Perfect Match: Irresistible Desire For You
Chapter 54

The senior executives had been in this meeting for quite a while, yet they were still going back and forth regarding whether a public apology should be made and whether she should receive compensation, as per Joseph’s demands. The executives argued vehemently and, once again, reached a deadlock.

Part of the group argued for a public apology to be made to the defamed ex-manager, as a matter of urgency. Thereafter, it was proposed she also be compensated. This group thought that it was the Synder Group who was the culpable party in the first instance. Therefore, the company had the onus on it to clear the air. This incident had caused the company’s reputation to take a huge knock. A public apology would definitely mitigate some of the damage its reputation had sustained. To make matters worse, Joseph had openly declared war on the Synder Group. It was imperative that he be pacified, as soon as possible, and then the company could employ further measures to completely douse fire that the slander incident had created.

The remaining part of the group of executives, who opposed the proposed ideas, were of the belief that Joseph was all bark and no bite in respect of the threats made at the press conference. According to this group, the Synder Group was a long-standing incorporation, with a growth history comparable to that of the Empire Group. They were convinced that the Empire Group did not have enough clout to degrade the Synder Group. Further, if the Synder Group offered an apology as per Joseph’s request, it would give off the impression that the Synder Group was fearful of and subservient to the Empire Group. The way this group perceived this, it would be equivalent to effectively capitulating to the enemy.

Both groups had argued until they were red in the face with frustration. After due consideration, James said, “Stop arguing. Let’s take a vote to settle this problem.”

According to the tally, the majority voted in favor of the apology and compensation, but the margin was very narrow. James fell within this majority. He was well aware that the strength and economic growth the Empire Group had consistently displayed was evident to all. Further, Joseph was also known for ruling with an iron fist. In the circumstances, it would be unwise for the Synder Group to underestimate such an adversary. It could not afford any further blunders. Yielding to Joseph’s requests would cool the heat on the Synder Group for the time being.

In respect of the ambit of the compensation and wording of the apology, this was left wholly to James’ discretion. The next item on the agenda for discussion by the executives was the identification of an effective approach to deal with the acquisition plan of the Empire Group.

Joseph’s press conference had caused a stir in the city. The public was aware that his acquisition claim had made a direct impact on the Synder Group’s stock prices, causing a fall yet again. This caused the senior executives significant distress.

With the developments of the matter in the limelight, Ashley could not help but let out a sigh of relief when she considered the extent of Joseph’s influence. His unanticipated and formidable actions had caught the Synder Group wholly off guard. The vindication of Ashley’s position in the matter resulted in her receiving endless messages from those close to her.

While she was pondering the intention of Joseph’s conduct, her phone lit up, indicating a call from Yasmin. Immediately after Ashley picked up the phone, Yasmin excitedly remarked, “Ashley, have you seen the good news? It’s making headlines! Ha-ha-ha! I can’t wait to see the vexed look on Lina’s face. Humph! This is the payback she must face!”

She spoke endlessly on the phone. Her happiness was apparent from the excitable tone of her voice. Ashley, however, remained silent, quietly taking in her friend’s enthusiastic congratulations.

However, Yasmin suddenly changed the subject of the discussion, asking, “Ashley, just be frank, when did you hook up with that magnificent man, Joseph?”

Having seen Joseph’s striking appearance on the live television broadcast of the press conference, Yasmin had become quite curious. His chiseled, flawlessly handsome face, and his lofty confidence before the crowd could be summarized by one sentence: a distinctive, stunningly attractive man. Yasmin could not contain her curiosity about the thought of her friend in a romantic relationship with this breathtaking man.

Hearing the excitement in Yasmin’s voice as she began her questioning, Ashley could just imagine the exhilarated and inquisitive look on the other end of the phone call. She pulled herself together and responded in an even tone, “Hook up with? We’ve only met a few times.”

“Don’t take me for a fool. Don’t lie to me! Joseph was known to be indifferent in his dealings with women. He was so distant with women in general, that he was slightly cold. Why would he go above and beyond to help you with the situation in such a bold and public manner, when you two have just met a few times?” Yasmin expressed her disbelief. “Ashley, tell me, what’s going on between the two of you? I promise I’ll keep my lips sealed!” Before Ashley could even get a single word in, Yasmin had already begun to speak again.

‘What I have said is true. I have only met him a few times, our first romantic encounter included. Why did he take such initiative to help me? I cannot make sense of it either,’ Ashley thought to herself. However, she could not disclose this to Yasmin just yet, or it would be public knowledge in no time.

Just as Ashley was wondering how to appease her friend’s curiosity, her phone rang. Quickly seizing the opportunity, she said, “Yasmin, I have another call coming in. I have to answer it now. I will give you an explanation when I see you.”

Noting what Ashley had said, Yasmin sensed that something fishy had transpired. Ashley’s voice fluttered anxiously, as if she couldn’t wait to end their call! However, before Yasmin could respond, Ashley paused for a moment, before she said, “You know, I also feel that your Zachary is quite attractive.” Then, Ashley cut the call.

Listening to the engaged tone from the other end of the line, Yasmin repeated Ashley’s last words, “Your Zachary is also quite attractive…”

‘He is not mine!’ she thought. Yasmin had an overwhelming emotional response to the statement and began to scoff at the thought of it. Yasmin felt irate at that he was brought up in the conversation. A week had passed since the two of them had shared an unforgettable k**s. Then, he disappeared from her life in totality, without a goodbye or an apology. She had not seen or heard from him until this day, when she watched him on the news broadcast.

Yasmin did not want to admit it, but Zachary had an ineffable effect on her. After her initial anger with him had ebbed away, she found that she genuinely missed the days she had happily spent together with him. However, since the day of their k**s, Zachary seemed to have moved out from next door. He also did not make any contact with her. Yet, every time her mother asked how things were going between Zachary and her, she untruthfully said that things were going smoothly.

When she had seen him on the television today, she had to admit that he had a way with words when he was placed in the lime light. He had a distinctive style and look about him. He looked comfortable and had a natural, uninhibited poise. This made the female viewers swoon and comment on his brilliance. The women did not even take their eyes off Zachary and Joseph for a second. Watching this scene, Yasmin shook her head in disapproval of the number of obsessive and superficial women there were in this world.

All the women, however, were in agreement that, between Zachary and Joseph, the former was the more attractive man. The reasoning for this was two-fold. Firstly, Joseph had a lofty, almost aristocratic air about him. As average, white-collared employees, these women saw him as being out of their grasp. Zachary was comparatively more down to earth and better suited for them. Secondly, Joseph came across as cold, which made him seemingly unapproachable, as if he would freeze anyone out of a conversation. Zachary had a welcoming smile, which added to his beauty. It was for these reasons that Zachary received such support and admiration from many fanatical women.