A lot of mess goes on in the corporate world. Beneath that glossy and successful façade most business men wear, is the rotten deeds they do just to win. Indigo knew this, and she knew she had to spearhead this project otherwise it was doomed to fail—esp with the leader messing around with one of her subordinates— a conduct which was totally unacceptable.

For the successful completion of this particular project, the financial analyst and Strategic Consultant who were Frederick McKinney and Matt Hunter respectively. In her four years of previous work which she kept under wraps, Indigo knew that something could always go wrong, either minor or major. And the fact that she and Irene were enemies meant they could never completely see eye to eye, so she had to be prepared for anything. She needed all the additional information she could get at the back of her hand.

In the big office where the team occupied for the project, she noticed Frederick was absent. The team leader had her own office because she headed the entire Real estate division so it was understandable. But Frederick?

“He checked in though. But after that, he was gone.“ Explained Mrs Johnny, the data analyst . Indigo had a suspicion but noticing Carla stealing sideways glances at her, she knew something was up. Carla was the project coordinator and Irene's lackey as well which made Indigo's allies very few.

Indigo was supposed keep her cool but their act was getting too far; they had less than a month to complete the project.

“Irene.“ She entered after a quick knock, expecting to catch the lovebirds red-handed but Irene was all alone in the office.

“Where is McKinney?“ She demanded.

“Frederick is on a mission.“ Irene chuckled.

“We need him now.“

“Are you ordering me?“ Irene was irritated. She was jealous of Indigo's position as the PA to Young Master Slade for she would do anything to be close to the CEO. She had often watched him in meetings and had an unwavering attraction to his beauty and intelligence. However, she could do nothing but watch as other women flock around him especially the bitch standing before her.

“I suggest you concede before it's too late. You will—”

Indigo interrupted her with a bored sigh, brought out a pen from her bag, then played a recording:

“….I will take your place beside Young Master Slade and I will destroy you in the most unsuspecting of ways, Indigo Liam.”

She paused the recording and watched Irene's face change into a million shades of disbelief and fury.

“You dared to record that conversation!!“ She gasped, her eyes wide as saucers.

“Give me that pen. Now!!“ She was the opposite of calm whereas, Indigo acted unperturbed.

“You are a brilliant woman, Irene Walker, no doubt. I mean, look at all your achievements; first class honours at Cambridge. But you're not intelligent. You're blinded by hallucinations most of the time.“

“Get the fuck out of my office!“ she roared, her eyes searching around for a weapon.

“That is how you lost your scholarship at Cambridge, Irene. Prince Howard never loved you.“ Indigo shrugged.

“How?.. how do you know of him??“ Her breath quickened as she recalled a memory she had repressed.

“I want you to stop hallucinating and get McKinney here, right now.“ She finished, stared at her for a moment and walked out the door.

“I will show you that he likes me. It's just that he has never noticed me!“ She yelled to Indigo as the door slammed shut.

“Fuck you, bitchass retard.“ She breathed, then opened her drawer and rummaged for a pill to take.

* * * *

The confrontation between Indigo and Irene somehow got out so when Irene gave the excuse of not being able to show up because of other administrative functions, they all understood. In the meeting, the team looked at their competitors for the Skyline tower.

“We have three powerful competitors: Silverstone Developers, Pinnacle Properties, and Urban Ventures.“ Mr Hunter informed.

“They are all very capable since they've been in this industry for a longer period than Ethans International. So we need a competitive advantage.“

“Jones Knight Auctions will be our host.“ Carla added. “I could schedule a meeting with them.“ She suggested.

“And if that doesn't work, we will lose face. McKinney how much are we expecting to spend?“ Indigo called the financial analyst.

“Yep, we should be willing to spend at least $5 billion for the acquisition of Skyline tower.“ He said, lazily clicking on his computer.

“At least? What's the estimated market value of this building?“ Asked Indigo.

“Exactly at $6.4 billion.“

“If all goes as planned, then we acquire the property without a hitch.“ She said, rising tiredly from her seat.

“Next, we go for on-site inspection. When will that be, Carla?“

“Our host sent an email this morning. On-site inspection is in two days.“

“Good.“ Indigo stiffled a yawn. She was weary and drained. But she had to look into the detailed history of the Skyline Towers personally again. Most times, she tended to discover what others didn't, because she searched places they could not.

As she went up to the VIP floor to get her stuff, she passed by CEO Slade's window. He was on a call as he busily signed documents.

She missed seeing his handsome face for days so she couldn't help but stare. From a distance she could understand why Irene was so obsessed about him— he was the perfect Prince Charming every woman wanted to have.

Every woman but me. She snorted and left. * * * *

That night, after soaking in a warm bath for half an hour, she placed her dinner of stir-fried noodles and a glass grapefruit juice beside her laptop and set to work.

Skyline Tower.

The original company that owned this property was Orixcorp. Then, it was a pioneering real estate development company and Skyline Tower was built 50 years ago. However, their CEO, Marcus Weasley, made a high-stakes bet with a rival businessman at a high-end casino, wagering the tower on a single hand of poker. Unfortunately, Marcus Weasley lost the bet, and the tower was transferred to Sandwood Holdings, the rival businessman's company. Since then, Skyline Tower has changed hands multiple times.

Currently, Orixcorp was a large corporation with diverse interests including real estate but they hadn't indicate interest in the Skyline Tower property and this felt strange to Indigo. Weren't they interested in getting their property back?

Who knew if they had tried but failed. She thought. But it was a possibility. Anyways, everything will come to light during the on-site inspection.

Then her phone rang, the noise particularly jarring in the dead of the night. Indigo stared at the strange number for a while then she picked the call.