"I would love to give you all of the family's business and every power it gives without holding back because I know you are more than qualified and because I want to give you the freedom to choose whom you should marry. That's the reason why I looked for you everywhere and hired the best investigators but to no avail. Fortunately, Lance discovered where you're hiding." Her father stated as-matter-of-factly to her.

"Given the fact that I marry the man of my choice, should we live together as that of a husband and a wife? Should we consummate the marriage, too? It's marriage for convenience, right dad? So there's no reason for us to do so."

"It's true that it is a marriage for convenience but you need to produce an heir out of it, too and you and your husband should not divorce because if that happens, you will be stripped off as a CEO and again the businesses will be handed to our distant relatives. Please do think about it, dear. I am already near to my retirement." Her father's voice were full of suffering.

Ingrid could only slump on her seat and heaved a deep sigh. Her thoughts are actively planning some alternatives. In just a few minutes and idea sink in, but outrightly she shakes it off from her mind. She's trying so hard to disregard the thought that keeps on popping in her head.

'NO! NEVER!' she silently protested.

...

Freya went to the CEO's office to give the schedule for that day.

"Sir, this will be your schedule for today..." Clifford just listened to it while looking at the monitor.

"Clear my schedule starting Friday till Monday next week, I'll be going somewhere with Miss Howard for a business trip. Inform her secretary likewise in this."

'With Ma'am Ingrid? This is news!' Freya felt giddy.

"Yes, sir." Then she left and went directly to the office of the Executive Vice-President.

"Daisy, where's ma'am Ingrid?" Daisy looks up to Freya.

"She's not around and she hasn't arrived yet. Is there something you need?"

"Not me, but the CEO..." Freya giggled whereas Daisy was puzzled. Freya then took the chair in front of Daisy's table and then looked around before she speaks in almost a whisper.

"The CEO instructed me to clear his and ma'am Ingrid's schedule next week starting on Friday till Monday because they'll be going somewhere for a business trip." Her tone of voice is somewhat suspicious and malicious. "...is there something going on with them? I mean, are they developing a romantic relations.h.i.+p?"

Daisy pursed her lips.

"Freya, I think it's not our business to know about bosses' personal lives and I don't have the guts to ask her, too." Daisy's face gives a blank expression.

"Hmmppp... why did I ever asked you. Just do what the CEO instructs, you get it?" then Freya immediately left.

Daisy was bewildered on Freya's statement and expected that in any moment those words will spread like a wildfire among the employees. And everyone will again make bets on it. Daisy shakes her head as she thought about it.

"Good morning, Daisy.." she was so startled that she automatically stands up when she heard Ingrid's voice.

"Go-good morning, Ma'am.." she stuttered in responding to her boss.

"What's the matter, Daisy? Why do you look so frightened?"

"No, nothing, ma'am," she denied.

"What's my schedule for today?" she asked while she proceeded to her office. Daisy hurriedly took her tablet and followed Ingrid. She then informed her of today's schedule while Ingrid was busy looking over the doc.u.ments on her desk.

"uhmm... Ma'am, the CEO's secretary, Freya, went over and informed me about yours and the CEO's schedule next week..." Ingrid automatically stopped what she's doing and looks up to her.