Chapter 4 3

"Have a seat." The personal assistant to Mr Malcolm said as I entered the main office.

"Thank you."

"I called your secretary this morning."

"I know you did. If I did not know, I would not be here silly" I thought because, of course, I could not say that aloud.

"Yeah, that's why I am here." I responded. "But why do I need to meet with you? Mr Malcolm owns the group, he should talk to me directly."

"Don't push it, young lady. Mr Malcolm can't meet with you. He's a busy man."

I stood up in anger.

"What insult! Do you think I'm here to joke or something?"

"Is he trying to mock me because I'm just a young lady? I thought as I glared at him.

"Wow! What a temper!" He muttered under his breath but I heard anyway.

"Can you repeat that?"

"He's sorry, Miss Miranda." Someone apologized before I could react rashly.

"And who the hell are you to apologise on his behalf? He has a mouth, you know." I snapped as I turned back only to come face to face with the old devil.

"Mr Malcolm?" I stared in disbelief. The old good looking devil finally came out of hiding.

"Have a seat, dear." I wasn't ready to back down but I eventually sat down. "I'm sorry on his behalf. Actually, I don't meet with people nowadays so he covers up for me." He tried to explain.

I just stared dumbstruck. I mean why in the world would anyone call this man the devil in the business world 'cause right now, the man I'm seeing was just too handsome for his age and too good looking to be called a devil.

"Have you forgotten the devil is good looking as well?" My subconscious mocked while I did a mental slap. "Just keep shut and focus."

"So what do you think about the proposal I just made?" Mr. Malcolm inquired.

"Sorry, what?" Seems he had been discussing some kiddies plan while I was having a mental breakdown.

"Wow, so you haven't been listening? I understand it's a rare privilege to meet with me physically ever since I started to avoid the spotlight." He smiled and damn! "Anyway, what do you think about the kiddies proposal?" He asked.

"It's cool. I totally understand the reason for K.K's involvement." I answered.

"I learnt your father gave you all his business companies, the reason for that is obviously in front of me." He smiled

"Sir, are you mocking or praising me?" I asked with a frown.

"I'm praising you, of course. I've seen most of K.K's kiddies sections designs. That was one of the reasons I called for this partnership." He explained and I nodded. I think my work is done here.

"Sir, I should be on my way now. Let's meet some other time." I stood up.

"I hope we'd work together for more products in the future." He shook hands with me.

"Sure, sir. Goodbye for now." I proceeded to leave the room and when I stepped out of the mini office to see armed men, I wasn't even surprised they were still there. They would want to protect the boss. Malcolm has a lot in common with Dad.

"Let me lead the way."

Why does the voice sound familiar? It sounded like the husky voice of the gang leader in my dreams. I glanced at the man whose head was slightly bowed and I couldn't make out what he looked like. Even if I do, the men in my dream never had a face in any of those dreams. Their faces were never clear.

~

"Dad, I met Mr Malcom today" I announced as I entered the library to meet my father.

"You did what?" He asked in annoyance.

"I don't know how a good looking man like that can be called ruthless. I couldn't find any dot of evil in him."

"Miranda, what matters in a man is his heart." He replied. "But why would you go to the lion's den again?"

He was obviously displeased. I shrugged and ignored his question.

"Anyway, I'm gonna sign the partnership deal."

"Not while I'm still alive." he yelled. "Mr Malcolm is not to be trusted, no matter what. He knows that you are ignorant of his evil schemes and has decided to shift the game from me to you, knowing fully well he would easily win against you."

"Dad," I whined. "I had an hectic day and I need some sleep. If you'd excuse me, I'm off to bed." I said as I exited the library.

~

I sat behind my desk, going through the few things I needed to check on my phone when I received a notification.

"Oh... my...God,"I gasped. "Everlink group has been accused of money laundering? I can't believe this."

I really need to think twice before signing the partnership deal. I don't want to get K.K into any doom.

"Just to remind you that you have a meeting with Mr Malcolm by 3 o'clock, ma'am." Vivian said when she entered my office.

Every meeting notifications I've had three days in a row now are all about Malcolm. Only God knows what he wants today.

*

"Welcome, miss Miranda. May I lead you to the conference room?" Malcolm's secretary greeted me the moment I entered his office. I followed the lady. I planned to tell him I won't be partnering with him but the moment I entered the conference room, I became speechless.

"Welcome, Miss King." Malcolm greeted while I stared at the young man beside him. "Pardon our manners, Miss. Meet my son Mitch Hillson, the heir to Malcom's Group."

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Miss." The Mitch guy stretched out his hand for an handshake and when I slipped my hand into his, he lifted it and placed a kiss on it. "Am I privileged to know your name, Miss?"

My heart began to beat faster than its usual pace and I felt bubbles within me.

"I'm Miranda...Miranda King." I finally replied and my cheeks burned in embarrassment. I slipped my hand out of his grip.

My heart wouldn't stop beating crazily but I made sure I composed myself throughout the meeting. Few hours later after all was said and done, I stood to my feet.

"Mr Malcolm, I would like to leave now."

"I would really love if you and my son could get to know each other better." Mr Malcom interjected and all I could do was smile in return.