Filed To Story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
He supported himself on the couch and continued, “I’m feeling lightheaded due to hypertension. This is why I asked you to attend today’s meeting. There will come a time when I have to turn over the reins of the business to you both.”
“Dad, let’s get a checkup at the hospital!” Queenie suggested.
“Yeah! You can’t afford to get sick, Dad.” Bonnie was adamant because she didn’t want Queenie to take over the company so quickly.
“I’m fine. I just have to rest for a while.”
“Dad, it has been a while since you and Mom took a vacation. Let me tag along to the office with you this week, and after you’ve taught me the ropes of running the business, I’ll take care of everything while you and Mom take a vacation,” Queenie suggested.
After hearing that, Bonnie quickly agreed. “Yes, Dad. Leave the management of the company up to us. You should take a break.”
Brandon responded with a smile. “It would be disastrous if I let two people have the final say over the company’s direction. How about this? I should probably get some rest anyway, so I’ll let Queenie take over my responsibilities for the time being. Bonnie, why don’t you stay behind and accompany your mother and me on vacation?”
Although Bonnie was dissatisfied, she held back from voicing her displeasure. So, she nodded and complied. “Okay. I know I’m not as good as Queenie.”
These words broke his heart, and he reached out to comfort her by patting her head. “In my eyes, you are both equally talented children.”
Suddenly, Queenie felt a tremendous pressure bearing down on her. She used to believe that her parents were still young and that she would be able to enjoy a carefree and joyful life under their protection, but she now realized that her parents had aged significantly.
Willful defiance was no longer an option for her, and it was time for her to take responsibility so that her father could get some much-needed rest.
Brandon insisted that they return home afterward.
When they exited the building, Bonnie and Queenie walked in tandem. As they approached Queenie’s car, Bonnie mocked her from behind, “Queenie Silverstein! You should be proud of yourself. Do you have a sense of superiority now?”
The moment Queenie reached for the car door, she paused to turn around and shot an icy stare at Bonnie. “Please stop making such ridiculous statements. Dad isn’t feeling well, and as his daughters, we should bear some of his burdens.”
“Then, why are you the one taking over the company instead of me? Have you secretly won over Dad’s affection and proven your worth to him without my knowledge?” Bonnie sneered.
“Personally, I don’t even bother with that sort of thing. It’s completely up to Dad, and all we can do is respect his decision, seeing that taking over the company doesn’t really change anything. Don’t take it personally because I don’t feel confident in assuming company leadership either.”
It was hard to fathom how Queenie could have failed to notice Bonnie’s jealousy.
“There is a possibility that I am superior to you in another respect.” Bonnie cocked an eyebrow, wondering how she could speedily assume this responsibility. How likely she could take control of the business was something to think about down the road.
Queenie had no doubts about Bonnie’s abilities; instead, she had witnessed Bonnie struggle to understand the report earlier in the meeting.
“Bonnie, if you are concerned about our parents, please refrain from being self-willed in this circumstance. We are a family, and no matter who runs the company, we will not mistreat you.” Queenie calmly explained.
Nonetheless, the tension in Bonnie’s eyes did not soften and she snorted softly. “I know what you’re up to. You’re just bullying me because you plan to take over the company soon for financial gain, and you think I’m naive and uneducated.”
“Our family’s wealth is sufficient for me to live a prosperous life. Why would I need that much money?” Queenie frowned.
When she heard what Bonnie said, she was completely taken aback because she had never met someone with this particular mindset before.
“Hmph! I will learn to manage the business and refuse to give up or admit defeat without a fight.” After making that statement, Bonnie walked over to her red Ferrari, opened the door, and drove off arrogantly.
Queenie turned around and sighed as her father’s health was the only thing on her mind at the time, for which she sincerely wished for a speedy recovery. Then, she glanced at her watch and realized it was lunchtime, which prompted her to call Nigel.
“Missed me?” His gentle voice lingered languidly.
“I’d like to have lunch with you. Are you available now?” Queenie’s heart swelled with affection.
“Of course. Do you want me to pick you up?”
“Nah. I’ll drive over. Are you at the headquarters? I’m leaving right now.”
Then, she ended the call.
Nigel called an internal line from his office and instructed, “Prepare a bouquet for me.”
“Red roses?” Cecily Wentworth, his assistant, enquired.
“Yes.”
“Alright. I’ll order them right away.”
It was the afternoon rush hour and Nigel had arrived at the lobby entrance to greet Queenie. Cecily had already made her way upstairs with a bouquet in her arms when she noticed he wasn’t in the office, so she hurriedly called his phone.
“Mr. Manson, I have the bouquet. Where are you?”
“I’m at the lobby entrance. Please deliver the bouquet!” Nigel instructed.
“Okay. I will send it to you immediately.” Cecily had no choice but to dash to the elevator with a bouquet. She thought, The recipient of this bouquet must be the female guest in his home on that day, and she must be his girlfriend! I have no idea what his girlfriend looks like, but hopefully, I’ll get to meet her in the future.
Nigel spotted a familiar Ferrari approaching the entrance from a distance. As he awaited her arrival, he couldn’t help but smile broadly.
At that moment, Cecily had arrived at the hall. She dashed over with a bouquet and handed it to him. “Mr. Manson, your bouquet of flowers.”
He accepted the bouquet while the red Ferrari pulled to a stop elegantly in front of him. She intentionally stood there, eager to get a glimpse of his girlfriend.
When the door to the driver’s seat was opened, a woman exited the vehicle as her hair fluttered and hid part of her face in the breeze. Cecily’s eyes widened in shock as the woman brushed her hair gracefully out of the way to reveal her face.
Cecily stared at the woman in complete bewilderment. How could it possibly be Queenie Silverstein?
The flowers had already been given to Queenie by the man standing next to her. “You’re finally here. Here you are.”
Queenie accepted the flowers with a grin and looked up to see Cecily standing next to her; consequently, she smiled and greeted, “Cecily, long time no see.”
“Y-You’re Mr. Manson’s girlfriend?” Cecily inquired boldly.
“Yes. That’s me. I was present when you last delivered the clothes to his home. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.” Queenie expressed her gratitude.
Cecily couldn’t help but shudder. When she thought about how she had teased Queenie in the past, Cecily became so anxious that she nearly passed out. “Don’t mention it, Miss Silverstein. I have to get back to work.”
After making that statement, she quickly turned on her heels and headed to the hallway.
During their lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, Queenie informed Nigel about her father’s health, after which he agreed to let her manage the company while her father took a break.