Chapter 7

Aliyah's POV

Mike stopped the proposal immediately I walked into the board room with Carlos.

"Don't let me stop you." I said sitting at the head of the table, the seat reserved for acting CEO

Carlos stood behind me "Aliyah will be acting as CEO from now on till I find someone worthy of taking over. If she proves herself worthy, she will take over"

The whole room froze, then whispers erupted.

Mike's face twisted in fury, this position was something he had desired for so long.

"Aliyah knows nothing about the company's affair but she's acting as CEO? Isn't that ridiculous?"

Everyone nodded their agreement.

Carlos smiled "Aliyah is more than qualified to act as CEO in my absence. Asides the fact that she's my wife, I've done my own background check before making this decision."

"But.."

"No buts, let's continue with the presentation " Carlos said leaving no room for argument.

I smiled "Can you start from the top, Grandson."

His face twisted in fury but he had no choice, he began from the very top.

Mike's presentation about expanding the Company's wine distribution to the bases of Italy and introducing perfume collections through new faces in the model industry was nothing new to me.

His reasons for this proposal was simple, Italian were big wine lovers. He did not do extensive research, to weigh the cons and the pros.

I wrote the presentation myself afterall, Mike knew absolutely nothing about expanding a business without my help.

And even presenting felt odd because he was simply reading everything word for word.

"You proposed that the new fragrance should be introduced alongside a new model during the opening in Paris?" I asked flipping through the pages.

"Ye... yes"

"I doubt that will work, I've gone through the records. The numbers keep going down with every expansion step taken under you.... because you're not doing it right"

"Expanding has always gone smooth, you're the only one raising concerns here"

I chuckled "Cause I'm the only one asking the right questions. There are new branches in different parts of the world that are not making sales. Don't you think we should focus on increasing sales first?"

He groaned in frustration "The sales are doing just fine. Italians are wine lovers and a new scent will do well there too. Why are you being so difficult"

I sighed "You know introducing a new product with a new model is a recipe for disaster right?. And the model you're suggesting is..." I held the file up with my sister's photo and details

"Someone with no career and a scandal... I doubt that's a good idea. The public should have trust in the person we're using to push the product"

"She already passed the screening and everyone in the board room approves of that" He said, anger evident in his voice

I leaned back "You know I own the Veto power right?, redo the presentation. This is not good enough and if your next one is still not good enough" I held his gaze "we'll give the project to someone else"

"Grandpa?" He glared at Carlos

Carlos simply nodded in agreement "She's right, the presentation is not good enough. Expansion is a big deal afterall"

The meeting ended and before Mike could leave, Carlos took the initiative of inviting him over for dinner with his new wife.

The drive back to Carlos' penthouse was quiet, I internally wondered if I would have to sleep over after the dinner.

I've been staying at my apartment with Eva even after the marriage.

Speaking of Eva, I took out my phone and sent her a message letting her know I might not be returning till the next morning.

'Where are you young lady'

Her reply is immediate and I type back that I'm with Carlos. Her next reply is a sticker.

The dinner started out with an awkward silence. Mike was practically stabbing his plate while Carlos ate quietly, and Sylvia simply picked her food.

"Isn't it lovely eating together as one big family?" I said breaking the silence while leaning into Carlos

He doesn't move, Mike shifted uncomfortably while Sylvia cleared her throat

"Congratulations on your new marriage by the way. Even though it's not something to be proud of" She said in a mocking tone

I rolled my eyes "I know I made the right choice" my hands trailed Carlos' shoulders then moved down to his groin area

He tensed under my touch and his eyes darkened

"Aliyah..." His voice roughened

Mike threw his utensil on the table gaining our attention. Sylvia tried to touch him but he shrugged her off, watching me like a hawk

My hand went lower but Carlos holds it just before I could touch is already bulging area

I whined as he took my hand to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on it

"We have guests Aliyah, behave" He whispered

Defiance sparked in my eyes

"I think I'm full. Let's go to bed baby" I said rubbing his rough cheek "I need you"

Mike took that as his cue to leave but Carlos stopped him immediately

"It's raining outside, Mike I'll have someone prepare your old room so you don't have to drive back in the storm"

Mike tried to protest but Sylvia agreed before he could say anything. He glared at her

Once we were behind closed doors, I squealed in excitement

"Should we do something to piss them off. Maybe like a fake moan"

He stalked towards me with dark purposeful steps.

"I want to make you moan for real Aliyah. I want you to scream my name for real not just for a silly show".

His hands wrapped around my neck pulling me into him then his lips crashed into mine.

The kiss is rough and bruising, while his hands were skillfully kneading my ass. I moaned into his mouth as we crashed against a desk while frantically trying to take off his shirt.

My phone buzzed with a message from Eva distracting both Carlos and I.