AN
Looks like this is the end everyone, twenty-one chapters for the twenty-one years that I have come to live so far in my life. Okay, so that's a lame reason for the length, but it's gone on long enough right? I can't continue with this anymore because I've been trying to manage classes plus moving to a new house, so I figured it's a good place to wrap things up. I hope everyone has enjoyed my little spin off of the Serena/Darien break up. I will be starting up the previously announced project, my first crossover ever!!
Chapter XXI: CEO Revealed
"Okay guys, why don't we take five, Galen should be here any moment now so I want you all ready to head out for lunch when he arrives," I announced, letting out a deep breath that I had been holding for God knows how long. I stretched a little and walked over to the balcony and opened the sliding door to let in some fresh air. I turned around to see all my employees sitting there staring at me like lost children. "What am I now, everyone's mother? I said go get ready for lunch, for heaven's sake!" I scolded the entire room as they quickly scrambled to their feet and out the door to their rooms.
"You know, maybe you should listen to your own orders sometime Rena," said Alex as he finished the last of his energy drink. I looked at him with a confused look. "I mean, relax a little, we got this one in the bag," he added before patting my shoulder gently and taking off to get cleaned up for lunch as well.
"Mama, do I have to go to the business lunch this time?" Keith asked me as I walked into my bedroom to find him and Andrew getting dressed. "No sweetie, daddy gets the joy of taking your out today and stopping by grandma's so you can visit with them for a bit while mommy goes to work," I answered him as sweetly as possible, hoping he wouldn't pout because I wasn't going with him.
"I am?" asked Andrew a bit surprised.
"Yup!" I replied energetically. "Besides, I am going to be busy so you are the only other person who can watch him today," I added quickly.
"What about the firm? I need to stop by and check up on things too," Andrew countered with a smirk on his face knowing that he was testing his luck.
"Well that's too bad isn't it honey? I have to get ready for work, so you boys can either head out or wait for me," I announced before waltzing into the closet to grab my crème colored skirt suit from the hanger and changing my outfit.
"I guess we're waiting then," answered Andrew to no one in particular, except maybe Keith, but he wasn't really listening because he was playing games.
"What was that dad?" Keith asked, turning around to look at his dad fully.
"Oh nothing, just said we were going to wait for mom and than leave when she does too," answered Andrew, shocked that his son had such keen hearing at such a young age. It was said that young children have short attention spans so they don't really tune into what you say for long periods of time, perhaps it doesn't apply to his son since he is such a unique child.
"Okay guys, I'm all set, ready?" I asked as I came back out of the restroom with my hair wrapped neatly in a bun and clipped up with a pair of reading glasses sitting on the tip of my nose. Andrew looked up and smiled before heading over to give me a kiss and hugging me tightly.
"You look good," he whispered into my ear quietly so Keith wouldn't overhear him as he kissed her on the lips.
"You do too," I complimented him, stepping back to look him and Keith over once again. They were both adorned in khaki colored slacks and a white dress shirt with brown shoes to match, it was such an adorable sight that I ran to my purse and grabbed out a disposable camera that I had one of my assistants pick up and took a quick snap shot of the two standing there by the door looking at me. "It was just too cute to not make it a Kodak moment," I answered when they gave me a questioning glance.
"Okay then, everyone is down stairs in the lobby waiting for us, we should head down now before they send the police after you," commented Andrew sarcastically.
"Mama, you look really pretty today," whispered Keith quietly as we entered the elevator together. I smiled and knelt down to kiss him and ruffle his hair.
"Thank you baby, so do you!" I replied happily as the elevator chimed when we arrived at the hotel lobby. "Hey everyone!" I called out as we came up behind them and everyone turned to greet us.
"Hey Ren," called out one particular voice that I could distinguish from any group of voices. Looking around frantically, I searched for the familiar voice of my loving best friend whom had helped me make the company to what is was this very day.
"Galen? Is he here?" I asked everyone quickly, walking around the crowd of people to find him.
"Right here Ren," he answered after wrapping his arms around my waist and hugging me from behind tightly.
"Oh my God! You're finally here Galen!" I cried out excitedly and turned around to look him over as tears sprung to my eyes. It had been so long since the two of us had last seen one another because of our busy work schedules. "I missed you!" I quietly added as we were holding onto one another.
"Ahem," someone cleared their voice from behind us suddenly, interrupting our little reunion as we pulled away from one another.
"Oh, sorry," replied Galen, extending his hand out to greet the person who was rudely interrupted our reunion. "Galen Whittington, a pleasure to meet you," he added introducing himself to the person behind me. I turned around to see Andrew standing there and looking at us a bit shocked, but nonetheless he reached out and shook Galen's hand firmly and smiled.
"This is Andrew Forbes, my boyfriend," I said before Andrew could reply.
"Boyfriend?" questioned Galen curiously with a smile on his face.
"Long story Alan, but I'll tell you later," I said not wanting to get into full detail on the whole ordeal. "Anyway, we should get a move on, we've wasted enough time," I added glancing down at my wristwatch.
"Yes, we should," agreed Galen before gesturing towards the door. The entire group turned and started clearing out of the hotel lobby one by one.
"Well, I'll see you back at the hotel tonight?" I turned and spoke with Andrew as everyone got situated in the cars.
"Who was that?" asked Andrew almost too quick for me to realize he was jealous.
"That was Galen, my business partner, remember?" I reminded him of the last conversation we had when he asked about Galen. "He's the face of the company I run," I added, trying to clear things up before Andrew could ask anymore. "Anyway, I need to get going, everyone is waiting for me. So see you both here tonight okay?" I announced. Kissing my two guys quickly, I turned and slid into the back seat of a silver Benz with my assistant right behind me.
"Okay kiddo, looks like it's just you and me today," said Andrew, grabbing hold of Keith's hand and walking him towards the black Benz that was waiting for them. He got Keith into his car seat before getting into the driver's seat and starting the engine. "Any ideas of what you'd like to do before we go to grandma's?" he asked with a mischievous smile on his face.
"The arcade!" answered Keith gleefully as they took off towards the infamous Crown Arcade to play and eat before stopping by the Tsukino house.
La Madeline Caf
Our party was seated in the private area discussing business as we were waiting for our lunch orders to be prepared. I took a sip from my glass of water before getting up to shut the door so we could really get started.
"All right everyone, if I could have your full and devoted attention for a brief moment please!" I called out as loudly as possible to get the room to quiet down so we could start taking turns with the floor. "We'll be starting our discussion about the conference right now, so please pay close attention to everything anyone has to say," I instructed the room as I saw everyone grab some notebooks from their briefcases to take notes. "Galen has a few things he'd like to say to us concerning his lovely business dinner with Shield Corp.," I added before taking a seat.
"Thanks Ren, as everyone knows, I just recently had dinner with Darien Shields to discuss some business proposals. All I have to say is that man is pretty ignorant. His proposal was that he offer to buy out MFI for a substantial sum of money, which of course I kindly refused," announced Galen regally.
"Bastard," I heard Alex mumble under his breath as the entire room snickered.
"I'm sorry, what was that last statement Mr. Moon?" asked Kayla, who was typing out our discussion to keep record of all that was said and agreed upon.
"Uh, nothing," muttered Alex quickly, hoping nobody had heard him.
"Alex! You know how these meetings go, so tell her what you said!" shouted Michelle, secretly trying to hide her grin as she sent a wink in my direction.
"But," started Alex trying to find some way out of his predicament. I laughed and was about to intervene but Trista held up a hand otherwise.
"Off the record, he said and I quote, 'Bastard'," spoke up Trista suddenly as the entire room broke into a loud fit of laughter.
"Ms. Moon?" interrupted Kayla uncertainly.
"Yes Kayla?" I replied trying to stifle my laughter.
"Do I really have to make note of that? Mr. Moon gets a copy of our conferences monthly and I'm not too sure he would like to see that word in it," answered Kayla.
"Well, that leaves us in a jam doesn't it? What do you think Michelle, should we leave it in there so daddy can call and lecture Alex or should we mark it off and let Alex slide just this once?" I asked, smiling and Alex as his facial expression went from embarrassed to shocked.
"I don't know. I'd like to see Alex get set back in place by father like he used to back when we were younger. What do we get if we let Alex slide?" asked Michelle, grinning mischievously.
"You two are so cruel," mumbled Alex, sending a glare at the two of us before crossing his arms and turning to look out the window.
"You need to learn to take a joke lightly Alex! How can we have fun with your so uptight all the time?" I said with a slight pout before walking over and hugging him. "Kaye, please delete everything from that statement up until now please. I move to have it written out of the records," I proposed looking around the room for votes.
"I second that motion," came Heather's quiet reply.
" I third, I guess," mumbled Michelle, inwardly sharing a grin with me.
"All right then, looks like everyone agrees, right Trista?" I asked making sure she was intending on going along with the rest of us. She nodded and I looked over at Kaye, who was busy deleting all the notes that she had taken so far. "Anyway, as Galen was saying, we're refusing Shield Corp.'s offer publicly tomorrow morning at 8 am I right?" I said looking around to see everyone nod at my last statement.
"Well, I want a speech written up for Galen and myself in my box no later than 10 pm tonight. As for the rest of you, I suggest you rest up and prepare for anything and everything tomorrow. I don't want those reporters to make a fool of us, is that clear?" I instructed in a more serious tone as I got up and towards the door and opened it just as the waitresses started walking in with our lunch on numerous trays and carts. "Okay guys, lets eat!" I announced and sat back down.
Andrew & Keith
"Hey dad, can we stop by the mall? I need to get mom something for her birthday," asked Keith while skipping a few steps in front of Andrew.
'Oh shit, Sere's birthday is coming up! I basically forgot! Damn, what am I going to do?' thought Andrew frantically.
"Dad?" called out Keith, worrying since he got no response.
"Oh, yes of course we can. I'll help you find something nice for her okay?" replied Andrew, pushing his thought to the back of his mind for now.
"Okay! But I have to pay for it, or mommy won't know it's from me only!" agreed Keith excitedly as he grabbed onto Andrew's hand and they both got in the car and headed over to the mall to go shopping for birthday presents. While the two were window-shopping, some ladies stopped to comment on how adorable Keith was.
"He's very handsome," commented the older lady of the two.
"Thank you," replied Keith smiling brightly at the two ladies.
"Is your wife not with you?" asked the younger woman.
"Um, I don't have a wife," answered Andrew awkwardly.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I thought he was your son," she apologized quickly, feeling rather embarrassed.
"Oh, don't worry about that miss. You shouldn't apologize for being correct. He is my son, but no I am not married," explained Andrew quietly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," interrupted the older lady.
"Dad, can we go now? I really want to find something for mom today so I can hide it at grandma's," spoke up Keith as he started feeling impatient.
"Okay, just a second son," replied Andrew before turning back to the two women standing in front of them. "Well, it was nice meeting you but we need to get going," he said with a smile.
"It was nice meeting you," the two women both said in unison before laughing.
"Bye!" called out Keith as he waved and pulled Andrew down the strip of stores rather quickly. Andrew managed to wave before picking up his pace to match Keith's. "I have a great idea for a gift!" he announced enthusiastically as he yanked Andrew into a nearby jewelry store.
"What are we doing in here?" asked Andrew, feeling a little weird in a jewelry store with his son. "Did you want to buy mom some jewelry to wear?" he asked, never thinking that a little child would consider jewelry as a gift at such an age.
"Yup, I saw this really pretty pendant on a commercial and I wanted to get it for mom because she loves crescent moons," replied Keith looking around frantically as he ran from one display case to another in search of the pendant.
"Hello, how may I help you sir?" asked a clerk suddenly.
"Hi, we were just looking for a birthday gift," answered Andrew as he walked over to Keith and looked into the display case he was currently occupied with.
"For you or the little boy?" she asked, smiling at Keith as he looked up and waved quickly before returning to his task of searching for the pendant.
"Actually, it's for his mother," responded Andrew quietly.
"Oh, well if that's the case, we have some love diamond tennis bracelets as well as earrings. Do you know what your wife likes to wear sir?" asked the clerk as she began pulling accessories out from the case.
"I'm looking for that pretty moon pendant you had on the commercial," spoke up Keith suddenly, stopping the clerk from putting anything else on the counter. "I don't want anything else, just that please," he added courteously.
"Oh, well all right then. It's right over here sweetie, let me show you," she replied in a sweet motherly tone as she replaced the jewels back in their place.
"When you're done with him, I'd like to look at some engagement rings as well," announced Andrew as he saw the lady walk Keith over to a corner where all the pendants were hung on a display for customers.
Sere
'Yum,' I thought as I finished off the last of my lunch. "Well, looks like lunch is over, why don't we all head out and find something to do with what's left of the day?" I suggested as the waitresses cleared our tables and handed me my credit card back. "Thank you," I whispered to a waitress nearby me as I handed her the signed copy of the bill. I signaled for the manager to come over and speak with me before handing him a hundred dollar bill. "Thanks for opening up this conference room for us on such short notice, I really appreciate it. I'll be sure to tell all my affiliates of your wonderful business," I told him before shaking his hand. Our bill was quite high, so I didn't hand any one particular waitress their tip, instead I had the restaurant include a generous gratuity to my bill.
"Okay everyone, let's clear out so they can clean up!" called our Alex as he got up and started ushering people out. "Have fun and don't forget to finish your assigned work before deadline tonight!" he yelled right before everyone disappeared out the door quickly. I laughed and got up to leave before he stopped me. "You better not wonder too far off, you need to be ready for tomorrow conference too, and I don't mean physically. I mean mentally," he added before letting me go.
"Don't be so mean Alex," lectured Michelle. "Don't mind him Sere, we can go have fun for the remainder of the day!" she said cheerfully. "Which reminds me, have you planned anything for your birthday in two days?" she added curiously.
"No, maybe just a family dinner. Why?" I asked a little taken back that she had remembered my birthday. I had almost forgotten that it was coming up because of the chaotic schedule that I've had lately, plus the confrontation with Darien and Andrew as well. Life has become so crazy in such a short amount of time.
"No reason really, just thought we'd like to let you know that you shouldn't plan anything because it's all been taken care of," said Alex suddenly.
"What?" I asked more confused than before.
"We're hosting a banquet for your birthday!" said Heather excitedly before covering her mouth with her hands. 'Oops,' I read her lips as she looked over at Alex and Michelle apologetically.
"A what?" I asked, still not believing the news.
"A ball and it's okay Heather, we can't keep it a secret forever anyway right?" said Michelle as she smiled at Heather he was flushed a bright red.
"Wait!" I yelled quieting everyone in the room. "What do you mean by hosting a banquet? What kind of a party is this? It sounds like you invited the entire society to it!" I asked somewhat furious that they didn't check with me before deciding such things.
"Sere, you need to become acquainted with society again, you can't keep running away from them. It's best to get on their good side so they don't go digging through your past for dirt to throw in your face again," said Trista in a calm voice.
"She's right you know," jumped in Alex, hoping to convince me that this was a good idea even though they all knew how much I despised social gatherings.
"Fine, but don't blame me if I don't have fun and take it all out on the entire company the following day or days!" I announced before walking briskly out of the room. I didn't want to tell them to call off the event because I knew they had obviously gone through great lengths to set it all up. So I will go through with the banquet and make them happy so that I could be happy as well. I went straight back to the hotel for my appointment with the masseuse to relax my body for what was waiting for me the next morning. After my long massage I stopped by the hotel spa and got the full package to pamper myself.
Next day
Waking up at 5 am in the morning was not my sort of thing, so I tapped the snooze button a few times before finally deciding to get up half an hour later. I glanced over to my right and saw Andrew sleeping soundly so I decided to leave a note so he wouldn't worry when he woke up to find me not there.
Andy,
I have to head out early to get ready and meet everyone up, hope you slept well. I'll see you and Keith at my parents' house tonight. Have lots and lots of fun! Love, Your One & Only
'He looks so peaceful,' I thought as I slid the note onto my pillow and brushed some hair away from his eyes. Placing a kiss on his forehead, I went into the restroom to wash up and get dressed for my inevitable conference with the devil himself. I picked out a black Armani dress suit with white trim around the hemlines and small bow at the midsection. 'Now what to wear with this?' I thought while perusing through my closet for a pair of heels to go with my outfit. Sliding into a pair of black Charles David with open toe/heel I walked over to double check my decision. "Cool, I match!" I laughed as I noticed the white trim around the heels. Anyway, to make a long story short, I wrapped my long hair up into a bun and secured it with a clip then applied some make-up and grabbed my briefcase and blazer on my way out of the hotel suite.
"Hey Sere, we were beginning to think you were still asleep!" I heard Alex call out as I stepped out of the elevator and slid my reading glasses on before looking at anyone. He laughed as I adjusted my glasses and sent a glare in his direction.
"Okay, now that we are all here. Does everyone have everything they need?" asked Michelle, smoothing out a few wrinkles on navy blue skirt suit.
"I'm pretty sure my wonderful team has everything, lets go," I announced and walked out the lobby towards the cars parked out front.
"Are you nervous?" asked Trista quietly as she slipped into the car beside me. I shrugged and looked over the papers in my briefcase as I notice Heather get into the car form the corner of my eye.
"Hey Rena, we'll see you there. Relax and don't forget to breathe okay?" reminded Alex as he shut the door for us and tapped the car to let the driver know we were ready to depart. Alex and Michelle were riding with my personal secretary in the car behind my car and everyone else was in the last car.
Conference
"Hi, I'd like to welcome you to the Shield Corp./Moonlight Fashions Inc. conference. Please get situated into the seating area so that we may start shortly," said the coordinator. All the reporters started filing into the huge conference room and finding their seat while the cameramen started lining up along the sides of the room as the two companies started filing in one by one. Darien walked in and took one look around before sending the female reporters a sexy smile for the pictures.
"I think it's bad for you to entice those women when you know it'll bite you in the ass when you fuck up," whispered Michael, reminding Darien not to get on the press' bad side, otherwise all of his issues would show up in the news one day.
"It can't hurt to smile, I mean look at them, waiting just to get a single glance from gorgeous men like us," commented Darien, smirking smugly. He sent a wink at one of the reporters who blushed profusely.
"You never change do you Darien Shields?" snapped Alex as he came walking into the room with Michelle directly behind him.
"No, he never does," replied Zack as he strode up to everyone with his briefcase in hand. "Please excuse us," he apologized as he pushed his glasses up and yanked Darien away from Alex before he could say anything that would cause trouble. "Are you ignorant or just plain out moronic?" yelled Zack in a hushed tone.
"Probably both," I answered as I came up behind them with Jason beside me. "But then again, that's just my opinion isn't it?" I corrected myself before Jason could scold me for my rude remark. "Anyway, I just came over to wish you good luck. I hope this press conference goes well," I finally said as I extended my hand out to Darien, inwardly cringing because I had to let him touch me, can you imagine how much of my anti-bacterial hand soap I'll need to use to clean myself afterward?
"Same to you," replied Darien, smirking cockily as if he had won already. "I hope that in the end, we both will win," he added, bending over to kiss my hand.
'Yuck! He kissed it, talk about nasty!' I thought, completely disgusted. "We need to be going," I announced, yanking my hand away from his grasp before he could do anything else to it that might sicken me.
"You know there really is no point to this conference, but since you insisted, we'll pound you into the ground," whispered Jason as he passed by Darien with a slight shove in the shoulder.
"That wasn't necessary," I said to Jason after we had gotten a few feet away from the two men. "What is necessary however, is for someone to kick his ass for kissing my hand!" I whispered while taking out my handkerchief and wiping my hand thoroughly.
"Who kissed your hand?" asked Alex as we came up to the group.
"Darien," answered Jason automatically.
"Jason!" I yelled, whacking his arm for telling Alex.
"I'm going to cut his lips off!" said Alex, rage filling his eyes as he caught glimpse of Darien walking up the stage and taking his seat beside his company associates. "That asshole, the nerve of him," seethed Alex, more quietly this time.
"Calm down Alex, don't get your boxers all bunched up," said Michelle, pulling Alex back a few steps from the stage. "We need to get seated so you calm down before they snap tons of pictures with your face as red as a cherry," she added, hoping that would calm him down before he did anything drastic.
"Okay guys, lets go," I instructed my associates as I glanced over towards Galen and jerked my head towards the stage, letting him know we were going to sit down.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you would kindly quiet down so we could get started with this press conference, I would be grateful," asked the coordinator as he checked the microphone to make sure it was working.
"We'll be starting off with Shield Corp.," he announced right before walking off the stage. Michael got up and headed over to the podium and pulled out some papers before someone lifted a sheet that was covering what looked like charts.
"Hello everyone, my name is Michael Kincaid, vice president of Shield Corporation. I'd like to give you a run of the history of Shield Corp. so you can better acquaint yourself with what we do," began Michael, calm and collected.
'How the heck is he so composed when we're having a head on battle in front of more than a hundred reporters and cameras!' I thought, looking back and forth at the room to see the vast amount of press that had showed up for this conference. "I'm so dead," I whispered to Jason on my right as he squeezed my hand tightly for reassurance.
"You'll be okay," said Galen quietly, who was sitting to my left. Michael went on and on about Shield Corp.' background information and the status of how well their company was doing as of current. I was getting annoyed just listening to the numbers. It seemed like eternity before he stopped yapping and sat back down.
'Thank God,' I thought, feeling grateful that the heavens didn't want to punish me any longer. 'All I have to do now is sit through Darien's boring speech and I can get out of here and back to my family,' I told myself, trying to stay awake and composed.
"Good Afternoon everyone, as you are well aware, I'm Darien Shields the president of Shield Corporation. To refer back to what Michael has told you all about my company, I'd like to add that we have expanded to almost every country in the world and are planning on opening more branches soon," started out Darien confidently. "I feel that a merger between Shield Corp. and Moonlight Fashions Inc. would be a great advantage for the both of us because not only would they be able to open a branch in every nation, but their market field would broaden so much if backed up by my company," he added, turning over and smiling at me.
'If he winks one more time, I'll poke his eyes out,' I mentally noted as I could only smile back because of the cameras pointed at me. I droned out Darien's voice as I thought about how the press would react when the secret was revealed. My life will be completely ruined once word gets out that I am the real president of MFI, they'll never leave us alone after that. "God help me," I silently prayed.
"What's wrong?" asked Galen quietly as he overheard me. He reached over and rubbed my back gently. I sighed and shook my head not wanting the press to notice any sign of fear or uncertainty.
"Nothing, just tired I guess," I whispered, lying only to myself because I knew no one on my team ever fell for my lame excuses.
"If you want to lie and make a scene, than this surely is the place to do it," replied Galen as quietly as possible. It always pissed the boys off when I lied to them, but I couldn't help it because I didn't like it when they worried over me.
"Sorry, just don't wan to get into things right here," I apologized as he gripped my hand tightly. He smiled and patted my hand.
"So in conclusion, I only have one things left to say, my offer still stands if you are willing to accept it Mr. Whittington," said Darien loudly, catching Galen and I off guard. I had completely forgot that he was still speaking, so I had to gather my thoughts before looking out at the cameras again. After Darien finished, he walked back to his chair and took a seat.
"I guess it's my turn," announced Galen, smiling at me as he got up and walked over to the podium. I wished him luck quickly before he left his seat. "Good afternoon everyone, my name is Galen Whittington, representative for Moonlight Fashions Inc. I am responsible for meeting with all companies that have business prepositions for MFI, but that does not mean I am the president," explained Galen, taking a deep breath before everyone in the room could absorb what he had said and realize it.
"What?!" yelled Darien abruptly, slamming his fist on the table and causing the whole room and erupt into chatter. Flashes were going off left and right as the scene played out right before my eyes. I cringed knowing that I would have to get up once Galen finished what else he had left to say.
"That's correct, I am not the president of Moonlight Fashions Inc. because all I ever have been is a representative and board member," Galen responded to the chattering crowd, trying to clear any more questions off their minds before they would start fighting for the floor to inquire about anything else. "Thank you for the chance to explain myself, I leave the floor open for the real president to answer all your questions," finished Galen as he turned around and walked back to his seat beside me. With a wink and a smile, Galen and Jason both stood and pushed me towards the podium.
"What is the meaning to this?!" yelled Darien infuriated with what wasunfolding before his very eyes. I inwardly laughed as I saw his eyes dilate a few centimeters larger than normal size and continued toward the podium, more excited to make him more angry than he already way.
"Hello everyone, how have you all been today?" I asked in a cheery voice. I smiled at the crowd as they all quieted down to listen to what I had to tell them. "As you may have already known, my name is Serena Moon, one of the designers for MFI," I introduced myself even though there was no need. "I'm sure you are all wondering what is really going on here, but that's why I'm here today," I added, smiling brightly at the whole room. "There is a small tad bit of information that you don't know," I explained, taking a deep breath to prepare myself for what I was going to say next. "I'mthepresident/C.E. Inc.," I mumbled so quickly that I myself couldn't make out the words.
"What was that last statement Ms. Moon, I didn't catch that," spoke up a reporter who was sitting in the front row.
"Yes, would you kindly repeat for me as well Serena?" asked Darien, suddenly eyeing my awkwardly.
'Did he hear?' I thought worriedly. 'What's he scheming?' I wondered, my nervousness getting the better of me.
"I heard her loud and clear. She said she was the president of MFI, what more is there to repeat?" said Jason, standing up to back me up a bit.
"Is that true Ms. Moon?" asked another reporter suddenly.
"Yes, is that true?" another reporter jumped it. Soon enough there was a whole bundle of questions being thrown at me from all directions.
"To answer your questions, yes I am," I answered shakily. "I have been the sole person responsible for MFI since the last C.E.O. resigned," I added, getting everything out in the open once and for all. "You are probably wondering how it is all possible, well that is because I am also the adopted daughter to Mr. Richard Moon," I included before anyone else could ask me any more questions. "That's all I can tell you at the moment. To wrap this entire conference up, I'd like to reply to Shield Corp.'s offer. No, plain and simple," I finished up with a stern face as I turned and stared Darien directly in the eyes. "I will not be pushed around by other companies just because they feel they are more powerful or have an upper hand. MFI will not stand for any sort of pressure. I, by no means am not trying to ruin Shield Corp.'s reputation; but I do no appreciate being pushed into a corner. I kindly refuse the offer on the table and am asking you to stop bothering my staff with your prepositions because we are doing just fine!" I wrapped up my speech before gathering my bags and turning to exit the stage. The crowd of reporters went wild once I left the podium and walked off stage before they could ask any more questions. "Let's go guys," I ordered my staff quickly as I exited the building and walked quickly towards the cars.
"If you would all calm down please!" asked the coordinator loudly trying to calm the room down before a riot could take place. Darien and his entire team looked back and forth at one another, they were so shocked that not a word left their mouths for a few moments, until Darien stood up and stormed out of the room quickly.
"What the hell just happened in there?" asked Darien angrily as Michael and the boys tried to catch up with him. Getting into their car, they took off before the cameras could chase after them. "Where'd she disappear to so quickly?" he asked, keeping an eye out to see where Serena had gone.
"Her entire staff all left in their cars just a little while ago," answered Zack, not wanting to piss Darien off any more.
"How come no one bothered to tell me that she was the president?!" yelled Darien as he poured a glass of Brandy and drank it all quickly.
"We had no idea, we thought we dug up all the information possible on the staff at MFI. I don't know how this slipped through our search," answered Nathan.
"Could it be possible that they had this all hidden for specific reasons just as the incident that occurred today?" questioned Michael, wondering why their searches ended up back firing in their faces.
"She had this all planned!" yelled Darien furiously.
"Oh my god Sere, did you see the looks on their faces when you told everyone?" laughed Alex as he sat back and finished off his wine glass. We were all gathered in my hotel suite celebrating our victory.
"Yes, it was so worth all the hard work we've been doing just to see him go ten shades of red when you announced you were the true president for MFI," admitted Trista, smiling at me as she sipped on her champagne.
"You know, I thought he was going to blow a gasket," added Heather as we all broke out into a fit of laughter.
"I want to thank you all for being there for me in my time of need. Everyone deserves a huge bonus for all the work you've done these past few weeks," I announced, smiling when I saw everyone's eyes bulge out and they cheered even louder.
"Thank you!" I heard my employees shout as they raised their glasses and toasted to their winnings. I laughed and downed the rest of my white wine before joining the rest of the crowd in the celebrations.
"Okay guys, we have the rest of the day off so everyone rest up, I need to go see my family," I let everyone know as I slipped back into my jacket and heels. "Don't drink too much and have fun!" I said before shutting the door and heading down to the lobby to wait for the driver to pull the car up front for me. Pulling out my cell phone, I dialed Andrew's number quickly.
"Hey honey," replied Andrew sweetly on the other end of the line. "How is the conference going so far?" he asked curiously.
"It's over already," I replied, glancing out quickly to see my black Benz being pulled up into the driveway. "All I have to say is that it was one interesting conference," I added, laughing as I recalled the previous moments from this afternoon.
"Why, what happened?" asked Andrew, chuckling at my giddiness.
"Darien got so pissed," I whispered as I walked out to the car and slid into the back seat. 'To my parents' house,' I mouthed to my driver as he shut the door and nodded, driving towards my old house. "Anyway, I'll see you and Keith in a bit okay?" I told him quickly.
"Okay, see you in a bit then," replied Andrew as he hung up with me. "Bye," I replied and closed my cell phone before putting it back into my handbag. "Hey Henry, can you stop by the liquor store and grab me a bottle of Remy Martin XO v.s.o.p.?" I buzzed over the intercom and asked my driver.
"Sure thing miss," answered Henry as he continued driving. After picking up the bottle of liquor for me, we headed over to my parents' house so I could surprise everyone and celebrate for the remainder of the night.
Tsukino House
"Mrs. Tsukino, Serena just called and said she is on her way over right now," Andrew told Sere's mom, who smiled brightly.
"Mama is coming to get us?" asked Keith with his mouth full of cookies.
"Keith! What have I told you about talking with your mouth full young man?" scolded Ken as he shook his head at his grandson.
"To no talk while I eat grandpa, I'm sorry," Keith apologized sadly.
"Its okay son, grandpa was just reminding you not to do that, just don't forget next time okay?" comforted Andrew, laughing at his son's face as he wiped the cookie crumbs off his mouth and chin.
"Hi everyone!" I called out, closing the front door and looking around for familiar faces. Not seeing anyone, I wondered into the kitchen and found everyone sitting around the table talking and laughing. "There you are!" I said, smiling at them.
"Hi Serena," greeted my mom, running over to hug me quickly.
"Hi mom," I replied, kissing her cheek as I went over and hugged my dad and kissed his cheek as well. "Hey daddy," I whispered, stilling holding onto him.
"What about me mama? You didn't say hi to me," asked Keith, pouting.
"No I didn't," I replied and scooped him into my arms and kissed him all over. "Did you miss me?" I asked before putting him back down.
"Of course he did, we both did," Andrew said before Keith could reply. He walked over and hugged me tightly. "We're glad you're done with work because we didn't have any fun without you, right kiddo?" he added, looking down at Keith who just nodded quickly in agreement.
"Yeah, right. You know you boys were having a field day without me around to lecture you," I teased and we all laughed. After a short while of catching up with my parents I told them what had happened at the conference and we all celebrated my revelations as the president of MFI. For the remainder of the night, we just sat around talking and planning things for my birthday banquet.
"Mama, you'll never guess what I got you!" said Keith excitedly.
"I wouldn't want to guess because it's supposed to be a surprised remember honey?" I told my son, laughing as he pouted because I wasn't playing along.
"She's right sport, we don't want her guessing what we bought her, otherwise we don't get to see the look on her face when we show her," added Andrew.
AN
That's all everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the final chapter in this long story. I made it extra long just to satisfy everyone because I haven't posted in a long time. Keep in mind, an epilogue is due to tie up the rest of the loose ends in this story.