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Chapter 5

Kiara

I rose up early the next morning, not wanting to dwell in my misery. My father was gone and it was up to me to set things rolling. By quarter last night, I was out of my house. Earlier, I had informed my driver about this morning's meeting and I was quite glad to see him ready and waiting with the car running.

My navy blue suite was freshly ironed, making me look smart and ready for business. Martha had successfully hidden the dark circles under my eye with a coat of makeup, effortlessly masking the pain and sorrow I had been through.

''To the tower.'' I ordered.

''Right away ma'am.''

He eased the car onto the highway, driving towards the Barclay's tower. The traffic that morning was oddly small and I realised that it was due to the fact that most people had already gotten to work earlier than expected just to beat the traffic. My phone rang, indicating I had a message. Glancing at the screen, I discovered it was Amy with a message that some of the members have already begun arriving.

''Great.'' I whispered.

As my driver moved closer to the building, so did my anxiety rise up. This was the very first time I was addressing my father's cabinet and I didn't know how it would go. I was jittery but Martha's words filtered through my mind. I couldn't afford to show fear, I had to be strong for myself and my father who was looking at me from above.

''I can do this.''

Twenty minutes later, I walked into the Barclay tower and seeing it for the first time since my father died made me teary. He had built all of this from scratch, everything was from scratch and it was time for me to reclaim it back.

''Amy,'' I smiled as soon as I saw her walking towards me.

''Miss Barclay, good morning. They are all in the boardroom, waiting for you.'' she said.

Together, we made our way towards the elevator that would take us to the last floor which was where the board room was located. On getting to the floor, I took a deep breath before opening the door leading to the hall. As soon as I walked in, the men who had helped my father retain this company to where it was all stood up.

I knew they weren't standing up for me but for the image I carried, the image of my father. I could feel tears starting to gather but I willed myself not to cry lest I ruin all of this and spoil my makeup.

''Good morning, please have your seat.'' I said, walking towards the head of the table.

Amy perched at the side of the room, ready to take notes. I closed my eyes for a bit before looking at them. There was a gloomy look on their faces and I had a feeling that they were all trying to come to terms with the fact that my father was dead and gone.

''I know this is a sad day for us all, no one expected my father's death but i guess things happen.''

They were all silent as they listened to what I said. I was glad that I was able to hold this conversation without crying. It was truly a miracle.

''I know that you all have shares in this company and from the looks of things, you all know what is at stake and that's why I'm here. There's no other way to put it but the company is gradually falling.'' I said, taking a deep breath.

We needed to think of something fast before everything fell on our feet. This wasn't the time to slack and the earlier we thought of a solution, the better for us.

''We have to find a way to sell some of our stocks. I believe if we do, we will be able to raise funds for the company.'' one of the men said.

The others agreed and as I weighed the pros and cons of this, the door leading to the door burst open. I stilled, looking at the sinfully drop dead handsome man that had just walked in. I didn't know if what I was seeing was a god or a human being. Never in my life had I seen someone so handsome, gorgeous and beautiful all in one body.

As I stared at him, not quite believing my eyes, I realised that there was something oddly familiar about him. I had a feeling that i had seen him somewhere before but i just couldn't place where.

''Lucas Bell?'' Amy shrieked.

How she knew him was something I didn't quite understand. Was he popular or something? Surely, I would have known who he was if he was in our league.

''Do i know you?'' I asked, rising to my feet.

''I don't think so but I do know you.'' he smiled, walking further in.

My heart was beating wildly with each step he took towards me. I didn't know this man from anywhere but yet, he had this hold on me that I couldn't quite let go of. He was sinfully handsome and as he stood in front of me, I knew I needed him in my bed and fast.

''So beautiful.'' he whispered only for my hearing.

''My name is Lucas Bell, CEO of the Bell corporation and I have come to save your company.'' he said aloud to the hearing of everyone.

''What do you mean by you have come to buy my company?'' I asked, anger rising within me.

''You might not know it but your father and I are very good friends. Accept my condolences by the way.''

Who was this man? What nerve did he have to come here? Did he really think he could just waltzed in here just like that?

''You must be out of your mind if you really think my company is up for sale.'' I seethed.

''It might not be for sale but you and I can't deny the fact that this company is in ruins.'' he said bluntly.

At this point, I was beyond frustrated because this man was seriously getting on my nerves. What right did he have to say all that he said?

''And the only way you can save your company is for me to buy it. You have no other option Kiara Barclay.'' he smiled.

I stared at him and if looks could kill, I knew he would be six feet under. He didn't budge, didn't move and I knew he was dead serious. I stalked towards him, challenging him with my eyes. If he thought I was going to just give in like that because I was desperate then he had another thing coming.

''Over my dead body.'' I said, finally.

I couldn't help but think that the battle line had just been drawn between the both of us and at the end, it would only produce one victor.

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