The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 1819

"David, long time no see." Melissa smiled at David complacently. Underneath the smile she hid a thinly-veiled disdain for the man.

Charles' assistant decided to ignore her. He nodded and said, "Madam, please," as he ushered her and Leila into the room.

Melissa boastfully walked into the Shining Company's meeting room, bringing Leila along with her.

One by one, the shareholders arrived. There were several absentees—those who lived outside the city. While everyone waited, Melissa sat comfortably in Charles' seat.

After all, Melissa was a noble lady. She was confident, and she knew what power she had over everyone in the room. She scanned the room intently. Seeing no signs of confusion nor of protest, she smiled softly and said, "Everyone, perhaps you know why I'm here."

"Mrs. Lu, are you taking over the company?" One of the shareholders wasn't sharp enough to keep quiet. Most of the other people in the room looked down at their feet or at the floor.

Melissa shrugged and flashed him a wide grin. She extended a hand toward him as if asking him to speak. Then she asked, "Do you object?"

"Let's put it to a vote. Since the majority of the company's shareholders are here, let's settle this right here, right now," Melissa continued, not giving the man a chance to respond. She was anxious to take over her son's business.

The shareholders who were present at the meeting shared a look. It was clear that most of them were caught off guard and were afraid to respond. Mr. Zhang, a shareholder who owned the most shares in the company outside Charles, cleared his throat to attract everyone's attention. Hesitantly, he said, "Everyone, let's vote. Those who agree with this change of management, a show of hands?"

Shortly after Mr. Zhang had spoken, some of the shareholders raised their hands.

In the beginning, only a small majority showed their support for Melissa. However, with only a piercing look, she was able to turn the tide in her favor. Seeing that more than half of the other shareholders had their hands raised, those who didn't get Melissa's call knew how to shift their sails with the wind and eventually put up their hands.

Just like that, it was official. The shareholders had given her the temporary managerial authority over Shining Company.

"Thanks for trusting me, everybody. While Charles is gone, I'll make sure to do my best as the temporary executive. You have nothing to worry about." Melissa, satisfied with the results, beamed like a winner.

When there was nothing else to talk about, Melissa adjourned the meeting. Immediately after officially earning the right to manage the company, she made Leila her secretary and vice CEO.

Upon learning her new designation, Leila was overjoyed. Still, she told Melissa tactfully, "Aunt Melissa, I feel honored, but I don't think it's right. I'm only one of Charles' secretaries. If I get promoted this way and this quickly, people wouldn't be happy about it. It might even make managing the company more difficult for you."

Melissa smiled when she saw that Leila was more concerned about her than she was happy about the promotion. This woman was, in fact, worthy of admiration. Melissa told her, "Leila, just listen to me and do as I tell you."

The older woman's insistence worked on Leila. She stopped refusing and nodded her agreement. Now, she was vice CEO of Shining Company.

That afternoon, Melissa's work began. On the table in front of her sat a stack of documents that needed Charles' signature.

Many of the various departments' heads had begun publicly praising Melissa. What didn't reach her was the occasional snarky comment. Many of these managers believed that she was a beautiful woman, but for them, that was all she was. They were confident that she didn't know how to run a company.

Yet, Melissa was smarter than they thought. She hadn't heard anything, but she knew that people were talking about her.

'Let them talk, ' she thought. She was Charles' mother, and she had the right to take over the company. Their opinions did not affect her, but it did affect their livelihood.

"Mrs. Lu, you just need to sign here," said the manager of the finance department, who had grown impatient.

"Hmmm... That might be the best way to prevent trouble. If their loyalty lies to Charles, they'll surely create problems while I'm here," Melissa explained, recalling her earlier dispute with the pesky department head.

"Okay, Aunt Melissa. I will help you," Leila solemnly promised Melissa. She promptly and eagerly made a list of questionable employees.

In the quiet office, the two looked the list over and discussed in hushed tones what they intended to do and how to do it. After a few moments of deliberation, Melissa expressed her faith in Leila's ability to do what needed to be done.

"Aunt Melissa, are you authorizing me to do all this?" Leila asked in disbelief. For a brief moment, it looked as though she was panicking.

Melissa was quick to comfort her. She smiled and tenderly held Leila's hand. "Leila, I trust you. Stop worrying too much. You've been working in the company for such a long time. You know this company and the people in it more than I do. Besides, I'll be with you every step of the way."

"But Aunt Melissa, I..."

"Leila, I don't have anyone else to assist me. If you don't help me, who will?" Melissa asked with an expectant look on her face. It was clear how much she trusted her companion.

Leila knew that refusing might cause Melissa to overthink and subsequently derail their plans. She took a deep breath and solemnly looked at Melissa. "I will do as you wish, Aunt Melissa."

"Okay. Let's start with the head of the finance department. The mere sight of that woman upsets me," Melissa said, visibly annoyed.

"Alright, Aunt Melissa. This kind of person is not worth your time and energy. Don't be angry. Come on. It's getting late. What do you say we grab some lunch?" Leila offered after a glance at her watch. Melissa sighed and smiled at her, feeling victorious.