Chapter 3
A striking beautiful woman paused in front of a mirror. She smirked her lips balancing the red lipstick on both the roof and bottom of her full lips. In two months Olivia has transformed beyond recognition. Back then, she looked just skin and bone. Right now, she had flesh at all the right places, evident in a fitting red gown.
From her bracelet, wristwatch, shoe, and handbag, it was all worth millions. This was the kind of life she had given you for love. She thought would find true love just like Cinderella if she appeared to be poor. All that turned out to only happen in fairy tales.
Once she stepped outside the mansion, a black limousine was at her service. Her maids covered her with an umbrella ensuring she didn't get roasted by the scorching sun as she entered the car.
The Bruce Empire was busily working to make more money and remain at the top. Heads swung around to the clicking sound of Olivia's heels. She loved the attention she was receiving and the awe on their faces.
"The master's daughter has returned."
"Gosh.. She is so beautiful."
"Where has she been all these years?"
Everyone had something to say about her. Olivia held her shoulders high pretending not to pay attention to any of their gossip. She got into the transparent elevator and then purposely turned her backside to them.
"Damn..."
The male gasped with their jaw almost dropping to the floor.
Olivia felt her cheeks burn red from so many evil smirks; this was a return to forever remember. None of them would forget this day in haste.
"You are right on time for the meeting."
Her father occupied the large armseat. At the edge of the long rectangular table. Olivia took a seat beside him.
"The lost sheep has finally returned."
The old man stated, his excitement couldn't be hidden.
Olivia knew he had his eyes on her for the last three years that she was away. Everything was reported to him, and due to his high reputation, the fraud case in which Philip had used her as a scapegoat was closed.
"My bones can no longer keep up with work. She would have to take over from me."
The room began buzzing with unheard words. They were not in agreement with his decision. How could he let a multi-billion company into the hands of someone who hasn't been in the business world for three years? How was she to lead?
Sam, who is the head of the board, and the man everyone assumed was equal to the task of being the CEO, raised up his hands, but Mr. Bruce countered his objection.
"I know what you have to say. For that reason, Olivia will be on two months probation. Let's see what she can do." Mr Bruce stated, shutting him up
Sam's anger could be perceived in the way he acted. He plopped back down on his seat, eating up his suggestions.
The meeting ended. Not everyone was impressed, especially Sam. Since she was going to be on probation, he would ensure to frustrate her with every plan, and there Mr. Bruce would finalize she wasn't competent to lead.
"Thank you." Said, Olivia.
"You better not make me regret it."
"I won't."
"Ohh, one more thing."
The old man flexed his finger.
"I hope you haven't forgotten about your engagement with Dylan. You better make this happen."
She shook her head positively before leaving. Dylan was a young business tycoon. He only took over from his father who was a friend to Olivia's father some months back. Olivia would have to be in the young business tycoon's good book ensuring he doesn't terminate their contract.
Later in the day, her office was set. Right from her working space, she could view part of New York City. The rest of the day has been busy for her. She went through the company's file, and some things weren't straight. There was some manipulation in the figures, whoever had done this had done a very good job. It would only take an expert with figures to spot the errors.
"Lady Olivia, it's past work time and you have an important engagement."
Her personal assistant spoke In a calm voice.
"Shitt.... The engagement."
These figures had taken So much of her time. She forgot about Dylan.
In a five-star restaurant. A classy man in his late thirties sat alone in the VIP section. He wore a fine vintage shirt with a pair of blue trousers. He had already drunk more than half of the wine he ordered. He looked at his watch, Olivia was more than thirty minutes late.
"Should we leave, boss?"
"No. I want to see this woman who dares keep me waiting."
They waited for another five minutes. Just then Olivia rushed into the room like a wind. It was easy to spot him since he was seated all alone.
"I know first impressions matter a lot and I can assure you that I'm not a perpetual late guest. Something urgent came up."
She spoke so fast she had to catch her breath after speaking.
"Can I sit?"
Dylan scrutinized Olivia from head to toe. He would be lying if he said he wasn't impressed with what he saw. She is far more adorable in person than in the picture she sent him.
"You're a lucky little bird, I love beautiful women."
She bit her lower lips, trying not to smile, then took her eyes off him. Dylan looked like one of those male seducing characters she read in books.
"Mr. Dylan"
She finally found her voice yet her gaze wasn't on him.
"Let me compensate for your time by paying for tonight's drink."
Dylan chuckled, stroking his beard.
"In all my years of dealing with women, I have never met your kind. Where on earth have you been Olivia Bruce?"
He had an Italian accent that let her name roll off his tongue sweetly.
His presence alone made her feel special. His gentle yet commanding voice raised hairs on her skin.
"Little bird,"
He stood up from his seat still looking at her face.
"There is a better way to pay for my wasted time. But I will have you guess for a minute, and you might need this tip, my interests are very wild." A sinful smirk crossed the corners of his lips.