Chapter 2 02. New Shareholder

KATE

I am Kate Collins, a passionate architect and co-owner of a successful company with my brother, Andrew. Being his business partner has been a unique experience, but it comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to balancing personal and professional life.

This morning, I woke up early and followed my usual routine. Before even getting out of bed, I checked my messages. As always, there was a good morning message from my brother, Andrew, who is more protective and controlling than any father. I briefly respond, asking him to go straight to the office, as I imagine he spent the night enjoying himself at the clubs.

I walk to the bathroom, take a quick shower, and get ready. However, before leaving, I decide to be a bit affectionate with Andrew and ask him to bring my favorite coffee. I call him, and on the first ring, he answers. "Yes, I admit I'm cheeky, even before you say anything, my dear little brother. Can you bring a delicious coffee with lots of milk for me..." I release a mischievous laugh over the phone as I hear him sigh.

"Kate, you're way too cheeky, we already know that. But you never miss the opportunity to ask for coffee every day," he responds, with a slight tone of complaint. I roll my eyes, knowing he can't see me. "Andrew, don't complain. I'll wait for you at the office with my coffee, or I can tell one of your uninteresting blondes that you're having fun with several, not just one." I hear him curse on the other end of the line.

"I'm on my way, Kate," he quickly responds and hangs up the phone. I start laughing, imagining his unfriendly expression after the blackmail I just pulled off. I grab my bag, put on my shoes, and head down to my private garage. I drive to the office, located in downtown Toronto. While driving, I turn on the radio, and the contagious beat of the music surrounds me. It's incredible how music can transport us to our own world.

I arrive at the company and am promptly greeted by Paul, the valet, who parks my car. I thank him and enter the office, hearing someone asking to hold the elevator. I immediately recognize the voice as Andrew's. I put my hand on the sensor, holding the elevator as my brother rushes to catch it. I start laughing and look at him, who is panting.

"Hi, Superman, don't you think you're a bit desperate?" I tease, watching him hand me the coffee. I try to grab it, but he raises it high, out of my reach.

"Since I'm Superman, as you've called me since we were kids, how about you be Wonder Woman and get the coffee up here?" He taunts, provoking my frustration. I scowl and refuse to respond. As soon as the elevator reaches our floor, I step out, marching straight to the office, wishing my secretary would arrive soon. Andrew follows closely, placing the coffee on my desk. He knows very well that I'm addicted to coffee.

"Andrew, you know I love you, right? But don't mess with my height. It's not my fault I got the short side of the family," I comment, grabbing the coffee and savoring it.

However, as I look at Andrew, I notice something is different. He looks serious, loosening his tie and sighing. "Kate, we need to talk about today's meeting," he says, changing his tone.

I sense his altered expression and pull a chair to sit in front of him. "What's wrong, Andrew? You seem strange. Was last night not good? Your 'blondes' didn't work out?" I joke, trying to ease the tension. "What's the problem with this meeting?"

He is starting to worry me. I don't like it when he gets like this. Andrew takes a deep breath and looks at me seriously. "It's not a big deal for you, but it is for me. This meeting is to close a deal with a new shareholder who will join us. Additionally, we'll have to discuss the assistance you'll receive, which I'm not pleased about."

An ironic smile appears on my lips. I begin to understand where he's going with this. Andrew is overprotective, which is usually good, but sometimes it becomes suffocating. I can't stand being controlled by another man besides him, but it seems I won't have a choice. If he's acting like this, it's because this new shareholder is someone he considers important.

"Andrew, what's the problem? It doesn't mean I'll have anything with this new shareholder, so why are you acting so strange? Don't start with these paranoias. You're my brother and business partner, not my father, who, by the way, doesn't make even half the drama you make." I see Andrew stand up quickly and start pacing back and forth, showing that the problem is bigger than I thought.

"Kate, the owner of the company is an old college friend, Taylor Crawford. You didn't like him back then and thought he was pulling me away from you. Remember him?" He stares at me, waiting for my reaction.

I remain still, remembering the awkward nerd who separated my only companion from me, making our virtual connections increasingly scarce. This memory still bothers me to this day. "Hmm, that clueless guy who wore glasses bigger than himself," I pretend not to care, but Andrew knows it affects me. "Well, it's been years... I couldn't imagine he would come back into my life and even merge with our company. I only saw him once in person, and believe me, it was more than enough."

Andrew shakes his head and puts his hand on my shoulder in a comforting gesture. "I know, Kate. But we need to overcome this. Taylor is interested in investing in our company, and it would be a great opportunity for us to grow. I promise I won't let him interfere in our relationship, but we need to give this partnership a chance."

I take a deep breath and smile at him, knowing he cares about me, even if he exaggerates sometimes. "Alright, Andrew. Let's deal with it together, as we always have. I trust you." I stand up and walk over to him, hugging him. Andrew responds to the hug, relieved.

He leaves my office, informing me that he would take care of a few more things before the meeting. I end up completely absorbed in the new project I'm creating for a special client. Because I'm so focused, I don't hear Camile knock on the door. Only when I realize her presence do I see how distracted I got. She informs me that the meeting will start in 5 minutes, and everyone is already in the boardroom, waiting.

"Thanks for letting me know, Camile. Is Andrew already there?"

"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Andrew is in the room, waiting..."