CHAPTER 2

“Hi Ginevra, the executive meeting with the board members is about to start.” Livia, my personal secretary and one of my closest friends, calls out from the door of my office. It was my first day officially resuming as the CEO of Alvera Corporations.

I look through the reports, and although I was expected to feel overwhelmed and nervous about officially addressing members of the board without my father to accompany or give me any form of support, I felt extremely calm and composed.

I had gone through the different branches and departments in the company and was confident in my ability to steer the company in the direction that will maximize the technological advancing times we currently are.

Doing a final check on all the reports and documents, I stand up and walk towards the board room. The moment I stepped into the room they all rose to greet me.

Most of the board directors and stakeholders were older members, who have been in the company for at least 30 years. I sat down and scanned the room, taking note of the expression on their faces.

After a brief scan, I asked them to sit down and gestured for Livia to distribute the documents we prepared earlier to everyone seated.

The quizzical look on their faces increased, and I smiled internally at their reactions, as it was what I was anticipating. I went ahead to explain the plans I had for the company, and after 2 long hours of questions and responses, they seemed to have their doubts laid to rest.

Those that had reservations about my leadership because I was a young woman could also not have any retorts to give anymore, and had to remain quiet, silently wishing I failed in delivering my laid plans.

“I believe this meeting is adjourned. The minutes of the meeting will be circulated and we will have a progress report in the next meeting. Thank you all for your time” I declared as I brought the meeting to a close. I stood up, as did other members of the board and stepped out of the boardroom to my office.

Immediately I sat down in my office, Livia stepped in and with a smile congratulated me on my first successful meeting in the lion’s den as she liked to refer to meetings with the board members.

She understood that it was like being thrown into a hungry lion’s den with everyone looking for every opportunity to pounce and steal the spotlight for themselves. Italy was a vicious place with respect to businesses, and only the toughest skin could survive in that business world.

I smiled at Livia, but deep down knew this was only the start of a very tough and demanding journey. “Elletra just got to town, and is on her way here. I tried to convince her otherwise, but you know how she is” Livia told me while trying to hide a smile.

I have always known about the conspiracy between Livia and my best friend Elletra, but could not get out of it, as I also know both women only have my best interest at heart. I nodded to Livia, and watched her step out of my office. Sighing, I stood up from my seat and walked towards the glass in my office.

The thought of calling what used to be my father’s office, my office- finally settled in my head. I had always known this place to be my sanctuary, watching father work, while I sat on the couch to attend to my assignments or courses I was taking to broaden my knowledge.

I became a bookworm after the fateful incident from my past and as much as I try to take my thoughts from the painful memory of my childhood, I cannot help but let it wander briefly in moments like this. I have invented myself to be the fearless and strong woman that could be worthy of the role I am currently occupying, and could only smile while thinking of my growth.

Gazing out of the transparent glass surrounding my office, I see the view of Milan sprawled out in front of me. The sunlight filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the cityscape.

High-end boutiques and luxury brand stores are lined up across the exquisite boulevards showcasing the latest in fashion and design, and their window displays glittering with opulence.

From my office, I can see the beautiful blend of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks like the majestic Duomo, lush green spaces like Parco Sempione, and the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It was always a view that made my breath hitch every time I willed my mind to look around the bright and vibrant city.

I was pulled out of my reverie by the sound of Elletra’s ever high-pitched voice. I rolled my eyes at her usual dramatic entrance. One would think after 10 years of friendship, I would have gotten to this bundle of joy, but I was always taken aback till date.

I turned towards the door and the sight of Elletra made me lose all of the composure I had been wearing like a second skin all day.

I giggled out so loud that I’m sure it could be heard by someone in the reception. I smiled deeply for the first time that day as Elletra made herself comfortable in my chair. I rolled her eyes at Elletra, expecting her actions.

At this rate, I was pretty sure my eye socket was begging me to keep them in one place so they would not budge out due to how much eye-rolling I’ve done within the brief arrival of my best friend.

“Ciao to you too, my dear love who wants to displace me from my very high position on my very first day of resumption”. I teased her and she laughed at my sarcasm.

She stood up and hugged me before settling on the sofa. “I heard you showed those old scrawny men their places in the meeting” she yapped. I signal her to keep her voice down as I definitely would not want to offend anyone or let anyone listen to this conversation.

She chuckled at my careful tone and finally lowered the tone of her voice. ‘You’re still my stuck-up lover, I see. I thought for a moment you would successfully prove me wrong, but then again, it’s you my “durling’’, she said, enunciating her use of ‘u’ in her darling.

We talked a bit before she left after receiving an urgent call and I was relieved because it meant I could focus on the numerous tasks ahead of me. I settled in my chair at her absence and buried myself in the reports, ledgers, and departmental plans for the new season.

I woke up early the next week. After going through my usual self-care routine, I stepped out of my house and head towards my car. I was not used to letting others drive me, mostly since the distance from my mansion to the office was just a short drive. However, immediately I opened the driver’s door, I saw someone taking up that position.

Just as I was about to ask who he was, I received a call from my mother. I stepped back to pick up the call. “Did the driver get there on time, Amore Mia”, her voice came up on the other end of the phone.

I sighed ready to protest when her voice came back on “you La mia giovane donna will not put up any resistance on this matter anymore.

Your father and I have decided on this, and you might as well get in so you’ll get about your business of the day early”. “Va bene, mamma”, I responded in a defeated tone and I could hear her giggle.