Woke Up Married

113

Acting CEO of Paradise

Jason's eyes widened and he tensed up quickly even though he remained composed staring at the person before him.

"I am Vera, a friend of the journalist who hosted your brother James on the TV show," Vera introduced as she dropped her disguise on the empty seat before her.

"So you are a woman? Why the male disguise?" Jason asked already feeling uncomfortable.

"I am hiding from your brother James," Vera replied. "Can I sit?" she asked.

"Sure," replied Jason coldly.

If it is James, Jason knows it has everything to do with abuse or harassment.

"Fiona is the name of the journalist who hosted James on the TV show. She believes you can help us. Can you?" Vera asked with urgency.

"Depends on what kind of help you are asking of me," Jason replied trying his best to remain calm.

Jason picked up his phone and unlocked the screen. He went into his gallery and clicked on Julia's image which immediately covered his phone screen. With the phone almost beneath the table, he just stared at Julia's image and felt calm and better. Meanwhile, Vera continued to talk even though Jason's gaze was lowered.

"We both suffered the same fate under James. I believe you saw the press conference that made Fiona look like she was the guilty one. I suffered the same differently. I had to flee town just like Fiona did," Vera narrated.

"So what exactly do you want from me?" Jason asked his eyes still fixated on Julia's image on his phone screen as he traced the shape of her face with his thumb.

"Fiona got a video confession from James on what he did to her. I know he can rubbish the video if we use it," Vera said.

"So you need me to do that for you?" Jason asked.

"Yes," Vera replied quickly.

"What makes you think if I take him on with that video he can't rubbish it?"Jason asked and looked at her briefly before returning his gaze to his phone.

"You are equally as powerful as he is if not more," Vera replied.

"I see. Clearly, you have not been around for long," Jason pointed out. "Tell me what exactly is the problem because I don't believe you came all the way here to hand a video over to me to use against my brother," he said in a deep but authoritative voice.

"You are right. My friend is in danger and I need your help," Vera requested.

"If you are talking about Fiona, she is no longer in the Hawards' apartment, she is in prison," Jason announced shocking Vera.

"When, how?" Vera asked, her hands trembling.

"It's barely 24 hours now. She was arrested for using drugs or dealing with drugs. I didn't pay much attention but it has to do with drugs," Jason informed her.

"Drugs? Fiona doesn't even smoke let alone use drugs," Vera said surprised.

"Well, that is not what the lab results which the police picked up a few minutes ago say," Jason announced.

"My friend doesn't do drugs believe me," Vera pleaded, believing the conversation was now getting to the point where she would be driven out of the room.

"I know," replied Jason shocking her again.

"Wait! What? Did you know already?" Vera asked confusedly.

"James is my brother and I grew up with him. I am sure he put the drug in something like her drink or food in smaller portions and fed it to her. So now her lab results show traces of drugs in her system. The video will not help you. What you need to do now is get evidence that your friend is not into drugs. That is what will save both of you," Jason explained

"But how can I get such evidence, I don't live with them," Vera asked.

"That is for you to figure out," Jason replied.

Vera sat down for a while thinking through what Jason had just told her. Obviously, Jason was not ready to help her is what he was telling her now. An idea came to her and she smiled and lifted her head to look at Jason.

"Thank you," Vera said and got up to leave.

"Hmmm," replied Jason as he shifted his gaze to look at Vera leave.

Leaving the building the receptionist was surprised to see Vera come down from the top floor but she ran out of the building before anyone could get to her. Thomas, who was at the reception quickly reported the incident to Peter who intends called Jason.

"I know, just calm situation downstairs," Jason said and Peter did just that.

The day slowly passed by and another day came up with Mr Wellington and Jason still in the office. After a couple of days of going through everything concerning the company Mr Wellington was now ready to meet Mrs Haward. A lot has changed but Fiona remains in prison as Vera remains in hiding trying to figure out how to help her friend.

At a luxurious private restaurant, inside a private room, sat Mr Wellington and Mrs Haward having a discussion.

"I did like your presentation last time but my question is what do you want exactly?" Mr Wellington asked.

"Well, I want the same thing you want, get Jason out of the way," Mrs Haward replied with a smile.

"I see," commented Mr Wellington with no expression as he lifted his glass of juice to his lips.

"I know you have a lot of businesses you are managing. I can help with the management of Paradise Hotel," Mrs Haward suggested with a flirtatious tone and behaviour.

Mr Wellington stared at her expressionless but deep down he was disgusted by her attitude just now.

"Let me see your idea again," Mr Wellington requested and Mrs Haward quickly got to the presentation.

She already knew Mr Wellington would request the presentation again so knowing she lacked business knowledge she asked Mori's help to prepare herself before the meeting. Her presentation this time was better than the previous one. Mr Wellington smiled knowing this was also a rehearsed presentation and she still knew nothing about the business world but with their plan on his mind, he decided to accept her offer.

"I am not so convinced," Mr Wellington began surprising Mrs Haward.

Hearing his words, inwardly Mrs Haward felt she had already failed but Mr Wellington's next words left her motionless.

"I have decided to accept your offer and give you a chance to exhibit your skills on probation," Mr Wellington gave her the condition for acceptance.

Mrs Haward quickly and happily accepted it without giving it much thought.

"So the end of the month, which is four days from now, you will start your role as Acting CEO of Paradise Hotel," Mr Wellington announced and Mrs Haward grinned inside as she controlled her smiles on the outside.