Chapter 2

One day Albert was fishing when he heard someone come. Albert nodded to greet her. She nodded to him back and started to prepare to fish. Then a man came. He talked to her in a low voice, they non stopped talking and the voice grew louder and louder that it started to drive fish away. Albert politely asked them to be a bit more quiet.

"You heard that, now go," said the woman with a stern voice to the man who talked to her.

The man nodded politely and stood waiting for her in the background.

Ever since they stopped talking, Albert got a couple of fish and each time he successfully caught a fish, the woman was rejoicing with him. She was impressed by his fishing skill. After a while they started to chat.

"My name is Anne," she introduced herself.

"Albert," responded Albert back.

Since she looked so excited with how many fish he got, Albert offered to cook and eat the fish together. Anne was wondering if she should accept the offer from a stranger. She was about to say no, when he took off his glasses and hat to prepare for the fish.

For the first time, Anne saw the fisherman's stunning pair of blue eyes and blonde hair.

My gosh, Albert is beyond stunning, she thought.

Anne accepted Albert's offer right away. While watching Albert cooking, once in a while she stole a look at his admirable complexion. His blonde hair and azure eyes were amazing and what a gentleman manner he had. Anne was very happy to accept his invitation.

Albert cooks very well too!, she thought, amazed.

When they parted, she asked if he needed a ride because it started to get dark which Albert declined politely. They said good bye and separated.

They met and chatted more often after that day. Albert started to understand what happened between her and the man in the background.

"They want me to manage my father's company. I like outdoor, I want to go outside once in while."

"I can certainly understand that," said Albert. He really meant it.

After a few months Anne disappeared, Albert never met her anymore.Too bad. Fishing with her was indeed a pleasant thing to do. He started to get used to chat with her too.

One day, in the local newspaper, Albert saw her photo. She was the daughter of a local bank owner. The bank was in trouble. Albert called George to get more information about the bank.

"It's a smaller type of private bank but with a distinction. It has an excellent customer service record and one of the most favorite local banks," said George. "The owner has been sick for a long period of time and made Anne as the head of the bank to replace him. The bank now is under a threat for being bought by another bank. With all do respect, Sir, I think there's a foul play here."

"Why is that?" asked Albert.

"The daughter is still young. The bank always has a good history of earning but suddenly it fell flat. Even with a bad management by Anne, it can't go down that fast."

One day Albert decided to visit Anne. He introduced himself to the receptionist as "Albert the fisherman". Anne's secretary notified her. She recognized his name so she let him in.

Albert started the conversation.

"I saw your photo in the local business paper. I wonder how you are doing since it seems your bank is in trouble," Albert said.

She nodded gloomily. "I have been spoiled all of my life. I should have worked harder. My father's competitor knows my father has been sick and I am in charge. They cheated on me. All is my fault, poor father. He worked all his life for this business. If he knew his bank is ruined, he'd be so devastated."

Anne looked so heartbroken. Albert felt sorry for her.

"Your father is not here?" asked Albert.

"My poor father is in the hospital," replied Anne sadly. "If I could get a second chance, I'd be a better person and manage the bank better."

"Did you mean that?" asked Albert.

"With all my heart," she said.

Albert gave her some comforting words before he left.

After some thinking, Albert decided to buy the bank. It seemed to be a good investment to make and somehow he felt he wanted to do it for Anne. Under his real name, Sir William, Albert gave the highest offer for the bank and beat Anne's competitor.

Anne then went to meet the new bank owner, Sir William, to sign the final agreement. To her surprise, she found a young man with blonde hair and blue eyes who looked familiar. His face was very similar with the handsome fisherman except now he's wearing an elegant suite which made him look even more stunning. But knowing so well what his position was, she didn't dare to ask.

"Hi Anne," Albert greeted her.

The voice was unmistakable. As soon as she heard the voice, she recognized him. Anne was speechless to know that Albert was no one else but the famous Sir William Ardlay.

"I saw your picture many times in the newspaper, but I just can't make the connection," she said speechless. "You told me your name was Albert."

"That's the truth, that's my middle name," he smiled.

"Sir William, I come to hand in over the bank new ownership paperwork," she said respectfully.

"Call me Albert, " Albert said in a friendly tone. "You keep the paperwork, we'll talk about it later."

Anne was surprised to hear his answer. "What do you want me to do now?" She asked to verify his real intention.

"You have to do what you promised me to do. Now I own the stock, I want the bank to earn money," he said with a laugh.

"I don't need to leave from the bank?" she said

"No, as long as you perform well," answered Albert in a friendly tone.

"What can I do to thank you? I promise I'll do my best for my father's sake and your stock. I'll make him proud of me."

"Well, you could accompany me fishing when you had the time," he said with a smile.

Anne did.

-TO BE CONTINUED-

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