"A what?!"
Richard looked at me in disbelief.
"A meeting," I said, looking at him like he was a stupid person for asking what I just said.
"Why a sudden meeting?" he asked again.
"It is not sudden. It is normal, after all, I asked for all the data we have about the company's operation. So, a meeting will follow for plans. Are you seriously asking me that, Mister Vice President?" I asked him with mirth in the tone of my voice.
Veins bulged in his forehead.
"I am just asking because you have just been in the position for two days," he replied.
"But you planned on having a grand party on the day I first entered the company," I answered.
He gritted his teeth, making my smile wider.
"Call for a meeting in an hour. It is time we talk about the company."
He glared at me as if wishing to swallow me whole.
"I already told you. I welcome gifts. So..."
I leaned back with a lazy smile.
"Don't be so sure of yourself," he once again warned.
I clicked my tongue, "I have been hearing you threaten me a few times already. Isn't there anything new?"
"..."
I leaned forward while propping my chin on my hand, "A meeting in an hour with all the department heads and board of directors."
He left while slamming the door, while I yawned. Somehow, this is getting boring already.
I hope the meeting will give me some entertainment at the very least.
...
The board of directors, consisting of ten old geezers, sat around the big polished oval table. While the department heads sat in the chairs placed behind them.
While those who are in the branches are connected through a video link.
I looked at each of them with a smile.
"The company is indeed big."
Some were even looking at me with confusion.
"What is going on?" one balding old man asked.
I asked Richard, "Name?"
Richard glanced at me before replying with a scoff, "Gary Davidson."
The balding old geezer named Gary frowned.
"The annual meeting is still in January," he said.
"I never said that this was an annual meeting, Mister Davidson."
"Then what is this?" another old geezer with a big belly spoke.
I looked at Richard with a smile, and before I could ask for the name with my disrespectful tone, he already spoke.
"Harry Thomas."
"What do you think, Mister Thomas?"
Many started whispering in disbelief at how I spoke with the board of directors.
They were part of the board of directors, and all were now frowning and glaring at me and Richard as if wondering about the disrespect they were receiving.
Their eyes were even blaming Richard.
I wonder if one of these old ones would suddenly have a heart attack today.
"Young miss, may we ask who you are?" an old lady with short, thinning hair asked next.
This time, before I could turn to Richard, he already spoke.
"Laura Jacques."
But I still turned to him with a grin, "Madam Jacques is asking me who I am, Mister Vice President."
Richard swallowed hard.
"What's wrong? Is your throat dry?"
He cleared his throat, but was still hesitant to speak.
I exaggeratedly gasped, "Some of the department heads were there on my first day. Don't tell me, you only told them about it."
"Lilith, we... need time-"
"No, we don't," I interrupted.
"We don't need time for people to accept that the former chairman is gone."
My smile then disappeared.
"Wasn't that the case with Riven?"
I looked at all of them, "You all made him take the position without problems. Saying maybe... along the lines... the company needed someone to lead. Everyone accepts you. Something like that."
The board of directors frowned. It seems they are finally remembering who was the person sitting in the head seat.
"Could you be... Lilith Kingsley?" another old lady asked.
Her face has too much makeup. Probably covering up all those wrinkles.
I smiled at her before facing Richard, irritating all of them even more.
"Pamela Roberts," Richard was already red from anger.
"I am indeed, Madam Roberts," I said, looking back at her.
Most of them looked at one another.
And with controlled emotions, as if asking her grandparents, I asked, "Have you all forgotten me already?"
"You have been away for a while," one said.
"Karen Alvarez," Richard said without me doing anything.
"But I was just away for two years, Madam Alvarez," I acted hurt.
She cleared her throat.
Since I was a child, they all had already deemed me irrelevant. Because I had done nothing but trouble, not showing what I am capable of.
Because I already had the intuition that I needed to keep quiet about them.
My family noticed this and left me alone as well.
Now these people seemed to have finally remembered that there was indeed someone like me in the family.
"Your disrespect is quite impressive," the one sitting opposite me said.
If I remember correctly, this geezer is the oldest board member.
"Sir Francis Stronghold."
I slightly raised my brow at the way Richard called him. It seems that this guy still has some respect for others.
"Why do you think so, Sir Stronghold?" I asked, propping my head on my hands.
"I understand that you think you are already the one leading the conglomerate. But you are just temporary," he answered.
His face was cold, but I think, as compared to Kieran's, his is nothing.
"Why?" I asked again, glancing at Richard.
I can see him looking like he did not wish for us to continue this conversation.
Too bad for him, I want to announce it now because all his actions are getting boring.
"Because you are the next kin of the previous chairman, who is Riven Kingsley."
"What I'm asking is why do you think I am temporary?"
A crack appeared on his face. Confused by my words.
I smiled again as I watched him glance at Richard.
"Why don't you all look at this?" I said again, getting all their attention.