Chapter 78

78 Abby’s Confusion

The creative director of the ARILPORTER BOSS fashion brand by the name of Abby, resumed work in high spirits. She couldn’t wait to share her ingenious ideas with the chief operating officer. The winter collections runway show was barely two weeks away and so far they’ve been able to come up with more than thirty new and unique designs. This time the brand she worked for was going to storm the fashion and retail market.

All through the previous day, Abby had toiled and collaborated directly with the CEO. She was so amazed at the level of the CEO’s humility and simplicity. Most CEOs she had served under their companies in the past, were never seen working directly with the staff. They always remained on their high horses dishing out directives like warlords.

However, in the case of Mrs. Treshvire, she was not just extremely talented but down to earth. She would carefully explain a design process like a true teacher and mentor. She never belittled or humiliated any of her staff members, no matter their position in the company. She always treated all her employees with love and respect. She would always say that the ARILPORTER BOSS brand was a big happy family.

Abby resumed work at exactly 7:30 AM. She was informed earlier to resume at that specific time by the CEO.

When Abby walked into the fashion creative department, she was amazed to see Jane working on her desk.

“Wow! Jane! Did you sleep in the office? When did you resume?” Abby’s eyes shone with astonishment.

Jane chuckled animatedly before replying. “Good morning, Mrs. Abby. I didn’t sleep over. I just resumed early. I had some unfinished work from yesterday.”

“Impressive!” Abby couldn’t stop smiling. Amongst all the new employees, Jane was proving to be not just beautiful and talented, but a zealous staff.

“We sure have a workaholic in our midst. Bravo! You know how the CEO likes to reward hard work, right? You are going to be number one on my recommendation list this week. Just keep up the good work!”

.....

“Thank you, ma’am,” Jane gave her most bewitching smile. She was only a day old in the company and everyone was already taken by her charm. Even the CEO seemed already caught in her net.

Abby was about to walk towards her office when Jane informed her that the CEO was around and wanted to see her.

“Oh! Okay, thank you.” Abby dropped her bag in her office and went towards the CEO’s office.

Since Ella’s secretary was yet to resume, Abby knocked on her door slightly and was instantly buzzed in.

“Good morning, Mrs. Treshvire, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“Good morning, Abby. Don’t trouble yourself.” Ella smiled cheerfully to erase the little tension on Abby’s face. How is your family?”

“Very well ma’am. We are all doing great. Thank you. You look beautiful as ever.” Abby complemented with a genuine smile.

“Thank you.” Ella gestured for her to take a seat. “Were you able to compile all the designs I requested yesterday?”

“Yes ma’am, I did. I kept it inside the blue folder. Also, I left it on my desk as you requested.” Abby spoke with confidence.

“Well, I was at your office this morning and I couldn’t find it.” Ella frowned slightly. “I practically ransacked every folder on your desk and still couldn’t lay my eyes on it.”

Abby’s heart started thumping and her eyes shone in alarm. “I...I...I’m very sorry about that ma’am. I was one hundred percent certain that I left it on my desk before leaving yesterday evening. Nevertheless, I will go to my office now and search for it.”

“Please do, we have a lot to cover. You know the winter show is in less than two weeks. We can afford to slack on any ground.” Ella’s voice was soft but firm.

“I’m truly sorry once again ma’am, I’ll go get it.” Abby stood up and quickly walked out of the office.

When Abby got to her office, she picked up the four folders on her desk. Surprisingly, the blue folder wasn’t at the top like she had left it the previous day. Rather, it was at the bottom. She remembered Ella saying that she had earlier searched for the file. Hence, she didn’t suspect any foul play.

Abby picked up the blue folder and went through it. She was shocked that the file wasn’t inside the blue folder. She flipped it almost a hundred times separating one document from the other but found nothing.

Her heart rate increased and her pulse quickened. She suddenly felt like using the restroom as cold sweat beaded her forehead. “I swear, I left it in this folder.” She said out loud in a trembling voice. Her hands quivered as she meticulously scanned through the folder for the last time.

Abby was about to leave the office to call for help when something whispered within her to check the other folders. She picked up the pink folder and opened it up. There, in the middle of the folder was the file she was looking for.

“Goodness gracious!” She almost screamed out loud in triumph. “Stupid me!” She felt like slapping herself. “Very stupid me!” She hissed out loud. “How could I have been so careless? I just made a fool out of myself before the CEO! I just hope she forgives me.” She stood up holding the file and walk briskly to the CEO’s office.

“Mrs. Treshvire, I am so sorry.” Abby pleaded when she was granted access to the office. “Please forgive me. I left it in the wrong folder.”

“It’s okay Abby,” Ella was moved by her pleas. “We all make mistakes. I’m so glad you found it. If I may ask, where exactly did you leave it? Because I have ransacked that desk of yours.”

Abby thought briefly and decided to lie. “I left it in my fireproof cabinet. I totally forgot that I was supposed to drop it on my desk. I am very sorry about that ma’am. Please forgive me. I promise it will never happen again.”

Abby couldn’t bring herself to call her boss a liar or insane. She knew that if she told the truth, it would complicate the whole issue. The consequence of doing so would be traumatic especially if the boss’s husband finds out.

“As I said earlier it’s okay.” Ella waved her hand in dismissal of the issue. Let’s just get back to work, we have a lot to cover under a short period.”

“Thank you, ma’am, I’m really grateful.” Abby breathed a sigh of relief and handed over the documents to Ella.

“I’ll be having a meeting with the creative department later on. Assemble everyone by 9:00 AM. I have some new ideas that I would like everyone to work on.

“Okay, ma’am.”

“One more thing, I want you to personally assess Jane’s work for this week. I’m impressed with her dedication and zealousness so far.” Ella’s eyes sparkled at the thought of seeing a perfect image of herself in Jane.

“Okay, ma’am,” Abby smiled and left.

———–

Frost couldn’t contain his excitement as he proudly disclosed his stolen design ideas to the F&K fashion home board of directors and some high-ranking managers.

At the end of Frost’s presentation, he received a standing ovation applause, and cheers. Chloe could not contain her joy as she immediately disbursed funds and work started immediately.

Chloe requested only sophisticated foreign materials for each design. She was bent on stealing the stage for the winter collection runway show. She couldn’t believe her eyes when Frost came up with all the ingenious ideas. He also promised to come up with more authentic designs.

“I will be walking the runway on that fateful day.” Chloe proudly confided in Frost and Kyle. I won’t just be known as the CEO of my company but the international model representing her brand.”

“My company?” Frost and Kyle questioned simultaneously like they were both reading each other’s mind.

“Chloe, this company belongs to the three of us, not just you.” Frost’s ire was evident in his expression.

“Oh! Male ego, huh! Put a peg on those raging testosterone!” Chloe spoke sardonically, rolling her eyes at the piqued Frost. “For the past few days, do you know how much the Robinsons have pumped into this company? Can you make that in ten years of continuous production? I am the current CEO of this company. If I so please, I could buy off your meager shares. So please, be the nice boys that you are, and allow me to finish my statement.”

Frost swallowed hard at the insults Chloe just showered on him. Although it was true that the Robinsons had injected a huge amount of money into refurbishing and restructuring their brand, there was simply no way the little brat could manage the company all by herself. She would practically run it down without the guidance of well-experienced hands.

Frost knew that exchanging words with Chloe would only work against his plan. The company needed her dad’s money to succeed in their fight against the ARILPORTER BOSS brand. Even though she had a bratty and loosed mouth, her undue influence on her dad could raise a fortune for the company.

Hence, Frost decided to play along and fan her ego. By doing this, he could easily get anything he wanted from her due to her pea-sized brain.

“I’m sorry, Chloe, for interrupting you.” Frost faked a smile, amidst inner rage. “Indeed, your father is our greatest patron. We would be nowhere without him. I trust your capability as our CEO. Please, carry on...” with your stupidity, he concluded the last three words in his mind.

As expected, the shallow thinking Chloe took his remark as a compliment ignoring the sly look on Frost’s face.

.....