Uninjecting the Man Injection.

Rule Two: If you run into him, Pretend you dont know him!

"Please, call me Derek."

It was him. Derek no last name. Standing right there. And guess what? He had a last name, and it was Woods!

My aunt always said that if you talked about a person too much, they were bound to show up.

I had never believed her till now.

I watched, in what felt like slow motion,as he shook my uncles' hand.

"Vice like grip! I like." My uncle said giving him a pat on the back. "I'll get to introducing everyone in a minute, but let me introduce you to the reason you are here. My niece, Miss Valeria Ilan."

His eyes immediately caught mines and it was like he had just noticed I was in the room. He looked me up and down slowly before his eyes went back to mine again.

Suddenly I felt self conscious. Was the dark blue formal jumpsuit I was wearing flattering enough? Did the added blazer make me look too uptight?

And most importantly, Did he recognise me?!

I was panicking and my insides were melting. I felt so hot that I was about to start panting. Was that sweat running down my forehead?

Valeria, get yourself together!

I was confused and didn't know what to do. So I did the next best thing. Pluck up all the courage I had and pretend I didn't know him!

I broke into my well trained successful business woman smile and extended my hand towards him for a handshake. "Mr Woods. Such a pleasure to meet you."

His gaze didn't falter. It was like he could see right through me. "The pleasure is all mine."

He took a while to let go of my hand, his gaze piercing right into me. I returned his gaze with one just as strong.
So yeah, maybe I was melting inside, but he definitely didn't need to know that.

"Okay!" My uncle said pulling out a chair for me to sit on and Derek finally let go of my hand. "Let's begin!"

We all sat down and I turned towards my uncle expectedly, curious to hear what this meeting was about.

He introduced Derek to the five members of the board and three managers that were present.

During this time I paid an almost insane amount of attention to my uncle's face in fear that if I looked anywhere else I might've been met with the piercing gaze that I could feel burning holes in the side of my face.

"I'm pretty sure everyone here already knows what this meeting is about, except Valeria of course. Everyone else is briefed." He said standing at the head of the table.

Great. So not only was I unprepared, but I was also the only clueless person here!

"Well. As I said before. I am retiring as of immediately!" He said and I couldn't help the gasp from leaving my mouth.

What?!!

I didn't say anything though. Cool and composed is the game.

"And Mr Woods here will be acting CEO alongside Valeria who will be using this time as training for when she takes up the position in a years time."