Gwen's pov

How the hell did this happen?" I roared, wanting to punch something. I was mad enough to set the world on fire.

Calm

Calm down

Who am I kidding I'm close to having a panic attack.

Lisa gulped in fear, taking a few steps back. It was not fair taking my anger out on her, but the feeling of helplessness clawed at my heart. It reminded me of the old days, with my parents when there was nothing I could do.

I hated that, I tried to at least have certain
aspects of my life under control, but situations like these made me want to kill someone.

"Do you know how this happened?"I asked Lisa.

Lisa clearly not wanting me to have an episode, or start screaming evaluated her answer. I took a few deep breaths and gave her a small smile, it took a lot of effort there, urging her to continue.

"I don't know anything, Ms Carter. I've put Ross on duty and informed Dave." Lisa assured.

This didn't make the situation better, going to information from Ross, the lazy pig will take a lot of time, any delay can affect my company now.

"How did they get hold of our designs?"I roared.

It took us a minimum of six months to get the designs and materials ready, but now they secured the patent rights, there was no basis for an injunction. There was no proof, to actually hold a trial. It was someone on the inside who was responsible for this.

The gems had arrived and some of the workers had gotten started on the jewelry, there was no time to change designs, the resources were a waste of time and money.

My father's words echoed in my head. Him
reminding me that I couldn't do anything, I was not good enough. No don't think about those days Gwen.

Dave burst into my office, looking scared. No don't show weakness, falling weak is not an option now. Remember your promise to fight back.

"Lisa, contact our lawyer and check if anything can be done before the designs go out in the market" I instructed.

"I want Mike on duty, he will report to me every person who accessed their designs. I want every detail checked. If anyone is found guilty I'll personally make sure they see hell."

Lisa nodded and left the cabin hurriedly. Dave was still not looking at me, he was hiding something from me.

"Dave what's wrong?"I asked.

He opened and closed his mouth, he was definitely not telling me something now.

"The shares, we had an issue with. There is a new board member, he has access to about forty five percent now. We don't know who or how he is, but it spells trouble." Dave answered.

"Don't you think it's a little convinenet that a person gets into our board and then our designs get stolen."

Of course, it was not a coincidence. Think
about it a person goes around the matter acquires shares and becomes a board member, at the same time important designs for our most trusted buyer get stolen. It was a ploy to spoil the company name in the market. If we run around trying to file injunction, word goes out and stocks accumulate and value in the market goes down.

"Keep the matter among us, contact the rival
company and find out if we can negotiate a deal."I instructed.

"I'll call for a board meeting, whoever that mystery person will have to attend the meeting in person. Once I see him I will handle it." I told Dave gathering up some files and rushing to contact the board members.

Time for a board meeting, mystery person will not remain a mystery for long.

****

"Hey grumpy" I heard a voice call out. I sighed tiredly and found Luke giving me a warm smile. I replied a hey and went back to playing with my fingers. It was something I did when I was nervous.

"Why are you so quite?" He asked sitting beside me.

"Problems Luke." I replied vaguely.

"I'm afraid you have to be more specific."he
countered.

"Go bug your kids Luke."I said dryly.

"Chris and Alec have gone to play football, and if I bug my wife she will divorce me." He pouted.

"Why are you interrogating me?"I asked.

"Fine, don't tell me."he pouted. Again remind me why a billionaire was acting like a kid.

"It's not like that."I added.

"Then let me tell, what is it like."he argued. I would give him, he was persistent.

"I feel like I'm losing everything, I'm not capable enough to do anything. Maybe they were right, people like me don't deserve to have good things. Maybe I never should have done anything. Again I'm in the same position, I'm helpless."I said.

"Hey, you know life throws problems only at
those people who are capable enough to face it. Warriors are the ones on the battlefield, civilians stay aside. Anyone who tells you are not capable, I will personally give them a black eye." Luke said
softly.

"I know you Gwen, I believe you will do the right thing and when you do it I will be standing right here proud of you. You are like my Chris and Alec, better than them. No matter what happens I will always have your back."

That's all it took for me to break into tears and hug Luke, he chuckled and patted my back. These were the words I wanted my father to say, he never did.

But here was another man, who did more than my father saying he trusted and believed in me, I will do everything to make him proud.

"So, you were gonna buy me ice cream." He said smiling cheekily.

"No, I didn't."I argued.

Luke took my hand and led me to the ice cream parlour all the way bickering about why he is the best person in the world.

****************************

My next update is Sunday.

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The bad times are not so bad if you have people who believe in you.

Until next time.