Beneath Her Silver-Streak

George's POV

The date and time on the wall clock read Monday 26th, 9:30am.

The weather was cold. Clouds had gathered and darkened, giving an eerie look to the atmosphere.

From the 21st floor, I looked outside–strong winds swept through trees, grasses, and flowers, making them sway in different directions as if dancing to the beat of a melodious tune.

The occasional rumbling of thunder was heard and was accompanied by lightning.

I looked back at the people still sitting before me in the boardroom. Their coffee had gone cold-barely touched even.

The look of panic rested on each of their faces. And the smell of the cold coffee hung thickly in the air.

"What did you just say?" I asked, still in disbelief.

No response.

I walked away from the window to sit at the head of the table.

"Explain it again", I said, rubbing my temples, "slowly this time".

With a shaky voice, the CFO managed to reply.

"The stock prices have...plummeted. The banks denied the loans we requested. The bid for the Southland...w-we've lost it. And the hotel expansion in Monaco...it's frozen. Alongside the money in the banks...all frozen..."

He paused and shifted uncomfortably, scanning round the room, as if asking for permission to go on.

He cleared his throat nervously and continued.

"Also, the airline's permit was abrogated. The board members...they want a meeting. And as for the Feds...well...um, they're...they're seeking to hold someone accountable".

Silence swept through the room once more. You could hear a pin drop.

I stood up, throwing my hands in the air. "All of these, happening so suddenly? Who could be behind this? Why now?"

They all kept quiet, heads hung low, feeling defeated.

A shift in the market couldn't be responsible for all of these. It wasn't just bad luck either.

It was not uncommon that a man like me who wielded much power and influence, oftentimes than not had enemies. Still, there were indications that this may as well be targeted.

It felt personal.

After I had signed that deal three months ago, everything took a downturn for me and I never saw it coming.

I pushed my chair backwards and walked to the window again. The view from up here overlooked the magnificence of the city. I stared at nothing in particular, and somehow, I was engulfed by the feelings of nostalgia.

For years, my empire had been untouchable–spanning across construction, aviation, and the hospitality industry.

The very company I had built from the ground up, with my blood, sweat, and tears now lies on the brink of total collapse.

My chest tightened and I instinctively flung my hand over my chest swaying lightly. My assistant quickly rushed over to steady me but I waved him off with a hand.

I had to put up a front to act strong. I couldn't risk looking weak or acting sickly in front of them.

"You all may leave now," I said, "thanks for coming".

Having said that, they gathered up their things, bowed respectfully, and left the boardroom.

"Sir, it's time for you to take your pills," Eric said.

I chuckled.

"My pills you say...What use are pills to a dead man?" I said, gesturing to myself. "I'm finished...I'm a finished man".

"Sir, please do not talk like that. Things are indeed looking bad right now but it doesn't mean this is the end for you. I believe in you and your legacy. But your health is important and that should come first. So please, take your pills". He said as he stretched his hands forward, placing the small bottle of pills and a glass of water on the table.

A small bitter smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Eric," I called.

"Yes, sir".

"You are young and insightful. You have a way of saying the right things at the right time. Making you my P. A is one of the best decisions I ever made."

"Thank you for your kind words, sir. I will continue to do my best".

I popped open the pill bottle, took one out, and gulped it down. Then I set the empty glass down on the table, loosened my tie, and sat down.

"Do you want some more water, sir?" He asked.

"No, this is enough for me. Turn on the TV".

"Yes sir".

Taking the remote, he turned on the TV. As soon as he did, the news that came up screamed Ford's name with the headline:

'FORD'S GROUP IN THE MUD'.

He quickly changed it to another station with a similar headline.

'IS THIS THE END OF THE FORD GROUP?'

Tuning to yet another: SCANDALOUS FALL OF THE FORDS'.

"The news media will spare no chance in making a spectacle of one's name!" I said, hitting my fist on the table angrily.

Eric quickly turned off the TV, afraid to upset me further.

I got up and walked towards the window, staring out again.

My gaze shifted to the gathered clouds outside. The threatening storm–a reflection of the internal turmoil that I battle with–is dark and frightening.

I heaved a deep sigh. My thoughts drifted, not just to my legacy lying in ruins, but of my family-my wife-Melanie-and my son-Bradley.

I stood there for some minutes, lost in thought, till I felt a slight nudge on my shoulder.

I turned. Surprised.

"Oh! Bradley, when did you come in?"

"Some five minutes ago" he replied.

Then he added. "Why didn't you tell me things had gotten this bad?"

"Son," I said in a low voice, "I didn't want to bother you about things with the company just yet. I-"

He cut me off midway.

"This isn't about bothering me! We're a family. What good is a family if we don't share in the burdens we deal with, especially something of this magnitude?"

"I get your point son, but you have to understand that I had to give room for your dream before you finally take over the company."

"Irrespective," he said, with annoyance, but with a tone that still held an unmistakable glint of concern. "This is too much for you to handle alone. The condition of your heart...with all these happening, you may not survive another attack."

"I know...But I worry about you, son. I worry about your future and your Mother as well".

"I understand, Father. I will outsource for help if that's what it'll take to get us out of this crisis".

"We need more than just help". I said, looking straight into his eyes. "We need a miracle."

Bradley's POV

"Escort him downstairs", I said to Eric. "The butler is waiting to drop him off at home".

"Ok, Mr. Bradley. But wouldn't you be joining your Father as well?"

"No, not now", I replied.

"Forgive me, Mr. Bradley, if I seem to be intruding but, I don't think you should be alone at this time. If it's okay with you, I'll walk Mr. Ford to the car and come back here".

"It's okay, Eric I'll be just fine".

"Mr. Bradley, you've been nice to me ever since I was recruited to work with your father. You even extended your kindness to my family. I worry for you and Mr. Ford", he said looking at my dad.

"I know I'm just an assistant but, if there is any way I can help, I'm ready to do anything".

I smiled, stretched my hand, and patted his shoulder. "Thank you, Eric. You've been an indispensable staff member at the company. If I do need anything, I'll let you know".

"Thank you, Mr. Bradley".

He turned to my father. "Shall we go, Mr. Ford?"

"Yes". Then he turned to me. "There is going to be a heavy downpour anytime soon. Don't stay too long okay?"

"Don't worry Father, I won't".

"Alright son, see you later at home".

Eric helped him carry his office bag, and they both left the boardroom, closing the door behind them.

Finally, alone, I sat on one of the chairs. My eyes darted to the files arranged neatly on the table.

I opened the files, scanning through them, and there they were. A pile of legal notices and bank red flags, documents of already confiscated properties belonging to our company, and summons from the feds.

The situation looked bad. No wonder Dad said we needed more than just 'help' we needed a 'miracle'.

I brought out my phone that had been in my breast pocket and started scrolling through social media. It did not come as a surprise to me that it was abuzz with our family's name. Indeed bad news spread like wildfire.

I clenched my jaws hard as I scrolled through the comments targeted to smear our reputation.

"They got what they deserve. They wanted to be everywhere and have an influence on everything. Look where greed landed them".

"Who would have thought the Fords would ever one day collapse? Hahaha serves them right".

"It's a shame that a company like this claiming to always uphold integrity will get involved in such a scandal, so disgraceful".

What a bunch of gullible people! I spat under my breath. Drawing unreasonable conclusions based on social media hearsay.

And these bloggers...were worse off with their provocative headlines: 'THE IMMINENT DOOM OF THE FORDS'.

Really??

I scrolled some more and saw some sensible and neutral comments:

"I feel so bad for the Fords. My uncle once worked with them before he traveled abroad and he had nothing but good things to say about them. I hope they come out of this crisis".

"Scrolling through these comments I can't help but feel humanity has lost it. So what if they're going down...is it something to gloat and be happy about? I feel disgusted for real".

"I will not judge till I hear from both sides. Till then, fingers crossed".

Well, I guess there are still reasonable people after all. I sighed and logged out. Remaining in that toxic space will just keep me agitated and nothing good will come out of it.

I can't let our company go down like this. No. Not without a fight.

I scrolled through my contacts and decided to reach out to Elton's group. We once helped them out and saved their group from financial wreckage.

Calling him for a favor is not out of place. I dialed the number saved as Mr. Elton and he picked it up at the third ring.

"Hello", came the voice from the other end, sounding irritated.

Ignoring that though, I went ahead with the reason I called. "Good afternoon Elton, I hope I am not calling at an inconvenient time...I would have come to see you in person given the gravity of the circumstance but, time is of the essence here and I urgently need you to do me a favour".

"Ok, what exactly are we talking about here?"

"Well...it's about our company...I need a loan".

"You need a loan?" he repeated with a scoff. That's what banks are meant for. Why not take a loan from there?" he asked.

I was taken aback by his response.

"Mr. Elton, if that were plausible I wouldn't even be calling to ask this of you. Please...this is urgent".

"Mr. Bradley, I really wish I could help but we are currently expanding. Now is not the right time".

"Really...nothing at all?"

"I wish there was something I could do...I'm sorry, I have to go now", he said and hung up.

I instinctively gripped my phone tightly slamming it on the table.

He just hung up on me!

The same Elton group we had saved from financial collapse and partnered with is talking to me about an expansion?

I wasn't really into much about what was going on in the company but I was well aware of other groups we partnered with.

I grabbed a file and scanned through-there was no place stating that the Eltons are kickstarting an expansion. Worse still, I saw he had withdrawn his partnership from our group along with others who were once partnering with us.

I had a clear picture of his motive-he didn't want to help.

Not wanting to be deterred, I reached out to the Derma group, a family friend of my father and a business tycoon. I dialed his phone three times but no response.

Strange.

I decided to call his P. A instead and he answered on the first dial.

"Hello Kent, good day".

"Good day to you Mr. Bradley", he responded.

"Thank you. I've been trying to reach your CEO but no response. I presume his phone may not be within reach so I'd like you to put him on the phone if he's close by".

"Oh, that...um...sir"...he stuttered. There was a voice I heard in the background-unmistakably the voice of the CEO of Derma Group.

"H-He is indisposed at the moment but as soon as he's free, you will get a call from him".

"Ok", I replied flatly and hung up. I knew what it was and I knew for certain that call would never come.

I had spent the whole afternoon to the early hours of the evening reaching out to business allies whom my father had supported and even partnered with. Including other influential people who had smiled with me on yachts, toasted to glasses of champagne, and the women who had fondly called me 'nephew'. Even those my father had supported to hold political offices.

They wasted no time shutting me out.

I was met with different forms of excuses:

"We're currently restructuring".

"We've embarked on a new expansion project".

"We have to mitigate the risks".

"We're cutting down on expenses".

I realized help wouldn't come from the same circle of people who had once been rescued by our company financially. They've already buried me, even before my breath was snuffed out.

I had put my pride aside to ask for help, only to be humiliated-one rejection after the other.

My gaze shifted to the screen in front of me which showed the chart of the stock market crashing-the company was bleeding.

The feds and the media weren't making things any easier. They've already begun circling like vultures, ready for a feast.

They were out for blood.

And they would get it if I didn't act fast-very fast.

The court summons lay comfortably on the table, still unanswered. I needed more time but time wasn't a luxury I had.

The fact remains that in just a few hours, I would either be re-made or doomed.

My last bet was my fiancée. I was sure that even if everyone had turned me down-she wouldn't.

Or so I thought.

Bradley's POV

I had been calling Sabrina for days, but either she was not picking up or the calls went to voicemail. I texted and chatted, but no response.

What could be wrong?

I was worried sick now.

I stepped out of the boardroom, heading for the elevator when I stopped.

I turned around, taking in the full view of the once bustling finance and marketing floor I was on-now eerily silent. The seats were empty. The sounds of typing on the keyboard were gone. The chatter of the workers had ceased. And my walking steps echoed, with each stride I took.

Even with that, I didn't want to lose hope just yet. No. Not until I speak with Sabrina.

Getting to the parking lot, I got into my car and zoomed off-heading for the Stones' estate.

I soon arrived, and it looked as magnificent as ever–the serene environment-exuding wealth. The sight wasn't new to me as I often came to visit Sabrina.

Brushing that aside, I honked, expecting the gates to be opened, but no response.

I had to step out of my car and walk to the gate to press the button on the intercom.

"Hello". I said.

"Who is it?" Responded a male voice with a deep baritone, sounding almost mechanical. I recognized it as the voice of the family's butler.

"It's me".

"You who?" he asked.

I could feel my face flushed red from embarrassment. "You suddenly can't recognize my voice anymore or what?" I shot back. "It's me, Bradley-Bradley Ford!"

"Ok...what brought you to the Stones' residence?" He asked deadpan.

My forehead creased in confusion. "Is this some sort of prank?" I asked through gritted teeth. "What do you mean what brought me here? Do I need to have any particular reason before I come to see my fiancée?"

"Hmmph", he snorted, "I will let her know you're here".

I was stunned.

Was he going to keep me standing here? Waiting outside?

I contemplated turning back to keep my dignity intact but I restrained myself.

I was desperate.

I stood there for another five minutes before the gates opened. All this time, the downpour had gotten heavier. My suit-completely drenched.

---

Sabrina's POV

The weather was cold and it was raining outside. I was relaxing, sipping hot tea when my phone rang. The caller ID showed Bradley-with lovey-dovey emojis.

Bradley-my fiancé-whose family's empire had gone under.

I ignored it and continued sipping my tea. He called again, and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. His persistent calls and texts were becoming a disturbance, so I put my phone on airplane mode. Barely ten minutes later, the butler knocked on my door, and I ushered him in.

"Miss, Mr. Bradley is here to see you?"

"What? He is here to see me?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Sabrina", he replied in a neutral tone "If you don't want to see him, I could ask him to leave".

"Let's wait a while and see if he'll leave on his own".

"Ok, Miss", he said and excused himself.

Ugh! I slapped my hand on my forehead.

I thought he was smart! Couldn't he deduce I no longer wanted him around me?

Now he is here-trying to cling to me like a leech!

What a headache!

I strode out of my room, putting on my cute pink comfy slippers as I leisurely dragged my feet to the hallway to get a better view.

And there he was. Still standing there!

So obstinate! I called the attention of the butler and asked him to let him in.

"Oh my God, Bradley you look awful," I said immediately as he stepped in. He made a move to sit on the sofa and I quickly rushed at him, preventing him from doing so.

"What on earth are you thinking of doing? Trying to sit on this expensive sofa that costs a fortune?" I shrieked. "Look at you Bradley...you're drenched. You'll ruin it. And with the look of things", I said sizing him up and down with disdain, "you won't even be able to make a replacement for it!"

"Are you for real?" He asked.

"Uh-uh...yea?" I replied, still sipping from my tea cup, not even bothering to offer him one.

"What's with your attitude of late? You don't respond to my calls or texts anymore. I came here to see you but I was treated with disregard by your staff and here you-"

"Slow down, Bradley", I said, raising a hand to shush him when he interrupted me "The staff is-"

"Oh", he nodded, "so we're going by first names now huh?"

"The staff were just doing their job", I responded, ignoring his last statement, "and part of it is making sure that not just anyone waltz into the estate without proper scrutiny".

"So I fall under the category of just anyone? Is that what you're trying to insinuate?"

I could feel the tone of disbelief in his voice but I couldn't care less. I walked to sit on the sofa and I could feel his eyes fixated on me. I sat down-legs crossed.

Pouring some more tea for myself I said, "It's security protocols, Bradley". I sipped in between and continued, "You're unnecessarily getting worked up over something so trivial".

I saw the unmistakable look of surprise on his face, when I called him by his first name again. Something I had not done since we officially got engaged.

My heart tugged at me a little bit for being harsh but I silenced it. I did love him but I loved financial security too. Besides, what's love without wealth?

"I have been to this same residence countless times. And not once-not once have I been treated like this!"

He paused, then continued slowly, as if something in him had just clicked.

"Oh...I see it now" he nodded slowly, "this show of contempt, this disregard, is it because of what is happening to my family's company? Have I suddenly become nothing to you?"

I muttered under my breath. Good...at least you're not so dense. You're finally getting a clue.

I lifted my gaze and looked at him icily. "Your family's empire has gone under. Fine. Solve it! Don't involve me in this mess"!

"Babe", he called out softly, "don't talk that way. I need your help, now more than ever".

I recoiled at how he addressed me as 'babe'.

"You need my help?" I scoffed. "Do you think I'd stick my neck out in this situation and risk putting my family's name on the line?? Don't even dream of it!"

"You should know that if the tables were turned, I would go up and above for you", he admitted, trying to conceal the pain in his voice.

"I can never be in your shoes. My father will never get involved in financial crimes-"

"Enough! You're crossing the line! You of all people should know my Father is innocent of all he's been accused of. I came here to ask for help", he continued, trying to relax his nerves. "I've run out of options. I need more time. A loan...your connections-anything that would help".

"Don't make me repeat myself unnecessarily Bradley. I've already made myself clear-my family can't risk being tied to yours. It won't be good for business".

"Babe, this isn't just about business. It's about family. We are betrothed and we were to build a future together-a dynasty, remember?"

"Well, that future no longer exists", I said deadpanned.

"What? Babe, w-what do you mean?" He stuttered.

"First of all", I said, pointing a finger at him, "you would stop calling me that. You should address me as Miss Sabrina or Miss Stone henceforth..."

"What...why?"

"Isn't it obvious? We're no longer on the same level. Your empire's gone under, and I don't want to be dragged into the ashes".

"Did you ever even love me?" He asked.

"I did...but not anymore. Look at me Bradley". I said, turning round to give him a 360 view of myself, "I deserve nothing short of a wealthy and influential man-of which, you are no longer that".

"W-what?"

"And if you must know...", I continued, "my Father's already considering another match".

He balled his fists by his side.

"Don't tell me you agreed to that".