The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 14

YOU NEED A PROPER HAIRCUT 

Darwin Enterprise headquarters stood gallantly at the city's seaside. Not only was its beauty radiating, it was also teeming with life and activities.

Jamie's car pulled up just at the front. Without waiting for the valet standing outside, he pushed open the door and proceeded into the building, leaving the door unlocked.

As he walked towards the elevator, he could see the questioning gazes that were projected towards him. They must've seen the news and they could probably guess why he was here this morning.

He pressed the button to the elevator.

Ding!

The elevator slid open and he walked inside. Jamie was still gritting his teeth over the incident that happened yesterday.

Yet, Jamie couldn't completely quench the fear in his heart as the elevator's number kept changing. Everyone knew Lucas Darwin. He was a powerful man who didn't tolerate failure– not even from his own son.

As soon as Jamie got to the front of Lucas’ office, he took a deep breath then pushed the door open.

The walls of the office were made of glass– one part giving a wide view of the ocean and another part a view of the city.

Lucas stood, admiring the ocean with his hands held together behind him.

“Father–”

“Have you seen the news?” Lucas cut him before he could complete his sentence. His voice was hoarse and you could sniff his old age from the way he spoke.

“Father, i–”

“You should watch it.” Lucas said again, not looking back at him.

Jamie was terrified. His father was oddly calm about the situation.

“Pick up the remote and watch.” Lucas said again.

Jamie reluctantly walked to the table, grabbed the remote and turned on the television that was hung facing the office table.

The first headline read, “– what becomes of the Darwins reputation?”

Jamie instantly developed cold feet. He stood, petrified by fear. When Lucas' arm wrapped around Jamie's neck, he almost threw up his heart.

“Father, I can explain.”

“No need.” Lucas said, pointing to the screen, “why do you think I put you in charge?”

The question increased the speed of Jamie's heart. Before Jamie could reply, Lucas swiftly smashed his head against the glass table.

Crash!!

The table broke instantly while Jamie scampered to the side to nurse his bleeding head.

“I made you my successor so you can stomp on your enemies and let them know that the Darwins never lose and we get what we want.”

Even though Jamie could definitely tell that his father was furious, Lucas just wouldn't break his calm aura.

“You should tend to your bleeding head. I'd take care of the rest.” Lucas said and dipped both hands into his pockets, making his way towards the door.

He stopped halfway and turned back slightly, revealing only a fraction of his face.

“What was his name again?”

“Manuel–” Jamie was in pain and it was evident in the way he spoke.

“Manuel Keith!”

—

Manuel swerved left and right in his swivel chair still thinking about his dad in the hospital. Thanks to the private facility, only a few people could visit the ex chairman willingly.

The words of Christopher replayed in his memory again;

“I don't know who was in charge of your father's meals when he was initially poisoned but if you want to save your father, you should pay them a visit.”

Manuel moved the chair forward and dropped his hands on the table. He pulled the glass nameplate towards himself. It read;

Chairman of Nightingale; Dave Keith

His nameplate was still in the works so he had to use his father's.

“What's really going on Nightingale?!” Manuel mouthed just before the door swung open and Laura walked in.

She wore a black button up shirt and a knee length body con skirt. On her hand was a tablet pjone. She stopped just a few paces away from Manuel's table.

“Mr Keith! The annual general meeting is tomorrow. I have picked out the best suits befitting your taste.” She started, “I have sent out formal recruitment mails to every of our checkpoints to find you a personal assistant too.”

Manuel froze.

“Aren't you supposed to be my assistant?” He asked, with a hint of uncertainty.

Laura let out a quiet chuckle before recomposing herself.

“Pardon me.” She apologized, “I'm not your assistant, I am merely your chief of staff and your father's most trusted lieutenant.”

She continued, “I'm only stepping up in the absence of a proper assistant.”

Manuel saw reasons with her. He let out a defeated sigh.

“Fine, proceed with it. A black suit would be preferable.” He said and relaxed back but she still didn't leave.

“Your hair. You need a proper haircut.”

Manuel ran his hand through his hair before ruffling it again. She was right. During his time with Lisa, he never got a chance to take proper care of himself because she always needed attention or some errand that needed to be done.

“I will consider that.” He said.

“I’ve prepared a barber for you. I hope he meets your taste.” She said and moved forwards, dropping the phone in front of Manuel.

There were three pictures of different kinds of black suits.

“Make a choice, Mr Keith.” She said,

Manuel wasn't used to all these so he just shot her a weak smile, “Anyone is fine.”

She bowed and turned towards the door.

“Ms Ivanovich, wait–” she halted but didn't look back.

“I need the logs of people who were in charge of my father's meals from twenty years ago.”

Laura froze.

A long silence stretched between them. Then Laura let out a sigh and turned back. She walked towards Manuel and stopped at an appropriate distance.

For the first time since knowing Laura, she couldn't look up to face Manuel.