Chapter 6
Janet stepped out to breakfast sitting on the table. Fang was ready, his own case sitting beside him. Janet smiled gratefully and sat down. She was relieved, relieved that he was here to help, that he was ready to go. She was also relieved for the company, although she didn’t know exactly how to admit that.
Janet looked at the spread before her and picked at a few things that she thought would be easy on her stomach, already tense with nerves. Fang didn’t say anything for a long moment, but he seemed to be picking up on her nerves, because he smiled a little, “If it helps, you look the part.”
Janet smiled gratefully, “Thank you.”
She was relieved to hear that he agreed with her outfit choice. It was a silly thing- she didn’t need his approval, but he had been around enough people in meetings like this, that Janet couldn’t help but assume that he knew what he was talking about. Of course, she had agonized over this decision for days before leaving, so she had been fairly certain already. But it was nice to hear from an outside perspective.
Janet settled back, drinking a cup of orange juice and nibbling at some of the pastries and fruit. Fang shifted, “When you’re finished with breakfast, grab your things. We’ll be leaving soon.”
Janet nodded and he added, “You remember the procedure?”
Janet nodded again, “I’ve got it.”
“Good.” He looked satisfied, “I’ll be as close as I can, without actually being inside of the meeting, so don’t hesitate to let me know if something is happening.”
His words reassured Janet and she thought on them as she grabbed her things, gathering them up and packing her bag. It was nice to have someone watching her back, even if he was paid to do so. She tried not to read too much into last night, but she hoped that he had her back because of that too, because of the emotion she had seen flickering in his eyes.
Janet double checked that she had everything that she could think of, before letting Fang know. They locked the apartment and headed downstairs, to where the car was parked. This time, there were others there, dressed in black, caps on. They didn’t seem to be in uniform, but rather in civilian clothing. Janet assumed that this was just an added layer of security. They would blend into a crowd, but also hide in the shadows. It was a smart way to dress in this industry and Janet found that she was impressed by the thoughtfulness. She said as much and Fang smiled.
She slid into the seat and he stepped into the driver’s seat, “Ready?” He glanced at her.
Janet nodded, “Ready.”
The ride to the meeting didn’t take long and Janet didn’t have much time to feel the nerves building in her stomach. She shifted in her seat and rehearse what she was going to say, getting it straight in her mind, preparing herself in any way she could.
Fang didn’t say much either, focusing on the road ahead. She assumed he was fully in work mode and she was not about to interrupt that. It wasn’t until they approached an office block that Janet felt her stomach tighten. Fang turned to her then with a smile, “All you, now.”
Janet nodded. They got out of the car, Janet flanked by people. Fang then walked beside her until they were inside, where the rest of the guards disappeared, leaving only Fang beside her, “This way.”
Janet approached the reception, trying to walk with an air of authority. Fang introduced her, and she nodded, trying, in her own way, to look the part of a wealthy CEO, instead of a recent business graduate who was very much out of her depth.
The receptionist ushered them inside right away and they were set to wait in a lovely lounge, complete with leather chairs and drinks.
Fang smirked and looked around, nodding, although Janet could still see the guarded nature of his eyes, the way he inspected everything, making sure that she was safe. She felt the rush of gratitude again and she was about to tell him as much, before she was interrupted.
“Miss Delphare?” A voice chimed from the doorway. Janet turned her head, standing in way of greeting, “Yes?”
“The board will see you now. Right this way.” He gestured for Janet to follow. Fang nodded in encouragement. She knew he would be there if anything went wrong in regards to her safety. But now, this bit, it was all on her. She had to make sure she didn’t put a toe out of line. Taking a deep breath, Janet followed him down a long corridor, to a pair of wide doors.
“Through here.”
Janet grabbed the handles, steadying herself. With a great heave of courage, Janet pushed the door and marched straight into the meeting room.
She was met with the stares of several, older men, all about her father’s age, when he had died, or a little older. She felt her breathing catch, feeling terribly out of her depths, but she kept her face smooth.
“Ah, Miss Delphare, thank you for joining us.” One man stood and smiled, “Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Janet slid into the only available seat, sitting with her back straight as she took the scene before her in.
“I’m Mr. Bairn, CEO. On behalf of the company, I would like to offer our condolence for your loss.” There was no sincere pain in his voice, but there was a certain regret in the man’s eyes as he spoke. Janet nodded, “Thank you, Mr. Bairn.”
And as Janet stared into the gaping hole of the unknown, she felt a surge of power. She could do this. For her sake and the sake of her father, she would succeed.