Chapter 7

• Strength wasn’t just about enduring the storm—but rather learning to dance in the rain when it came! And for Melanie, the rain was here…
• The car glided silently up the winding driveway, its headlights illuminating the hedges that lined the path. Melanie leaned forward slightly, gently stroking her daughter’s hair while looking out the window.
• They had just left the hotel and were about to arrive at a private estate the company had set up for its most important staff, the CEO included.
• Her driver slowed to a stop at the gate, the BioCrest insignia discreetly engraved into the metal. The gate opened smoothly after a quick scan of the vehicle, revealing the magnificence of her new home; Well, a temporary one.
• The car rolled to a stop in front of a sweeping circular driveway, where a fountain bubbled quietly at its center.
• “Come on hun, we are here now.” She said to her daughter who was already half-awake.
• Melanie stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the smooth stone pavement. She carried Mia out of the car and onto her body but the seven years old insisted to be put down.
• “I have legs, mommy.” She whined.
• “Hey, lose the attitude young lady.” Melanie chuckled as she put her down.
• Just then, a familiar voice called to her attention. “Good morning Ma’am.”
• Melanie looked up and a smile graced her lips. “Aunt Margaret!” Mia screamed excitedly and ran to hug the older woman.
• It was Melanie’s Nanny in Germany, she had specifically requested that the nanny come along and the security team had approved it.
• “Hi Margaret, I trust you had a smooth flight here.” Melanie greeted with a smile.
• “Yes Ma’am, the delay with my passport was cleared up just a few hours after your flight departed and I hopped on the next, made it here in the early hours of the day.” Margaret narrated.
• Melanie nodded. “Well I am glad you are here, please take our young mistress inside, she has been a handful in your absence.” She taunted and they both laughed.
• “Come here little one, let's get you some breakfast.” Margaret uttered as she took Mia’s hand and they headed into the building.
• “The Queen finally arrives.” Another voice cut through.
• Melanie turned to her left and found her personal Secretary and Assistant standing there with files in hand and a big smile on her face. She had left for Switzerland a lot earlier to prepare for the CEO’s arrival and ensure everything was in place.
• “Sophie…” she called with a smile of her own.
• She handed her the keycard. "Welcome to your new home, Ms. Cooper," she said with a polite nod. “I trust you had a smooth journey.”
• “Thank you Sophie, and stop acting all cheesy, it is weird, girl.” She laughed.
• While Melanie was her boss and superior, the duo shared a simple friendship, they were quite close on a personal level.
• “What did I miss?” Melanie asked as they walked towards the mansion.
• “Nothing yet, I will show you around, starting with him,” Sophie replied, pointing to a muscular man in black suit standing at the entrance of the building.
• “Welcome Ms. Cooper, it is my pleasure to serve you.” He greeted in a husky voice, his hands folded behind his back.
• “Um… Hello?” Melanie muttered in confusion, shooting Sophie a glance like saying ‘Am I supposed to know him?’
• “Oh, this is your new personal bodyguard for your stay here in Switzerland.” Sophie announced.
• “What? I told them I didn’t want one!” Melanie retorted, a frown etched on her face.
• “Oh yeah, I tried too but the board insists that you have protection while you are here.” Sophie explained.
• “Are you for real? Do they think I am incapable of taking care of myself?” Melanie complained.
• “Well you know men and their bloated ego, they think every woman is a damsel in distress, their superiority complex always gets the best of them.” Sophie said in support and chuckled.
• “Ugh!” Melanie groaned and walked inside, but she paused when she noticed the bodyguard was following in too.
• She turned back immediately. “Sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.”
• “It is Michael, just Mike for short.” He quickly responded.
• “Oh, great! Listen ‘Just Mike”, do me a favor, only follow me when I am leaving the residence. I am sure no one would try to hurt me inside the building,” she said with a forced smile.
• The man seemed hesitant but then he nodded. “Alright Ma’am, if you insist.”
• “Thank you,” she smiled between her teeth and groaned before heading up the stairs.
• “Hehehe… I think he is cute.” Sophie teased and Melanie rolled her eyes at her.
• “What time is the Conference?” she asked, while collecting the files from the Secretary.
• “At exactly 6:00 pm, I already picked out a dress for you, come check it out.” Sophie announced enthusiastically.
• ** AT THE CONFERENCE HALL **
• “Ladies and Gentlemen, As Stadtpräsident of the city of Zurich, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this landmark conference where a partnership agreement would be reached between our government and the two companies, EcoNexus and BioCrest…” Matthias Keller opened the event formally.
• He spoke briefly on the project at hand. It was a Smart City Development Project sponsored by the government of Zurich and they had employed the services of the German and American company simultaneously to bring the project to life.
• Soon, the CEO of BioCrest was called upon to give a brief speech on the role of her company in the project. There was a standing ovation as Melanie walked out, looking stunning in her blue blazers.
• “Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. In case you missed it, I am Melanie Cooper, CEO of BioCrest Technologies GmbH, our company is a pioneering biotechnology and environmental innovation company dedicated to revolutionizing sustainable solutions for a healthier planet. And we are very honored to be collaborating with EcoNexus on this Smart City Initiative. We also thank the Government of Zurich for trusting us with this project. On behalf of my company, I assure you that we will deliver and your trust has not been misplaced. Thank you.”
• Once again, applause went up the roof, it wasn’t just about her position, it was her confidence, her stunning beauty and her aura.
• Next up, the CEO of EcoNexus was called up to the podium and a bald-headed man walked up the stage. This was Melanie’s first time seeing the CEO, although she had expected him to appear different.
• There was some murmuring as the man walked up to the podium and Melanie was confused as to why, she turned to Sophie for a hint but her secretary was too lost between her notes.
• “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for having us here today. I hate to announce to you that due to some flight complications, the CEO of EcoNexus is unable…”
• The man suddenly halted as a note was passed to him on the stage and then a broad smile graced his large lips. “Forgive my ignorance, please welcome to the stage, CEO of EcoNexus, Alexander Steel!”
• Melanie felt her blood run cold at the mention of that name, her jaws dropped in shock. No, she must have heard wrong, this had to be a mistake.
• The audience began to applaud as a young man walked down to the podium in black Tux. Melanie felt her heart racing, he looked like him from behind, but she didn’t want to believe it was him.
• However when he got to the stage and turned to face her, all doubts left her mind. The CEO of EcoNexus was her Ex-husband, Alexander Steel.
• “Good Evening all!”
• That voice sent chills running through Melanie’s spine. She froze at the spot, her hands shaking and her heart racing. Her worst nightmare had come true.
• TBC!!