Camila's POV
I was lying on my bed, randomly scrolling through my phone when suddenly an email popped up on my screen. I read its contents, blinked, and wiped my eyes just to be sure I was seeing it correctly. Reading it again, I squealed happily at the good news. Knoxville Enterprise had set up an interview with my company. It was nothing short of a miracle. I had applied without much thought because I never believed we would make it to the top ten on their list.
Knoxville Enterprise is one of the most popular and well-established global companies today. When I heard they were selecting just one company to invest in, I applied because my family's company was on the verge of bankruptcy. We didn't have enough money to pay the employees or cover our bills. I knew over a thousand companies had applied to Knoxville Enterprise. Everyone wanted to be associated with them.
Among the thousands of companies that applied, I never thought we stood a chance, but we ended up being chosen. I needed to inform my parents about this good news. They had been worried sick about how we would afford the bills and pay our employees, among other things. I needed to let them know that they didn't have to worry anymore. We were saved. Although I was now the one in charge, having taken over after finishing my master's degree, I still felt they needed to be informed. I picked up my phone and dialed my father's number.
"Hello, Daddy," I said cheerfully.
"Hello, Camila. Why do you sound so excited?" he asked, his tone gloomy. I completely understood how he felt. It wasn't easy to watch everything you had worked hard for, your only source of livelihood, going down the drain.
"I'm sure you've heard of Knoxville Enterprises?" I asked, trying to conceal the excitement in my voice.
"Of course. Everyone knows about them," he replied.
"I submitted a proposal to them, asking them to invest in our company, and out of the thousands of people who applied, our proposal was accepted," I exclaimed excitedly.
"Are you serious?" he asked, his tone immediately lightening up. I nodded my head happily before realizing he couldn't see me.
"Yes, they sent me an email just now, scheduling a meeting for tomorrow morning," I replied.
"That's great news! Great work, princess," he said happily. We shared ideas about the proposal for a while.
"How is Mom doing?" I asked curiously.
"She's doing fine," he replied.
"Please assure her that everything is going to be alright, and she doesn't need to worry about the company anymore," I said.
"I definitely will. Good luck with your presentation, princess," he replied. We said goodbye before I hung up. I quickly stood up and grabbed a pen and paper. I needed to rehearse every single thing I was going to say tomorrow. I had to make a huge impression and convince them to invest in my company. This was our last hope. We couldn't afford to lose this life-changing deal.
Soon enough, there were heaps of crumpled paper around me. I wrote for a while, and when I finally felt that my proposal was perfectly written, I stopped. I smiled, feeling satisfied. They wouldn't be able to refuse my proposal. After taking a bath and following my routine, I tried to go to sleep, but I was too excited. Anticipation for the following day kept me awake.
I woke up abruptly the following morning. I peered out of the window and noticed it was still a bit dark. I got up and started to get ready, not wanting to even be a second late. I was blow-drying my hair when my alarm went off. I put on a navy blue pristine suit and tied my hair in a ponytail. Grabbing my car keys, I rushed towards the driveway, munching on an apple.
I drove towards Knoxville Enterprise, hoping I wouldn't get stuck in traffic. Luckily, I reached my destination faster than expected. I parked my car in the parking lot, grabbed my proposal, and walked towards the magnificent building. I stared at it in awe; it looked even better after the renovation. I stopped gawking and made my way to the receptionist.
"Good morning," I greeted cheerfully. She looked up from her computer and adjusted her large-framed glasses.
"Morning, ma'am. How may I assist you?" she asked politely.
"I have an interview scheduled for 8:30 a.m. here," I replied.
"From which company, ma'am?" she asked, searching through her computer.
"Arkwright Group," I said curtly, showing her my identity card. She nodded.
"Take the elevator to the sixth floor, and someone will guide you from there. I'll inform her right away," she said with a polite smile. I smiled back gratefully before heading towards the elevator. The doors opened, revealing a lady waiting for me.
"Welcome to Knoxville Enterprise, Miss Arkwright," she said politely.
"Thank you," I muttered. I must say, I admire their level of responsibility and dedication to their work.
"Please come with me. I'll lead you to the CEO's office," she said, gesturing for me to follow.
"I'll be meeting with the CEO?" I asked, shocked.
"Yes, Miss Arkwright," she confirmed.
This is new. I've never heard of anyone seeing the new CEO's face, except for some of his staff. He was a mystery everyone wanted to unravel, and I would have the honor of being the first to know this business tycoon's identity. There were rumors about him being merciless and ruthless. I just hope they aren't true.
"You can go in now. I've already informed him of your arrival," she said and walked back to her workstation. I took a deep breath, holding the files tightly in my hands, before gently pushing the door open. As the double doors opened, revealing the office's interior, my jaw dropped. The sight of numerous trees with mountains behind them, the sun casting its magnificent rays across the horizon—it was truly breathtaking.
In the middle of the glass walls sat a man with his back turned towards me.
"Good morning, sir. I'm Camila Arkwright from..." I trailed off when he suddenly swiveled his chair towards me. The files I was holding fell to the ground with a thud. I stared at the man, my eyes widening in shock.
The CEO of Knoxville Enterprises was none other than Nathan?
Nathan's POVI smiled upon hearing her voice and turned around to look at her. Her eyes and mouth widened in shock as the files she was holding fell from her hands. Now, that was the reaction I had been anticipating.She glanced around my office before her gaze settled on me again, shock written all over her face, staring at me in disbelief."Nathan... Why are you here? I'm supposed to be meeting the CEO," she stuttered in confusion, pointing towards the door. I took in her appearance slowly. She still looked exactly the same, but something seemed different. Is she less intelligent now or just more pathetic? Anyway, I am going to make the best of this moment."Is this how the representative of Arkwright Group behaves, being disrespectful and unprofessional? I'm sure you must know that the way you portray yourself here reflects on your company," I muttered coldly. She stared at me in shock, opening and closing her mouth like a fish gasping for air."Nathan, is this supposed to be a jok
Camila's POVSitting at my desk in Arkwright Group, I tapped my foot on the floor, feeling restless. It had been two days since I met Nathan in his office as the CEO of Knoxville Enterprises. I had to remember to address him as Mr. Knoxville now, as he strongly insisted on that title. The rumors about Knoxville Enterprises' CEO were clearly true, and I witnessed it firsthand. Nathan was ruthless, rude, and cold. I never expected that person to be him.Seeing Nathan sitting on that chair in the CEO's office that day left me dumbfounded. I initially thought my eyes were playing tricks on me until he spoke. His voice was hardly recognizable, cold and emotionless. It had only been six years, but he had changed completely. He looked like a different person, a complete stranger. His warm grey eyes had turned cold and steely, his once long black hair now trimmed shorter. His demeanor was now either icy, rude, or taunting.After we ended things on a bad note, he left school without completing
Nathan's POVI sat in my office, feeling completely content. It had been three days since I presented my conditions to Camila before considering investing in her company. Deliberately, I set forth absurd demands, aiming to make things much more challenging for her. I was absolutely certain that she would soon walk through that door, as she had no other choice.Prior to accepting their proposal, I conducted thorough research on Camila, her family, and their company. They were drowning in debt, with not a single penny to their name. I chuckled at the irony of their downfall. Regardless of how outrageous my conditions may have seemed, she wouldn't be able to refuse. No other company would be willing to invest heavily in them; they all considered it a lost cause. Only I had the power to save them from shutting down.Suddenly, a knock interrupted my thoughts, and my secretary entered the room."Good morning, sir. Miss Arkwright is here to see you," she informed me. A smirk formed on my lip
Nathan's POVI tore my gaze away from the flustered Camilla who hastily got into her car and almost crashed into an oncoming car. I chuckled when the owner of the car honked loudly. Camilla's head darted out through the window as she apologized profusely. I chuckled at the scene in amusement."I still affect her," I muttered to myself. That was the only reasonable explanation for her reaction."Affect who? Who are you talking about?" Amelia asked glancing towards the direction of my gaze curiously."It's nothing important. Did you need something?" I asked with a smile. She nodded in response. "I finished my work early and I wanted us to have lunch together. Were you heading out to a meeting?" she inquired."No, I was heading out for lunch as well," I replied."That's great then. We can go together," she said happily linking her arm with mine as we walked towards my car. I glanced towards where Camilla's car was a few minutes ago but she was long gone without a trail. My driver bowed
Camilla's POVI was startled by how cold and harsh his tone sounded. The wind tousled his hair giving him a fierce look. It was hard to believe he was the same Nathan I used to know. How could a person change this much? "Didn't you hear me?" he asked snapping me from my thoughts. I cleared my throat. "I was uhm...getting some fresh air," I replied. "Why are you getting air at my company? Is your company and mansion too small for that?" he asked. I fought the urge to roll my eyes."I came back here to pick up my phone. I left it at your office earlier. Your secretary wouldn't let me in because you were away which was why I came up here," I explained to him which was the truth. I was in a hurry to leave his office earlier that I completely forgot about my purse which had my phone in it. He stared at me for a while before turning around abruptly. "Why are you still standing there?" he asked without stopping. "Right. My phone," I muttered hurrying after him. We got into the elevator
Nathan's POVEveryone else had left for their various homes as soon as it was the usual time but I stayed in my office working till it was very late. I glanced at my wrist watch and it was almost 10 pm. I rubbed my tired eyes with a sigh. I switched off my computer and grabbed my jacket and briefcase before heading out. I was walking towards the parking lot when my phone suddenly rang. I picked it up after glancing at the caller ID."Brother," the person at the other end of the phone called out in a happy tone."You sound excited. What's the occasion?" I inquired getting into my car."Can't I be excited speaking to my brother? I'm just so happy to be hearing your voice," he replied."I doubt that," I muttered."You sound grumpy and tired. Are you still at the company?" he asked."I already left. I'm heading home," I responded. "That's great. Come over to our usual bar. I'm there right now," he urged."I'm tired. I'm going home to rest," I replied."Come on man, it's just one drink. I
Camilla's POV"Somebody call an ambulance! Please! Anyone!" a voice kept screaming uncontrollably. Was it me? I had no idea. The voice sounded muffled to my ears. I didn't know how much time had passed but some people suddenly came in and placed my dad on a stretcher rushing him outside. I got up from the floor and immediately followed them. "Where do you think you are going?" a cold voice asked halting me in my steps. I wiped the tears that were streaming down my face before turning around. I pointed towards the door."Didn't you see that?" I inquired."See what exactly?" he asked getting up from his chair. I stared at him in disbelief."Are you serious right now? My dad just passed out right in front of you. It might be a heart attack. His life could be in danger," I replied in a trembling voice."How does that relate to me? It's all your fault. You were the one who didn't tell him about the merger. He passed out due to the shock of finding out his lovely daughter was hiding the tr
Camilla's POVI couldn't sleep a wink last night. I kept tossing and turning in my bed thinking of all that had happened the previous day. I lay on my bed, eyes wide open without moving an inch. The loud ringing of my alarm clock brought me back to my senses. I sighed and got up from my bed. The day hadn't started yet I was already feeling tired. I turned off the alarm clock and started my usual routine for the morning. I did a couple of stretches to get rid of my fatigue, took a warm bath, and got dressed in a navy blue fitted suit. Nathan had made it clear that I had to be present at the office today. Dad didn't want me to take care of him at the hospital so I might as well make good use of my time.I drank my coffee and headed out after dropping the keys for the housekeeper. I didn't have enough time to clean my apartment so I hired someone to do it. I rushed out of the building and flagged down a cab. I had a car but I didn't know how to drive. My driver was also on leave to see h
Camilla's POVI hurried after my dad angrily. We just got humiliated in front of everyone in there because of his persistence and stubbornness. "Dad," I called out to him. The security guards had thrown him out of the door before closing the door and guarding it. All our employees watched us leaving the company premises curiously. I've never been this humiliated."Dad!" I yelled when he was about to get into his car. I wasn't going to overlook it this time around."What was the meaning of what you just did in there?" I asked angrily stepping in front of him."What was wrong with what? I was trying to get the company which you sold out back!" he screamed at me.I ran my hand through my hair out of frustration. Why can't he just understand? "A company which was on the verge of bankruptcy. I saved us. This car you drove over here, the house, your hospital bills. We were able to afford all that because I took the decision you were too sensitive to take. We would have been out in the stre
Nathan's POVI watched as she stood in the middle of the room looking utterly humiliated. That was what I wanted. To destroy her dignity and her pride. And when she was finally broken, shattered just the way she left me years ago, my revenge would be complete."I can handle the meeting on my own. I don't need the presence of a secretary. You may leave," I deadpanned. Without glancing at anyone, she hurried out of the room. "We deeply apologize for everything sir. We thought Robert was going to say his last goodbyes. We had no idea he would try to turn us against you," the man I recognized as Mr. Peters pleaded. I had studied their portfolio and I knew every single person sitting in this boardroom down to their families. I wasn't new to the fake apologies since I took over my father's company. I bet he was only doing this to keep his job and his salary. If I was the same poor Nathan that they used to know, they wouldn't have hesitated to throw me out like a pauper. But I wasn't concer
Camilla's POV"Revenge?" he inquired with a raised brow. I gulped, his scent wafting through my nostrils. I tried to avoid his gaze as much as I could but his proximity was making things harder."The printer," I muttered trying to pick it up."I'm asking you a question. You don't ignore me when I'm talking to you," he declared."I know we haven't discussed about what happened in the past. We can't keep working together in such a tense environment without talking things through," I replied."Talk about what exactly?" he asked again. He knew what I was talking but if he was going to pretend like he didn't, it was fine. I can remind him. I've done worse things than that."The things I did and said to you in the past. This is your way of taking revenge on me and my family right?" I asked. I wasn't dumb. I knew he didn't treat other employees this way."What did you do to me?" he inquired. I sighed. He was enjoying this."Torturing me isn't going to help both of us. If there's anything fro
Camilla's POVThe hardcover of the file hit my arm and I winced from the pain. He looked into his computer completely ignoring my presence. I bent down and picked up the files as fast as I could before bolting out of his office. I sat on my chair and stared at the files in front of me in confusion. I followed all of his instructions. I was sure I didn't miss anything. Why did he get angry in that way? My mind drifted from his reaction to what I had seen in his office. The way his arm was wrapped around Amelie's waist protectively. It was obvious something was going on between them. He had a smile on his face while she wrapped her arms around his neck fondly. They looked quite cozy in each other's arms. I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts."Focus on work Camilla. Stop thinking about useless things," I muttered to myself. I wore my glasses and looked into the files but everything looked perfect to me. I didn't know where I was supposed to start from. I sighed and began typing o
Nathan's POVI saw the shock on Camilla's face as soon as she walked through the door. Amelie tried to pull away when she heard the door open but I held onto her. I was just about to pull away from her when Camilla walked in. My hand slowly moved towards her waist pulling her closer. "What are you doing?" Amelie asked in surprise. She should be. This was unlike me. Camilla's lips parted in surprise before she hurriedly looked away. She glanced at everything in the office except for us. "I just missed your company," I lied with a smile. It wasn't a complete lie, I was glad she was here even though it was unexpected. I was unsure about it before but it was certain Camilla was jealous of seeing me with Amelie. I chuckled. Who would have thought? "Really? You should have called me. But you had to wait for me to come to you," she replied."Uhmm..," Camilla cleared her throat loudly. She turned towards us but when she saw me still holding onto Amelie's waist, she looked away again."I br
Camilla's POVI couldn't sleep a wink last night. I kept tossing and turning in my bed thinking of all that had happened the previous day. I lay on my bed, eyes wide open without moving an inch. The loud ringing of my alarm clock brought me back to my senses. I sighed and got up from my bed. The day hadn't started yet I was already feeling tired. I turned off the alarm clock and started my usual routine for the morning. I did a couple of stretches to get rid of my fatigue, took a warm bath, and got dressed in a navy blue fitted suit. Nathan had made it clear that I had to be present at the office today. Dad didn't want me to take care of him at the hospital so I might as well make good use of my time.I drank my coffee and headed out after dropping the keys for the housekeeper. I didn't have enough time to clean my apartment so I hired someone to do it. I rushed out of the building and flagged down a cab. I had a car but I didn't know how to drive. My driver was also on leave to see h
Camilla's POV"Somebody call an ambulance! Please! Anyone!" a voice kept screaming uncontrollably. Was it me? I had no idea. The voice sounded muffled to my ears. I didn't know how much time had passed but some people suddenly came in and placed my dad on a stretcher rushing him outside. I got up from the floor and immediately followed them. "Where do you think you are going?" a cold voice asked halting me in my steps. I wiped the tears that were streaming down my face before turning around. I pointed towards the door."Didn't you see that?" I inquired."See what exactly?" he asked getting up from his chair. I stared at him in disbelief."Are you serious right now? My dad just passed out right in front of you. It might be a heart attack. His life could be in danger," I replied in a trembling voice."How does that relate to me? It's all your fault. You were the one who didn't tell him about the merger. He passed out due to the shock of finding out his lovely daughter was hiding the tr
Nathan's POVEveryone else had left for their various homes as soon as it was the usual time but I stayed in my office working till it was very late. I glanced at my wrist watch and it was almost 10 pm. I rubbed my tired eyes with a sigh. I switched off my computer and grabbed my jacket and briefcase before heading out. I was walking towards the parking lot when my phone suddenly rang. I picked it up after glancing at the caller ID."Brother," the person at the other end of the phone called out in a happy tone."You sound excited. What's the occasion?" I inquired getting into my car."Can't I be excited speaking to my brother? I'm just so happy to be hearing your voice," he replied."I doubt that," I muttered."You sound grumpy and tired. Are you still at the company?" he asked."I already left. I'm heading home," I responded. "That's great. Come over to our usual bar. I'm there right now," he urged."I'm tired. I'm going home to rest," I replied."Come on man, it's just one drink. I
Camilla's POVI was startled by how cold and harsh his tone sounded. The wind tousled his hair giving him a fierce look. It was hard to believe he was the same Nathan I used to know. How could a person change this much? "Didn't you hear me?" he asked snapping me from my thoughts. I cleared my throat. "I was uhm...getting some fresh air," I replied. "Why are you getting air at my company? Is your company and mansion too small for that?" he asked. I fought the urge to roll my eyes."I came back here to pick up my phone. I left it at your office earlier. Your secretary wouldn't let me in because you were away which was why I came up here," I explained to him which was the truth. I was in a hurry to leave his office earlier that I completely forgot about my purse which had my phone in it. He stared at me for a while before turning around abruptly. "Why are you still standing there?" he asked without stopping. "Right. My phone," I muttered hurrying after him. We got into the elevator