Chapter 10

The next day, in the affluent district of Norway city, a meeting consisting of Romero Empire’s main shareholders was ensuing. Voices bounced off the four walls of the conference room, growing louder and rowdier by each passing second as one shareholder over another, had something more important to voice. “The presidential seat has been vacant for far too long,” Rodrigo began, opening his argument for the meeting. “Romero empire needs a capable president that can lead us to prosperity.” “I agree.” One of the shareholders present concurred, nodding his head at Rodrigo’s statement. “But the question is who?” “Perhaps the eldest son of the Romero family, Leonardo?” Another shareholder spoke up, however, instantly regretting her words when Rodrigo sent her a sharp glare. “Impossible.” He objected. “Leonardo is not fit to be the president of Romero Empire. He may have graduated with a business degree from oxford, but he’s still too inexperienced to take over a company as successful as this. And besides, were not going to leave the fate of a company we’ve worked so hard to build in the hands of an adopted child, now are we?” He asked. The question quickly arouse whispers amongst the shareholders. “I think he’s right.” One whispered to their seat partner. Amidst the sea of voices, someone spoke up. “You might be right, leaving the fate of Romero Empire in the hands of an adoptive son may not be the right choice of action, however,” All eyes turned to face the voice that was speaking. He was an elderly man in his early forties dressed in an expensive black suit. Having the undivided attention of his fellow shareholders, the man, Eric Johansson, continued speaking. “Even without Leonardo being in the picture, I, as well as everyone present, still remembers that Romero Empire has someone else to run it, Rodrigo.” His words of wisdom sounded like words of objection to Rodrigo’s ears and he felt offended. Quickly, his anger rose and he barked a chesty laugh. “Ha! Are you perhaps referring to Leonica Romero?” Eric didn’t reply, rather he kept quiet, his eyes giving enough answer. “Ha, how ironic. Eric you seem to be growing senile. I never expected you of all people to suggest that we hand over the presidential seat to a woman like Leonica Romero.” Eric’s brows twitched at the insult as well as the defaming tone Rodrigo used. Noticing the visible strain on his face, Rodrigo adds. “How do you expect The company to prosper if it’s being lead by a woman who cried and ran away as soon as her husband kicked her out of her own marital home?” He mocked. Eric who had heard more than enough of Rodrigo’s insult, opened his mouth to speak when the door behind them swung open. The room fell silent as everyone turned their heads to look at the figure that was walking in. Instantly, surprise and shook painted all their faces. Rodrigo was equally as surprised at the other Shareholders and his mouth hung open. “Leonica?” “Hello Uncle Rodrigo,” Leonica responded gracefully as she walked towards the empty seat at the head of the table and sat in it. “Long time no see.” She said, soaking in her uncle’s shocked expression before allowing her eyes to wander the room of shareholders who were whispering amongst themselves. “You all have quite a lot to say, I see.” She spoke one more, louder than the previous time, causing thick silence to descend in the room. “But that’s fine, I understand how important time is for one, so I’ll cut straight to the chase.” She leaned forward on the table, fingers joined together. “As of today, effective immediately, I, Leonica Romero would be joining Romero Empire as the new president.” “What?!” Rodrigo exclaimed, just as surprised as the other Shareholders who were now whispering amongst themselves. “You? The new president?” Leonica didn't say anything, she merely glanced at the male, a smile tugging the corners of her lips. Rodrigo clenched his teeth. "Leonica, this is no place to joke around. You're not fit to step inside the shoes of president!" He exclaimed without realizing it. "And why is that?" Leonica asked, a brow raised and unfazed by his reaction. This was enough to snap Rodrigo back into his right sense of mind and he realized that he had almost lost his temper. Clearing his throat, he spoke once more. "Ahem. Well you see, the thing is, we can't just appoint you as president out of the blue." "Why not?" Rodrigo paused, struggling to find the right words. "Well...well, you're a woman and the company needs someone who can stand on their own." Leonica didn't say anything and waited for her uncle to continue. "The company needs someone with vast amount of knowledge. Someone who can lead them to the top of the business chain. Someone like..." "You?" Leonica's soft, yet commanding voice interrupted his monologue, the sudden sound making his blood run cold. "That's right." He said, regaining his composure. "I'm the best fit to become the new president." Leonica didn't speak. Instead, she took a deep breath, exhaling and closing her eyes, before turning around and gesturing for the male that had walked in with her to pass around the leaflets he was holding. "What is this?" Rodrigo asked as he flips the leaflet open. "A contract of cooperation between Romero Empire and Colorado's very own Tyche Smith." She proudly announced. The sounds of surprised gasps filled the room immediately. The well known name alone was enough to send not only the entire room, but also Rodrigo into a frenzy, his eyes widening. "What?!" He exclaimed, staring at the contents of the contract with wide eyes. It was true, the leaflet had been signed and sealed by the infamous Tyche Smith, the goddess of the business world, which without the knowledge of anyone in the room, was none other than Leonica herself. "But...but this can't be!" Rodrigo stammered. "Tyche Smith never cooperates with any company. So, how could she have accepted a deal with Romero Empire." Leonica smirked, her eyes holding an indescribable confidence and power. "I can't disclose the details of our agreement, however, the bottom line is, Tyche Smith has agreed to join forces with Romero Empire and bring it to a higher status. And the one who had achieved this feat was I, hadn't that proven my ability as a 'woman'? And isn't it reason enough for me to become the new president of Romero Empire?" Silence filled the room, every pair of eyes was fixed on Leonica, and it was clear, that she had won. Her uncle was left speechless and unable to utter another word in protest. His blood boiled in anger and embarrassment, Leonica having ruined the one chance he had at becoming president of Romero Empire. "Now, if there are no objections, let us proceed with the inauguration of the new president." * ** * The meeting ended shortly after and most of the shareholders walked out of the conference room after congratulating Leonica on her inauguration. The only people left in the room were Leonica, her assistant and Rodrigo who was chewing the inside of his mouth trying to call himself down. He could feel the anger boiling in his veins, but he couldn't show it, not in front of Leonica, otherwise, she would have a stronger hold over him. "Leonica." Rodrigo called, gaining the attention of his niece. "Yes?" She turned to look at him, her expression not giving off any signs. "About your announcement.." he began, clearing his throat. "I hope you realize that your appointment will cause some disturbance in the company, but despite that, I want you to know that you can always consult me." "Thank you, uncle Rodrigo. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Leonica politely responded, her face showing no signs of change. Rodrigo gritted his teeth, hating the way she was treating him. He wanted to see her struggle and make a fool out of herself. He wanted her to fail miserably. But for that to happen, he would have to put up with her. Deciding to change the topic, he asked. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you achieve a recommendable feat such as convincing Tyche Smith to sign the deal with us?" "Like I said earlier, I can't disclose the details of my arrangement." She simply replied and crossed her legs elegantly. “Now then uncle Rodrigo I have a request for you,” A smile unconsciously crept up to Rodrigo’s lips thinking that Leonica was going to request he do something big in the name of the company. “And what is that?” He asked. Hearing the eagerness in his voice, Leonica smile. She placed her hand out and opened her palm in a gesture to receive something, as she spoke. “The files containing the cooperation documents between Bryce Empire and Romero Empire, hand it over or tender your resignation right this instance.”