Chapter 8

• ROBERT'S POV
• Dinner at the Parker family mansion was always a formal affair, filled with etiquette. The setting was luxurious, with silverware, fine china, and lit candles creating a warm atmosphere. However, there was a tension in the air that wasn't uncommon during our family gatherings.
• My mother, Abigail Parker, sat at the head of the long dining table. Timothy was to her right, while I occupied the seat to her left.
• Dinner was underway when Timothy decided to bring up the topic we had discussed earlier. "So, Robert had an interesting idea today," he began with a mischievous smile.
• I glanced at him with an expression warning him not to continue, but it was too late. Timothy continued with his account. "He thought about going undercover as an assistant at the company to get to know the employees better. What do you think about that, Mom?"
• My mother, Abigail Parker, was a woman of impeccable appearance, with silver hair and an air of authority. She had a serious look directed at me as she served the meal, and her expression revealed that she was deeply uncomfortable with what Timothy had revealed about my desire to go undercover as an assistant at Parker Technology.
• "Robert, what are you thinking?" she asked, her gaze capable of freezing an erupting volcano.
• My mother had strong and conservative views, and the mere mention that I, the CEO of the family company, would consider going undercover as an assistant was practically heresy to her.
• "I was just thinking of finding a way to get closer to the employees and better understand their needs," I tried to explain, feeling like I was walking on eggshells.
• Abigail looked at me with a frosty stare. "Robert, you don't need to mingle with those sorts of people. You're a Parker, and our family has high standards."
• I sighed and then decided to argue. "I believe it's the best way to improve the relationship with the employees."
• However, my mother wasn't willing to give in. She had an unwavering disdain for the employees and didn't even like the idea of her son mixing with people of lower social classes. She was opposed to the idea of social class blending.
• "No, Bobby, this is unacceptable," she replied firmly. "You should lead with distinction, not lower yourself to the level of workers."
• "I understand your concern, mother, but I believe a leader needs to be accessible and understand their team's reality," I tried to argue.
• She scoffed with disdain. "You're making a mistake, Robert. These people have nothing to offer except trouble."
• Maybe she was right, but the stubbornness and determination within me prevailed. "I understand your concern, mother, but I believe it's necessary for the company's success."
• Abigail seemed to be processing the information, but her disapproval was evident. "Robert, if you want to get to know your employees, there are more sensible ways to do so without lowering yourself to their level."
• I knew my mother had a rather negative view of Parker Technology's employees and people from different social classes. She was an elite woman, accustomed to luxury and privilege, and she didn't like the idea of her son mingling with lower-income people, even if they were our employees.
• "Mother, I think it's valid to lead my team better. I don't want to be seen as an unattainable 'god,'" I argued.
• She sighed disapprovingly, her eyes fixed on me like a stern judge. "Robert, you're the CEO of the company, and you should be seen as a god to your employees. You should lead with transparency and integrity, not lower yourself to understand your employees."
• My mother had a rather traditional view of social classes and strongly believed in their separation. She despised the idea of me mixing with people from different social classes, even if they were my employees.
• Timothy tried to intervene again, attempting to ease the tension. "Mother, he was just thinking about getting closer to the employees, you know?"
• However, my mother remained steadfast in her opinion. She looked at Timothy and then at me with a disapproving gaze. "I've always taught you both the importance of maintaining class and respecting traditions. This idea is an offense to all of that."
• Then, my mother decided to resort to an argument she knew would hit me hard. "You must remember that when your father founded Parker Technology, he didn't go after any employees. Throughout his time leading the company, he never had to lower himself to their level, and the company always thrived."
• The mention of my father brought forth a sense of discomfort I always experienced when his memory was invoked. Charles Parker was a remarkable businessman who built the company from scratch and turned it into an empire in Silicon Valley. He was a shadow that loomed over me as a constant reminder of the expectations everyone had for me.
• Abigail knew how to use words skillfully to place me in the position of an inexperienced child, incapable of matching his father's achievements. It was a tactic she used frequently, and I resented her for it.
• Timothy looked at me, waiting for my reaction. I took a deep breath, knowing I couldn't contest my mother's words at that moment. She had always revered my father as a role model, and any attempt to contradict her would be in vain.
• In an attempt to shift the conversation's focus, my mother decided to address another topic. "So, Timothy, how are the preparations for the wedding with Charlotte going?"
• Timothy smiled enthusiastically, relieved to be stepping out of the minefield of the previous discussion. "Everything is going very well, Mom. Charlotte is taking care of all the details, and the date is approaching quickly."
• My mother, always eager to maintain appearances, seemed satisfied with the news of my younger brother's impending wedding. She was a woman who valued tradition and alliances between elite families. "That's wonderful, Timothy. Charlotte is a very suitable young lady, and I'm sure she'll be a great addition to our family."
• I knew my mother was trying to involve me in the conversation in some way, so I remained silent, waiting to see what her next move would be.
• Abigail then shifted her attention to me, her eyes gleaming with a peculiar light. "And what about you, Robert? When do you plan to introduce a suitable companion?"
• I knew this question was coming. My mother had always been very insistent about my marital status, concerned with my personal life as if it were a potential business deal. I had nothing against relationships, but I despised it when she tried to meddle.
• I attempted to keep my response vague and evasive. "Mother, I'm focused on the company at the moment. When the right person comes along, you'll be one of the first to know."
• Abigail, however, wasn't willing to accept a vague answer. She tilted her head, a challenging look in her eyes. "Robert, you know how important it is to maintain a solid image in Silicon Valley. You need a respectable companion by your side."
• I knew my mother was referring to the fact that, as the CEO of Parker Technology, my personal life was also under public scrutiny. However, I didn't want her to decide for me who I should be involved with.
• I tried to be firm in my response. "Mother, I understand your concern, but I won't rush into things. When the time is right, I'll make the right choices for my life."
• However, my mother wouldn't give up so easily. She had her ideas about how my life should unfold. "Well, maybe it's time for you to meet some young single women here in Silicon Valley. I have some friends with very respectable and well-educated daughters. I could arrange some blind dates for you."
• The mere thought of blind dates arranged by my mother made me roll my eyes internally. I hated it when she tried to interfere in my personal life and, worse yet, attempted to arrange my marriage.
• "Perhaps it's not necessary, Mother," I replied, trying to steer the conversation away.
• However, my mother was stubborn and determined. She was set on seeing me married to someone from her social circle and of equal or higher social standing. It was a pressure I was accustomed to facing, but it still deeply bothered me.
• Timothy tried to intervene to ease the situation. "Mother, you know how independent Robert is. He'll find someone when he's ready."
• However, my mother didn't seem willing to give in so easily. She continued to talk about the qualities of her friends' daughters and how they would be a good match for me. It was a conversation I had heard countless times before, and I knew it would be futile to argue with her.
• Dinner proceeded with my mother making plans to set up blind dates and mentioning potential candidates. I struggled to maintain my patience, knowing that this was just another manifestation of the control she wanted to exert over my life.
• When dinner came to an end, Timothy and I got up from the table to bid farewell to our mother, Abigail. It was a familiar ritual, as both of us had our own homes to return to. My mother, however, had other plans.
• She gripped my arm firmly and looked at me seriously. "Robert, it's time for you to understand the weight of our family's name and follow the natural course. You need to find a good young lady to marry."
• These words were no surprise. My mother had always been insistent when it came to my personal life, especially regarding my future marriage. She firmly believed that I needed to uphold the family's image and marry someone of high social standing.
• I tried to remain calm and respectful in my response. "Mother, I understand your concern, but I don't want to rush into something so important. I'll find the right person in my own time."
• Abigail didn't seem willing to accept my response so peacefully. She tilted her head and looked at me with determination. "Robert, you need to start taking this seriously. I have some young ladies who would love to meet you. We could arrange some dates."
• I tried to defuse the situation with a smile and a hint of teasing. "Mother, you should consider the possibility that I might bring a man as my husband."
• The statement hit my mother like an electric shock. She widened her eyes in shock, and her expression transformed into a mixture of surprise and irritation. "What are you saying, Robert?"
• Timothy laughed, realizing that I was just teasing our mother. "He's just trying to get a rise out of you, Mom."
• Abigail became visibly irritated and reprimanded me firmly: "Robert, stop these jests."
• I kissed my mother on the cheek and hugged her. "I'll handle my personal life in my own way, alright?"
• She let me go with a sigh and reluctantly agreed. "Alright, Robert. But remember the responsibilities we carry as Parkers."
• I gave one last teasing smile to my mother and then turned to leave the house. I knew my mother had her own expectations for my personal life, but I wasn't willing to follow the path she had in mind. My life was mine, and I would make my own choices when the time was right.
• I got into my car and drove back to my penthouse in The Summit, a luxury building in Palo Alto.
• When I entered my home, a sudden sense of loneliness washed over me. The reality of my personal life was starting to weigh on me. I had postponed marriage and my mother's expectations for far too long, but now I was beginning to feel the pressure.
• I went to the bedroom, took a shower, and lay down on the bed. As I stared at the ceiling, my mind wandered to the green-eyed redhead I had met in the elevator, Emma Williams. She had stirred something in me that I couldn't ignore. She was unlike anyone else I had ever met, and I couldn't get her out of my head.
• As I thought about Emma, I realized that maybe it was time to start making choices for myself, even if it meant defying my mother's expectations. Perhaps, just perhaps, Emma was the right person to show me the path I should follow.
• ***
• Three months had passed since Emma Williams declined to return to Parker Technology. I was becoming increasingly intrigued and, to be honest, irritated by her persistent refusal to come back to the company. Day after day, I called Olivia from Human Resources, hoping that Emma had reconsidered her decision, but the answer was always the same: Emma had not reached out to the company.
• I was growing restless and frustrated with Emma's rejections. She was making me feel like a fool, like my actions meant nothing to her. I started checking with the major companies in Silicon Valley, and none of them had hired her. This only heightened my frustration and confusion about her decision.
• That night, I was in my penthouse, unable to sleep, thinking about how to resolve this impasse. I needed to find a way to bring Emma back to Parker Technology, and I was willing to do whatever it took to convince her. However, my mind was filled with doubts and concerns.
• It was then, driven by insomnia and frustration, that I decided to do a quick search on social media. I knew it wasn't the most ethical way to handle the situation, but curiosity was consuming me. I typed the name “Emma Williams” into social media and began scrolling through the results.
• My search finally led to a post from Emma on one of her social media accounts, announcing that she was hiring a part-time freelance marketing assistant. The news hit me like a gut punch. She was hiring? How could she be hiring when I had made sure to close all doors in Silicon Valley for her? This didn't make sense.
• The irritation I had been feeling for the past few weeks escalated dramatically. I felt offended and underestimated by Emma. She was acting as if she were just fine without the company, as if she were moving on with her life, while I was stuck at an impasse.
• In the heat of the moment, I decided to make an impulsive decision. If Emma was willing to hire a freelance marketing assistant, I would apply for the position. Not as Robert Parker, the CEO of Parker Technology, but as Bobby Davis, a name that would allow me to enter her world without being recognized.
• I sent an email to Emma, pretending to be an interested candidate for the position, submitting my resume as Bobby Davis, and creating an online identity that would shield me from any suspicion. My message was simple and straightforward, expressing my interest in working with her and detailing my marketing skills and experience.
• I didn't know what to expect, but a few hours later, I received a response from Emma. She was willing to consider my application, and we scheduled a meeting to discuss further details.
• One thing was certain: I was willing to go all the way to bring her back into my life, whether she liked it or not.