Joel nodded, and they both fell into a quiet pause, each thinking their own thoughts about the future.
***
The next day, as Lisa and Gladys were having a casual chat at the office, Gladys leaned in with a curious expression.
"Lisa," she began, her voice lowering, "I've been meaning to ask you—what's really going on between you and Canary?"
Lisa froze for a moment, caught off guard by the directness of the question.
She glanced around quickly, ensuring no one else was listening, before replying softly, "What do you mean?"
Gladys raised an eyebrow. "Come on, you're spending a lot of time with him, and I saw how you two looked at each other the other day. It's not just business anymore, is it?"
Lisa hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "We're… getting closer," she admitted, her tone cautious. "But it's complicated, Gladys."
Gladys looked at her with a mix of concern and understanding. "Don't tell me that you two are dating ?"
" Huh.." Lisa didn't know how to reply that.
" Oh My, It's true. Lisa, You can't date him , is it ?"
" I told you it's complicated " Lisa muttered.
" If it's true then you should careful. Canary is not easy besides being handsome. You heard Camilla's story before"
Lisa nodded, her eyes distant for a moment. "I know. But sometimes… you can't help how you feel."
Gladys didn't push further, but she gave Lisa a meaningful look. "Just make sure you're looking out for yourself too."
Lisa sighed, thankful for her friend's concern. "I will, Gladys. Thanks."
Lisa wasn't actually worried about Canary cheating on her. Her worry was what could people think of her if they realized she was dating her boss.
"
I need you to keep this between us,"
Lisa said, her eyes locking with her friend's. "What's going on between me and Canary… it's not something I want to make public right now. I don't want anyone knowing."
Gladys studied her for a moment, sensing the weight in Lisa's words. After a pause, she nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll keep it quiet. But you know I'm here if you need anything, right?"
Lisa smiled faintly, relieved. "Thank you, Gladys. I really appreciate it."
Gladys gave her a small, reassuring nod. "No problem. Just be careful, okay?"
Lisa nodded in return, feeling the comfort of her friend's support, even as she knew the situation with Canary was only getting more complicated.
The following day, Joel had a meeting with his allies.
Joel leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as Regina fixed him with a sharp gaze.
The small conference room was tense, the air thick with their whispered plotting.
"Joel," Regina began, her voice calm but edged with impatience,
"why haven't you declared the other 12% shares you secretly own? If you do, you'll have 32%, which puts you above Canary. According to company tradition, that would make you the rightful president."
Williams leaned forward, nodding in agreement. "She's right, Joel. Keeping that hidden isn't helping our cause. What's your plan here?"
Joel's lips curled into a smirk. "I have my reasons," he replied coolly. "Declaring those shares now would draw too much attention. Canary and Lucy are already watching my every move."
Regina raised an eyebrow. "But this is your chance to take control, Joel. If you don't act, Canary could win the vote, and we'll all lose our influence."
Smith added, "Regina's right. You're sitting on the one card that could change everything. Why risk it?"
Joel's smirk faded, and his tone turned serious. "Timing is everything. If I reveal my shares now, it'll raise questions about how I got them. Besides, We need to know who is on our side and who is not "
Regina crossed her arms, still unconvinced. "And if you wait too long? What then?"
Joel's eyes narrowed. "Trust me, I have this under control. Canary won't see it coming."
The room fell silent as the group exchanged uneasy glances.
They knew the stakes were high, and all their plans hinged on Joel's strategy.
"Fine," Regina said finally. "But you better make your move before it's too late."
Joel nodded, his expression resolute. "Don't worry. I will."
Later that evening, Regina asks Camilla if she has tried to get any opportunity for her in the company.
Camilla sighed. "Tensions are high at the office between Canary and Joel for the search of the president."
" Who is Canary ?" Regina pretended not to know him.
" Our CEO, And his Uncle Joel. They are both fighting for the next President"
Regina smirked. "And you? Where do you stand?"
"I stay out of it," Camilla replied firmly. "I'm not getting involved."
Regina gave a knowing smile. "Smart move. But it sounds like things are about to explode."
' Seems Canary is in trouble, I should first let his go through this.'
Regina thought.