21 You are so heartless, Janice.
A week later, Kathleen was walking out of the conference room when her phone rang. It was Cheryl Moore, Jason's girlfriend.
They met in New York two years ago through Jason and hit it off without delay as best friends.
"Janice, I've been waiting for you for the past twenty minutes at the entrance of J and J Shopping Mall, where are you? Hope you've not forgotten our appointment?"
She loved calling Kathleen, Janice, her reason being that it was the original name given to Kathleen by her biological parents and made her feel closer to Jason who was not always free to accompany her.
Facepalming herself with an audible sigh, Kathleen explained in a rush, "I completely forgot about our meeting. As we speak I just finished a meeting with the board of directors and I'm scheduled for another appointment in two hours time"
"I knew it! Madam CEO, always busy. You'll have to compensate me for this delay." Cheryl's aggrieved voice sounded from the ear piece.
"You sound so grumpy my dear sister in law. I hope you've not grown old suddenly," Kathleen teased.
"Get your ass here in the next ten minutes or that new Hermes bag will be mine." Cheryl threatened with a badass tone.
"I'll be heading over right away, your highness."
After leaving a word with her assistant, Kathleen hurried over to J and J Shopping Mall.
"You are five minutes late," Cheryl announced, grinning like a Cheshire cat the instant she saw Kathleen.
"Why do I have the feeling that you're happy that I'm late?" Kathleen flung her brown Chanel bag over her shoulder.
Her outfit today was a knee-length, Saint Laurent's beige coloured gown, with thick lapels. Her dark sun shades which she wore to shield out the blinding summer sun, gave her a successful female CEO vibe.
"That's because your new Hermes bag is now mine" Cheryl replied sweetly making her already beautiful face more adorable.
"How can you be this greedy? Can't you ask your boyfriend to get one for you?"
"I don't want to bother him. Moreover we are saving money for the wedding" Cheryl said straight-facedly.
"Saving money indeed. Tell that to the devil." 'What a ridiculous joke?' Kathleen smirked.
Cheryl alone could single-handedly sponsor a high class wedding for ten couples without batting an eye, not to talk of her brother who didn't know what to do with his wealth.
"Whatever, why am I your friend anyway?" Cheryl tossed her hair over her shoulder then walked away with an enigmatic smile.
"Shameless"
"Thank you love." They both laughed and entered the Mall.
They were headed towards the new arrivals section when Cheryl made a shushing gesture to Kathleen and pointed in a particular direction.
"Have you heard that Wyatt Corporation now has a new President, and she will be taking over from President Jason soon?"
"Wait, did I hear you say "she"? I bet she must be very outstanding for her to head such a global company as Wyatt Corporation in Baltimore."
"Outstanding is definitely an understatement. I heard she's been in charge at the headquarters overseas for the past three years and during those years so many other companies have been acquired under her unparalleled leadership"
"Who are you guys talking about, I thought President Jason Wyatt was the sole heir of Wyatt Corporations, has anything happened to change that?" Linda Beazell who had just walked in from the dressing room asked.
"A lot has happened dear" Fiona Bandel, the brunette that was with Linda at Wyatt Corps, lowered her voice and said in a gossipy tone.
"I heard from a reliable source that the long lost daughter of Director Robin Wyatt has been found"
"You mean, President Wyatt has a sister?"
"Yes, and they'll be holding a banquet next month to introduce her to the general public. An invite to that effect has been sent to my dad." Fiona finally saw an opportunity to show-off for the first time before Linda, who was always flaunting her family wealth.
"How come I'm just hearing about this? Anyways, I'm sure my dad will be able to secure an invite for us to attend."
"We need to quickly befriend her before the other ladies do so. When she becomes part of our clique everyone will have to look up to us in Baltimore."
"You are definitely right Linda." Mabel Winter, Linda's assistant readily agreed.
"I know. I'm always right." There was a sparkle in Linda's green eyes when she thought of the various benefits she would enjoy just from being friends with The Wyatt's daughter.
"Look at her acting all high and mighty as if she was the queen of England" Cheryl was irked by Linda's arrogant behavior.
"Isn't it hilarious though, hearing gossip about yourself from those who hate you. And to think they are so passionate, planning to befriend you."
"Of course I'll gladly receive them," a mischievous grin formed on Kathleen's face.
"Poor me, I'm about to be discarded like trash by my best friend of a thousand years. Who will take me in?" Cheryl clasped her hands over her head and bemoaned her fate.
"You are so pathetic, how did you turn out like this. Don't worry, after I make new friends, I will not abandon you. I will try and call you at least once every six months. Are you Ok with that?" Kathleen consoled Cheryl looking all serious.
"You are so heartless, Janice." From today, I'm cutting ties with you," her tone was pitiful. "But before I do that, I must get that Hemes bag from you, so it can be a memorial of our wonderful friendship that was murdered in broad day light."
"Adieu mon ami." Like someone who has truly lost a dear one, Cheryl waved goodbye.
Kathleen bowed over with laughter, saying in between, "You deserve an Oscar for such a performance. Have you ever thought of venturing into the entertainment industry? I will be your number one fan when you do; infact a die-hard one at that."
Draping an arm over Cheryl's shoulders, Kathleen dragged her to the new arrivals section.
A short lilac gown on the hanger caught Kathleen's attention and she asked the staff to keep it aside for her. She was about to turn around to pick some more when a hand quickly snatched the dress from the staff.
