~ Skills

Roxanne rolled her eyes and turned to face her sister who was standing next to Victor and her obnoxious friend, Alisha.

A scoff escaped her lips.

Indeed, they were birds of the same feather.

Maya hooked her arm around Victor’s and sneered, “I didn't expect to see you here, Roxanne. Did you sneak in?”

Of course, Maya thought Roxanne wouldn't have an invitation to such an upper-class event. It wasn't open to any Jim and Jack and only a few invitations were sent out.

Maya was only able to go because Kenneth was invited and she begged him to give her his invitation card.

Seeing Roxanne at the banquet came as a shock to her.

"Henry hasn't seen you since news of your engagement was released and neither did he admit it to the media. It seems he doesn’t care about you. How do you still have the courage to attend a banquet?” Maya said sarcastically.

“Mind your own business, Maya. I didn't come here for you,” Roxanne responded flatly.

Meanwhile, Victor furrowed his eyebrows as a sliver of irritation flared through him. He thought Roxanne wasn't willing to break the marriage arrangement between them, hence, she was following him around.

"Are you stalking us? How did you get in?” Victor questioned with contempt. “Quickly leave this place before anyone sees you. Only those with invitations can attend this banquet. Stop embarrassing yourself by trying to get close to me. I already chose your sister."

Roxanne rolled her eyes and shook her head before she whipped around sharply and walked away.

Narcissistic much?

She couldn't believe she would have married such a dumb ass.

On the other hand, hatred was brewing within Maya after being ignored by Roxanne. 'How dare she? Who does she think she is?'

“Baby, can you get me a drink?” Maya asked Victor through gritted teeth and when he left, a vicious look plastered her face as she glared in the direction that Roxanne went.

“I hate her so much! What gives her the right to attend such a prestigious event?!” She hissed, clenching her fists.

“She's engaged to Henry Ford. So maybe that’s how she was able to come here...” Alisha responded.

“She's so smug. Did you see that? She's becoming more bold after taking charge of the RG shopping mall. We need to teach her a lesson. I want her to humiliate herself that she would never want to attend an upper-class event ever again,” Maya declared while Alisha agreed with her.

“You're right. She thinks she’s the Ford's matriarch already. Let’s put her in her place.”

Meanwhile, Roxanne who was unaware of the brewing scheme got tired of looking for Henry so she found a chair next to the buffet and after grabbing a few sweet treats, she sat down and began to happily munch them.

She regretted coming to such an event, knowing very well she wasn't cut out for such kinds of things.

While Maya loved to attend social events, Roxanne stayed home and read a book or watched a movie.

After a few minutes, she began to feel awkward and out of place.

'Where's Henry?'

She looked around again but he was nowhere to be seen. He invited her and didn't even show up, making her look lost.

As she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard Maya's voice speaking through a microphone at the setup stage in front.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My sister, Roxanne Smith, admires Mr. Henry Ford very much. She told me she wanted to play the piano for him as a gift to welcome him back to the Country. My sister is very good at playing the piano. She will blow your minds...”

With a cheery voice, Maya's eyes found Roxanne's frame. She smiled and said while gesturing with her hand, “Put your hands together for Roxanne as she comes up to play the piano for the CEO!”

The guests followed Maya's eyes and looked at Roxanne expectantly while applauding for her.

Maya smirked as she looked at Roxanne who looked like a deer caught in headlights. ‘You’re done for, bitch! Who’s smug now?’

Roxanne had never had piano lessons before. Maya was confident she would make a fool out of herself in front of so many important people. 'Serves you right!'

Her mind was filled with evil thoughts but she maintained a sweet smile on her face as she cheered for her sister to come on stage.

At the same time, Roxanne had a poker face as the crowd cheered for her.

She knew Maya was trying to make a fool out of her.

Since everyone was looking at her, she had no choice but to walk to the stage.

“Show them your skills, sis!” Maya squeaked with a fake smile on her face.

'Let's see if you will be able to show your face after this, bitch,' she sneered inwardly.

Roxanne shrugged and said, “I'll try. I'm not so good at playing the piano.”

Maya secretly laughed. 'Are you justifying your inevitable failure?'

She was ecstatic knowing Roxanne would fail and Henry would hate her.

There was nothing worse than having a husband who hated you. ‘Just wait, Roxanne. I’m going to make your life a living hell.’

“Come on. Don't be so humble. We both know you're an expert. How can someone from the Smith family have no piano skills?” Maya said, making sure her voice was amplified by the microphone. "You even earned so many rewards. I'm sure they will all love your piano skills."

She sounded like she was praising her but there was a taunting tone in her voice. How could Roxanne have earned many rewards when she never participated in a competition?

Maya mentioned this to set a certain expectation in the audience so that they would be more disappointed when they witnessed Roxanne's horrible skills.

Roxanne mentally rolled her eyes and went towards the piano, ignoring Maya altogether.

Since Maya wanted a show, she was going to give her a show.

She sat down on the stool next to the piano and after a few seconds, she began to play the piano, stunning the crowd altogether.

Her fingers gracefully moved along the keys as she played a ballad. Not only did she play beautifully, but she sang along too.

The crowd fell silent as they listened to the beautiful music and angelic voice of Roxanne.

“Wow. I heard the eldest daughter has no proper skills but it seems the rumours are false. She's so good.”

“She has such a lovely voice and her piano skills are top-notch. I feel like I'm at a concert.”

Those comments came from the audience as they watched Roxanne's performance.

Roxanne looked elegant as she played the piano and she was exuding a noble aura that made her look like a queen.

She captured everyone’s attention including the man seated in his wheelchair on the balcony, watching the scene in the backyard.

He narrowed his falcon-like eyes at the beautiful figure on the stage and a complex emotion stirred within him.

“Interesting,” he muttered to himself.

His substitute bride was getting more and more mysterious. There was more to her than meets the eye and the more he watched her, the more he wanted to know more about her.

Turning to his assistant, he instructed, “Bring her to me.”

“Yes, sir.”

~ A contract

After Roxanne played the last notes, she stood up and curtsied while the audience erupted in applause.

She whipped around to face the shell-shocked Maya. Smirking, she remarked, “Thank you, sis. I was wondering how I would introduce myself as Henry's future wife. Look around,” Roxanne said as cheers and praise echoed around them. “They love me.”

Maya clenched her hands into fists and gritted her teeth. She didn't expect Roxanne to know how to play the piano. She was even better than her!

How did she know? Roxanne never went for piano lessons. She was useless! Her mother made sure of that!

Maya couldn't fathom how her plan to humiliate Roxanne changed into an opportunity for her to look good in front of figures from wealthy families.

This was not supposed to happen!

A malicious glint flashed through Maya's eyes as she glared at Roxanne. 'I can't wait to get rid of her.'

On the other hand, Victor frowned but he didn't say anything. Deep down, he was impressed. He initially thought Roxanne behaved like a country bumpkin. He thought she was useless. But she proved him wrong that night.

She looked so sophisticated and classy. Her pearl-white skin glowed under the night sky as she smiled at the crowd after melting their hearts with her lovely song.

As Roxanne returned to her seat, Diego approached her and presented, “Miss Smith, Mr. Ford wants to see you.”

She followed him into the mansion and all the way to Henry’s study.

“Mr. Ford,” she greeted Henry and he just stared at her with his face devoid of any emotions.

“You keep surprising me, Miss Smith,” Henry said after a few seconds of silence.

“I've thought about your proposition.” He picked up a file and slid it across the table to her.

Roxanne took out the document and gasped when she realised it was a contract.

“Be my wife, Miss Smith," Henry proposed, his voice calm and husky.

Henry Ford was on the balcony the whole time. As he sat there, he saw everything that was going on in the backyard.

Normally, he wouldn't be bothered but he couldn't seem to keep his eyes off Roxanne.

She looked so elegant and sophisticated in her ivory gown. The high slit on her right leg would expose her milky long leg each time she moved. Her figure was accentuated perfectly in the mermaid gown she wore. It was a mix of elegance and sexiness.

'She's so beautiful...' Henry observed, a small smirk curling on his lips.

He had yet to give her a response about their marriage and he invited her to the banquet so that they could discuss their future.

His eyes narrowed when Maya suddenly went on the stage and called for Roxanne to play the piano. From his background check, Henry knew Roxanne wouldn't know how to play the piano, so he knew what Maya was up to.

He wanted to show up at that moment but Roxanne surprised him yet again. It turned out that she didn't need him to save her like she was some damsel in distress.

She walked to the stage with open confidence and awed the audience with her excellent piano skills.

Henry felt something stir in his heart when he watched her play the piano on stage. She looked every bit the epitome of perfection.

Without wasting time, he instructed Diego to bring Roxanne to his study. From there, he made a shocking request.

"Be my wife, Miss Smith."

When Roxanne's eyes rounded, he took in a breath and added, “Of course, it will be in public only. I won't pressure you to be my real wife at home.”

As Henry said this, there was a fiery glint in his eyes but Roxanne didn't notice this.

She read the contents of the contract carefully. There was nothing complex about it. His conditions were what she wanted too.

It stated that they would only be married for a year. After which they would divorce and she would get an alimony of ten million dollars.

Roxanne gulped as she read the last condition.

[The wife will not interfere with the husband’s private life and likewise. Since there’s no love between the involved parties, this marriage will be in name only.]

A year was enough for Roxanne to establish a strong footing in the management of the shopping mall. By then, she would have gotten full control of it and no one would ever steal it from her again.

In fact, marrying Henry was not a bad idea. There was no love between them but they both needed to fulfil the family's marriage arrangement.

“I don’t need the alimony, Mr. Ford. I’ll be able to make that ten million dollars in a year from my shopping mall,” she said haughtily and Henry arched one of his eyebrows at her.

This woman was feisty and had a fighting spirit. He liked it.

After a few seconds, Henry nodded and said, “Ok. I’ll look forward to seeing that. I’ll do whatever you want when the time comes.”

Smirking, Roxanne took the pen and signed the contract without hesitation.

Stretching her hand towards Henry, she declared, “It's a deal, Mr. Ford.”

~ A meeting

“Tell us how you plan to increase the shopping mall’s sales, Miss Smith. What’s your strategy?” One of the board members, Sean Anderson, questioned during a meeting on a Monday morning.

The news that Roxanne who had no experience in marketing was appointed as the marketing director of the shopping mall spread like wildfire. A lot were against the appointment, especially those who were on Miriam Hopper’s side. They quickly called for a board member’s meeting to find a way to get rid of Roxanne. Since she was appointed by Kenneth Smith, they couldn’t just send her away but if the majority of board members agreed, it would be easier.

Knowing she was going to be put under the microscope, Roxanne had prepared adequately for the meeting. With open confidence, she answered, “To increase sales, I suggest we implement strategies such as offering discounts, promotional codes and coupons. As much as we want to make money, we need to think about the customer too. If our goods and services are too expensive, we won’t have many people coming to our mall. However, when the majority of goods and services are being offered at a fair price, many customers will want to come to our mall to save money.”

Richard Johnson, a man in his fifties who was on Miriam’s side suddenly interrupted Roxanne.

With a harsh tone, he said, “Wait! All this means nothing if customers don’t actually visit the mall. Do you know how many malls have discounts and promotional codes? What makes RG special? We will just end up with a few customers and less revenue. The Ford’s shopping mall is still at number one as we speak. Give us something concrete that will convince us that you are cut out for the job, Miss Smith.”

Roxanne narrowed her eyes at the man but her face didn’t betray her emotions. Instead, she smiled and said, “I was just getting to that.”

“We can set ourselves apart by turning our shopping mall into an entertainment hub. If we put things like a children’s section, a movie theatre, a pub and grill for the...-”

“The Fords are already doing that. Have you been to a place called Black? Every weekend, it’s packed with VIPs who spend millions of dollars on beers and women. Tell us something new, Miss Smith. Or stop wasting our time,” Richard countered.

Roxanne pursed her lips into a thin line as she narrowed her eyes at Richard.

He was trying to intimidate her but Roxanne was undeterred. Just because she had been laying low doesn’t mean she can be bullied.

She looked at him and changed the page on the screen. “We are different because we will focus on family. Bringing a family together strengthens the love and bond they share. We can create events that would prompt customers to visit our mall. The image you’re seeing right now is of the famous artist, Yolanda Nicholson. She’s so good at influencing that whatever brand she endorses doubles in its income and customers. I’m going to make her RG shopping mall’s brand ambassador.”

A few of the board members nodded in approval seemingly liking her idea.

“Yolanda is difficult to contact. I heard she demands a hefty amount and is very difficult to convince. What’s your alternative plan if you fail to make her our brand ambassador?”

Roxanne hissed internally. She knew Richard was deliberately going against her but she wasn’t afraid. She glanced at him and forced a smile, saying, “Mr Johnson, don’t worry. I will hire Yolanda Nicholson to be our brand ambassador.”

She was confident in her negotiation skills. If it meant she had to travel overseas to personally bring the artist, she would.

“The presentation might be ok but Roxanne doesn’t have the proper qualifications to run a mall-”

“I’m sorry for interrupting, Sir. Here are my credentials. I have a degree in business and finance, also, I recently got a master's in marketing and sales. So, I am qualified for this job. I’ll show you through my achievements,” she declared while passing her certificates around.

As the board members looked at each other, Richard remarked, “You were not hired through the proper procedures but since you have shares in the mall, we shall vote to see whether you’re fit to be the managing director. Being Kenneth Smith's daughter doesn’t mean the position should be handed over to you on a silver platter. Besides, Kenneth has two daughters and he might decide to hand over the shopping mall to your sister. Anything can happen.”

Roxanne knew what he was implying. Her father could choose Maya as the sole heir of all his businesses. However, Richard's words didn't affect her. Her plan was to work hard and gain full control of her mother's shopping mall. She didn't care about anything else.

“We can give her a month and see how she performs. Then we can have another meeting to decide whether she will remain as the managing director or not,” Bridget suggested.

Kenneth who had been silent all this time cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. To be honest, he didn’t expect Roxanne to be so skilled. She often locked herself in her room, little did he know she was busy studying.

He glanced at everyone and added, “It’s settled then.”

Looking at Roxanne, he said, “Roxanne, the board is putting you in charge of the mall for a month. Prove to them that you are qualified for the job. We shall meet in a month to make a final decision.”

“That’s fine by me,” Roxanne responded confidently with her head and chin raised high.

She wasn’t afraid of being challenged. All she wanted was a chance to prove that she could do it.

When the meeting was over and Roxanne had returned to her office, she received an order from Richard. He was the vice president of Starlight Inc. so he also oversaw the RG shopping mall.

“We need to have a partnership with an electronics company. They are supplying our electronics department stores with the latest smart TVs. Go and negotiate with Mr. David Miller. We need him to supply the goods to us at a cheaper price. You will find him at Black in one of the VIP rooms,” Richard instructed.

Roxanne was confused, “Shouldn’t a business negotiation be done at his company? Why should I go to Black?”

Black was a high-end pub and grill. It was a low-key strip club at night while it served as a restaurant during the day. Most people who went there went for pleasure and fun. It wasn’t ideal for business discussions.

Frowning, she declined, “Kindly change the location and appointment. I’ll meet him at his office.”

Richard’s eyes flashed with malice. Looking at her coldly, he said through gritted teeth, “Are you serious about keeping your position? Mr Miller never leaves Black. He does all his business deals there. I’m ordering you to go and meet him as your superior.”

Roxanne sighed. In the end, she had no choice but to go. She didn't want to upset Richard lest he persuaded the other board members not to vote for her.

After gathering the necessary documents, she proceeded to the Ford’s Paradise shopping plaza.

She went straight to Black and a waiter showed her to Mr. Miller’s private room.

Meanwhile, a man in a wheelchair on the second floor narrowed his eyes when he saw the petite figure entering David Miller’s room.

“Sir, isn’t that…” his assistant trailed after noticing that the air around them suddenly turned colder than ice.

The man clenched his jaws as he glared at the door, thinking, ‘What is she doing in David’s room? Doesn’t she know he’s a pervert?’