Chapter 4 A Great Idea

"By Noah" Despite my discontent being at its peak and the temptation to expose the "princess" of the Hampton family being strong, curiosity about why Ava stole from me holds me back. For this reason, I decided to give her some time to return my watch. "Noah," Taylor comments as we get into my car. "I can't understand why she sold a watch worth over 5 million for that price. What could have led her to do that?" "I have no idea. Drug problems, maybe? What matters now is my watch, Taylor." "Is all of this just about the watch, Noah?" He asks, briefly looking at me before turning his attention back to the road. "Because Noah I know wouldn't give her a deadline; at the very least, he would make her search for the watch even in hell." "She stole something valuable to me. I can't just ignore that. I need to make her understand what it means to mess with me. But I also can't risk losing sight of her and never seeing my watch again. You know how much it means to me, Taylor." "I understand perfectly, Noah. By the way, we have a meeting with the board tomorrow. You know what that means, right?" "It means more stress, Taylor. I'm sure my father will have some criticism. Find out which store she went to and have someone follow Miss Hampton's steps. I need to be sure that, one way or another, I will get my watch back. Now, let's go. I need a drink to forget all of this." [...] After spending the rest of the night trying to drown this terrible experience with Ava in alcohol and having an unsatisfactory night's sleep, I finish my preparations and head to the company. I enter my office and try to focus on work, but soon it's time for the meeting with the board of directors. "That's all for now. You are dismissed." My father ends the meeting a little over an hour after it started. "Mr. Ewing, I need to speak with you before I leave." "I thought we had already concluded." "Noah," he gets up from his chair as soon as we are alone in the room. "You are doing an excellent job. I knew that putting you in my place when you returned to town was the right choice, son." "When I was practically forced to come back, right? I have a feeling the next comment will be a "but..." "Yes, Noah; as there always is a "but".” "So please, don't drag it out. What else is needed? You asked for numbers, and I presented almost double the required. I show everyone, day after day, that I am up to your standards. Yet, it never seems to be enough." "On the contrary, I have no complaints about your professionalism. You have impressed me in these past few weeks. I am looking forward to formally appointing you as CEO, Noah." "But...?" "But the credibility of a man who shines at work but who, every weekend, acts irresponsibly will be questioned. You understand how much investors and senior leaders value the image of a solid family. I am the example of that, or I would still be in charge of the company." "What I do in my free time is a personal matter and does not affect my performance in the company. So, it's none of anyone's business." "No, Noah, you are very mistaken about that. Your name stays with you even outside the company, and any scandal related to it will not only affect you! Everything would be easily resolved if you got back together with Miss Frazier, and you know very well that's what I want." "That I get married? That is completely out of the question! And I certainly won't get back together with Amber just to please you all!" "Shut the fuck up, Noah!" My father shouts as he slams his hands on the table and stares at me. "Don't you realize that no one will trust, let alone negotiate with a man who changes women like he changes clothes? So, if you really want to keep the position you hold today, I advise you to change from there. Show that you are also capable of being responsible in your personal life." He composes himself and adjusts his tie. "You know exactly what you need to do to impress both me and others." "Is that all?" I ask as I stand up, and he nods. "Excuse me." I head to my office and ask my secretary to call Taylor. While waiting for his arrival, thoughts about Ava come to my mind, and a brilliant idea to resolve the impasse with my father forms. "For Ava" After a sleepless night, trying to find ways to recover the money from the sold watch, I decide to take advantage of the free time before work to visit my mother. I drive for a few minutes to the hospital where she is, going straight to the administration to confirm the transfer made the day before. With the certainty that everything went perfectly, I go to my mother's room to share the news, seeking to bring some comfort and encouragement. "Daughter!" Even weak, my mother greets me with enthusiasm, a smile lighting up her face. "What a joy to see you here so early." "Good morning, Mom. I didn't sleep well and decided to stop by before going to work. How are you?" "I'm trying, Ava." She smiles gently and caresses my hand. "I promised I wouldn't leave you alone, and I will keep that promise, God willing." "And He does, Mom! I got the money for your surgery. I just talked to one of the doctors and he gave me great hope." I wipe away the tears that slide down the corner of her eyes and smile. "We will make it, Mom. You need to hold on a little longer and soon we will be back home." "You have no idea how happy I am, daughter. But how did you get the money? Your father..." "No, I decided not to ask him again." I look away, focusing on my fingers. "Emma's parents lent me the money." "I'm sorry to be a burden, Ava. I promise that..." "Mom," I interrupt her as I notice her choked voice. "No promises now. For now, let's focus on your surgery, okay? I need to go; I can't be late for work. I promise to visit you during the week, Mom. I love you." "I love you too, daughter. Take care, please!"