To Hate My Stepbrother

Mason’s POV

Leaving for work, I decided to push the thought of the shenanigans happening to the back of my head. Ava, my secretary and I were going to have our usual morning meeting with the employees.

“Just encourage them and all you have to say, the answers to their questions are in here, I know you can memorize them before we get there.” Ava handed me a file that I opened at once.

She always does this every morning when we have a meeting. She would brief me on what to say and how to address the employees and I was grateful for that.

The meeting was a success and everyone was pleased at the way I’d answered their questions and they’d even suggested that they wanted to throw a welcome party for me since I’m their CEO.

“It’s just a way to make you feel welcome here plus, it’s a new branch and we want you to know that we’ll work as hard as possible to make it grow just the way you want it to.” One of them spoke and I felt really special.

I couldn’t help the smile that formed on my face but I also didn’t really want them to think that they had to throw a party for me.

“We’ll be glad if you accept this, you’re not just the CEO, you gave many of us employment opportunities. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you.” Another spoke up and I could hear the butterflies in my stomach.

“I’m really glad that you all love and respect me so much and for that I’m really grateful but…” I was still talking and about to reject the offer when Ava nudged me, “a minute please.” I added as I went somewhere private with her.

“You can’t say no to them,” she started and I raised an eyebrow, “they really want this and you need it too. You’ll break their heart if you say no so just accept it and let it go. It’s just one party.” Ava persuaded.

Her eyes searched mine for answers that I was sure to hide beneath as I made my way back to the meeting room without actually answering her.

“Like I was saying,” I cleared my throat, “it’s just a party. Let’s have it!” I yelled and the room got filled with happy cheers.

We all agreed to have the party at night in a decent restaurant and after talking about it, the meeting ended with everyone looking happy like we’ve achieved something.

Everyone went back to their posts while Ava and I made our way to my office, she handed the minutes of the meeting for me to go through.

“Go through this too and sign it, I need it before the end of today.” She added as she handed me some other documents, I loved that she’s taking part in my growth and also helping me out with it.

Taking the documents from her, I went through it carefully while Ava made coffee for me and placed it carefully on my table.

“I have some errands to run down the building at the clerk’s office so if you need me just call my cell.” She informed me as she leaned in to kiss me before walking out of the office.

Going through the files, I pushed the one Ava had asked for my signature on aside so I’ll be able to go through it properly with undivided attention.

When I was done with the rest I finally picked it back up and I was impressed at the proposal, the pitching of the ideas and how organized everything was.

When I was done reading, I scribbled my signature on the different parts that needed it. Tired, I groaned as I pulled out my tie and took off my jacket as I rested back on the chair with my eyes closed and my fingers massaging the tip of my nose.

I really can’t wait to go for that vacation that Ava and I spoke about. Work’s really stressing me out but it is also a good thing.

The door to my office opened and I flung my eyes open at once to see who it was when I saw the man who’d asked for me to step down from my post walk into my office with another man carrying three big bags.

I wished I could take law in my hands and do something to this man but I couldn’t.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

My disgust skyrocketed when he sat down before I asked him to, he had a smirk on his face and I retched within me as I closed my eyes in frustration.

I hated him after that day and I wasn’t comfortable with the kind of aura he emits, he seemed like bad news.

“Do you need anything?” I asked, my voice showing my disgust and anger with each word I said.

“Even if you did, you could’ve just sent me an email or called me on the phone, you didn’t have to come to my office like this.” I added and the man bursted out laughing which got me even angrier.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He asked amidst laughter, “Just because you’re the CEO already you’re beginning to act like you own the position.” He added, his face had gone back to being stern and disgusting.

With a nod of his head the man that followed him placed the bags on my table but I asked him to drop it once.

“Whatever it is you’re about to say or ask me to do, I’m not interested,” I snarled at him, “so you can leave with your bags of dirty money because I don’t need any of it.” I added sternly and the mocking look on his face slowly began to disappear.

“Mason, you’re such a child,” he said with a kind of tone that made chills go down my spine.

“You’re forgetting that we all included our shares to make the company grow to this.” He shot at me with his eyes red and blazing with anger.