The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 12

NOT INTERESTED 

The room fell cold. Everyone held looks of uncertainty. Lisa was evidently terrified. Her world was starting to crumble before her. Jamie on the other hand didn't make his own obvious.

“He wouldn't.” Jamie whispered to Lisa.

The rest of the people in the hall just stood silently waiting for judgement to be passed upon them for looking down on him but Manuel had other plans.

“Starting now, I would like to sever whatever contract Nightingale has with the Darwins.”

This was followed by an uproar in the hall. Jamie pushed forward but was held back by Lisa to avoid him creating more problems.

Everyone in the VVIP section sprung up on their feet to acknowledge Manuel's announcement, bewilderment evident on their faces. Only Dave remained seated. He wasn't sure whether to be pleased or to feel threatened.

Manuel wasn't done.

“They are not to be seen within the premises of the company or further charged will be pressed. Ms Ivanovich, filter this place.”

“I look forward to working with you all.”

With that, Manuel exited the stage walking towards the VVIP section. He took a seat beside his father ignoring the obvious faces staring at him.

“Are you sure you want to this?” Dave asked without a hint of disapproval.

Manuel turned his head to face his father, “I remember you telling me there were enemies surrounding the company. I just happened to get rid of one.”

Dave was proud of son.

Not only was he worthy of his position as the new chairman, he was also acting out of wisdom.

“You did good.” Dave commented.

Manuel resumed his focus on Jamie who was now being dragged away because he refused to leave politely.

“You don't know what you have done!” He barked from where was, still resisting.

“You can't terminate our contract like this–” that was the last thing everybody heard before he was dragged outside.

Lisa couldn't believe the level of embarrassment she was put through. Few hours ago, she was admired with respect from everyone and now, on the orders of the boy who was nothing but her lapdog, she was being escorted out.

The rest of the evening continued with prominent businesmen from different companies coming to greet the newly appointed chairman.

Then, the ring on Manuel's finger glowed faintly.

The ancient whispers clouded Manuel's head again. He stood up from his seat and made to leave but was held by Dave.

“It's your ceremony, why are you leaving?” Dave was concerned.

Although, he didn't expect his son to start acknowledging him as a father just yet but he wanted the attention. Now, it seemed like that distance would never become shorter– at least not anytime soon.

Dave let go.

He let out a soft smile, “Go if you must.”

Dave nodded approvingly and began to make his way towards the exit door. With a gesture, Dave signalled Laura and she ran to catch up with Manuel just before he opened the door.

“I don't need you to follow me around.” Manuel stopped.

He didn't need to see her before knowing she was trailing behind him. Her aura was deafening enough.

“I was assigned to you by your father. I'm just doing my duty.” She said, professionally.

Manuel turned back slightly.

“I don't –”

“Mr Keith!” He was interrupted by a man in a grey suit running towards them. His assistant was also trying to keep up behind him.

Manuel turned back fully.

“Me Keith. It's a good thing I caught you just before you opened the door.” He said with a smile.

Even before the man could close in Manuel, he could already sense that this man was powerful. He had golden hair and brown eyes and the suit he wore did a poor job hiding his muscular physique.

He stopped just in front of Manuel, locking gaze with him.

“Know your place.” Laura commanded coldly but this man was unfazed by her words.

Then he stepped back a few paces only to acknowledge the hierarchy.

“Pardon my manner, Mr Keith!” He said with a weak smile, the stretched out his hand for a handshake.

Manuel was reluctant at first but he took the handshake.

“I am Dr Christopher Wykes, lord of Wykes empire!” He announced.

Both men broke off the handshake.

“We have done our research and wer found out that Nightingale is low on medical professionals. I don't want to be rude but it seems the previous chairman invested more on foreign resources than on medicine.” He raised both arms to show submission.

Thanks to Manuel's calm demeanor, Laura was ready to strike him.

“To save you from long talks, I have only come to sign a partnership deal with Nightingale.” Christopher said.

Laura shot Manuel a protective look. She knew it was only a matter of time before someone came up to partner with Manuel seeing he is new in this.

“We will provi–”

“I'm not interested!” The words cut through Christopher like a two edged blade.

Manuel didn't see the need to partner with Christopher seeing that his father never did in the past. He looked at Laura and turned to leave.

Just as Manuel pulled open the door, there was a loud scream and chaos erupted. Christopher turned back sharply and his assistant stood beside him.

Laura ran in front of Manuel as het protective instincts kicked in. At first they thought it was an attack not until they heard a loud scream from the chaos,

“Chairman Keith has collapsed!!”