“What a surprise! I’m really in awe to see you pay me a surprise visit, Miss Kenzie.” Mr. Tak commented as he signaled Kenzie and Cris to sit in front of him.

He also instructed his wife to prepare a dinner for her and Cris.

Kenzie smiled and replied, “No need to bother with dinner Mr. Tak. Cris and I will not take much of your time. I believe you are also aware of why I’m visiting you today.”

“I guess it’s about the board meeting next week right?” Mr. Tak asked, maintaining a fake smile.

“Precisely. I’m here to ask for your vote…” Kenzie straightforwardly said.

“So it’s true that the old man is sick?” Mr. Tak scoffed.

“My father is not severely ill. He just needs some rest so I want to take over the company to which he agreed,” Kenzie said with a smile.

“Well, you probably know that you can’t count on me Miss Kenzie. I’m sure Cris has already told you that I personally prefer someone reliable. No to hurt your feelings but you’re not reliable or responsible. So I’m sorry but I will not vote for you,” the old man answered with a mocking smile.

“Hmmm, I will leave this envelope here in case you change your mind,” Kenzie commented as she put an envelope on the center table.

Mr. Tak picked it up and his eyes widened, seeing the photos inside it. He quickly put it back inside when he heard the footsteps of his wife who was approaching them with a tray of coffee. He quickly dismissed his wife and with a stuttering voice, asked Kenzie, “How did you…”

“You see I may look like a sweet and innocent lady who is harmless but let me show you a glimpse of how dangerous I can be…” Kenzie replied with a sweet smile.

She stood up from her seat and added, “I will take my leave Mr. Tak. Make sure you hide that envelope before your beautiful and sweet wife sees it. I have a lot of copies if you want more souvenirs…”

“You!” Mr. Tak hissed with a red face. Cris could see the veins on his face and neck popping out in anger. Kenzie who stood up and started to walk out paused and turned around,

“By the way, I heard my father is a lenient man and always works by the book. I’m different from him because I hate working by the book especially if I’m having a hard time… See you at the board meeting Mr. Tak.” Kenzie added with a sly smile before she walked out of the door.

“Do you think he will vote for you? What if he tells your auntie about your visit?” Cris worriedly whispered.

“Nah, he won’t. He is in a dilemma so he will not bother to mention this to Aunt Lenny. Moreover, he knows it would be a bad move to do so… Aunt will start to doubt his loyalty and that’s the last thing he wants because he wants to play safe, Cris. I have read enough details about that old mule to practically know how he thinks now,” Kenzie confidently said as she entered the car.

Cris sighed. She had noticed that Kenzie was very aggressive with her approach but nonetheless she felt her tactic was good. Hopefully, Kenzie’s plan would work.

“Who is the next target?” Kenzie asked. It was going to be a busy day since she had to secure all the votes she needed for the CEO position.

“My cousin is actually not a bad choice seeing his contribution to the company, but I hope he won’t go overboard like his mother…” Kenzie said.

Brix was the COO and she knew well that he had more experience than her but his mother was the problem.

“Do you often talk to him or are you two close?” Kenzie asked Cris.

“Hmm, not really. My assistant is the one I often ask to go to him since I’m very busy tending with the Chairman’s work,” Cris answered with a smile.

Kenzie grabbed Cris’ hand and said, “It must have been tough for you doing all the hard work alone. From now on, you must share all those burdens with me and try to enjoy your life. You’re a beautiful woman Cris and you need to socialize more. I feel bad if you stay single while helping me out.”

Cris chuckled. Kenzie was already six when she met Senior Chua on that bridge. Her life turned upside down after that night. Senior Chua helped her out and made sure that justice was served. Since it was an act of self-defense she was not imprisoned but instead was sent to school by him, making sure she would have proper education.

Senior Chua became her guardian or her unofficial father. Although he did not mention it she knew that he was the one helping her out behind the scenes. She made sure to not disappoint him and became a top student at the school he was supporting. Later on, she applied to work in his company as soon as she graduated college.

She smiled recalling how all her college expenses were paid for whenever she asked about the fees. Senior Chua was like her foster father who did not want to disclose that he was the one helping her out. He was a blessing sent to her that night and she was very grateful and happy that she accepted his hand.

“I’m not good in relationsh.i.p.s Ma’am. I think it’s better for me to stay single…” Cris said with a grin, making Kenzie’s face crumple.

“Don’t say that! You don’t know what you’re missing out on. I’m here to help you out so you have to slack a bit and enjoy your life more. Geez, you’re already 31 and still single… Such a workaholic woman. Get a life okay?! Look at me, I’m 21 but I can’t wait to get married,” Kenzie blurted out.

Cris laughed and said, “Let’s stabilize your position in the company first Ma’am then I’ll think about slacking later on…”

Kenzie pouted her lips and murmured, “I told you to call me Kenzie just like you used to whenever we are not in the office…”

Cris chuckled again and said, “I need to get used to calling you Ma’am from now on. I don’t want to have a slip of the tongue when we’re attending official matters.”

“Do you think Brix will support his mother?” Kenzie asked suddenly. She liked Brix but she knew Brix was a certified mama’s boy.

“I think he will. He loves his mother too much and does not care about anyone else. We have witnessed it several times so he will never turn his back on his mother even if she is doing things that are against his will because his mother is all he’s got…” Cris stated, making Kenzie heave a long sigh.