Chapter 4 ENCOUNTER

OLIVER'S POV

"Very well then Mr. Clifford, I look forward to seeing you at the seminar soon." I paused waiting for his reply on the other end. " Don't be late Mr. Oliver." I clenched my jaw at his words. no one tells me what to do. " I will be there on time, see you Mr. Clifford." I hung up after seconds of silence on his end.

I closed my eyes as I leaned on my chair, I rubbed my forehead lightly, relieving myself from the stress of the day. " You know you don't have to go to the seminar if you are not ok with it, right? " I opened my eyes, staring intensely at Leonard. " Don't get me started please, I have already given Mr. Clifford my word, and it won't portray a good image of me if I turn him down."

" I know you hate to take orders from anyone, you are all that. " Leonard chuckled. I cocked my eyebrow at him, giving him a warning sign. Leonard shrugged lightly and sighed "Will you be ok there? I mean, you and I know how much you hate to attend these kinds of meetings. You've turned their invite down a million times so this won't be any different."

I snapped my finger at him as I stood up from my chair. " Exactly my point, Leonard. That's the reason I should go. I can't continue turning them down." I gazed at Leonard, his expression of worry and concern.

Leonard is my childhood friend and my best friend. The only person who knows me inside out. He has been there for me in my toughest moments. I chuckled at his state as I grabbed my jacket from the chair and headed out. " Don't worry, Leo. I will be fine." I heard his deep sigh of worry which made me smile.

Him being worried is justifiable. I hate attending such seminar's, it's usually filled with people who smile with you but deep down they wish you were dead. Considering how I became this successful without the help of any family member made some people's skin crawl.

" How long until we get there? " I asked My driver Mr. Brody. " 15 more minutes sir, " he replied with a nod. I took a deep breath as I leaned back in the car seat. Memories of the past flashed in. Mr. Wilbur, I whispered.

He was the only person that assisted me in the past. He was also a business partner. He was the only person I wanted to see again. The news of his death broke me to pieces as I didn't get to see him again.

I snapped out of my dazed state as I heard Mr. Brody screaming at the top of his voice. " What the hell is going on? " I saw him holding tightly to the steering, and stepping so hard on the brakes so he could get the car to a stop. " I'm sorry sir, someone got in our way.

He forcefully stepped on the break, getting the car to a complete stop as we both leaned forward and then backward. I got down from the car in anger as I stride towards the person to see who it was. She covered her face with both hands out of fear of being crushed.

Immediately she opened her eyes, I was staring into the most gorgeous green-colored eyes which had a mix of pain and loneliness. Her face was red from crying, eyes tired and swollen. Her silky long brown hair flowed freely in the wind.

She seemed to recognize me from the look on her face. " Oliver Pre Preston? " she stuttered with her eyes wide open as she immediately ran off to the sidewalk after apologizing to me.

She watched us as we drove off. " We are here sir, " Mr. Brody called my attention as we got to the Clover Hotel. I looked outside the window, scanning the environment. I took a deep breath and sighed. Let's do this, I said as I got down from the car.

" Mr. Preston , you made it. " a warm voice called out " Mr. Clifford, " I smiled softly, extending my hand for a handshake. " The seminar is about to start, let's get seated. " I nodded as we made our way to our chairs.

The moderator started with a short opening speech before calling on the different speakers. I took a glimpse of everyone in the hall as they all looked less interested in what was going on. Why organize a seminar no one is interested in? I thought in my head.

I closed my eyes, thinking of the different documents I would have signed, and some pressing matters I would have settled with the time I'm currently wasting here. " Please put your hands together for Mr. Oliver Preston, " the moderator called out. The crowd was clapping as I stood up and made my way to the stage.

I glanced at the crowd and began my speech. " Ladies and gentlemen, I believe each of our company's future lies in innovation and teamwork. By embracing new challenges and working together, we can drive growth, exceed expectations, and achieve greatness. Let's seize this opportunity and shape a brighter future for our organization. Thank you. "

The crowd applauded as I climbed down the stage. Mr. Clifford grinned softly as he stared at me in admiration.

The seminar was finally over after my speech which was the last agenda. After exchanging pleasantries with other business associates, I left with Mr. Clifford. " Nice speech Mr. Preston, I'll be at your office tomorrow morning to finalize the deal. " I nodded in agreement, " Thank you, Mr. Clifford, I look forward to more deals from you. " He chuckled as we both shook hands and went our separate ways.

I got in and slouched in the chair as I loosened my tie. Brody drove out of the gate as he suddenly stepped on the break with force. " What again? " I yelled, looking through the windscreen was the same lady from earlier standing in front of the car. This time I was pissed from all the drama.

I got out ready to lash at her and she immediately got on her knees. " Please help me, " she said through a teary voice. I wasn't in for more drama as I turned to ignore her. " Does the name Wilbur ring a bell? He is my uncle. " she said, making me pause in my tracks. I got into the car, the sadness in her eyes after ignoring her made me flinch.

" Get in, " I said sharply. She hands me a frame of her and Wilbur after I ask her for something to prove their relationship. I looked at her, I am a businessman. I don't help people without getting anything in return. " Be my maid, " I snapped. I can't help you without getting anything in return.

Without hesitation she nodded in agreement. " I will be your maid and serve you for as long as you wish. "