6. Bomb at the party

“I have two sons whom I expect to continue managing our company. They two are my heirs, but they're bad in organizing business to keep it going fine. They often spend much money to have fun, but spend little time at work. I should’ve had my pension today and put my company in their trust. But I’m not lucky cos they almost let me go bankrupt.”

Quiet.

“That’s why I ask you to be the CEO. It will surely attract their attention to change the bad habits and be more serious in work cos they’re gonna think their position would soon be replaced by someone else. A business only needs a capable person to sit down on the chair,” Jessie knocked on the desk three times. “Remember, Child, life is hard but business is crueler. You’ll get a lot of things from this plan. You can say I take some benefits from you.”

Still silence

“You don’t have much time to think about it, Son. If you think it’s temporary, just take this chance to repay them to their deen. Cos after that, you won’t hold that position anymore.” Jessie pressed him even more as she no longer awaited because Drake might change his mind. “They are your goal to focus on and my sons are my goal.”

Her gaze remained fixed on him, searching for sureness on his face that she could see hesitation appeared. Not long ago, Drake gave his signature on it after taking time to think of.

***

Before introducing a new CEO to the staff, Sammy–Jessie’s personal assistant informed him everything the next day. Starting from his job desk, schedules, facilities, the way to speak with business partners and decision-making, they became the first goal of Jessie to prepare Drake as she wished.

As long as her son was getting busy with his business abroad, Jessie prepared Drake perfectly in one month, as she believed that Drake was able to go through it and Sammy directed him live in the CEO's room.

People assumed him as Jessie's new personal assistant because they saw him with her every single day. In fact, neither Sammy nor Jessie told them who Drake was.

Everything went smoothly as planned despite many rumors, including Jessie's children who suddenly returned home. However, Jessie, with her lobbying skills, made the situation quite conducive.

Drake began to take the first step in retaliating against the Johnsons by buying a large number of shares on the third day he became CEO. His introduction as CEO of Brannet, Ltd, was deliberately delayed as a gift to the Johnsons at Johnson's twenty-sixth wedding anniversary.

He was now standing in the crowd of the guests, looked around searching for a familiar face but there was no one he knew.

"Hey, look!" Abigail said, pointing at an unfamiliar man. "Is he new in this community? I've never seen him before."

They shifted their glance to him who stood with an old woman.

"He looks familiar, but I'm not sure I knew him," Connie commented. The next second she said, "Oh, wait! Isn't he Diana's husband whom she married for a challenge? Don't you remember?"

They exchanged glares with each other, confusing and attempting to remember that thing. Then, two of them chuckled as her statement was false.

"Impossible the man is him, Abi. How come he becomes a rich man and personable in just two months?" a brown-haired girl laughed out loud. "No way! He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He needs to work for decades with a good salary and the facilities are free from the company."

"Or marry a rich girl or super rich widow for the instant!" added a blonde girl. "Or maybe he's twin and separated. Who knows, right?"

They couldn't take their eyes from Drake who was very dashing with his solid body, stubble on the jawline, his sharp eyes, and calm. The party hadn't started yet as the Johnsons–weren't there to greet their guests.

"Oh, he looks more charming than the fake twin," the blonde girl added.

"He's hot. I want him to be with me for a night," the brown-haired girl stared at him naughtily. "It must be fantastic!"

Jessie introduced Drake to people she met over there until the host emerged to welcome and started the party. Jessie and Drake took a seat close to each other.

While looking for Diana, Drake sipped the beverage elegantly and didn't utter his words but replied to their remark. He listened to the spouse giving their short speech before asking the guests to enjoy the event and the meal they presented.

They enthusiastically came one on one to the guests, smiling and laughing before announcing their daughter's engagement to a business partner's son.

"I'm thankful for your attendance at our twenty-sixth wedding anniversary and I'm delightful to announce you all that my lovely daughter Diana Emily Johnson will engage to Jacob Morgan from Grenech, Ltd."

It was a surprise for people at the party, but it shocked Drake and Jessie. For Drake, it was normal for everyone to step into the next level of a relationship, but for Jessie, it enabled her to achieve her purposes in one shot.

What if the contract marriage bombs the public?

In their different brains, Drake and Jessie were thinking of the same thing. The Johnsons were truly full of surprises, even at the party. The Morgans and the Johnsons would be powerful for Jessie to deal with when they became a family.

In another space, Drake also found Rooney and the peeps who hurt him amongst the crowd. He wondered why they were at the party.

After announcing Diana's engagement to great fanfare and applause, the spouse came to Drake.

"Hello, nice to meet you," Abraham's voice sounded friendly and warm.

Abraham and his wife gasped at the sight of Drake standing up and showing his face. The spouse's smiles instantly disappeared and looked at each other because of their confusion.

Drake smiled a bit. "Nice to meet you, too, sir. How are you? I'm Drake. Drake Mathmoren."

Drake could see their shocking expressions like a moron who was publicly humiliated or like a thief caught in the act.

"You? What are you doing here?" Nicole–Mrs. Abraham asked elegantly.

"I'm attending your wedding anniversary invitation, ma'am." Drake smiled warmly at them.

She and his husband lost their question about how Drake could be at their party and wore expensive clothes. How did he get money to buy that clothes?

"Our invitation? Nicole asked. “Who invited you? We didn't send you any invitation card as we don't—“

"Congratulations, Aunty. I'm glad to see you happier tonight. You'll become part of the Morgan clan. That's wonderful!"

'Aunty? Did they have a family relationship?'