Forgotten Romance: Take Me Back To You

"Really? The boss will be coming to work?!" Some staffs at the Enchanteur Chemicals were gossiping at the rumors they heard. As to where it came from was unknown to all of them. The lobby up to the 16th floor was flooded with the interesting rumors about the CEO's return. 

Who wouldn't get excited? After a year, Sonny has decided to announce the permanent return of the CEO--- secretly. 

Barry kept his promise. He allowed Marcus to return to work after making sure that his mission was accomplished. Yes, seeing the big transformation on his son greatly pleased him and the ȧssurance that he'll be like him in no time gave him the confidence to let Marcus out publicly. 

Now he won't be worrying about the dangers and threats his son will be facing sooner or later. 

"Is everything set?" Marcus voiced mightily. He was fixing his tie while facing the human-sized mirror in his room. 

"Yes, sir." Sonny's voiced echoed while on the other line. He's currently waiting for Marcus at the garage. "The board meeting will start at 10am as announced." 

"Good." Marcus replied. "And make sure no photos or information about me appears in every social media platform. If any of my photos get leaked, make sure that company never operates again in the future." He traced the scar on his face. It's too visible for people not to notice the knife's wound on his jaw going to the back of his neck. 

The image itself was too painful to behold. Not all people would survive a wound like that especially at the neck area. It's too dangerous!

He bȧrėly survived that incident two months ago. But he was thankful enough that he is still alive until now. That incident showed him how dangerous it is to live without strength, without power and without a backer as well. Looks like he understood why his father trained him hard till his heart become callous. 

Sonny also noticed the changes on the man's aura. Not sure what changed but something tells him that he is now a man whom you should not mess with. And the scars on his body bȧrėd all the reason why. 

The once flawless body is now scarred by deep wounds that cannot be hidden by cosmetics alone. Sonny cannot even imagine how he survived his father's tortures. 

Yes, he labels Marcus' training as torture! 

He sighed dejected when he thought of the chairwoman. She did her best to take good care of her grandson, making sure he won't become like his father. However, seeing the sudden turn of events showed that the chairwoman seems to have been defeated by Barry. 

Marcus' features mȧturėd a lot. His body seemed to have grown in size, maybe it was the muscles in his body that accentuated his good looks even more. Yes, despites the scar on his face, his good looks hadn't diminished even a little. In fact, he looks better with the scar! 

Normally, people who have scars on their faces are labeled as ugly in their current society as per the majority. But seems like Marcus will be destroying that label in no time! 

Damn good! 

A few minutes later, Sonny saw the young man coming out from the house. At the sight of the young man, he couldn't help but be shocked at his domineering aura. The way he walks and moves gives off an emperor vibe whom no one should not mess with. 

His sudden change somehow makes Sonny jerked in fear. This is not the Marcus whom he knew from his childhood! It's a totally different man! 

"Aren't we going?" Marcus uttered at the daze middle-aged man. Only when Marcus tapped him in the shoulder did he come back to his senses. 

Marcus smiled at him and the unknown fear within him banished instantly. He smiled back. He is still grateful that Marcus shows gentleness towards him despites the great change in him. 

Almost all the board members where happily chatting with each other. No one seems to take the meeting seriously since everyone thought that Marcus, due to his young age and inexperience, hid when the chairwoman went into coma. Little did Marcus know that they were talking-ill about him at his back. 

"He's a coward…" 

"What can a young man do now that the real power died down...?" 

"Don't worry, he won't be able to ruin us…" 

Chatters and laughter can be heard even outside the board room. Hearing the seemingly mocking laughter inside made Sonny frowns and a bit insulted for who knows why. He then glanced at the young man who stopped at the door for a while. He couldn't tell what he was thinking since he's expressionless. 

Is he possibly mad or what? He can't say either. 

"Mr. Hanes…" Sonny voiced concern. However, Marcus didn't say a word. He just motioned the middle-aged man to open the door. 

The room suddenly fell in silence upon seeing the young man who walk straight to his chair. Although, they were silent but their belittling gazes were all focused at him. 

Marcus didn't waver. In fact, he didn't care even if they'll throwing daggers at him. He lifted his face and look around. Seeing an empty chair, he frowned in disappointment. 

"Where is Director Walsh?" He asked while he leaned his back on the chair. 

"He's… He's with an important client at the moment, Sir. He said he will be late." One of the director's friend answered. 

Marcus frigidly stared at the middle-aged man who just spoke. It took him a minute before he spoke again. "Director Oh, I am giving you another chance to choose whom to give your loyalty." He didn't bat an eyelid while staring at the director who suddenly gulped nervously. 

There was a complete, awkward silence when Marcus took off his coat and rolled his sleeves. The sight of the dragon tattoo on his left hand and the gold dragon pendant hanging on his neck alarmed the people present at that very moment. Even Mr. Oh couldn't find the words to say. 

"I…I'm sorry Mr. Hanes, he did tell me that he couldn't attend the meeting since a VIP client came to see him this morning." He stammered nervously. 

"Is it more important than this meeting?" 

"I…." 

"Then can you tell me who the VIP client is?" 

"T-that…" the director looks around, his eyes pleading for help but almost everyone averted their eyes to avoid him. "The president of the blue ocean company, sir." 

"Sonny…" He called the middle-aged man who was sitting at the back. "Starting today, cut all our ties with the Blue Ocean company. Also, make sure Director Walsh hears that he is terminated starting today." 

His words shocked everyone and fear engulf them all of a sudden. Is he still the Marcus they know? Dread can be felt in the atmosphere. 

On the other hand, Sonny obeyed Marcus' words and immediately left the board room to make a call outside. After a few minutes, Sonny came back and gave a nod, telling Marcus that everything is done as he has said a while ago. 

"But Mr. Hanes, can't you give a bit of consideration. As we all know, Director Walsh was ȧssigned to work on one of the company's big project abroad. He's also trying to get the contract in Kenia. If you fire him now, how can we win the Kenia?" One of the directors took courage to speak up. Then the others followed. 

"I know. But is he the only one who can do it?" He looks at them one by one as if belittling them. "What's the use of having 36 directors? Can't the company grow without him?" 

No one uttered a word. 

"I am also aware how all of you willingly kissed his ȧss just to obtain his favor, why? is he that great? Is he the owner of this company? What did he promise you in return? Protection for your positions? Tsk!" Marcus hissed mockingly. 

Another silence…. But this time, their discomfort can be seen through their actions. Their eyes are evidently communicating with each other but when they meet Marcus' eyes, they shuddered for who knows why. 

Something is off with the CEO, they just couldn't point it out. Normally, there are oppositions whenever there's a meeting, but today seems a special day--- or should it be term as a dreadful day? 

"Listen all of you, I won't tolerate arrogant people in my company. Those who wants to bring me down…." Marcus sneered proudly as he paused. "YOU CAN TRY ME." 

A smile could be seen on his face but everyone could see the evil glint in his eyes and the mocking yet confident sneer he's emitting at the moment.