It was a Saturday morning and Scarlett was getting ready to leave for the office. She finished putting on some light makeup, grabbed her bag off the couch, and took her car keys before leaving the penthouse. She entered her car and drove down to the office for the weekly executive meeting.
The meeting was originally scheduled to be on Fridays but being the president, she could adjust it to her taste so she decided that it would now be held on Saturdays. She got to the company and walked into its empty halls, her stilettos making a loud noise as they hit the tiled floor while she was walking.
She got to the boardroom where the meeting would be held and all the executives were already seated, waiting for her. They had been muttering amongst themselves before she entered but everywhere became silent with her presence. She greeted everyone but noticed that her mother was nowhere to be found… again. She shook her head and called for the meeting to begin.
Rachel, Vivian's assistant, whose eyes were on the engraved door, was about to stand up and officially begin the meeting when the door burst open and Vivian stumbled on it. She was fumbling with her purse when she knocked into a cart by the corner, causing it to fall and the documents on it scattered all over the place. Vivian was embarrassed but ignored it and went to take her seat, all eyes on her.
“Begin,” Scarlett ordered after peace was restored in the room.
Rachel got up and as demanded by Scarlett, started reading out the summary for the month. This included the finances, the deals, partnerships, and transactions made by the company for that month. Scarlett was already taking notes of some important aspects and questions that she would ask later.
As soon as Rachel was done talking, Scarlett turned to Maxwell and threw a question at him.
“Uncle Maxwell, I've been reviewing the recent contracts we've signed. Can you explain the rationale behind the partnership with Michael Carlson Enterprises? Their track record seems a bit questionable."
Maxwell cleared his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable, "Ah, Michael Carlson Enterprises, yes. Well, you see Scarlett, they are an up-and-coming company in the industry. Their CEO, Michael Carlson, is an old friend of mine from college. I thought it would be a good opportunity to collaborate, you know, strengthen our ties with promising newcomers."
Scarlett raised her eyebrow, a bit skeptical about her uncle's answer, and proceeded to ask again, "But Uncle Maxwell, I did some digging online and found some concerning reports about Michael Carlsone's financial stability and past legal issues. Are we certain this partnership is in the best interest of our company?"
Maxwell seemed to be at a loss for words for a couple of seconds but finally opened his mouth to speak; "Well, Scarlett, sometimes these reports can be exaggerated. We've done our due diligence, of course. Trust me, this partnership will bring great benefits to us in the long run.
She nodded her head slowly, although she wasn't convinced. "I understand, Uncle Maxwell. I'll continue to monitor the situation closely. It's just that I want to ensure we are making wise decisions for the future of our company.”
Maxwell forced a smile, "Of course, Scarlett. Your diligence is commendable. Rest assured, I'll personally oversee this partnership to ensure everything runs smoothly."
Scarlett then turned to the rest of them and said, “I also noticed a lot of rising and falling in the finances of the company. I know that from time to time, a few losses will be incurred but I need the financial secretary to bring me reports by the end of every week, explaining how each money taken out of the company's account is spent. Is that understood?” She especially needed to monitor what her mother was doing with the company's finances.
They all nodded to what she said and they talked about a few more things before she brought the meeting to an end. Vivian was shocked that her daughter was this intelligent, especially in dealing with business issues.
After the meeting, Richard met Scarlett outside the boardroom and commended her.
“I'm so happy you're finally doing your job now. Trust me, your father, my brother would have been so proud of you.” He told her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Thanks, uncle, it's high time I handle my business by myself anyway.” She answered.
“Sure kiddo, I gotta run. See you some other time.” He gave her a pat on the shoulder before walking away.
As soon as he left, Vivian walked over to Scarlett speedily, looking as disorganized as she was when she came into the meeting earlier.
“I don't understand what you're trying to do Scarlett. Why are you here when you should be in school studying? You don't need to be here, I can handle the affairs of the company just fine.” Vivian said and Scarlett couldn't help the grin on her face.
“Mom, I'm 18 years old now and it's my responsibility to take care of what my father left in my care. You don't need to worry about my education, I can handle it.” She answered, watching her mother's expression closely.
“Alright then. But you must be tired, why don't you come home and I'll cook for you.” Vivian smiled. Scarlett raised her brows and then let out a chuckle, knowing that her mother was only trying to get on her good side.
“I will try Mom, but I have to go and visit the foundation now.” She replied and excused herself. She left the company, got into her car, and started driving to the foundation. She didn't know why she felt happy as she drove to her foundation. She put on her favorite song and sang along to it as she drove.
As soon as she arrived at the foundation, the little kids who were playing outside left everything they were doing and rushed to embrace her. They hugged her legs and yelled her name in excitement. She played with them for a while before going in to meet Harper.
“Good day, ma'am.” Harper bowed her head a little.
“How are you, Harper?”
“All good ma'am.”
“How's the little girl and her mother? The ones I asked you to pick up from the hospital.” Scarlett inquired.
“Oh, the little girl's name is Caroline and she's doing great. In Fact, she's in the art room right now.” Harper said happily.
“And the mother?”
“She's at the clinic, receiving treatment.”
Scarlett told Harper to take her there and they went to the clinic where she met Caroline's mother. As soon as the pregnant woman saw her, she made to sit up but Scarlett ran over to her and stopped her from doing so.
“Thank you so much ma, for everything you've done for my daughter and I. God bless you and reward you bountifully.” The pregnant woman prayed and Scarlett smiled warmly.
“The doctor asked her to get enough rest for the sake of the baby,” Harper informed Scarlett and She chatted with her for a while before moving to see the other women who were calling her name and raining praises on her.
Scarlett and Harper left the clinic together and she asked about Caroline's education.
“That girl has a high IQ. We had to step her up two classes higher because of how intelligent she is.”
Scarlett was amazed and they went to the art room to meet her.
They met her engrossed in her drawing and Scarlett had to clear her throat before she noticed and got up. Caroline abandoned her drawing and ran to give Scarlett a big hug. Scarlett was just impressed at how much she had changed in such a short time. She was now looking healthier and more beautiful than before.
“I didn't know you were coming today, I was making this painting as a surprise.” Caroline ran to pick up the painting and showed it to Scarlett. It was a painting of Scarlett and her father which she had seen in Harper's office before. Scarlett's eyes were brimming with tears at the sight of it, she kissed the little girl's hair and promised to come pick it up when it was ready.
She stayed for a while and played with the kids before heading to her car with Harper.
“How's the fundraising coming along?” She asked.
“Invites have been sent out and everything is going as planned,” Harper replied. Scarlett thanked her and hugged her before getting into her car and zooming off.
She went straight to Adrian's club, hoping to see him but she was only able to see the manager who told her that Adrian hadn't come to the club that night.
Scarlett was disappointed because she really wanted to see him. She went ahead to plead with the manager to give him Adrian's home address but the man was hesitant.
“I'm his stepdaughter!” Scarlett cried out.
“Anyone can say that.” The man scoffed but Scarlett kept on persuading him until he finally gave in and told her Adrian's address.
Scarlett thanked him and left. She drove to the address and took the stairs to Adrian's apartment. She pushed the doorbell and then waited impatiently for him to open the door.
Adrian opened the door, his eyes widened and he stared blankly at her.
“Scarlett? What are you doing here?”