"Alright, I'm sorry."

I nod, letting out a tired sigh. I sit across from him and turn the TV back on, making a mental note to check his story out.