Chapter 77: Chapter 77
On the plane back home, no one spoke to Melissa. She sat with sleeping Tommy in her arms remembering Mark's hurt disappointed look as they drove away. She wanted so much to go back. Hug him and tell him how much she loved him, how much she missed him but she couldn't.
With every waking moment, she missed waking up to his smiling face watching her sleep but it was over now. He deceived her many times; she didn't know what the truth was anymore.
"Grandma, what is wrong with mummy? Why did she leave daddy today?" Standing behind the door at the mansion Melissa overheard Tommy and her aunt's conversion.
"Mommy is just going through something right now. We have to be patient with her. I'm sure she and your daddy will be okay soon." Betty tried to explain as simply as she could.
"Grandma, I don't like this mommy. I miss my daddy. He has been feeling pain every day. Can't mommy go take care of him to make him better?"
"Don't worry honey, mommy will take care of daddy and he will get better. Go to sleep now, I'll stay here watching over you." She promised as she placed a goodnight kiss on his forehead.
Feeling pain in her heart, Melissa went to her room. Curled up on the bed she hugged her pillow. "You did the right thing." She comforted herself as tears filled her eyes.
She wanted her son beside her so she could keep him safe but now she didn't know if everything she did was right. Tommy hated her and she couldn't blame him. At times she hated herself too for not letting the pain in her heart go.
…..
"Do you judge me too?" Melissa glanced at David as they drove to Steel's company for the first meeting as the new owner.
"No, I know you are doing what you believe is best for the people you love. Protecting them is understandable but don't let anger consume you, Melissa. Give Mark a chance to explain his side of the story and let aunt Betty be happy. She loves you so much she will do anything you ask her to." He squeezed her hand.
Since they got back, Mark tried to see her. He went to the mansion almost every day but she often locked herself in the bedroom refusing to meet him. After trying for several days he stopped but made sure to see his son whenever his grandmother took him to Johnson's mansion.
"Give yourself a chance to love again." David glanced at her as they stopped at the parking lot.
"I'll think about it." She dismissed him, stepping out of the car.
Walking into the office building, all the employees stopped to see the new employer. Most of them were worried they would lose their job's once the new owner took over.
With her bag in one hand, Melissa walked gracefully to the boardroom as one of the secretaries directed them.
"Sorry we are late. This is my brother David, he is also part of this company." Sitting at the end of the table she introduced David who stood behind her.
"So, what is so urgent you had to call for a board meeting?" Diana asked, sitting back on her chair.
"As the majority shareholder, I'm making a few changes of how this company will run. I believe that you are the acting CEO. A position that was previously held by Mr. Stevens." She confirmed looking at Diana who in turn smiled at her. "Well that position is quite sensitive, it needs a well educated and qualified person. Going through your documents Diana, I don't think you're fit for the role so I'm bringing someone to take over with immediate effect. His details and qualifications are in the folder before you. Secondly, I will go through all contracts you have signed with our clients. I also want to know what this company is transporting so I will be stopping them in transit or at the port for random inspections. If you have any illegal businesses going on here you better stop before you get caught." She warned looking at the three men around the table. "That's it for today's meeting. Any questions?" She asked, looking directly at Diana.
"Are you going to fire the employees?" One of the men present asked.
"No, I'll just make adjustments where necessary. If no further questions please excuse me, I have a staff meeting to attend. Diana, you will introduce me to the staff." She smiled at Diana who smiled back with a clenched fist. "Thank you for attending on such a short notice." Melissa shook hands with them as Diana directed her to the meeting hall.
"Do you have to do this Melissa? You may have the majority shares but that does not give you the right to sideline the other investors. What if they pull out?" Furious Diana argued, stopping Melissa at the door way.
"I'm ready to buy out any of them. I'm in charge now Diana, you either do things my way or you quit." She challenged, staring at her eyeball to eyeball then walked past her.
After introducing Melissa to the staff, Diana went to her office.
Facing Melissa at the board room, she felt like strangling her, she had to clench her fist hard to control her range. Looking at her bloody palms where nails dug, she took the coffee mug from the table smashing it on the wall. "Damn you, Melissa. If you think I'll let you take everything from me you are mistaken."