The Traps of Black Swan

Another week, Nikun continued to be busy with the court. There were just two weeks left for Aarvi and Aaron to leave Mocon for over three years. The three years are a lot, especially for an old man.

Aarvi felt the pressure to see her grandfather. Meantime there was a shareholders meeting at Kelly International to appoint Zain as the CEO and President of the company. She knew it wouldn't be an easy change over as Zain had no experience in the business field. 

On Tuesday, Aarvi completed her part of office work and played the piano while Aaron was working on his research paper. Since the melody she had chosen was simple and soothing, Aaron wasn't disturbed, rather he felt pleasant to work.

However soon his brows tugged when Aarvi repeated the same tune over and over again with the tempo faster each time. If the first few times was soothing to his ears, as it went on, the music gave off mystery, then tension, nervousness, and at last as if terrified and running far away.

He stopped her before she could play again. He massaged her fingers and asked while seeing her breathing as if she ran a marathon till now. He didn't know she was holding her breath. "If you are worried about Zain, go to the company." It was clearly written on her face. And she had promised Zain that she would help him whenever he needed.

"G-Grandfather will be there." Hence she couldn't make up her mind.

Aaron realized she won't be able to bring herself to speak with Hayden voluntarily. She needed a push or create a chance for them to speak. "Then go to the company and support Zain, just ignore Grandfather Hayden."

"Can… I do that!?" She hesitantly asked.

Wouldn't that hurt Hayden more? And she still doesn't know how she might react in front of Hayden if she couldn't control her emotions.

Aaron chuckled as he pulled her up from the cushioned stool, it was the first time she was nervous about her own actions. She wasn't angry with Hayden anymore but clueless about how to react.

"You are laughing at me." She whined, making a crying face.

"Doozy." He took her towards the stairs, "Go and get ready. Do you want me there?"

Aarvi shook her head pointing her forefinger at his laptop, "Don't find a reason for a slack. Stay here and study."

Aaron: "..."

She was behaving like a mother. He could imagine her nagging for the next three years. Leaving her hand at the stairs, he gave a gentle push, "Go, get ready, Cupcake."

So she ended up in front of Kelly International. A part of her still wanted to run from there, She wasn't ready yet. At the same time, she wasn't ready to regret it one day. She should face her grandfather today.

Stepping inside the company, Aarvi felt like she was going to give an exam that she was afraid of failing. Since she hadn't informed Zain beforehand she went towards the reception first. 

However, before she could reach, the receptionist came out of the counter and greeted her, "President Evans, let me escort you to the meeting room."

Aarvi faintly smiled with a nod, "Thank you." 

'Did Apple Pie expect me here? Or did Ronron tell them?' She thought as walked towards the access gates. 

Entering inside the access gates, the elevator door opened when Aarvi broke the silence, "I will manage from here. You can go back to work. Thank you." She got inside the elevator and clicked on the button. 

The receptionist was a little surprised to react immediately. It was the first time Aarvi came to the company so the receptionist couldn't understand how she knew where the meeting was going on. 'There must be somebody to receive her.' She thought and returned to the work.

Exiting on the fifteenth floor, Aarvi made her way towards the biggest conference room of the company. That's when she noticed Hayden's secretary who was going inside with some file, paused and looked at her. He was amazed at his sight, he knew Aarvi is Ava Kelly.

It took time for a smile to bloom on his face and he was happy for her presence. "Young miss, you are back." He greeted as if she had been out in the morning and returned in the afternoon.

The words were at the tip of her tongue to ask him to stop addressing her as Young miss of the Kelly family. Nevertheless, she tried to accept the people who genuinely treated her well in the past, "Uncle Cole, how are you doing?"

Cole was a man in his middle-aged man in his forties. He laughed happily as he added, "Everything is great." Both walked towards the meeting hall as Cole added, "I guess, Young Miss, you are all needed to silence those shareholders." He proudly said, knowing her achievements so far.

Aarvi focused on the negative part.  Since Zain had no grounds to argue with the shareholders other than being Kelly, the shareholders were not agreeing with her grandfather. This means they were against Zain from taking the position. Looks like she needs to change the wind.

Cole noticed her lips curl cunningly. He had heard a lot from Hayden who heard about Aarvi from Zain. He hid his smile imagining the meeting close in less than five minutes.

The door of the meeting room opened. None paid attention thinking Cole returned to the meeting but the clicking sound of heels paused their thoughts. 

Hayden, who looked at the door, widened his eyes. He couldn't believe his sight. But when he saw his secretary smiling victoriously, he knew his mind wasn't making up things, Aarvi was truly standing there. He subconsciously stood up, a part of him was thinking she might not even look at him however their eyes met and she didn't look away in anger or disgust.

The shareholders who saw Aarvi were no less shocked, the ones who had their back against the door couldn't stop themselves. In no time, everyone was on their feet excluding Zain.

Zain had a tiny smirk on his face. Till now, everyone was shouting and giving their opinions. The atmosphere was disordered and irritating. However, as soon as his sister stepped in, the same people were afraid to take a breath. It wasn't because her looks were scary, the whole business field knew how she toppled the Harmon Industries shareholders' meeting single-handedly. 

"Devil is back," Zain mumbled more to himself when her eyes brushed over the shareholders. Aarvi went towards the head of the meeting, Hayden. 

Hayden was wary whether to speak or not so she placed her hand on his shoulder and gently pressed him, indicating him to take a seat. She went around him and placed her handbag on the table, standing between Hayden and Zain.

Her hand motioned, signaling everyone to take their seats. Everyones' eyes were glued to her as if afraid she might attack them and rip their face off.

Aarvi spoke directly, "Who is against the decision of my god grandfather?"

Hayden was surprised. Though there was 'God', he didn't mind. He was over the moon and looked at her as if she was going to disappear any moment.

Zain hid his smile and looked at the people who were causing a ruckus. He felt like 'It's good to have a terrorizing sister.' Yet, he wanted to ask her, 'Why didn't you come earlier? My head was throbbing.'

The shareholders were stunned hearing Aarvi, however, they didn't recklessly comment or gossip. A man still tried to tell his opinion but he stammered looking at Aarvi, "Z-Z-Zain K-Kelly h-ha…"

"Huh?" Aarvi's eyes narrowed at the man and hummed in a questioning tone that was more like a threat.

The man dabbed a tissue on his forehead and shook his head. He sat down and drank water. He just imagined Aarvi making him go bankrupt.

"I see, no one. Why are you all wasting time then?... Uncle Cole, please take the signatures." Aarvi sounded cool but her voice was stern.

Cole almost laughed, he managed to control and responded, "Yes, Young Miss." He signaled at the other secretaries to keep the files in front of the shareholders.

In no time, all the files were signed. Cole announced Zain as CEO and President of the company. He was taking charge immediately.

When Zain stood up for the formality, he spoke a few standard words and saw everyone giving him applause. He knew those weren't for him but the little lady behind him. He had a long way to make his name. 

To create a chance for Hayden and Aarvi, Zain pretended to be personally escorting the shareholders and went out with all the secretaries.

Aarvi: "..."

'Apple Pie, how dare you abandon me like this?'

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