Note: Thanks again for all the amazing reviews! I truly appreciate each and every input. For those with questions about the history, I will try to answer them via the coming chapters or by replying to your reviews or PM's, sound good? I have half a mind on creating a chapter purely about the whole history and Ana's Odyssey but I haven't decided on it yet as I prefer to just have glimpse of the past (And the Ana I created prefer it this way, she doesn't like to dwell on the past, remember?). Anyhow, you'll meet Rupert John Kent on this chapter (picture Chase Crawford. I would say Henry Cavil but I prefer him as CG, sorry for the Ian Somerhalder & Matt Bomber fans!) I will let Kate will meet and judge him for everyone. Hope you enjoy! ;)
Chapter 3: The Calm before the Storm
It has been an eventful week for both Ana and Kate: like honeymooners, they spent every bit of time together except for when Ana had to go to important meetings, to which Kate spent her time either talking to Elliot on the phone or walking around the streets of London and of course Shopping. They have spent the first half of her vacation in London doing all sorts of activities like watching their favorite bands in concert: Coldplay (Kate's favorite band) and Florence & the Machine (one of Ana's new favorites), a private tour around London, and lastly the dress fitting to which Kate along with Marsha Stevens, the London fashion editor for one of Norwood & Steele's fashion magazines had way too much fun dressing Ana: they made her try every bit of the latest haute couture dresses like a princess. Their day always ended with either feasting on Martha's amazing cooking or dinner in the best restaurants in town and if course, the Katherine Kavanagh inquisition.
They spent the next half of Kate's vacation in Cannes. Kate got a first look of the cottage that Ana has been remodeling for the past 3 months: a charming 4 bedroom & 5 baths. Ana of course invited her to stay along with Carla, Ray & Jose once the renovation is complete. She has graciously lent this retreat to Kate & Elliot along with paying for her entire honeymoon as her wedding gift. The shock and tears of joy on Kate's eyes was priceless. Much like London, they spent their days strolling around the French Riviera and shopping; Alex also made sure they meet with their company's French Fashion Editor, insisting that Ana needed as much outfit options for the upcoming business trip in New York as well as keeping Ana busy by setting up business meetings with their French & Italian editors or possible business partners. Kate got a glimpse the enormity of Ana's growing success not only in the european publishing industry but also in the fashion scene; various business men, editors, writers, even designers and Fashion houses practically clamoring to meet with her or at least for her consider looking at their latest products. She also learned that Ana now speak both the italian and french language. She marveled at the thought that Ana just looks at everything as just business; at how much she enjoyed what she is doing, the success while hating all the attention at the same time. Kate realized that, despite all the success, this is still and will always be her best friend, the grounded and thoughtful girl who still hated shopping but loved a good book, only this has more money and power.
The highlight of Kate's vacation is meeting Rupert John Kent, Ana's ex-boyfriend turned 'good' friend and business associate. Based in Monaco, He came from a prominent British family and is heir to a vast exporting and manufacturing company. Ana described him as smart, a gentleman and thoughtful. she discreetly agreed with Kate's assessment that quality wise, Rupert is very un-Christian as he is very courteous and sociable and that, with his dark brown hair, tall and lean physique, not to mention those ice blue eyes, he somehow looked like a prince charming or a hot GQ model depending on what he's wearing thus rivaling Christian in the looks department after meeting him over dinner.
"Explain again why it never worked out between you and Mr. Prince Charming?" Kate asked for nth time after last night's dinner. It was obvious that she liked him after passing the Kavanagh inquisition last night's dinner encounter.
Ana just rolled her eyes and said "Because we were both busy and we both realized out we were better of as friends" distractedly, it was true work is number 1 for both of them, she is based in London and he in Monaco. She dated him simply because she thought there was chemistry, and there was, at first.
"Right, that means he's either boring or was never good in bed or both. Shame. I can't believe this vacation is almost over and you're still undecided on that interview!" Kate grumbles as they finish their lunch at a restaurant overlooking the French Riviera. They are scheduled to fly back to London in a few hours after the three day tour in Cannes.
"Well, we still have New York and then Seattle" Ana countered putting down her fork; she managed to prolong the interview by using all of her distraction techniques which almost always worked for Kate. "Are you sure about your flight? I'm pretty sure Lorry can get you a better flight back to Seattle or we can just fly back to Seattle together?" she asked distractedly while answering her work e-mails, Kate has decided to come back to Seattle before meeting her in New York, insisting that she she missed Elliot and she didn't need to fly back on a private plane
"Yes and I know what you're doing Steele! Though your distraction techniques have been really good, you'd much rather have me interviewing you than my father or worst, some other reporter" Kate grumbled and then added "i miss Elliot and don't worry, for your protection, i will not tell anyone that The Anastasia Sterlr attend my engagement party"
Ana chuckled "True, though I will not grant any interviews Kate, to any other reporters, I assure you, you know me better than that, I am only doing this for you and your Dad" she said seriously feigning to be offended "Thanks Kate, i appreciate it. Frank is waiting for us, and we should go. I have to finish a few things tomorrow's his darn businee trip."
"Anytime Steele," hugging her friend "By the way, New York and Seattle? I will look at this like an exclusive coverage on you Steele" stuck her tongue like a child at her best friend.
"There you have it!" Ana giggled "and it's not like you're not doing the interview because you've been grilling me every night. Don't even try denying it! you should have enough material to write a book actually, one that I'm sure Alex will be all too eager to publish" she said with a smirk as they make their way to the waiting SUV
One more day, Ana thought as she looked at the always dark gloomy London sky. Its almost night time, and most of the employees have left except for Alex and the PR team. they are finalizing all the preparations for tomorrows trip. She left Kate with Martha to finish packing. Martha has packed her luggage that with all the clothing they got from both the London and Cannes fitting, it looked like she's going away for a year rather than just 2-3 weeks. She rolled her eyes as she recalled Kate along with Gabriele and Marsha had way too much fun dressing her up like a life size Barbie, she had to admit everything looked fabulous but it's still not her thing. 'All part of the game Ana, besides if the inevitable happens you don't want him to see you wearing a rag' her subconscious preached. She took a deep, steadying breath and said 'I'm ready for this' reciting this mantra as Alex, Lorry and the rest of the team came in for the final meeting: finalizing the business appointments that they will meet during their stay is New York & Seattle. A list of companies that Alex has been insisting on meeting to conduct possible business mergers or even acquisitions.
"Well, let's get this over with so we can set off to see the New World shall we?" Alex began cheerfully as he gives her the list of "short listed" candidates.
"Looks like a very long list as usual" Ana chuckled as she took the document and began looking through all the prospective companies, checked a few until she finds a familiar name and company which stops her cold on her tracks. Again, she took a deep steadying breath and crossed out the name and moved on, she gave the list back to Alex and stood up facing the London night sky. 'You know this day will come, you both do mergers and acquisitions now for crying out loud, just deal with it Ana' her subconscious prodded. Yes, she suspected as much the moment it hit the news that RBS network is now officially Norwood & Steele property. She knew that a lot of companies will be interested and will want to attach themselves to this brand but 'what the hell is he playing at' she thought? Is this his idea of a joke? This thought along with all the memories that come with the name infuriates her to the core. 'Plain and simple Ana: deal or no deal?' as her subconscious thought pacing. The warrior in her is ready to attack gun out blazing, while the strategist in her is blocking the warrior, urging it to calm down and think.
Alex looked at the paper and realized that she crossed out one of the most profitable if not the most profitable publishing house in the bunch at least on the west coast. He looked up to see Ana looking out of the window arms crossed. He recognized this mood instantly; she did this whenever she needed to make an important decision, or if something is troubling her, when she's upset or whenever she did not want anyone to know what she's thinking; on this case however, the answer is all of the above and more. As he looked at her closely, he realized she also looked: Angry, very angry. He only ever saw this look once, 4 years ago at a gala to which she refused to talk about the reason. She merely walked out, almost ran out of the event with the look of pure anger etched in those clear blue eyes. The next day, she asked for his help to find the best security they could find, a week later she hired Frank. He discreetly asked the team to leave the two of them alone to discuss this matter privately.
"Alright Ana, out with it" he began as he closed the door and walked cautiously to face her.
She faced her dear friend and ally with a look of pure range and determination "Alex" she began, "Its either we acquire Grey Publishing or nothing. The Norwood and Steele will never merge with Christian Grey and Grey Enterprise Holdings."