Somehow Love is Found (BWWM)

Chapter 32: Leonardo Costas

Two years later.

It has been two years since James was murdered.

To avoid controversy, Dad and Kate said it was a hate crime.

I was still investigating it, unbeknownst to them.

Mom became worse and had to be readmitted to rehab.

Kate had given birth to a girl, presumably from the owner of the hospital. When Dad found out, he was mad and she moved out of the house as a result. She quit her job and was now working in her own clinic.

Now it was just me and Dad.

I had graduated from Ajax High, passing all my subjects and was now in my second year at college. I was studying for my MBA.

I realized that was exactly what I saw myself doing for the rest of my life and was working towards it. 

Dad took me on as his assistant at Hale Corporations, teaching me everything about the company. 

Apparently, Kate refused to take the company and now I was the only one left to take it.

I didn't want it either.

But I couldn't see it going in the wrong hands, so I worked hard there as well.

I hadn't seen Refael since I graduated.

Good riddance.

I wasn't dating anyone.

Nor did I intend to.

I had a goal and a purpose and I had to work towards it.

******************************************

Today we were to have a meeting with Costas and Sons, a Greek construction company. We were going to discuss the terms of the contract and have it signed.

I made sure the boardroom was well organized, with nameplates where everyone was going to sit.

I was prepared to observe.

That was it.

**************************************

But my father had other plans.

"You will represent Hale Corporation along with our attorney today," he said.

My eyes widened in surprise.

Did I hear that right?

"You've gotta be kidding me," I said.

He shook his head and looked at me.

"See it as practical experience Octavia."

He's serious.

He must be a madman.

"You do realize that this could be a profitable contract right? And you're entrusting it to someone who has zero experience handling these things-"

"Exactly. This is your practical," he said, patting me on the shoulder, "a test to see if you should continue pursuing an MBA or change your major. You are the heiress to Hale Corporation and if you can't get a simple contract signed, then these two years was a waste."

I sighed, knowing that he was right.

Talk about pressure.

"I understand."

************************************

At exactly 10:15, I was positioned outside of the building.