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Almost everyone looked surprised at that.
Pushing back her chair, she got to her feet. “I plan to open a research and development cell for the construction business. We need to build our own technology so we can stay ahead of our competitors. The more we invest in ourselves, the better our chances of capturing the whole market.”
“That would require investment in both time and money,” I said in a cold, grim tone.
“Obviously,” she said, looking around. “I’ll keep the ongoing operations of the firm as they are. No changes will happen there. The research and development cell will need investment but I believe the projected returns would make all our investors extremely happy.”
“Sounds good, Miss Amhurst,” said Mrs. Schmidt. “I hope you’re staying in Silverlake City for the foreseeable future? I’d love to have a meeting with you and the investors.”
Milla smiled. “I’m staying in Silverlake City,” she said. Glancing at me for a fraction of a second, she added, “I’m here to stay.”
“Excellent,” said Mrs. Schmidt excitedly.
Milla sat back in her chair.
“I think that should be enough for today,” said Dad, commanding everyone’s attention. “We should give Azalea the rest of the day to take a tour of our headquarters and meet everyone on the way.”
“I’d be happy to give her a tour,” Corey shouted at once.
“That’s not fair, Mr. Amhurst,” said Mr. Keating, looking annoyed. “I’ve been appointed to give Azalea the tour.”
“It’d been decided last week,” said Dad. “Let him carry on with his job.”
Corey gazed at Milla longingly while she stubbornly looked anywhere but him.
I leaned against my chair as the room started clearing. My brothers and father eagerly headed out of the boardroom after Milla, not even bothering to look back at me.
I grudgingly had to admit Milla was impressive today. She answered every question with precise answers without beating around the bush. I couldn’t believe how independent and confident she was throughout the whole meeting. EvenI’dfailed to intimidate her.
Milla was better than me. I’d known that fact since the first time I took an interest in her.
Deep inside though, I felt conflicted.
Milla’s ideas on innovation were intriguing and could give a boost to our brand image as well as reputation. However, the construction business wasn’t all about planning and executing.
Several things could disrupt a construction project.
Acquiring land was no joke, and even when you did it legally, problems could still erupt at any time. Milla proved herself as a good businesswoman but could she manage the darker aspects of managing a construction business?
Deep inside, I wanted to be like my brothers. I wanted to help Milla achieve the greatness she was capable of but my old insecurities were flaring up once again.
I closed my eyes and rested my head on the table.
6
Camilla
My heart pounded in my chest as I followed Mr. Keating, an elderly man, out of the boardroom. Tom and Greg, my bodyguards, stayed close behind, forming a wall between me and the others exiting through the door.
I’ve done it, I thought even though adrenaline still pumped through my veins. I clasped my hands together, making sure no one saw them shaking.
Noah, Corey, and Caleb.
Five years hardened their perfectly-chiseled jawlines that were dusted with dark stubble. Their tailor-made suits fit them like a dream, accentuating their tall heights and broad shoulders.
These men hid their monstrosity under a façade of devilish beauty and charm.
My body reacted at the very sight of them.
