Meeting again

Anna entered the Conference Room and was greeted by numerous Board Members. She did not expect so many people. Nevertheless, she exchanged pleasantries with everyone and took her seat with Mia.

Soon, Regan entered the space with an intimidating aura around himself. All the Board Members acknowledged his presence which he returned with a curt nod. Although he was warm with his family, he was an enigma for the outside world who was cold and aloof.

He then moved towards Anastasia and gave her his undivided attention. He took a quick glance of her appearance and was once again spellbound by her beauty especially her ocean blue orbs which he felt to hold indescribable emotions that he could not dechiper. He gripped himself from the all the line of thinking and extended his hand towards her while introducing himself, "Regan Knight".

"Anastasia Prescott" She replied in a poised manner.

Regan was taken aback by her confident and unperturbed attitude as she did not seem to get intimidated by his daunting personality which usually made him less approachable to people. 'She is different ' he thought.

He then addressed the Board Members and briefed them about the urgent convention with the Watsons. He then asked Anastasia to go ahead with her presentation so that the merger between the Knights and the Watsons could be discussed.

She stood up and carried on with the presentation. She was surrounded by one of the most influential people of Seattle, however she was serene yet imposing and demonstrated herself with grace. Undoubtedly, she was awarded as the most successful and the youngest female entrepreneur of New York. She was oblivious to the profound attention that she congregated within no time. She dazzled everyone with her meticulous plans and farsightedness which were meant to be beneficial for both the business houses. Regan himself was unexpectedly fascinated by her unrivalled business skills. Shortly, the presentation came to an end and she was emphatically acclaimed by all the people in the Conference Room.

They were further discussing about some legal terms and clauses regarding the merger when her phone rang. She quickly glanced at Mia and understood that it was an unavoidable call. Mia proceeded towards her and whispered something in her ear. She brusquely glanced her and went out of the place after excusing herself.

It was Richard on the other end. He was well aware about Anna's nature and he knew that she would not take this failure lightly when it was something related to Ashton. That's why, the day before, he called Mia and asked about her state. Initially he wanted to avoid it, but being a father he could not resist to personally acknowledge himself with her well-being. Hence, he called her.

"Anna... Princess how are you? Are you good? Mia informed me that you went somewhere yesterday. You got soaked in rain and not feeling well since morning. What's this Anna? You promised me that you would be cautious and look after yourself. Anna... "

"Dad, dad.... Please hold on for a sec and listen to me okay. I am fine. There is nothing to worry about. I am pink in health. Yeah, I was unhappy about some things and... but I am good. In fact I am at the Knights Corporation. I was in the middle of the meeting when you called. You know what Dad? Your daughter is a big girl now." She said playfully to ease his anxiety. "Dad...You don't need to be so anxious. I am good and I'll be coming home by tomorrow okay. So relax."

Richard was finally relieved after hearing from her. However he knew that she must had suffered from the rain as her voice sounded a bit raspy. But he did not want to pester her further. So he decided to give up. "Okay princess..... If you say so. I believe you but take care of yourself. Go on with your meeting and see you tomorrow. Dad loves you. Bye. "

"I love you too Dad... Bye."

Meanwhile in the Conference Room there was a cacophony amongst the Board Members about the abrupt departure of Anna and that too because of a phone call. They considered it as an unprofessional conduct. Moreover, they were looking forward to the outburst of Regan who was still and silent looking into his phone. They were certain that he would not take this matter lightly as no one before had dared to offend him in such a disrespectful way.

One of them dared to speak and said,

"What's this? It's completely unprofessional to attend a measly phone call during such an important meeting. Is Miss Prescott not worried about the deal? Is our time so worthless that she decided to waste it on a phone call?"

Regan raised his head from the phone and looked into the speaker's direction. He was about to say something when Anna entered the Board Room and answered him.

"Mr. Benc..... It was not a measly phone call as you said. And about.....whether your time is worthless or not. That's really not my concern. It was my father who has all the rights to speak to his daughter at any time, place or surrounding. If you find it unprofessional, then please consider the deal twice before going ahead. As for me nothing is more important than him or my family for it has happened today and is supposed to be repeated in the future. So look forward if you can cope up with my unprofessionalism." She took her seat and said all of it nonchalantly.

Hearing this from her, all the people present there became speechless as they could not believe that moments before the young lady who looked all tranquil and amenable would be possessing such an outrageous personality. They gulped hard and looked at Regan who was impassively listening to her. However, he was quite amused by her behavior.

Next what happened was more appalling for them as he said nothing and asked Anastasia to resume the meeting.

Well everything went smoothly afterwards and all the Board Members including Regan were looking forward to the collaboration with the Watsons, of course except Mr. Benc who was embarrassed and humiliated by Anna.