The Adopted Heir

Chapter 7

The event kicked off. Cassandra and her friends were already inside the building. You could hear chatter and clanking of cups around the room.

After the scenario outside, the trio conspired to make Alex's life a living hell. Little did they know what was about to befall them.

Christopher and Marcus stepped into the building. Cassandra sighted them.

"I know for a fact that my company will get this partnership today. I mean look at how cozy my dad and Chris are." Cassandra boasted.

"Of course, didn't I tell you that the position is unrivaled," Clare supported.

Just then, Christopher Columbus walked up to the stage. His presence demanded everyone's attention.

"Hello gentlemen and ladies, I would like to officially welcome you on this occasion. This would be my last occasion as the head of this empire," Chris paused to make sure that he was communicating effectively before continuing. "You all already know that I have an heir who has already taken over, he would be in charge of today's selection."

People started murmuring including Cassandra and her friends.

"Excuse me guys, I want to go and talk to my dad," Cassandra said before walking out.

When she got to where Marcus was sitting she sat close to him and started whispering, "Dad, do you have any idea who this new heir is? It wouldn't be a bad idea to meet up with him before the whole selection process begins."

"My princess, I've never met him. I was made to understand that he had no heir, and no family members left. Well, I heard this heir was adopted."

Marcus told his daughter.

Cassandra was ready to do anything to get this partnership, "Dad, since you're very close to Christopher, why don't you ask him to introduce you to this heir?"

"I've done that already dear, but he said we'll all get to meet him at the event. So, I'm still waiting."

Just then, Christopher's voice boomed, "May I introduce to you once again the CEO of C-Square Associates Limited, in the person of Alexander Sterling." Alex majestically walked up the stage with his head high.

Time froze, and Cassandra's heart momentarily stopped beating. Marcus was equally as shocked.

"Alex would be the one making the selection today. I trust that he would make a good choice. I advise that nobody thwarts his final judgment." Chris finished and handed the mic over to Alex.

"Good evening all, I'm Alexander Sterling, your new boss. I would love to plead for your utmost cooperation to run this organization smoothly." Alex's voice boomed with power and authority.

Cassandra quickly rushed back to her friends. They were both gaping like morons.

"Please tell me I'm dreaming," Cassandra fidgeted.

"I wish that it's a dream too, but no, it's reality," Clare said in a whisper.

Victor was stunned into silence. He hadn't said anything. It was beyond him. He could feel it in his guts that they were finished.

After he finally got his composure back he spoke, "I'm sorry to say this Cassandra, but you have to say goodbye to this partnership cos Alex that we all know would never give you it."

Cassandra at the back of her mind knew that what Victor said was true but she wasn't going to back down either.

"I'm not going to give up. My company worked hard for this position. I deserve this partnership," Cassandra adamantly stated.

"I'm solidly behind you Cas, absolutely nobody should take your glory away from you, not even that so-called Alex," Clare cheered her friend on.

Clare continued, "Do you know what I think, since Chris is your father's close friend, I think you should meet with your father so that he can go and put in a word or two for you."

"You guys don't get this, do you? Chris practically just handed over to Alex a few minutes ago which means that he no longer has anything to do with the organization. Everything from now henceforth is for Alex to oversee," Victor was now agitated.

Who would have thought that Alex of all people would be their boss? This life was unpredictable indeed.

This was when everything sank in. Cassandra could already see her dreams slipping through her fingers. She needed to solve this mess, but how?

"So, what do you suggest we do Victor, I can't just fold my arms and watch some other company take my sweat away. I worked so hard to get here." Cassandra was desperate at this point.

"Have you sat down to think that just maybe Alex could award you this contract, after all, you let him go without having to pay the money he owed." Clare voiced out.

"You talk like a dunce sometimes, that right there is wishful thinking. Alex would never grant your company this award." Victor snapped, already getting pissed.

Cassandra was the type who always got what she wanted right from childhood. And she was finding it hard to let this one go. 

"Victor, just keep your mouth shut if you can't help me with any idea. As for your information, I'm not letting this go," She stormed off.

"Where is she going now, she'd better not do something stupid," Victor said.

"Leave her be, let her look for a way to attain her dreams. Do not let me regret ever encouraging her to accept your proposal. When did you start giving up easily, when did you become a weakling?..."

"Do not call me that," Victor interrupted immediately. 

"Sorry about that, but you have to stop discouraging her, we have to stand by our friend at this difficult time. We have to put our heads together for a solution."

Victor finally calmed down. He saw a point in what Clare was saying. So they decided to follow their friend and stand by her.

They finally met Cassandra with her father Marcus. They were outside the Mirage beside the waterfall.

"Dad, what do we do now?! Can't you at least talk to Chris"

"Just calm your nerves princess, I already did that and he said that every matter concerning the organization should be taken to his successor." Marcus solemnly replied.

"I have a plan," Victor suddenly said. Everybody turned in his direction. They wanted to hear it.

Marcus gestured for him to go ahead.

"Cassandra, why don't you go and apologize to him? The apology doesn't have to be a sincere one, but make it look sincere so that it could be more believable. Who knows, maybe that could work in your favor."

"Over my dead body would I do that. I know that I desperately need this partnership, but I'm not going to condescend that low to apologize to Alex of all people." Cassandra fired back immediately.

"Then, you don't need this partnership as much as I thought. You once said that you can do anything to get what you want right, the ball is in your court now. Unless you no longer want the partnership." Victor diligently said.

At this point, everyone was in thought. They were digesting everything that was just said. Marcus was the first person to break the silence.

"I think Victor is making sense. As it seems now, that's our only option."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes in irritation. She had no other options, it seemed like that was her only option now. With that thought in mind, she made her way to go and find Alex.