FRAGMENTS OF THE BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER 10: POWER PLAY

As the private jet descended, Micheal's mind churned with thoughts. The impending challenge, the cryptic nature of Valentine's apology, and the weight of family expectations weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"You look nervous grandson." Reginald said holding his signature walking cane.

"Shouldn't I be?" Micheal asked a pragmatic question and Reginald slowly chuckled.

"You are right to be nervous, it means you understand the gravity of this meeting. This meeting is a collection of most of the powerful bodies in the world, we determine what direction the world is going, be it entertainment, fashion and consumables. You, Micheal are a part of that now." 

 The jet smoothly touched down, signaling the beginning of a crucial juncture in Micheal's journey.

Exiting the jet, they were greeted by a team of executives from the hosting company. The meeting venue was a grand conference hall, filled with influential figures from various giant enterprises. The atmosphere buzzed with business discussions and deals in the making.

Reginald, with a poised demeanor, guided Micheal through the hall. It was clear that this was more than just a meeting; it was a demonstration of family power and influence. The Ashford name carried weight, and Micheal could feel the eyes of other CEOs on him.

"Is that the ..........." Whispers flew around as Micheal walked behind his grand father.

"He looks so handsome....."

"The young heir of the ................"

"Seems like news spread fast, really fast." Harrison said out loud and Micheal agreed.

As they approached a group of executives, a middle-aged man stepped forward to greet them. "Reginald Ashford," he said with a nod of respect, "it's an honor to have you here. And you must be the young heir, Micheal Ashford."

"I am koen kojima, the CEO of Kokomo technology and electronics." Micheal composed himself as his jaw was almost dropping, this man and his family line owned probably close to 45% of all the television and gadgets and other electronics in the world. 

Micheal acknowledged the greeting with a nod, keeping a composed demeanor despite the undercurrents of tension. Reginald exchanged pleasantries with the other CEOs, emphasizing the continuation of the Ashford legacy.

The meeting proceeded, discussions flowing around contracts, collaborations, and future projects. Reginald encouraged Micheal to observe, absorb, and understand the dynamics at play. While he participated in the conversations, the unfamiliarity of the corporate world tugged at Micheal.

In a brief break, Harrison leaned in and whispered, "This is just the beginning, young master. These meetings are about power, influence, and alliances. Keep your eyes open and your instincts sharp."

"It's like I'm a fish in a shark tank." Micheal expressed his feeling.

"You are not wrong to think like that young master, these people are quite dangerous but so are we." 

As the discussions continued, Micheal observed a familiar redhaired and he was shocked to see that it was Valentine who was  discreetly moving among the executives, engaging in conversations. Her actions, coupled with the earlier apology, added to the layers of mystery surrounding her intentions.

"How and why is she here?" Micheal questioned Harrison.

"Who are you talking about young master?" He asked and then, Micheal pointed to the redhaired. She wasn't meant to be here, although she was acting CEO which meant that it was okay for her to be here.

"That's the young mistress, she isn't meant to be here."

"I am just as shocked as you are Harrison."

Valentine glanced at their direction and Micheal flinched, it was so creepy the way she accurately stared at his location. Like she knew, he was always there.

As she approached with a strange formality, addressing him as "young master," Micheal's suspicions heightened. Reginald's warning about the family's internal politics echoed in his mind, urging him to stay vigilant.

"Harrison, you are needed at Reginald side." Valentine said with a giggle and Harrison eyes narrowed, he couldn't dismiss her words and call it a lie just because she wanted to be Micheal alone.

"I'll be back, young master," Harrison whispered to Micheal before leaving with a sense of caution. Valentine giggled, her eyes glinting with hidden intent. 

"Why are you so amused?" 

"Isn't it remarkable how everyone here is a power hungry shark? They are all smiling while harboring ulterior motives." Micheal wondered if she was talking about her included or ...........

Amidst the crowded room of power players, an unexpected encounter unfolded. A collision with another guest caused a momentary disruption. Instinctively, Micheal caught the falling figure, realizing it was a girl around his age. 

"Are you okay Miss Gold?" One of the members of her entourage asked and she answered with a smile.

"I'm fine." Her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized him.

"You must be the heir to the Ashford family, Micheal, right?" Micheal nodded answering her question.

" I'm Victoria Gold, the heir to the Gold family. Our families have had a good relationship for ten years, and I hope we will continue to worok together."

"I don't mind helping those who have been helping my family," Micheal expressed with a friendly smile.

Micheal acknowledged her introduction, maintaining a composed demeanor.

"Would you like to join us at our private table? We have step up there." Victoria, with a twinkle of charisma, invited him to join her at a private table. Before Valentine could vehemently interject, Micheal surprised her by agreeing to accompany Victoria.

Valentine's frown revealed not disappointment over a lost opportunity to be alone with Micheal, but rather a frustration born from his apparent naivety in the intricate world of business politics. Victoria, the Gold family's heir for almost three years, held a wealth of experience and likely sought to establish connections beneficial to her family.

"Micheal wait!!!!" Valentine called him as she held his shoulder.

"That woman isn't someone you can handle, despite her innocent looks. There are rumors of her blackmailing ministers and presidents, she once covered up an entire story when one of her refinery exploded killing 2500 workers. She is dangerous." Valentine cautioned him but Micheal removed her hand from his cloth..

"Thank you for your wisdom, Valentine." He said to her mockingly.

As they walked towards Victoria's private table, Micheal couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter held significance beyond casual conversation.