Chapter 6!
The next morning, Carter and Hope are on their way to Forrester Creation. Both are very excited and thrilled then today is the first day of the new era of Forrester Creation. Overnight, they regained their courage and their optimism, and they were more eager than ever to fulfill all their dreams. Yesterday, after they left Brooke's house and returned back to the cabin, they both were humbled and in a slight foul mood. All the backlashes and confrontations they had to deal with the entire day had left a mark on them. But both are still determined that they are doing the right thing and that their behavior is justified.
"So what are your plans for today?" asks Hope.
"Actually my schedule for today is quite packed. I want to meet with all the heads of the departments and inform them about the changes. Then I need to see Katie to conduct the press release. I also want to talk with Ivy about the process of the jewelry line and on top of that I'm going to have an interview with a blond very attractive young woman."
"Oh?" Hope raises her eyebrows. "About what?"
"Well I have an offer to make to her, she cannot deny. It's about reactivating her line."
He smiles and winks at her. Hope gets what he wants to say.
"Oh you're so sweet. That means you really want to bring Hope for the future back."
"Of course, that's one of the top priorities right now. Hope for the future will be great again."
Hope smiles at him in a seductive way.
"You have no idea what a major turn on it is to listen to you speaking that way. With your boss attitude and all the power in your voice. Too bad that we are in the car right now."
"Hope, you should not tempt me."
Carter tries to hide his nervousness. Finally, they reach the parking lot of Forrester Creation and they stand in front of their building. Hope hugs her loved one.
"Ready to go inside and change the world."
"I am ready more than ever."
But as soon as they step inside, they feel a strange and uncomfortable vibe around them. Everywhere are standing some of their employees in small groups whispering with each other. As soon as they see Carter and Hope coming along the hallway, they start to stare at them and whisper even more. These stares give Carter and Hope quite a chill because they are everything other than friendly and open-hearted. Hope takes a deep breath when they are inside the elevator.
"Do you have any idea what this was all about? Why were they all looking at us this way? Do you think they already know what happened?"
"Well, I assume that's the only logical explanation. I mean we already spoke with Zende, Elektra and Will. So I guess one or probably all of them blabbed something out. Or they have the news from Steffy and Ridge."
"Oh great, it wouldn't surprise me if they already tried to turn everyone against us and to make us look like the bad ones. So what are we going to do now?"
"First of all, we have to stay calm. Later when I talked with the heads of the department, I will explain to them that they shall reassure their employees and that they can promise everyone that nothing will be different for them and they don't have to be afraid. Trust me. This is nothing I can't handle."
He gives Hope a small kiss.
"So what are your plans for the morning?"
"Oh, I want to talk to Zende. I want to discuss with him some ideas for Hope for the Future. And then I guess I have to prepare myself for my interview."
She winks at him. As they reach the top floor, their confusion grows even more. Apparently no one else is there yet. Neither RJ nor Zende are at their workplace and there are also no signs of Ivy and Elektra. Only Katie is sitting in her office, apparently busy on the phone. Also Pam is not sitting at her desk as usual. Carter and Hope are getting more nervous with every step. Something weird is going on here this morning. As they open the door to the office, they are not ready for what they face there. The scene they are confronted with, tops everything they already went through.
Ridge and Steffy are in the office, both busy packing up some boxes.
"What are you guys doing here?" asks Carter immediately. "Yeah?!" Hope steps in. "You two have no right to be here. This is Carter's office now."
Steffy answers them in a snarky tone.
"Oh, believe me, we won't be here any longer. In fact, we cannot wait to get out of here. We only clear the office from our personal stuff. And then you won't see us here anymore. Until the day we will return and take back the company."
"So do I get it right? You are still determined to leave? You know this is not what I wanted. I would be happy if you would stay here and work together with us."
"Oh Carter, you must be really out of your mind. Do you really think we would work under you and help you to destroy our company? I don't think so. I would rather swallow poison. And Dad and Granddad see it the same way. Try to figure out how to keep the company on track without us."
"Carter isn't going to destroy Forrester Creation. In fact, Forrester Creation has a brighter future than ever. And one day you will see it too."
"Oh Hope, sweetie! I can't wait for the day when you will wake up out of your fantasy world and who knows, maybe this day will come sooner than you think. You two will not achieve anything without us. It takes more to run a company then trick people and play hunny bunny."
"Steffy, I highly recommend that you show more respect towards Hope. You have no right to put her down this way."
"Oh, I guess she can't sink even lower. Wait till the day when you will lose everything and then you will see if she still stands by you. I bet all my money she won't even remember your name."
Wile Steffy argues with Hope and Carter, Ridge grabs a box and puts all the private pictures from the gallery into it. The last picture that gets into his hand is a photo of his parents Eric and Stephanie. He turns to Carter.
"You know what! I leave you this one here. So you can always look at the two people who actually built up this company and I hope every time you look at them you feel the betrayal and the knife that you stabbed in their back."
Carter tries hard to hide how much this remark affected him, but then his attention gets caught on something else. He sees that Ridge takes all his designs and puts them in a box as well.
"Hey these are designs for Forrester Creation. They belong to the company, not to you!"
"Oh you are wrong my dear friend. All these designs are not in production yet and well I decided I will not turn them in for approval. Let's say I'm not satisfied with them yet. They are not finished and I'm still working on them."
"But these are all the designs for Brooke's bedroom line. I know that you are almost finished. We need the designs for the next collection."
"Well I guess you should have thought about that before you put yourself in charge but I guess you're smart enough to figure it out. Because there will be no more designs out of my hand for Forrester Creation. You can see how you run a fashion house without fashion."
An employee shows up at the door.
"Mr. Forrester? You asked me to come to the office and help you with something?"
"Oh Josh, good, you're here. Perfect timing. Would you please be so kind and bring these boxes to my car?"
"Of course, Mr. Forrester. And by the way, I'm truly sorry that you and your daughter will leave the company. I can hardly imagine what Forrester Creation will be like without you."
"Oh, I guess you have to ask your new boss about this. I'm sure he has some answers to this question."
Josh doesn't even react to Rich's comment. He continues.
"Oh, and please don't forget to send all my best wishes to your father. I will never forgive his kindness and the respect he showed towards me and my family. He will be missed around here. Please tell him that."
"Oh, that's very sweet of you to say. He will surely be happy to hear that."
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Forrester?"
"No, thank you, Josh. That would be all."
"Actually…." Carter steps in. "...I also have a task for you. In my old office are stored some boxes and other stuff that I will need here now. On your way, could you please get them and bring them into this office?"
"Actually, Mr. Walton, this is none of my duties. I'm only here because Mr. Forrester asked me nicely. It is a friendly gesture towards my old boss and friend. If you need your stuff to be moved, ask one of the janitors."
He grabs the boxes and leaves the office. Ridge and Steffy follow him. Before she's out the door, Steffy turns around once more with a honey-sweet smile.
"Well, I guess that says it all. I wish you a pleasant work day!"