The vast conference room was brightly lit up with large speakers placed at every table to allow every employee to hear what's being presented. The department heads of production, manufacturing, finance, sketching artists, designers gathered all together for the meet with their CEO. WD, being spread over the world, Devin rarely gets the time to visit each and every office. So the employees foregather here to discuss the growth, challenges whenever he drops by.
The lights were dimmed in the room when he nudged Lauren to start the presentation, being the sole representative for the current collections, she edged towards the billboard to give off her best.
Sitting in the middle of the conference room, Devin was scrutinizing the drafted designs flipping the pages, listening to the presentation and occasionally frowning when he felt a few flaws in the sketches.
"Why am I still seeing the unfinished designs when the deadline is due," Devin demanded just when she finally ended her presentation. Everyone held their breaths with beading sweats when they could feel his anger.
"We do have some challenges, sir." She said with a smile and added. "To make the best designs_"
"We have cut down from five seasonal shows to two in a year to provide the newness and best designs. Still, we couldn't meet the deadline?" There was a ragged edge to his voice when he spoke up.
When the powerhouse WD has announced to cut down their seasonal shows to create a d.e.s.i.r.e and time for new products, it has sent shockwaves in the fashion industry. The anticipation in the world increased for their unique designs and their sales skyrocketed when the customers were fully satisfied with their super trendy with a touch of eccentricity. Many other brands tried to copy it but failed miserably when they could not cope up with the fashion house of this planet.
Lauren did not know how to answer the straightforward question he threw at her. She knew they haven't met the deadline while they were working for another event and she was afraid he would even listen to her explanation.
"I apologize to interrupt sir. We had a Paris fashion week so, it was delayed by the event." A smooth voice spoke up. Everyone looked at their saving poise with admiration. Only Regina can interrupt and talk to their CEO. Regina looked at him, for at least he would notice her. The moment he entered, he did not even look at her for she dolled up for himself and that was pissing her off.
"That's a lame excuse for your incompetency. I want the fully drafted designs on my table tomorrow morning."
Devin walked out of the room commencing the end of the meeting without a word.
He was already vexed when his girl was continuously popping on to his mind despite he was angry at her. Initially, he wanted to find about the wedding, but not anymore. He would not know what he would do when he shows up in front of her.
...
"Why did you stop me?" He questioned.
"Flash news, brother Blake, don't you know sir has been drinking a banana smoothie instead of a coffee over the week." She scoffed at him.
"Banana juice? Harley didn't inform me. But how come, you know about it?" He asked suspiciously. He was now doubting their relationship status. Are they really dating secretly? Although Devin had never spoken much with Regina except regarding the work, him dropping at her place was circulating in the office like a fire. When he asked Regina, she blushed and brushed it off.
"You don't need to know everything." She smiled at him leaving the confused Blake. Now she has successfully planted a doubt on him. Anything related to him is her top priority. With that, Regina knocked on the door.
"Come in." A rough voice was heard from inside.
Regina pushed opened the door and went inside with a juice in one hand and a pile of transfer papers to get it signed from Devin on the other.
She gazed at the man working intently on a file, the man she loved for ten years is sitting in front of her. Regina had first seen him on a fan meeting when her friend dragged her there. The moment her eyes fell on this handsome man, her eyes set on only him and from then on, she attended all the events he went to at least get a glimpse of him. She had stepped into the modelling industry for him and when he started WD, she dropped down from modelling and perceived this chance. She welded as a designer to be with him even though her career was at peeks,
If not for her parent's overprotective nature, she would be working alongside him by now. Although she is working in Seattle, she had resources in WD to inform everything about Devin secretly. When she was informed by one of her peers that he is in love, she never believed them. None could match him except her. She stepped up her game and threatened their parents with her life if they have not agreed to her request. Devin can only be hers.
"What's the matter?" Devin heaved his head and looked at the person annoyingly. He wished to have some personal space, but she keeps appearing everywhere. On top of it, he had to see this foul woman in those gaudy clothes.
"I was informed you have stopped drinking coffee. Here is your banana smoothie sir." Placing the mug on his desk, she stood in front of him with a smile and slightly adjusted her dress to show off her beautiful assets. She had prepared herself from head to toe in his favourite colour and it irked her when he threw a disdainful look. Men would be smitten by her everywhere she went but she wanted only one man's attention.
Her beauty can make other men drool and bow down at her, but Devin had seen a long list of beautiful women. There is one woman who could make his heart flutter and he will only bow down to his queen.
"You may go now." He declared without even lifting his head. His head was already spinning with the amount of perfume she had put on and he couldn't wait a minute to get out the room.
"I would be working from NewYork starting tomorrow sir and I need your transfer signatures." She added placing it on the desk.
"Miss Herrera, is it CEO's duty to do these trivial things." He demanded.
"I_I am sorry sir. I will inform Harley." She awkwardly smiled and went out with clenched fists.
Her blood boiled with the mere thought to inform that bitchy secretary Harley. Good that she did not cling on to him today. Her mere presence in front of his man would always want to taint her hands and bury her underneath the ground.
"What's bothering you, Regina?" Her thoughts were broken when someone called up. Regina immediately returned to her meek personality flashing a sweet smile at him.
"Brother Blake, can you do me a favour?" She asked.
"What is it?"
"I have many designs unfinished and sir wants them by tomorrow. I have to start for New York today and there is no flight at the moment considering the packed season. Can you convince sir to take me in his private jet."
"Regina, you do know that Devin doesn't allow anyone to step on to his private jet right? Besides, you are rich and with your family's influence, it would be a piece of cake for you."
"But_" Her mobile beeped with a notification stopping their conversation. When she looked at the message, a sinister smile spread on her lips.
"Nevermind. I don't need it now." She remarked and went away. She will not lose the opportunity to be with him until New York. She immediately made a call to the media from her private number and informed about a juicy gossip laughing eerily. Tomorrow it will flare-up in the headlines. Her maniac laugh could send a chill down everyone's spines.