Bought For A Baby, Kept For A Lifetime-Chapter 198: Change Of Leadership

’But I’m different from you Annelise, unlike you I want everyone to see you and think of the nasty things I might be doing to you behind closed doors...for them to know you’re mine...’ A low, magnetic voice echoed in her head like a dream, but it was a reality of something that happened just last night.

"Miss Thompson, it’s almost time for the press conference."

Anne almost jumped out of her skin when she suddenly heard a voice from behind her, she hadn’t been aware that someone had even walked into her office until she heard the voice speak.

Anne smiled lightly at the young woman, self consciously fixing the scarf tied around her neck before replying,

"I’ll be right out."

When she was finally alone in the office, Anne slightly pulled away the scarf and a starkly visible dark red mark could be seen on her fair neck.

That arrogant tornado, what games was he playing with her now? And why the hell did he bite her neck, was he a vampire?

Last night he’d done nothing but bite her. For the tenth time, Anne willed herself not to think back at it, but it rushed back to her mind in a way she couldn’t control.

The feeling of his hot mouth against her neck, the slightly sharp tugging pain as his teeth closed over her skin, and the delicious shiver as his tongue flicked over the area.

Her breathing suddenly turned heavy and Anne lightly slapped her left cheek to awaken herself from that memory that clung to her mind like gum beneath a shoe.

After he bit her, it was as if he’d accomplished his sole purpose of waiting in her room, he had pulled away from her, with a sinful smile on his lips as he told her that,

’I hope that doesn’t tell everyone that we’re doing unholy things.’

His smile and his words didn’t match at all. It had felt like he was marking her for anyone who saw her to see. But something that made Anne ponder was when he lately seems to repeatedly call her his.

What did he mean by that?

Was it because of the contract, or did he just see her as an ordinary commodity he’d purchased?

She couldn’t figure it out, and if he hadn’t buried his teeth into her neck maybe she’d have been in the right senses to actually ask him.

The red mark around her neck felt a bit sore, yet it had a lingering sweet sensation to the touch. Sighing, Anne pulled her scarf back in place and left her office.

.....

The grand hall was filled to the brim, reporters already swarming the place with a bank of cameras, their red lights glowing like a swarm of insects. The long rows of plush velvet chairs were filled with journalists who held their pens poised and recorders in hand.

A band of bodyguards escorted a dignified figure into the hall, elder Sterling’s appearance caused an uproar.

All the people present at the press conference knew today was that SE had called for a press conference, no one knew the exact topic but any public gathering from SE meant big news that would without a doubt blow up.

Another member of the Sterling family that many hadn’t heard from in a long while was also present at this press conference today, Micheal Sterling. Next to him was a very beautiful woman who held his arm affectionately.

Many speculated if she was his new fling or if he’d finally decided to settle down and had gotten married.

A young reporter from Lark News Agency leaned towards his colleague after taking a few pictures of Michael Sterling and the woman beside him to whisper,

"Michael Sterling hasn’t been in town for a long time, him suddenly returning, do you think it means something? If you remember the previous time at the Sterling Enterprises anniversary event, Elder Sterling seemed to hint at an upcoming retirement and handing over of the company to the next successor, do you think that’s what this is all about? I think if that happens, Sterling Enterprises is going to encounter a new change."

"By new change, do you mean that the company will be left over to Micheal Sterling?" The second reporter asked.

"Naturally, who else would it be?"

"Haven’t you heard that elder Sterling favors his grandsons over his son? If there’s going to be a change of leadership, I believe it’ll be one of the Sterling grandsons."

Such speculations began to circulate throughout the whole conference hall. It further fuelled the excitement as everyone eagerly awaited what announcement elder Sterling would make.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today." Elder Sterling’s booming voice silenced the conversation in the room,

"I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated team, stakeholders and partners who have supported our journey. SE has come so far, but with each milestone we cross, every member of SE is taught to remember the importance of growth. Over the years, our company has adapted to changing market, economy and environment, and we continue to nurture and prepare for the future, which has brought me to a very important step that will inevitably be for SE’s future.

This company has overcome many challenges, and it is time to welcome a new beginning. I’d like to officially announce that time has come for me to step down and retire from my position."

The hall fell absolutely silent, the only sounds that could be heard were occasionally camera shutters and anticipated breaths of everyone present.

Many of Sterling Enterprises staff were oblivious to this sudden change, while a few seemed to have anticipated it.

Anne, along with her team members stood aside, taking note of the whole event unfolding, prepared to control any untoward situation that would happen throughout the conference.

As elder Sterling announced that he would be handing over the company to someone else, Anne subconsciously looked around the conference hall. The person she was looking for wasn’t here.

Anne remembered something elder Sterling had once told her,

’Andrew wants nothing more than to take over the company, that is his biggest goal...’

However, at this moment, only Michael Sterling was standing behind elder Sterling on the stage.

Andrew was a man that prided himself immensely of his own achievements, if he failed to achieve his greatest goal, she couldn’t even think about how he would react. Elder Sterling’s voice cut through her thoughts.

"The person who will be taking over after me is someone everyone knows, someone more deserving of this position than anyone else. SE is a family empire, so I’m sure many know this person is a member of my family. I’d like you all to welcome the newly appointed chief executive officer of Sterling Enterprises...