The Unfilial Daughter - Chapter 5

"Boss, she just left the office."

His lips curved upwards as he flipped his cell phone close and gazed into the setting sun while he sat comfortably in the outdoor cafe overlooking the Hong Kong skyline.

His plan was working.

She had read his note.

It was only a matter of time before she would be at his mercy.

It was time to pay her back for the humiliation that she put him through, the whispering behind his back and the finger pointing in front of his face wherever he went. The entire Hong Kong had known his bride had ran off on their wedding day, leaving him to wait idiotically at the alter.

For months, the media had a field day hounding him for interviews and comments, every direction he turned a camera flashed in his face.

Even now, years later he knew many were still laughing behind his back, even the business executives that showed nothing but respect in front of him were no different.

But he had shown them.

Having launched his father's business into new heights, he had gained a prominent place in the company, firing anyone that didn't meet his expectations, firing anyone that he felt distaste for.

Intimidation was the best way to control, none were to question his authority or snicker behind his back without punishment.

His curved lips changed into a smirk when the moment he heard the sound of hurried heels against the paved ground coming from behind him.

"You," he heard her catching her breath, "you're the person that sent me this."

When he turned, his eyes were automatically locked on the manila envelope in her waving hand.

The manila envelope that he sent her, containing confidential documents that clearly stated the financial crisis that Chung Enterprises was in, along with incriminating evidence of her father bribing government and financial officials for company gain.

He had known the reason Tony Chung was willing to marry his precious princess to him six years ago.

It was because he had no other choice.

More than a dozen multi-billion dollar investments that Chung Enterprises made the past twenty years had failed; the company was in the brink of bankruptcy. The old man had approach his father, Andy Chen in hopes of forming an alliance to keep Chung Enterprises afloat long enough to bring it back into the black.

He really had to give the old man credit for being able to keep Chung Enterprises afloat for this long. In reality, there was nothing left of the company but a shell. It was through different channels of loans and bribes that the company was able to continue operating, but he knew that the banks were beginning to get impatient. In a short time, all their options would be exhausted and the company would fail.

He knew that she wouldn't let Chung Enterprises fail.

He knew Chung Enterprises meant as much to her as it did for her father.

"Who are you? What do you want?" she demanded, while his eyes twinkled from amusement.

The day had finally come, she stood before him like he had always imagined.

He wasn't going to let this golden opportunity slip.

Her eyes were as brilliant as he remembered and her attitude was just as defiant.

"You don't remember me, do you?" he asked, knowing very well that she did not recognize him; the thought amused him even more.

He saw a flash of confusion written on her beautiful face before being replaced by recognition then fear.

"Edison Chen," her voice was barely above a whisper.

*

"Nicholas," the stranger said raising his right hand. His voice was smooth.

She had been surprised when Timmy suddenly removed himself from their marble game and ran toward an unfamiliar stranger. She didn't recall ever seeing in him the orphanage compounds but it was obvious that Timmy was quite fond of him.

His long wispy bangs swept back and forth from the occasional breeze, partially hiding his features.

Catching a few words, here and there from their exchange, Charlene was able to conclude that this young man was the "gor gor" that young boy always mentioned.

She smiled and nodded, "Charlene," extending her right hand to meet his, a sudden sense of familiarity washed over her.

When the breeze swept past them once again, his chiseled features were revealed clearly.

Her bright eyes locked onto his alert ones.

It was him.

*

Her heart hammered against her chest as she slowly recalled the familiar face.

He was the man she was supposed to marry.

The man she ran away from.

His presence commanded absolute authority, much different from what she remembered.

He wasn't the young man that stood arrogantly behind his father anymore. He was every bit the ruthless businessman that she had read in the newspapers.

Her heart went cold as she realized his intentions were far more venomous than she ever imagined.

She finally knew now why her father had been so adamant about the marriage.

"I'm glad you finally recognized me," his voice was calm and controlled, eluding any warmth. Rising from his seat, his built body towered over hers.

"What do you want?" she asked, refusing to allow him the satisfaction of seeing her fear.

"I want what is mine to return to me," she shivered from the menace in his eyes while the words rolled off his tongue.

"What do you mean?"

"I want you."

"And what if I don't comply?"

"Then Chung Enterprises will fail and your father will spend his golden years in prison," he smirked.

His statement triggered a trail of worry and anguish.

Chung Enterprises came from generations of blood and sweat. It was her father's life.

And her father, her father could not go to prison.

"I can save Chung Enterprises. Under one condition," he paused, "you are to become my wife."

"Chen Corporation is not the only company with financial and influential means," anger began to overtake her.

She hated the man standing in front of her.

She hated feeling so powerless against him.

"You're right but I'm the only person that can and is willing to turn Chung Enterprises around," his eyes penetrating into hers, 'You have one night to think it over.'

He was right. No sound businessman would invest time and energy in a company failing so miserably.

Helplessly, she stood while he brushed passed her, the sound of his hard heels ringing in her ears.