THE OFFICE FIGHT

I had to mentally roll my eyes at that. Where is the insult in what Damian's father asked? Like, she expected that the members would blindly accept this absurdity? She is even making a mockery of my father in his grave. I mean, her level of stupor is a crashing contrast to the great Mr. Riccaford!


"How about his daughter? She is well-equipped to take her father's place. At least we know and are witnesses to her dedication and capabilities. She is brilliant and gifted. She took this company to commendable heights with her marketing skills. At least she has something to show." Another bitter member speaks.

"If I remember correctly, she no longer works for the company anymore, right? She is not interested in...

"And if I remember correctly," I steal the show, earning everyone's attention as the members spring to their feet to welcome me. I didn't even know they had this much respect for me: 'I did not resign." I badged in, and Damian walking behind me. I see she was well prepared for her defense. Poor stupid witch! I motion for the ladies and gentlemen to settle down, and they do, their faces brimming with smiles as if a savior has arrived at the right moment. Damian's parents are the most enthralled.


"You left the company without notice, and you also can't deny that you are working for another company?" She retorts.

I turn to this witch with a flat expression. Her little whore is cowering behind her with shock. They asked for this, so may the best team win! "But I am back now! And not to claim any higher position like you. Because I know my place," I answer.


She foolishly smiles, just like the idiot that she is. She is such a dumbass. "Then we don't have a problem. Because it means I have no competitor for this position, and if that is the case, then I guess the meeting is over. I will be in my office in case."

"Not so fast, Gracia!" She sinks back to the seat after hearing my strict voice, while I bank my eyes on her. "I am here to introduce to the board the new CEO of Ricca's Hotel Chain—qualified and certified. Ladies and gentlemen," I cruise my eyes around the pregant cloud. They once again taken aback, but they are not at least mad. Kit is the anticipation written on their faces, which is warranted. 'Please meet the new CEO, Mr. Damian Almeda Riccaforte! Mr. Riccaforte Jr. was endorsed by my father; unfortunately, due to his condition, he could not have called you all to witness. But rest assured that my father made this decision with a soud mind and after giving it careful thought. I mean, we all here bear witness to how my father, Mr. Riccaforte, takes these issues seriously. He wouldn't have gambled his company, all your investments, and his legacy for a worthless cause!"

Everyone's eyes fall on Damian as he takes a step forward and bows slightly.

"That is pure bullshit! On what grounds?" The witch barks, springing to her feet as she seethes with anger.

Oh, she is worried now? She better be.

"My father transferred all his shares to Damian Almeda. Unfortunately, we can't provide any documented proof to back up our statements because..."

"Because there is no proof!" Gracia cuts me off. 'Because this is all a sham! Because there isn't anything to be backed up to start with. My husband could not have possibly left all his shares to a mere stranger." She states.

"Damian isn't a stranger. Everyone present in this room is well aware of the alliance between the Riccafords and the Riccafortes. To all who may not know," I turn to the people once again, 'This is the son of Mr. Riccaforte here, the second majority shareholder of this company. Damian is also the CEO of the Almeda Motel chain in Mombasa, one of the best-ranked motels in that city. And we, Damian and I, are that bridge that bids the Riccas. Clearly, he is no stranger to anyone, and you Gracia, know that for a fact. I don't know why you are doing this, honestly!" I explain.

"But you two broke that bond. He was never involved in this company from the beginning so why now?" she fires again, refusing to be defeated.

I hope she has all it takes to fight this battle. Because I have all the answers to her stupid questions. "That is where you are wrong, Gracia, because we, on the contrary, strengthened that bond further." Every face in the room grows wrinkles. Old or young. Their eyes are locked on me, slightly shifting to Damian. 'We didn't just fall in love when we strangely crossed paths in Mombasa, but we also tied the knot a month ago."

That struck everyone. Every mouth remains agape with shock, eyes scanning the shining rings on our fingers, but their faces are nothing short of grateful and happy. Damian's father can't hide his shock!

"What?" Mr. Riccaforte queries while all the countless eyes are glued on me and Damian with bewilderment.

"Yes. Ellie and I are husband and wife, father!" Damian takes the initiative to explain further.

"Lies! How come nobody knew? You wouldn't have kept such an important thing from people. Besides, you just ran into each other a few days ago in the castle. This is a prank. How cheap from you two!"

Ooh, Gracia! Gracia! Stupid Gracia!

"My father was in a critical condition. He was not in a position to handle any stress or surprises. It would have been so insensitive of us if we broke such news to him then, so we were waiting for the right time to tell him." I explain.

"I think you had a different motive. And just to be curious, how did you know your father changed his last will? How did you get a hold of his will to know that?"