The CEO's Unexpected Romance

A man and woman followed him inside the boardroom. There was an air of formality about the attire and serious demeanor. The opulent room's occupants acknowledged his presence by getting to their feet to greet him. He looked about at the group of people in front of him before taking a seat and motioning for everyone to take a seat as well. Nobody was willing to talk. Without even opening a file, he signaled to a young guy that the presentation was about to start.

"The goal of our new store will be to sell shoes at a lower price so that our customers-," He was interrupted by a chilly comment.

"You mean to tell me you want to lower our profit margin!?" He thumbed through the file, rolling his eyes.

"Um sir, I'm not necessarily saying..."

"This company is built off of integrity and quality, my father did not build this company for it to simply be mediocre, if there is no better pitch by Tuesday at noon, you'll be fired," he said. The room immediately felt very cold.

The sad boy trailed off, "But... may I finish?" as his employer stood up and started to leave the room, not showing any emotion. His followers, who were afflicted with boredom, trailed behind him and accompanied him on his exit.

"How can he treat people in that manner? Who is this guy thinking he is? He sobbed out of frustration.

The red-haired woman said, "He's Andrew Baker, the CEO and president of these department stores, some of the top in the world you know... He owns this company."

He angrily remarked, "Yes, I know, it was a rhetorical question," grabbed his files, and raced out of the room.

***

Two men entered the building and he sat in his gleaming black office chair, staring at his timeline for the next month.

"Do they appear to be a threat? When did this business become large enough to potentially threaten our safety?" Andrew asked them sharp questions.

"We've tried to schedule a meeting with one of their representatives to create some sort of cooperation, but it has fallen through each time," one of the guys said, glancing at the other.

Andrew rose from his chair and moved to face the two men.

"So, are you telling me this whole time you have found this predicament entirely too unimportant to report to me, yet according to these charts, our sales have decreased by 20%?" The men weren't prepared for all of the questions to be posed at once, so they were taken off guard. The room darkened like a cloud of silence.

"Well, sir, that's not the root of the issue. Sir, your father loaned roughly ten million dollars while serving as the company's active CEO and president. He lent the money to Smith of the Smith Stores since he was close friends with them and a project had gone wrong. It was five million at first, but as time went on, they kept demanding more and more, and finally, your father died. However, it is that money that has been limiting our budget for growth and promotion." Andrew paused as the tale developed and asked himself, "How come I had never heard of this?"

"Smith has ten million dollars outstanding? And none of it has been repaid by them? My father was forgiving to others. Mr. Charles, please begin writing a concise summary of this case and send it to me right now. I'll need some time to consider my options before moving forward with this matter," he asked. Mr. Charles nodded curtly in response. Andrew was in his late twenties, while Mr. Charles was in his early forties. Despite this, Mr. Charles had developed a deep regard for his boss on several fronts. He was a moderately tall man. His dark hair had subtle grey flecks that complemented his eyes, and the lines around his eyes betrayed a lifetime of effort and worry. The men prepared for a new assignment together.

"Mr. Charles," he responded, "You've been working at this company for the last ten years, you probably know more about what happened with my father and Smith than anyone, I'd like you to give your input and ideas on how to handle this."

"Yes, sir, of course," Mr. Charles said courteously.

He was startled out of his work fog by a knock on the door.

"Come in." Andrew raised his voice. A young woman in her late twenties entered the room, her straight, chocolate-colored hair blowing behind her. She had a fair complexion and was wearing a sky-blue chiffon blouse with a professional black pencil skirt. She responded, "I apologize for the inconvenience, sir, but you have a function that you must attend this evening and you have to get going," holding a little planner.

He nodded in response, then said, "Okay, please get the driver and car in place," as she left the office. He headed home shortly after that to change into appropriate clothing for the situation.

Andrew asked, "I take it you've got everything worked out?"

"Yes, Mr. Baker," Mr. Charles said as he passed the packet of documents over to Mr. Baker.

It's encouraging to hear. Andrew leafed through the pages, "It's encouraging to know you take your work seriously. Any ideas on a solution?"

"Well sir, I do not believe the Smith family can pay us back anytime soon, with their sales versus their spending with personal matters, I don't believe that we can get even a reasonable fraction of our money back any time in the near, or distant future."

What precisely are you saying, Mr. Charles? That we just dropped ten million dollars to our most advanced rivals? What might you be thinking about?"

"Well since money isn't currently available, we'll have to go with non-price factors." Mr. Charles trailed off, feeling suddenly uncertain about his proposal.

Andrew, suddenly interested in what might be worth 10 million dollars, pushed, "Yes, Mr. Charles, go on."

As you can see, Mr. Smith is a father of two girls. When kingdoms have financial difficulties, they will typically agree to work together to strengthen their bonds. Specifically, they would get married, wealth would rule, and their problems would be resolved. Mr Charles remembered.

"Are you suggesting a marriage between me and one of Smith's daughters?" Andrew inquired calmly, quickly understanding.

While his eldest is a press darling, the youngest is still a high school student. Not only will this present our company in a better light than before, but you will share in the inheritance upon her father's passing. This can extend beyond just the amount of debt they owe and involve a portion of their company. After that, you are free to do as you please with the business and you can avoid going through the arduous legal process to obtain your money back." Mr. Charles let out a sigh at the end. There were no other possibilities, and it was a last-minute suggestion. Is this a helpful fix? Was the layer of questions hidden beneath Andrew's mask? Even so, is it a workable solution?

"You're suggesting that a couple should settle their debt to benefit us financially, partially control a business, and inherit property? What guarantees do we have that they'll accept such an offer?" Andrew enquired.

"Well sir, if we bring in the facts, this is Mr. Smith's best option." With confidence, Mr. Charles answered. Andrew looked at Mr. Charles for a long moment before inhaling deeply.

Make an appointment by giving a call. Well done, Mr. Charles. I believe this could be beneficial to us.

*******

"I'd assume you are well aware of the topic for today's meeting, correct Mr. Smith?" Andrew aimed his query at the middle-aged man who was a hair shorter. His face was oval-shaped, framed by his frosted hair. His mustache rested beneath his slim, long nose, and his hazel eyes rested atop it. In a boardroom meant for at least thirty people, it was just the two men.

"Mr. Baker, I'm not exactly sure what you speak of." Through gritted teeth, Mr. Smith lied. Andrew handed the man a file containing the day's issues after growing weary of the pointless small talk.

It appears that a sizeable amount of money is owed to my company by both you and your business. Even after years, not a single penny has been reimbursed. You also owe interest on the ten million dollars that are in your possession. With a signed legal document tying you to this, do you realize how much money that is?" Andrew avoided letting sentimental overtones and spoke professionally. Though, inside, he was boiling. How dare this jerk attempt to profit from his father's kindness?

"Mr. Baker, my company remains in a critical condition... We won't be able to generate that much cash, in my opinion, either now or soon." Mr. Smith shouted.

How in the world are you managing to grow as a business and still be unable to pay back a loan in full? Playing repossession doesn't frighten me. Andrew threatened, "I am prepared to take legal action on this matter, Mr. Smith. I am well aware that I have the opportunity to take your company for all it's worth." One thing he was certain of was that their success would not result from his failure.

More defense was offered by Mr. Smith, saying, "Mr. Baker, I'm not sure what I have to offer you, my company has no financial room to pay you back at this point."

"Are you sure you read the contract? You have legally committed your name to the terms of the agreement, which were made very clear." Andrew continued, determined to prove him incorrect.

"Your father was still in command when I consented to that! He was understanding and kind. He recognized our desperation and understood the situation completely."

"So you took advantage of him!" Andrew exploded.

"Well, things are different now. You'll figure out a way to reimburse us since he's not with us."

By that, what do you mean? That's practically impossible, as I've explained." Hey, Mr. Smith spoke in an irate tone. The atmosphere was oppressive as Mr. Smith peered at Andrew, trying to decipher the avaricious businessman's intentions, but it was difficult to read his expression because he was not showing emotion. In contrast, his eyes were icy.

"I shall take your eldest hand in marriage." When Andrew finally blurted out, he waited for the old man to respond. Mr. Smith's surprised eyes widened gradually. This new proposal caused his pulse to gradually quicken.

Not taking place! I will never, ever entrust my daughter's life to a heartless, egotistical man like you." Gave Mr. Smith a spit.

"Mr. Smith, stop talking nice to yourself. I'm not personally interested in your daughter. Other than the business advantages that come with the union, I don't know anything about her. But Mr. Smith, you have this chance to save yourself and your business from this heartless, egotistical man. Either give her to me or keep your business," Andrew thought to himself.

"You have a choice. This week's end is the deadline." He stood up and gathered his belongings. Andrew extended his hand for a brief but professional handshake, but Mr. Smith turned his head away from him completely after looking at his hand. He detested his newfound status.

Conversely, Andrew couldn't have cared less about the old man's feelings or thoughts about him. For him, this was all about business, and he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals.

Pretty good, Mr. Smith. Until our next encounter." With a hand withdrawal, Andrew turned to leave the room, his assistant trailing behind him.

Mr. Smith was incredibly fond of his daughter as well as his company. He was unwilling to surrender either of them to the Devil- Me.. He had no desire to.

She leaped off the mountainside while holding onto her harness. She pulled the wayward strands of caramel hair off her face, sweat still clinging to her climbing gloves as she pushed them away. Her pants were a little more baggy, giving her more room to move, and her sporty, navy blue tank top hugged her figure. She continued to be passionate about climbing despite the intense sun.

Her phone rang in her back pocket, breaking her focus. "Hello?" Still struggling for air, she answered.

"Amelia? How are you doing? Her father's hushed voice said, "We need to talk.

"Papa. I have a lot going on. Is it possible to wait?" Amelia let out a sigh, feeling as though her father called her for every minor incident.

"No, Amelia, pay attention to this. With a somewhat strange tone in his voice, he inquired, "How quickly can you get to my office?"

"Dad, I'm in the..." Amelia began to quote her location but halted when he realized her parents would be furious if they discovered she was going back to doing things they had forbidden.

"Um... I can't get there right now!" For Amelia to hear her well, she redirected her words while also raising her voice.

"I need you to get here right now. Amelia, it's essential, really crucial." She was confused by his ambiguous remarks when he told her. What on earth could be so essential that they were unable to discuss it on the phone?

***

Amelia's POV

My straight hair was flying behind me as I walked into the office building. I looked business casual with my white chiffon top, stiletto heels, and blue trousers that hugged my legs. Before talking to my father, I flex my muscles a little, allowing my shoulders to hang rather than drop, to give myself a tiny boost of confidence.

"Good morning Miss Amelia." greeted my dad's secretary, Bella.

"Morning Bella, please inform my father of my arrival," I asked for. I was left waiting alone in the waiting area as she nodded and smiled her way back into his office.

She emerged not too long after that. "He's prepared for you, Miss Amelia," she beamingly said.

"Thank you, Bella." Grinning, I gave her a little pat on the arm and mumbled something before heading inside my dad's office.

"Good morning Dad." I smiled and said hello as soon as I entered. I approached him and threw a loving, tight hug around him. I sat down across the table from him and thought it was time for him to share his concerns.

"A day ago, I needed you here, Amelia. "Where did you go?"

"I had to take a jet to the airport after driving to it, Dad. It was already late when I arrived home after a few hours of travel. Why is it so critical that we are unable to speak over the phone?" As soon as I had finished explaining, I asked. I furrowed my brows, seeing a peculiar wave of anguish crossed his face.

"Dad, what's wrong?" I questioned as anxiety gripped me. When Dad was around me, he was rarely serious. There was a serious problem with this circumstance.

He got up and came over to me as soon as he had gathered some papers. I embraced him and cupped his face, saying, "Dad, you have my undying love. What's not right? How do I make it right?" I asked, sincere in my desire to grant his wish. Anything to ensure that his smile reappears. His face went pale, and he let out a loud exhale.

"Amelia, this business had a lot of financial difficulties when you were a younger employee. I obtained a loan from a friend who was the President of Baker Enterprises at the time. I eventually found that I was unable to make the repayment. Since Mr. Baker was one of my closest friends, he was aware of the need for us to reinvest our funds to expand. Baker's son assumed leadership after his death. Regretfully, he lacks his father's level of sympathy by far. He now threatens to take everything away until we refund every last dime. Your grandfather invested blood, sweat, and tears into this, and he worked so hard to possess it. Our family will not easily part with this enterprise because we value it too highly."

"Dad, we'll find another way; we don't have to give up the business. There are several solutions to every problem. I understand the importance of this company to you and the employment that will be lost if things don't work out. In any way I can, Dad, I'll help you rectify this. I do." I gave him a loving smile and held both of his hands, reassuring him, but the dejected expression in his eyes persisted. Seeing him looking so broken-hearted was heartbreaking. I realized that this was a serious issue. His shoulders carried the bread and butter of our family and many of our colleagues.

"If we are unable to pay him back soon, he's going to take our company but Amelia...It does not have to be so only if you could... agree to his condition." Dad said, and for a moment I furrowed my brows, attempting to figure out what all of this possibly be about. Still, I was prepared to listen to him and give it my all to support him.

"What is it?" I continued to hold his hands in mine as I asked.

I observe him hesitating for some time, darting his gaze to the left and right. Every action was tinged with contemplation. I could see he was extremely bothered by something. If only he could realize how eager I was to assist him.

"Dad, what is the problem?" I asked, putting a palm on his cheek to get him to raise his gaze back to me. I made sure to meet his eyes, showing him that I truly was prepared to assist and that it was acceptable to speak up.

"He said... He wants your hand in marriage as payment for everything we have against him."What?

"What do you mean,I apologize, Dad. I stumbled out after giving him a blank look for almost a minute. "I...I think I misheard you."

All I had to do was look at him, and his sad expression told me this was true, too real. This is not achievable! This is not the 1500s when individuals traded off their children! I removed my hands from him slowly. I gave him a long, squinting look as I watched in shock at what was becoming real. I eventually got up and moved away from him, but then I stopped abruptly and paced back and forth for a time, unable to fathom the meaning behind such a ridiculous request. It was absurd, this. I halted abruptly, turned to face him, and shook my head while placing both of my hands on my hips.

"Let me get this right... This very same man wants to... he's ready to forget everything, all we owe him if only I accept his marriage proposal?" I questioned a little dried out about the whole thing.

Dad nodded his head in agreement as I watched. I moved my hands off my hips and folded them across my chest, my brows furrowing slightly.

"And what? What did you say? Have you accepted his proposal, or not? Abruptly curious to find out if my father was involved, I questioned. Was he prepared to abandon me in this way? Dad stood up from his seat and came over to me, his eyes widening for a brief moment before he shook his head.

"Amelia, Naturally, no. I informed him that I could not hand my little girl over to the devil. After giving it some thought, Amelia, I decided to change my mind and say yes." He gazed directly into my eyes as he explained, but he quickly withdrew his gaze.

"Amelia, you inherited this corporation, and so did your sister. If everything was destroyed in an instant, your grandfather would be a complete embarrassment." He said, but I didn't say anything; instead, I watched and tried to figure out where he was traveling. He turned back to look at me.

"Many workers, including Bella, will lose their jobs. They won't be able to provide for their family in the same way as before. Much is at stake in this." He continued, and all I could do was look at him. His conclusion dawned on me gradually.

"You want me to wed a man who I know absolutely nothing about? An absolute stranger? His odd choice to give me up instead surprised me so much that I asked. He touched my shoulder with both of his hands.

"Amelia...I'm not...You're not being forced to wed him by me. All I'm asking is that you consider the lives that would be lost should you reject this idea." He made an effort to clarify, but as he talked more, I continued to shake my head in shock. I stepped back, shrugging my shoulders to get his hands off me.

I looked at the man I've called father for years and shook my head in astonishment. The one person in this world, more than anyone else, I trusted to protect me. This same man was prepared to cast me into the lake of fire to improve everyone else. In actuality, though... I was unsure of my ability to make such a significant commitment. I mean, I'm so not ready for this.

"I can't believe you," I told him, continuing to shake my head. I ignored him, didn't give him another time to speak, grabbed my purse from where I had left it, and ran out of his office without turning around.

I reexamined my entire life when I was sitting in my car. Anger boiled from the inside out; I never had any issues with my dad. We'd never put too much pressure on one another. I realized that he was in a dire situation, and it was him speaking from his workplace. I simply couldn't allow him to try to reason with me because I was so overcome with emotion. To be honest, I detested seeing him so defenseless, knocked out, and abused, but this was my life, after all. Matrimony is not a game for kids. It's not a matter that can be resolved quickly. We're not in a tango here, as it takes two to dance. I took a deep breath and hated this exact moment in my life. This could not end this way. I had to take action. Maybe a little conversation with this peculiar individual would help to get everything back on track. I'll have to talk sense into his head and show him that I wasn't a coward who would merely follow his orders out of fear. I shifted into drive and headed out, mentally bracing myself for whatever was ahead.