ASHLEE POV
We hadn't even reach the entrance of the company, and I could already see the swam of reporters gathered out the premises of my company, only a few knew about my return but I guess somebody couldn't just wait for my grand opening
It was him who spread the news, but for whatever reason I still couldn't figure it out, 'hmm maybe I should just sit and watch where this is going' I thought
Anyways I still won't allow those local reporters out there get a glimpse of my appearance
"I figured something like this might happen" Shelly said
"Well good thing we had a backup plan" I said putting on my shades
Shelly drove to the underground garage where I had my exclusive private secret elevator, good thing I had it built in the underground parking before I moved back here. The elevator was connected directly to my office which no one apart from Shelly and Shawn knew
Keying in the 31st floor which is last floor and precisely where my office is
Waiting outside my office was my newly appointed secretary Martha
In my office
"Are all the shareholders in the board room?" I asked Martha
"Yes ma'am" Martha said
"Good" I said grinning mischievously
Standing outside the board room I could hear their whispers well if they really thought they were whispering they did a really bad job at that
"She might have been able to run the company before but that's because she had Vince to help her" said a yelled voice 1
"Let's just give her a chance first, let's hear her opinion and observe how she works" said voice 2
"Oh please c'mon Jones do you really think she can handle this, for godsake she's just a child " Voice 3 yelled
"Good morning gentlemen" I said while opening the door to the board room, not even giving a glance to the shareholders I stride to my seat with Shelly and Martha just right behind me
Nothing even giving them a chance to greet or exchange pleasantaries I look up and giving them my best smile I turn and face the second middle aged man by left
"Mr Munroe I believe, if you think that my dear uncle has been babysitting me since I took over the company then I suggest you redo your homework because you've failed woefully" I said still putting up my best fake smile
Mr Munroe who is precisely voice 1
As the CEO of such a huge company I knew the names and faces of every shareholder, partner, board of directors and every manager in each department in our HQ
Well.. don't think I go on memorizing all the names of our others branches no I don't I focus on the headquarters mainly
Changing my expression and tone of voice to a more serious one
"Listen and listen well, I don't need to list all things I've done to prove to you that am am capable of handling MY and you certainly don't need me to mention all the benefits, the money you all have acquired since I took over 3 years ago.
"with all due respect Mr Munroe Do Not refer to me as a Child" Note my emphasis on the word child, not my favorite word at all
"I believe I've made my point Mr Munroe and concerning any issue related to my uncle's diss..death well you'll leave that to me, well I would love to hear your opinions on certain issues concerning my company but as you know I have a press conference to attend" rising from my seat and striding towards the door, I paused my step, turning around
"Oh and if any of you have issues you want to talk to me about, you can make an appointment with my secretary Martha oh and a quick warning to Mr Munroe and Mr Brown [Mr Brown who is Voice 3] if you want to betray someone you should make not leave any trails behind
Seeing the colour drain off their faces gave me a tremendous amount of satisfaction
"Are y..you threantening us" said Mr Brown
"Yes I am, what can you do about it?" I retorted back at him
"Listen Mr Brown I believe your more sensible than Mr Munroe and your not completely blinded by greed, do yourself a favor not to make me angry you won't be able to handle the outcome"
"It was lovely meeting you all" I said airily while walking out
Finally leaving the board room and heading for the press conference at the huge hall on the the 15th floor
In the conference Hall
"Is she not coming?" Reporter 1 asked his partner
"I heard the CEO has done so many plastic surgeries her face has shifted to different sides" Reporter 2 said
"Oh shut up Marlene, stop exaggerating, your just jealous because you heard she's a real beauty" said another reporter [reporter 3] sitted directly in front of Marlene
"Then why has she been hiding if she isn't disfigured" Marlene countered back
Just as reporter 3 was about to answer back the door to the hall opened
Gracefully striding to the stage with her assistant and secretary standing behind her at her sides. She sets herself before the micro placed on the center of the platform
Looking down and the reporters who forgot themselves due to her graceful charm and beauty
"Ahem I believe we came here for a press conference" clearing his throat Director Wang who is the head of the finance department reminds the reporter why they came here
"Allow me to welcome Miss Ashlee Cooper CEO and Chairman of Cooper Industries" said Director Wang
"Thank you Director Wang as you've all heard I'm Ashlee Cooper now I know we're all busy people and too avoid the waste of time each media company is only allowed two questions so please I advice you too think twice before asking unreasonable questions" I said waiting for the questions
"Their probably mesmerized by her voice"Martha whispered to Shelly who in turn nodded at her words.