The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 18

LAURA’S MATCH

Lisa let out a nervous chuckle but Manuel was unfazed. He had expected some kind of drama to unfold tonight but he never thought of Lisa as one to cause it.

“You moved on pretty fast.” Now she was trying to get into his head.

“Was I supposed to hold your feet and drown myself in nose mucus to win your affection back?” Manuel shot at her but she didn't flinch.

Instead she waved it off with a half baked smile, “no no no. After we broke things off the way we did, I expected you to at least ask why.”

Manuel scoffed.

“I did ask but as it seemed, Jamie was your mouth piece while you stared on from his d*ck hole!” This one struck a chord in Lisa and she closed the distance between them instantly.

“You–” the words got stuck in her throat.

“I think I have an idea why you're here.” Manuel said and continued, “you wanted to convince me because of our past relationship to try and restore Jamie's position.” 

Lisa flinched. A smirk crept on Manuel's face. He knew he'd hit the spot.

“You should go home now and get some rest. You know how grumpy you get when you miss your beauty spa.” Lisa's jaw dropped open as Manuel walked away.

She quickly regained her composure and called him to a stop.

“Manuel–” she said, “the whole world is curious about your father, you should reduce the suspense.” With that, she began to walk towards the exit.

Manuel didn't expect anything less from Lisa. He knew she'd resort to cheap tricks to try and slander his image. At the same time, the ex chairman also needed to make an appearance soon or the crowd would start to question.

That was when Christopher's words began to make sense. Should anything happen to Dave, the lack of medical personnel in Nightingale to take care of staff and other active members would be exploited.

Not just that, Manuel's authority as chairman would be questioned and if he had disagreed to Christopher's offer back then, getting him back would become tricky.

“Mr Keith!” The call of Laura Ivanovich jolted Manuel out of his thoughts.

“Ms Ivanovich.” 

“You look tired, you should rest.” She said gently brushing dust from his suit before recomposing herself.

“No. If we hadn't taken out those thugs, I would have missed a very important meeting. Now I'm here, I won't just leave because I'm tired.” Manuel sighed.

“We already have one chairman in the hospital. I don't think I can make do with two.” Her voice stern but it still accorded respect.

He gave her a weak chuckle then placed his hand on her shoulder.

“I know you're just looking out for me but I'm fine. Really.” 

Manuel had a lot to worry about and it was telling on him, evident enough for Laura to see. His father wasn't showing any signs of recovery, at the same time he just couldn't tell the world that Dave Keith was now in a coma.

Should the people know, targeting the company would be their next agenda. Manuel's phone buzzed in his pocket. When he checked, it was Christopher.

“You didn't call me back!” Was the first thing Christopher said immediately the call came through.

Manuel rolled his eyes.

“How's he?” Manuel's voice was low as possible 

“Your father is a strong man. The poison's effect is being neutralized but at a slow pace. Your father won't last two months.”

“What do I need to do?” Manuel asked.

“You have to find who poisoned your father, that way you can know the first medication we need to stabilize him and buy more time. If you're lucky, you may even get all the ingredients for the antidote.” Christopher said with a playful snicker in the background.

Manuel was irritated. There was no chance the perpetrators would still be alive till now. Also if they were, why didn't Dave press any charges?

“I'll look into it ASAP.” Manuel said and made to hang up.

“Tell Ms Ivanovich I said hi!” Christopher teased.

Manuel didn't even get the chance to react before Christopher ended the call. Manuel let out a soft smile and took a glance at Laura as she stood, professionally.

She was indeed beautiful with nice curves. Her irises were captivating and she had small lips. She also had a stern look befitting of her personality. 

If she wasn't so hard on everyone, creating one hell of a scary personality, she would have gotten a suitor. It would be hard for Christopher to get a shot at Laura but it was worth trying.

He turned back.

“Ms Ivanovich.” He called and she walked briskly to his front, stopping just a few paces away from him.

“I may need your help.” he said and she shot him an interested look.

“About my father.” Manuel started.

“We’ll talk about that later. You have some people to deal with.” She said and stepped back.

Manuel turned back sharply. Two members of the board and one other from a newly established company.

“Mr Olsen. Mr Hyde.” 

Manuel stretched forth his hand collecting three handshakes. 

“And?” He was referring to the third guy with them.

“I'm Jason. Hyde.” Both of them pressed firm handshakes.

“He's my son. Boy's got a lot of potentials. Bought him a building and boom, three years later we're rivaling. Father and son.” Jonas Hyde let out a silent chuckle.

“He sees you as a mentor and wishes to learn from you.” 

Manuel knew they were driving at something else so he waited.

“There’s no successful businessman without a good wife to back him.” Now Manuel knew where this discussion was heading but nothing prepared him for what he was about to hear next.

“I would like you to match my son with lady Ivanovich.”