CHAIRMAN GREY'S LEGITIMATE DAUGHTER 'A fight for power and love'

NARRATIVE

Tears ran down Paige's face as she stared weakly around the white painted room. She could hear the sounds of footsteps along the corridor she wouldn't be walking out to again, the bustling and honking sounds of vehicles along the streets fifteen floors down. She smiled tearingly when she felt Harriet's hand on her face, wiping away the tears with a little hanky in between her fingers.

'It's okay Paige, you have to stop crying,' Harriet said pitifully, using her free hand to wipe the tears rolling down her own cheeks.

Paige sighed heavily, the pain from her earlier Ceasarean operation still hurt terribly. She smiled and placed a kiss one more time, on the forehead of her little treasure, the sleeping beauty cooed and stirred in Paige's arms and she couldn't withhold herself from letting out a pleased chuckle. Harriet beamed as she watch the adorable mother and daughter.

'She's so adorable and looks just like me, doesn't she?' Paige said, looking over at her best friend. Harriet smiled as she looked from mother to daughter, seeing the unhidden resemblance between both.

'Sure she does, Paige. Although I think Jamie would object to that if he were here.' She teased. The vibrant look in her silver eyes and the cheeky grin on her face disappeared, as her face fell at the mention of her husband's name.

If only I could unite with him again and watch him explode with glee once he sees our beautiful baby girl...If only I could live to watch her grow through life's inevitable stages... She thought

'I'm sorry,' Harriet apologized immediately, on noticing Paige's change of mood.

'You don't have to be Harry, it's not your fault.' She smiled warmly. While trying to turn on her side, she felt her head spinning and just as she was about to collapse back into the bed, Harriet immediately supported her, and was about to help her lay on the bed when Paige's warm hand grasp hers.

'Harry, you musn't forget your promise.' She looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms. 'Take care of her for me Harry, I don't have much time again as the poison has eaten too deep in my system.' Harriet broke into tears that instant as she collapsed onto the floor. Paige swallowed painfully while she bit on her dry lower lip as tears continue to roll freely, down her cheeks.

Slowly she stared at her baby one more time, and gently brush her fingers along her succulent, tender skin. Leaning over, she placed a kiss for the final time on her cheeks and forehead while she wished she could pause time for a moment.

She inhaled and exhaled deeply, knowing her time was up and she needed to let her go.

'Harriet please help me lie down,' she requested of her friend. Harriet quickly responded and did as she requested.

Paige closed her eyes as she pressed the child to herself, wanting to hold unto her until her very last moment. And with her last strength and breath, she hummed a song to the child who slept soundly, oblivious of the impending doom looming ahead of her.

Finally, Paige gave in as the cold hands of death took hold of her. But before she breath her last, she opened her eyes and sent one last pleading gaze, Harriet's way.

22 YEARS LATER;

SCARLETT'S POV

The door opened and I raised my gaze from my luggage towards the door only to find Mom standing behind my room door as she stared worriedly at me.

'Can't you stay? Do you really have to go?' She asked for the umpteenth time this morning.

I sighed, as I stretch to my full length from my initial crouched position over my luggage. I push away the strands of black hair from my face and looked at her. With my hips cocked sideways, I place a hand on my waist as a weary smile spread over my lips.

'Oh Mommy, not again!' I exhaled heavily when she gave me puppy eyes. Striding over in my flipflops, I pull her with me to sit on my bed.

'It's only a tour Mom, two months tour in Birmingham and I'll be back to you.' I tried to coax her. She stared at me reluctantly.

'Mom stop being such a baby.' I teased while wiggling her plump cheeks. She chuckled and raised her hands to mine. Taking them in hers, she placed her palm over them affectionately and smiled at me.

'Baby, you've never been to the UK and do you know how Birmingham is? What if you get lost while there and you aren't able to find your way back to me? I could die of panic.' She whined.

Oh boy! I roll my eyes mentally.

'Reason why there's something called a GPS Mom, besides I'm not a young teenage girl trying to find her way around. I'm a grown ass twenty two years college graduate. I can definitely take care of myself anywhere I am in the world so stop worrying over silly ideas.'

'Okay Scarlett, I trust you baby.' She finally agreed and I smiled. 'But you must return immediately your tour's over okay?'

'Sure Mommy. I can't trade my world best woman for anything in this world.' I said confidently and assuringly. Mom smiled sadly as she soothe my fingers with her thumb. I hugged her for a minute. 'It's time to go Mom, Skylar's waiting at the airport.' I said from her shoulders. Mom stroke my back severally before she finally released me.

Minutes later, I kissed Mom, the dog and our duplex goodbye before boarding a private cab to the airport.

*********

'Yo girlie!' Skylar shrieked immediately she sighted me. I turn my head towards the lobby just in time to see her racing to me, her luggage right behind her while her long wavy brown hair, danced with the wind.

'Woah! Easy girl.' I said as she engulfed me in a tight embrace, almost pushing us to the floor.

'Uhh...Sky?' I called.

'Yes Sugarplum,' she snuggle my cheeks with her eyes shut.

'We going down!' I said from her back.

'Oops!' She gasped and quickly balanced us and then she giggled.

'Sorry, didn't notice.' She grinned.

'Yeah I know.' I nod as I adjust my beanie.

Sky has a thing for hugging people she's close to or sometimes, even strangers, provided she's cool with them especially when they dress so good or smell good. She's just so free spirited and I love her for being her. I hope nothing ever changes this side of her.

'You smell good sugar, how was the drive here?' She said.

'Thank you Sky, the drive here was fine. You smell good too.' I said. She nodded and I noticed the mischievous grin on her cheeks.

'Had to sneak, or rather steal Cole's latest perfume. I'm sure he wouldn't mind.' She giggle.

I chuckled as a mental image of Cole screaming their home down on discovering Skylar's theft came to mind. As an older brother, it's easy for him to just let go or ignore but Cole wouldn't and Sky was just ever ready to torment his pitiable life.

'It's a surprise your Mom didn't follow you down here. How did you do, girl?' She suddenly asked as we both begin to walk towards the TSA checkpoint.

'Girl, I had to come up with the perfect reason to make her stay back.' I shake my head at the memory.

Mom's such an overprotective and a dotting mother. I don't think there's ever anyone more protective of their own than her.

'I know right,' Skylar chuckled. 'You ready for some hangout with freaking hot UK dudes?' She sang and I roll my eyes.

'Jeez! Sky, we going on a tour not some hookup,' I said.

'Oh puh-lease,' she stressed. 'My tour wouldn't be a tour without the perfect touch of the right ingredients in form of some sexy hunks.' She gushed. I found myself laughing so hard over that.

What am I ever gonna do without Sky in my life?

Oops! Never wanna imagine that...

Well, well Birmingham, be ready for us!

NARRATIVE>>>

He had his back to the door while he sat in his office chair, head bowed and lost in thought. His tall frame, evident from the length of his reclined legs. Several stripes of gray, graced his auburn hair.

'Mr Chairman,' A younger man called worriedly as he stood before the gray haired, his back slightly bowed in respect.

'Tell me,' the man replied as he ran a hand over his thin beard.

'Yes Sir,' the other bowed and immediately stated his findings. 'From our research, we learnt she boarded the plane to UK today.'

'Very well Finley, you've done well. She made things easier for us. Keep an eye on her and remember to remain discreet about this.' He said while his fingers leisurely stroke his beard.

'Yes, Sir Chairman.' The young man said. He gave a quick bow and soon exited the massive office.

Once alone, the gray haired man let out a heavy sigh and continued in his reminiscence which was however short lived as a middle aged lady cat-walked in.

'Darlying, you were here. I've been searching all over for you.' She began, her painted red lips pressed into a thin smile. 'Imogen told me you wouldn't see her. I want to know why...'

'Not now, Harriet. Not now!' He swiftly interrupted. 'I'm already stressed as it is, I can't add a fully grown woman's nagging to my already exhausting list.' He deadpanned.

Harriet's thin smile changed into a frown immediately but just as she was about to lash out her grievances, the man stood up and walked out quickly on her, much to her consternation.

As she watched his retreating figure, her anger increased and after some moments of gritting and biting her lips, she smirked.

A slow, intentional smirk.

SCARLETT'S POV

I nodded in agreement as I tap my chin thoughtfully, with my index finger while I listened to Sky go on and on about the places we would be touring during our stay in the city. She was reading from her phone, over the list we've made from our inquiries about the city before we left home.

We arrived Birmingham's airport few minutes ago after a few hours flight from Australia, Canberra's airport. Upon our arrival, the private uber we ordered was already waiting and without hesitation we hopped in and let him drive us through the streets of the beautiful city to our already booked rotunda hotel.

'We'll also check out the famous birmingham canal _heard so much about it. I definitely can't afford to miss this opportunity of seeing it with my own eyes.' She said excitedly and I chuckled softly.

'You won't Sky, that's why we made a list. Besides, we've got a lot of time and money to check out every part of this city if we want to.' I said and she nodded quickly in agreement.

'That's true sugar. I also heard the famous billionaire company, JP's Enterprise has it's headquarters here in Birmingham. I'd be so thrilled to check it out.' She gushed with wide eyes, now chewing on the lollipop she was initially licking when we alighted the plane.

'Breathe Sky,' I smiled at her before casting my eyes out the window.

I hope this tour leaves no room for regrets for us but is one that'll be filled with pleasant memories.

'Can't wait to visit the museum, the art galleries and even the renowned symphony hall. This tour's so gonna be lit.' I said and Sky immediately agreed.

Even though we've been planning this trip since our graduation from college last summer, we always get excited when we talk about it or the places we can't wait to tour.

For Skylar and I, nothing else mattered more than being with the people we love and care about while living our dreams. And that's how it's gonna continue because I'm never letting anyone get in the way of our friendship or happiness.

*******

'We're here, Miss.'

My eyes snapped open on hearing the driver's words.

Sky and I had fallen asleep some minutes ago during the ride, with her head on my shoulder and mine on her head.

'Wake up Sky, we've arrived.' I nudged her slightly.

'Oh dear, when did I fall asleep?' She yawned and stretched. I smiled and opened the car door, stepping out immediately.

The middle-aged driver was already removing our luggage from the boot while I look around our surrounding.

The hotel was a massive rotunda with over 20 stories, each having a balcony. It stood tall over several other buildings around.

'Oh my gosh! THISSS IS beautiful!' Sky gushed beside me.

'I agree Sky,' I smiled noddingly. 'Now girl can't wait to explore our personal suite.' I grinned, turning around to the driver as he took the last luggage out.

'Thank you, Mr Mills. I'm guessing we'll see you around.' I said to him with a small smile.

'You're welcome Miss, we're always at your service.' He smiled. 'Do have a wonderful stay during your tour in this humbled city.'

Sky and I smiled over his words and bade him farewell. Soon his car drove out the parking lot of the hotel and I turned to Sky.

'You ready?' I said with a knowing grin.

'Let's deal, baby.' She smirked.

We walked into the building, pulling our luggage with us and soon made the way to the elevator after dealing with the necessary formalities at the front desk. Soon, we stepped in the elevator and let it take us to the 15th floor where our room's located. Sky kept grinning from ear to ear after seeing some goodlooking fellas at the reception. I can already predict her next action. You should know she's one crazy girl...

The elevator door opened at the 10th floor and a young woman decked in expensive jewelries walked in, her black suede platform stiletto clicking as she walked. She was dressed in a black silk sleeveless Gucci-logo plaque knee-length dress, and her ringed fingers held unto a grey prada clutch. Her brunette hair, was held up in a low bun. Her right wrist was decorated with the latest armani wristwatch and a pretty diamond bracelet. She didn't walk in alone, about four intimidating looking bodyguards escorted her. Her strong but pleasant perfume made it obvious she uses the famous tom ford brand. Everything about her screamed wealth _excess wealth. Plus, she's undeniably pretty.

She looked the perfect definition of a billionaire daughter...

It only took me a few seconds to notice everything she had on. I felt Skylar nudged me slightly and I pursed my lips, knowing she wanted badly to say something. Thankfully, some seconds later, the elevator arrived at the 15th floor and Sky and I walked out quickly.

Finally outside, we both stared wide eyed at each other.

'Now who the heck was that?' I gasped.

'Scarlette I've gotta be dreaming right? I didn't just...we didn't just met UK's famous billionaire daughter right?'

'You know her?!' I raised a brow questioningly.

'C'mon Scarlett, you don't know the only daughter of the billionaire company? She's the only daughter of the Chairman of JP's Enterprise.' Sky explained.

I mouthed an 'Oh' as a clear understanding of her appearance sank in.

'I mean, thanks to Cole I've heard alot about her and seen a lot of her photos but boy, never expected to ever see her in person.' Sky said, a bewildered expression on her face.

'Is she that great?' I asked, casting a glance towards the elevator.

'What?!' Sky gasped dramatically. 'That's Imogen we're talking about. She's pretty and hot as f**k as Cole would always say, the idiot is badly crushing on her. Have you seen his room? No let's rephrase that. Have you seen her brother? Girl, boy is freaking hot!'

'Really?! Tell me about it!' I said, feigning interest as we begin to walk down the hallway, in the direction our suite was located. Sky immediately began to talk about this dude or that dude. I honestly don't care but because she's Sky, I had to play along.

'...his Instagram followers...'

She suddenly paused, I looked sideways at her wondering why she suddenly stopped talking only to see her looking so dazed.

'Sky?' I called. She didn't look at me, that's when I followed her gaze and....

'OMG!!!' I gasped and my mouth remained hung agape.

SCARLETT'S POV

I blink severally to ascertain I wasn't dreaming as I beheld the scene before my eyes. Walking down the hallway in the opposite direction was a gorgeous, breathtaking asian hunk. He was tall with a mass of jet black hair, his lips were red and his eyes, gosh! Those eyes were the sexiest I've ever seen, his thick yet long lashes conceal his berg chocolate eyes. His legs were long and his hands were in his jean pockets as he walked. His unbuttoned shirt revealed his well defined abs, his perfectly proportioned muscles and his veins popping out close to his groin.

He's the perfect definition of manliness in every aspect...

I literally found myself swallowing. Jeez! I don't know him but for the first time in a long while, a male is having such effect on me.

Sky was so lost in her ogling trance while she clinged unto my bicep.

Jeez! This is so not me. This is Sky's thing!

I was screaming at myself mentally to get a grip. The dude walked past, not sparing us a glance and at that moment, I felt incredibly stupid.

'Is this some kinda dream sugar? Please don't wake me up from it!'

'Oh well,' I sighed, finally collecting my senses from wherever I'd lost it.

'Did you know who we just saw?' She asked. I shake my head negatively. 'That's the famous KK billionaire chaebol.' She said.

'You mean the renouned chairman of the Song and Kwan Group?' I asked with widen eyes. She nodded affirmatively.

'Wow! I never knew he's a young man.' I admitted. Sky chuckled as she said.

'Uh-uh. A young HUNK you mean,' I rolled my eyes at her. 'Besides, you're never someone to flow with the times, Scarlett.'

Well, she's right.

Thankfully, our room was just two steps away and I just couldn't wait to collapse in bed after having a nice, warm shower. I pulled my luggage along and soon we're at the door, Sky hurriedly use the mobileapp lock in her phone to open the door and we both threw ourselves in, shutting the door after us, as we were so tired and exhausted from the trip.

********

I sat down on the comfy couch at the balcony, staring down the beautiful city of Birmingham while sipping leisurely from my glass of cocktail. Sky and I had a short nap and afterwards we had a tour around the hotel. I particularly loved the view from the balcony of the rotunda, it's soothing and calming in a way. A brief thought about Mom came to mind and I wondered how she was faring alone back in Australia, although we've had about three video calls and ten voice calls since we arrived.

By the way, Sky was right beside me on a video call with Cole, as she told him every little detail of our stay in the UK so far. He was _much expectedly, interested in our elevator encounter with his crush more than anything else.

I scrolled away on my phone, checking out the latest Armani sunshades on stock. Aside from the fact that sunshades are necessary during summer, I'm a crazy sunshades freak so I'm always at their wall, checking out their latest babies and ordering or shopping them myself. I stopped scrolling and stared down the city again, a LED video news displaying on one of the tall buildings few streets from where I was, caught my attention and I stared interestedly for a while.

CEO of JP's Enterprise; Tristan Millan, removed from office for embezzlement of company funds. JP's Chairman's first wife's death anniversary, to hold in a few weeks as Chairman hinted of possible retirement. Netizens are in opinion that the chairman's first son, Ashton Grey is likely to be the next CEO.

'Look sugar, I found out another interesting place we could visit.' Sky said and I turn my attention to her.

'Really? Where's it?' I leaned closer to her.

***********

The beautiful, tall woman smiled and waved at me and I stared curiously at her. She was breathtakingly gorgeous and her pretty almond shaped eyes were a mesmirizing pair of silver and a hint of grey. Her lips were full and pink, she had really long black hair which fell freely down the small of her back. She had on a beautiful flora silver dress which didn't conceal her hour-glass figure and she was slender.

She looked exactly like me...

Wait! Is this me in a few more years?

I smiled at the woman and she waved back at me. I took few steps towards her but someone suddenly yelled my name in my ear.

'Scarlett! Wake up, it's a new day!!!'

'Yes Mom!' My eyes snapped open and I sprung out of the bed almost hitting my body against the wall due to my speed and the dizzy state I was in, but luckily I found my balance as I became completely conscious.

I turned around to glare at the one person who enjoys tormenting me in this manner under the pretext of waking me up.

SKYLAR!!!

Sitting at the edge of the bed with her legs crossed, she had a ready grin on immediately my eyes met hers.

On impulse, she hopped out of the bed like a cheetah and began running around the room while I chased her with a fluffy pillow.

'I've told you severally to quit waking me up in that manner, why won't you just budge?! I could go into panic mode one day you know.' I shouted hoarsely as I chased her. All the time she did this, it's always hard to grasp her when she ran.

'Scarlett you are always in a panic mode each time I do this and even just now, you were.' She laughed as she ducked, not letting the fluffy pillow I throw hit her.

'Argghhh! You're so insufferable.' I sank onto the bed, exhausted.

'I love you too baby,' she grinned and blew raspberry at me.

I rolled my eyes towards the open huge glass window door and yawned just as the morning breeze blew in and caressed my dishelved hair. I stretched my length on the bed and soon frowned in confusion when a random memory popped in my head from my dream earlier. I sighed and tossed my legs on the bed as I pondered on the meaning of the dream.

I rarely have dreams but each time I do, there's always a meaning behind it.

'Get ya ass off the bed sugar, we've got a busy day ahead.' Sky said as she walked in the jacuzzi while throwing her nightie on my face.

'Sky!!!'