Chapter 2 Mr President

• However, Beverly nodded, a mix of relief and trepidation washing over her. She knew she was taking a risk, but she had no other choice.
• And as she left the office with the loan papers in hand, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just made a deal with the devil himself.
• •••••••••••••••
• [ BACK TO PRESENT ]
• Beverly sighed out for the hundredth time just that morning. How the loan amounted to what she couldn't even imagine was what she was finding difficult to decipher.
• She had borrowed that money for a good purpose, which was to boost her boutique, but family issues arose and she had to use the morning for another purpose that it wasn't meant for.
• •••••••••••••••
• Beverly drove in and pulled into the parking lot of her ice cream shop, "Sweet Treats" boldly written at the top.
• A bright smile shone on her face. She had just dropped off her son, Joel, at school, and was ready to tackle the day. She grabbed her apron and stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air.
• The ice cream business was the only thing they were surviving on. She had to sell her boutique, same boutique she got a loan for. And now, she ended up owning an ice cream shop.
• As Beverly entered the shop, the sweet aroma of waffle cones and melting chocolate enveloped her. Her employees, Rachel and Mike, were already prepping for the day, their faces cheerful as they greeted her.
• "Morning, ma'am!" Rachel said, tying up her hair in a ponytail. "What's the flavor of the day?" She asked, her face gleaming with excitement.
• "How about a new one? Something to shake things up." Beverly grinned mischievously.
• "Ooh, like what, ma'am?" Mike's eyes lit up.
• "You'll see. Let's get mixing!" Beverly replied.
• Together, they began creating a new flavor, the sound of blenders and mixers filling the shop. Beverly hummed along, her mind already on the tasks ahead. Orders to fill, supplies to restock, and a loan to pay off... her mind flickered to the last one, a slight frown creasing her brow.
• But for now, she pushed it aside and focused on the sweet treats that brought joy to her customers.
• •••••••••••••••
• [ BLACKMORE COMPANY ]
• A black luxury car glided into the company's parking lot, its tinted windows reflecting the sun's rays like a mirror.
• As a figure stepped out, his tall, broad frame exuded an aura of confidence and wealth. His chiseled features, chiseled jawline, and piercing blue eyes seemed chiseled from granite, radiating an air of authority. His tailored black suit, crisp white shirt, and black tie seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, screaming riches.
• It was non other than the well known ruthless billionaire, Reece Blackmore. His name alone sends shivers down people's bodies.
• As he strode towards the building, journalists immediately swarmed around him, microphones and cameras at the ready.
• "Mr. Blackmore! Mr. Blackmore! Can you comment on the rumors about your company's financial struggles?" One journalist asked, her voice shrill with excitement.
• "I'm aware of the rumors. And I'm here to address them." Reece's gaze swept over them, his voice cold and detached.
• "Is it true that your companies, especially the one here, are facing bankruptcy, Mr. Blackmore?" A male journalist pressed on. "Is this why you've come to the country, to salvage what's left?" He added.
• Reece's eyes narrowed, his tone icy.
• "We're facing challenges, yes. But we're taking measures to rectify the situation. I suggest you focus on facts rather than speculation." Yet again, he replied in an icy tone, seemingly uninterested in whatever information the journalist wanted to get from him.
• He was used to this, anyway. Whenever he's back to the country, and once everyone hears that he's back, especially the journalists, that was what always happened.
• "But what about the reports of financial mismanagement and debt accumulation?" Another journalist asked, her eyes skeptical.
• "We're dealing with it. Next question." Reece's gaze turned glacial, walking away.
• The journalists tried to keep up with the pace as they continued to pepper him with questions, but Reece's responses remained curt and frosty, his demeanor unwavering.
• As the impromptu press conference drew to a close, he turned to enter the building, his entourage following closely behind, his presence seeming to leave a trail of frost in its wake.
• As the journalists dispersed, Reece's guard, Max, turned to him.
• "Sir, we need to get you to the meeting. The board is waiting." Reece's guard, Max, turned to him and said as the journalists dispersed.
• "Let's get this over with." Reece nodded, his expression unyielding.
• They walked through the building, with Reece's presence commanding attention from the employees they passed.
• Many of them couldn't believe he was back to the country already. This must be a serious case, many of them thought.
• Looking up, his office was a testament to his success, the view from the top floor overlooking the city. It was a beauty to behold.
• The boardroom was tense, as Reece walked in, the directors' faces somber. Reece took his seat, his eyes scanning the room.
• "Let's get to it," He said, his voice firm and serious.
• The CEO, James, cleared his throat before he began.
• "Mr. President, we need to discuss the financial situation. The debts are mounting, and....."
• "I know the situation, James. What's the plan?" Reece raised a hand, cutting James off with his eyes cold.
• James swallowed hard and hesitated before speaking again.
• "We need to restructure, sell off some assets, and...."
• "I don't pay you to tell me what I already know. I pay you to fix it!" Reece cut him off again, his gaze turning glacial.
• The room fell silent, the directors exchanging nervous glances. Reece's reputation for ruthlessness was well-known, and they knew he wouldn't hesitate to make tough decisions.
• •••••••••••••••
• After the meeting with board, Reece strode through the lobby, heading to his office. His long strides eating up the distance. The receptionist, a poised young woman with a bright smile, looked up from her desk.