Chapter 2. Last Strain of Hope

Audrey buried herself in work at the company, consistently sketching designs in her sketchbook. It was past 9:pm, but she appears to have lost track of time until her stepmom summer strolled into the office. Looking elegant in a mini strapless gown, her shiny curls were proof that she had visited the stylist recently, coupled with the thick layers of makeup on her light skin. She was in her mid-forties but was often mistaken for someone in her late twenties because she was consistent with cosmetic surgery and never misses an appointment with her doctor.

" Audrey?!" Audrey lifts her head and was disappointed by the figure before her, her gaze fell to the clock on the wall, making her gasp.

" Oh, my God!"

" What are you doing here, Audrey?"

" Last time I checked, I work here"

Audrey rolls her eyeballs packing up her sketchbook and samples of designs into her bag.

Her father got married to summer when she was just fourteen and despite how tough summer choose to be, Audrey was never scared of her and always stood her ground. At a point, summer realized she was no easy nut to crack, paving the way for a mutual understanding where they both do not interfere in the other's business.

" Well, Audrey, not for long. Because we finally found a buyer and right now, your father is signing the documents with them" Audrey let out a dry laugh.

" That impossible!"

" Well your tricks don't work on everyone, or you think your father isn't aware that you are the one behind the rumors that have been spreading"

Audrey stopped what she was doing to stare summer in the eyes, perhaps searching for a glimpse of hope that says she was lying.

" Someone is buying the company?"

" Yes! And guess who the buyer is. The famous Carter Colton" Summer let out a loud laugh, stepping out of the office with her heels making a loud sound.

Audrey picked up her bag and dashed out of the office as fast as she could to her car.

Her heart was racing, she was riding at an unusual speed limit while cursing her father all the way home. She didn't bother packing the car when she got home, leaving that to the security on duty.

" Father!!" Audrey dashed into the large living room, where Mr. Norbert was having a father-daughter time with his daughter Ella.

" Father, is it true? Did you sell the company"?

" Have you lost your manners, that doesn't give you the yardstick to barge in here like that!"

" Father, did you sell the company"

" You knew that, eventually, it was going to happen. I thought allowing you to have your way would make you feel better, or did you think I wasn't aware of your tricks?"

" Father! Did you ever love her? That company was her life, her sweat, it was all she lived for hoping the both of us could be comfortable, yet you threw it all away".

" Audrey, your mother is dead but we, on the other hand, are still alive and need to keep surviving. I am not a designer, you know I was never into fashion. At times I chase my dream, for I have been chasing your mom's for the longest of time".

" The company never stood in your way of chasing your dreams. You were not into fashion, but you knew fashion was my life, you could have at least let me in on some decisions regarding the company".

" You are just a kid and that is what summer is here for and so far all her decisions are the best the company ever took"

" Really father. Do you know how many families feed from our company, do you realize how many workers depend on us? You sat here in the luxury my mother made to tell me summer made the right decision"

A loud slap landed on her face causing a red mark on her tender face. Tears immediately filled her eyes.

" I will not stand here and watch you disrespect me. I might not be the founder of the company, but I was able to manage it for a long period more than the Jace family ever did" he slams his fist on the wall as he spoke the last word.

" Am sorry Ella dear, but we will continue our discussion tomorrow" He retired upstairs to his room, not reluctant to turn back for a second and stare at that child who was once the apple of his eye.

"Audrey, did you have to spoil this moment I was having father" Ella chirped also checking into bed.

Audrey, who was now standing at the window in her room, decorated with golden artistry, held a family picture of her father, and mother, and her tears slowly dripped down her cheek. Audrey, always believed she could achieve whatever she puts her mind to and this was the more reason she had promised her mother on her deathbed that she would hold on to the company.

But right now, she couldn't fulfill that promise, which kept her wondering what her mother would think of her right now.

The glass door to her room clicked open, and Emma peeped through before walking in.

" You are still awake" She walks closer to Audrey also staring at the picture she was holding.

" I miss those days, it was so lively in this mansion"

" Yeah. I remembered the first time nanny Gianna introduced you to me as her daughter, I was so furious because I thought you were going to take my place in this house, but instead, you made this house a home for me".

" Yeah. And it will always be your home after I leave. Aunt Helen is not disappointed in you because I know what you are thinking right now".

" I failed her Emma" The tears rolled down her cheek as she spoke straining those long natural lashes.

" No, you did not, she knows you did your best, do not beat yourself up"

" That company was the only strain of life I was holding on to, and summer took that away from me. She's taken everything I ever held dear"

Audrey rested her shoulder on Emma's chest and held her while gently patting her back. She let herself cry louder without holding back because she believes she would feel better after that. Not only that, but she did feel better and was able to go to bed while Emma lay beside her.

Emma was brought into the Jayden's mansion when she was fifteen years after she lost her father who had been taking care of her because her mother Gianna was barely home because she had to work when she was brought into the mansion, the whole place and people there seem hostile towards her that she doubted she would be able to stay there.

But after a few months, Jayden's mansion became her home and Audrey became her sister.