A Wife for the Billionaire
Chapter 52: RICHARD

Chapter 52: RICHARD

"Why must everything be a joke to you?!" Edward barked.

I didn’t as much as look at him.

"You know very well how much I spent to shield you from national disgrace and here you are throwing it in my face, perhaps I should never have done it. Maybe the heat of it all would have taught you a lesson"

I kept buttoning my shirt.

"Why do you keep doing this? Why must you vex me so? Why must you do things that make me regret siring you? I threw a birthday party for you and instead of enjoying it, you are here fucking one of the caterers_"

"If that isn’t enjoyment, I wonder what is?" I cut in.

" Argh!" He screamed, punching the wall so close to my face, that I wondered if his aim had been my face before he decided otherwise.

"And where are you going?" He asked.

"Where else, to the shit show of a party you threw, of course!"

And I slammed the door, shutting out his ’Come back here, we’re not done’ barks.

I had been so angry with him that when I was called to the stage for my speech, my heart gave out.

There’s this_ I don’t know whether to call it a fact or fiction, that states that when a person dies, they’re left with 7 minutes of brain activity and in that time, the mind plays back the person’s memories in a dreamlike sequence.

Some say that during those 7 minutes, the spirit or soul deserts the body and wanders to distant places. Most times, it’s the places the host finds comforting. Places of peace.

I don’t really recall any of these two things happening, I only remember hearing my name and screams as if from a far away and then... blackness.

The doctors say I was lucky to be revived with a transplant. But was it really luck when the transplant only gave me a few more years?

Most times, I wonder if I really should have died then? And yes, a few more years feels like a second chance, but to me it’s just another reminder that death is ever near. That I’m not meant to grow old or live long.

And as such, why should I take it as a second chance? Why should I try to change my ways or any of that shit people do when they are given a second chance?

I stayed unconscious for three days, before I was counted among the living again. My parents were able to convince the media that I passed out because of PTSD, anxiety and the rest.

The video of me slumping trended as a meme for months. Even the heirs and members of their families, except Olivia, made fun of me. They called me weak, even pathetic.

It was during that time that they got wind of my health condition, even though my parents tried their best to obscure it.

Kane Grey took it as an avenue to keep taunting me, to keep making jest and mockery of me.

Well, the thing with jest or taunts is that there are two ways to go about it. Receive it and let it bother you, or receive it and don’t let it bother you.

On the former, one can go down or sink into depression because of what he/she was called or told. But the other, one can choose to do something about it or simply not let it bother him/her.

In my case, I think the option is obvious.

As someone who almost died five months ago, I really wasn’t supposed to be engaging in a fight or anything that strenuous. But as Kane taunted me with a mimical of my rather ungraceful fall, I lunged at him.

I hadn’t given him a chance to shield himself or even retaliate as I kept punching him. By the time, people separated me from his bloodied face, he looked unrecognizable.

Ever since that day, he had avoided me. He may taunt me, but I’m certain he knows his limits.

So, I wasn’t surprised when he uncurled his fingers and leaned back on his seat.

"We’re making progress, my chairman. I can provide the latest on our negotiations." Emily Chen, the Supply Chain Manager said in response to my question.

She was petite, but she has a commanding presence. Very analytical and driven.

"Thank you, Emily. But that won’t be necessary. What’s more important now it’s the Asian market expansion. We need to establish our brand there before the launch of this new collection. Richard, your thoughts?" My father directed at me.

"Father, like I said before. I believe we have a unique opportunity to tap into the growing Asian market. With careful planning and execution, which has already been set into motion, I’m confident we can succeed."

"But Sir," Michael began, "we ran into some kind of a blockage, the venue we had selected for the launch of the collection in Hong Kong is no longer available"

"What?!" I yelled.

"In just months to the launch, how’s that even possible, I thought the venue was secure?" Olivia pointed out.

"Yes, it was, until yesterday when they reached out to me and gave me the news." Michael replied.

"How is it that I’m just hearing this now?" I asked him.

"Sir, I tried to tell you this morning, but you told me to leave it for the board meeting" Michael defended.

"Great! Everything is falling apart. Just great" Lord Thomas quipped.

At that moment, I felt like hauling the mug in front of me at him, but I had more important things to worry about.

"So, what were their reasons for this turn of events?" Lord Manson asked.

"That’s the problem, they didn’t really specify, but they made mention of tension between local and mainland Chinese fashion industries"

"I had my doubts from the onset." Lord Thomas said.

"Who didn’t, father?" Kane quipped. "They all did, but were cowards to say it. Look how the expansion to the Italian shores worked out, wasn’t that enough proof that alien cultures were unreceptive to us. And yet, we had to give them another reason to kick us in the face"

"Kane, that was a bit much. We are yet to fully ascertain their reasons for turning us down. It’s better we get our facts right than rushing to conclusions" Caden said, surprising me.

I could tell, I wasn’t the only one surprised. Caden was like Kane’s wingman. With their fathers always plotting our downfall, the sons were always seen together. And for him to contradict Kane, it was a surprise.

"What facts are remaining? Is it when they publish it in their magazines or newspapers that you’ll realize that they hate us? You are indeed naive if you can’t tell already" Kane retorted.

"You know as a member of this brand, you are supposed to be looking for solutions, not making the situation worse" Caden said in response.

Something had to be wrong between them. It wasn’t like Caden or Kane to be against each other.

Kane made to offer a retort, when I cut him off,

"Enough! I will be going to Hong Kong next weekend to rectify the issue. Perhaps when I sue them for non-compliance with schedule agreements and ask for a refund amassing with the expenditure we incurred due to their response. And also make claims for providing another location since they can’t accommodate us, then they’ll have no choice but to oblige"

"Great plan," Lord Frederick mocked, "but what happens when you don’t win, suing an establishment in a country where you have no controlling factor, how do you think that will pan out?"

What did I expect? Of course, they would doubt my abilities to make it happen.

"When have I ever failed to do as I say? I would entertain your doubts when I come back without rectifying the issue. Now, can we forge ahead? What’s the marketing plan for the Asian market?"

"We’re proposing a localized approach, my chairman. Partnering with Asian influencers, tailoring our messaging for the local culture, and leveraging social media platforms popular in the region." Michael prompted.

"I’d like to add that we’re also exploring potential partnerships with Asian designers to create a capsule collection, further enhancing our brand’s appeal in the market." Samantha quipped.

Kane, his father and Lord Frederick all sat in stunned silence. Their faces, red with rage.

"I’m concerned about the financial implications. What’s the projected ROI on this expansion?" Lord Henry asked.

Opening the file in front of him, Michael replied, "We’ve run the numbers, Lord Fisher. With a targeted marketing approach and strategic partnerships, we’re projecting a 15% increase in revenue within the first year of expansion."

"That’s impressive. But we need to ensure our quality control measures are in place. We can’t compromise on our brand’s reputation." Olivia commented.

"Absolutely, Lady Fisher." Rachel said, "We’re implementing additional quality control measures, including regular audits and inspections, to ensure our products meet our high standards."

"Excellent." Edward said, nodding in agreement, "I think we have a solid plan in place. Let’s move forward with the expansion, and schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress."

I hated when he did that, concluding things as if he was still the sitting CEO. But for the sake of not giving our enemies the chance to move in, I said,

"Agreed. I’ll ensure the venue is secured. Michael, you’re to work closely with the team to ensure a successful launch. If you need more resources or have any questions, remember I’m just a call away. That being said, wonderful meeting guys, we will surely keep you updated."

I rose, signifying that it was over. Vera, who stood by the closed door went to retrieve my files immediately she saw me come out.

I needed some air and some quiet, and there was only one place that offered such comfort. The rooftop garden.

The day was already far spent and for me, I was done for the day. The sun was setting as I climbed the stairs leading to the garden, the evening breeze accentuated with the smell of flowers mesmerized my nostrils and I sighed aloud.

My relief was short lived when I saw the shadows hunched on my favorite desk, watching the sun make its final descent.

"... over the years, I’ve gotten accustomed to the position that I forgot my aspirations. The senior promotion helped too." the man said to the brown haired lady by his side.

I knew that voice.

"Harry! What the fuck are you doing here?"