Chapter 4 Alfred Mcauley

• “I have checked on her as you requested sir. She doing better.”
• “James, I can't thank you enough. You have no idea what you've done for me. Saving my precious jewel right on time is something I would forever be grateful for. Your mother raised you into a fine gentleman.”
• “It’s nothing compared to what you've done for me. You took care of my mother's medical bills and didn't remove a dime from my income as payback which I proposed.”
• “How did she do it? I mean raise you without your father because you sure did turn out fine.”
• “My sister and I knew that she had no help so we had to learn certain things at a very tender age. I think this was one of the things that shaped us and we also had to fend for ourselves to relieve her a bit. You don't look, happy sir. Is this about Annie?”
• “I don't know what to do at this point. You remember the last stunt she pulled. She and two of her friends shut down a five-star restaurant just so they can get wasted without having to make it to the tabloids the following day. You brought her home totally wasted and the only way she could repay the favor was to puke on your shoes.”
• “I clearly remember sir.”
• “The other day it was her face plastered on the papers. You saw it right?”
• “Yes, I did.”
• “Billionaire’s daughter spotted in a twelve thousand dollar bag a few days after she was spotted wearing an animal print dress worth thousands of dollars. I know my sole purpose for working this hard is for her to live a good life but this? I really don’t know anymore. James that will be all for today. You can have the rest of the day off.”
• “Ok, sir. I’ll be in my quarters in case you need me.”
• “Thanks, James.”
• I stroll into my study to try and cool off before I finally decide on what to do. This study has always been my place of peace. Where I can go down memory lane of all the good times I had with my wife
• “I have failed as a father.” I couldn’t help but let the tears flow freely.
• “Please don’t say that sir.”
• “I didn’t realize anybody was there.”
• My assistant walked further into my study room.
• “Have this sir.”
• I collect the towel and dry my eyes. After a few seconds of silence, I pick up my glasses and wear them.
• “I was told you were in your study. I knocked for a while and after there was no response, I let myself in. I thought it was the usual burying yourself in your work.”
• “You must have heard that Annie almost burnt down the house just because she wanted to fry eggs.”
• “News flies fast. I overheard one of the staff whisper it. Here is the document you requested for.”
• “I'm not saying that accidents can't happen while frying eggs. Now here's the part that baffled me because I watched the footage. She left the butter in the pan melting and started dancing. Common sense should tell you that once that butter has melted you should throw in the eggs.
• She was watching a Youtube video for heaven's sake. What if I lose everything. How will she survive? She's supposed to take over the company in a year or two while I focus on politics. I wanted her to have everything so she wouldn't have to feel the impact of her mother's absence.
• Where did I go wrong? Laura, I wish death didn't take you away from me. My darling wife. She loved to bake. She loved classical. Oh, how I wish you heard her sing. She was good at everything she did. She always had a new dish for us to try. Her father didn't approve of our relationship. Why would he? I was a poor boy tending to her father’s animals.
• Her parents were filthy rich. She was assigned a maid for everything yet she didn't need them when she married me and moved into my cottage. Her father thought she wouldn't survive without them but she proved him wrong. I want the best for my child. What happens if she meets someone who can't offer her this kind of life. Just maybe, if her mother was alive she would have turned out better. Just last week I saw her bank statement lying on the pool table.
• To say I was stupified is an understatement. When it comes to her academics, I'm a super proud father but I can't say the same for her lifestyle. For a Harvard business scholar, I'm extremely disappointed.
• Sorry to bore you child. You can head to the office. I won't be coming in today.”
• “No sir. You do not bore me. I'll have coffee sent it on my way out.”
• “Thanks, child.”
• “Erm. Your wife Laura, I may not have met her but it sure sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I would love to hear more about her during your free time at work.”
• “She was an angel. Definitely. Thanks for the listening ears. I do not take it for granted.”
• “For the record, you are a great father. Every responsible father wants the best for their child or children and in my seven years of working for you sir, you have done just that. I’ve seen you cancel deals worth hundreds of thousands just so you can spend time with your daughter during festive periods. Not every father would make such sacrifices. It's never too late to fix what you think needs adjustments.
• Talk to her, give her time. She'll come around. Do enjoy the rest of your day sir. This may even be a sign for you to rest especially with the campaign coming up. You've not had much rest. I will divert all calls to my line and have them leave a message.”
• “What would I do without your expertise?”
• “Do not flatter me sir or I might not be able to function properly for the rest of the day.”
• “Oh, please. I would have your towel replaced.”
• “ There won't be any need for that sir. You’ve done so much for my family. This is the least I can do.”