GETTING THE HEART OF THE CEO

Lindsey was watching the triplets sleep in the crib; three months had passed since their birth. "Lin, let's go to the break room. It's time for you and me to have a conversation about Lina."

Lindsey became uneasy. Months ago, she had wanted to talk to her grandmother about her mother, but with the pregnancy, that topic had been forgotten. She took the old woman's hand, and they headed to the break room, sitting face to face.

"My dear, what I'm about to tell you, take it calmly. Some parts were told to me by your mother, and others are investigations I did at that time."

"Okay, I was about to ask you about my mother and why my father hates me so much."

"I want you to know that your mother didn't die from an illness; she was murdered. The Rose S. A. textile company and the mansion that belonged to your mother are now yours." Lindsey, upon hearing that her mother was murdered, immediately froze, not fully comprehending what she had just heard. Only one word could escape her mouth. "What?"

"As you heard, my dear! I'll tell you everything from the beginning. Lina was a warrior who took control of the Rose S. A. textile company at the age of 25 when your grandfather passed away. During that time, Lina met a businessman, and they fell in love. Lina dedicated so much to the company that she neglected her relationship. When she tried to save it, it was too late; this man had fallen in love with another woman, and they lasted six years together.

Disappointed, your mother clung to her work. When she turned 38, her greatest desire was to become a mother. She was planning to undergo artificial insemination when your father appeared in her life. He was just a 22-year-old accounting intern who charmed your mother until she fell into his web. Soon they became a couple. Your mom saw the opportunity to fulfill her dream, and your father saw a chance to climb the social ladder. I didn't like him as a person, but I saw my daughter so excited that I ended up accepting their relationship," the old woman took a deep breath.

"Then what happened?"

"They got married, your mother got pregnant, and John was furious when he found out. After a few weeks, he started to change; he wanted control over all your mother's assets. She transferred them to him due to her pregnancy. When you were born, you were the happiness of your mother and mine. As you grew up, Lina tried to hide all the problems with your father. John was never in love with your mother; he only married her for the money and fortune of the Roses. Later, my daughter discovered embezzlement in the family and company accounts," she squeezed her granddaughter's hands to gather strength.

"I know it's tough, Granny, but I want to know it all."

"When your mother asked him about the money in the family account, he shouted at her and hit her. Once, she came to my house with a bruised face, crying in my arms. I told her to leave that man, but Lina was masochistic. Your father treated her very badly, to the point that one day he sent her to the hospital, but the doctors didn't intervene because at that moment, she justified the beatings with an accident."

"Oh God! I can't believe my mother also suffered at the hands of my father."

"I investigated John and found out he had a lover and a daughter." "Like a daughter?"

"Yes, my love. Your father was always unfaithful to Lena with Kathen, who was his secretary at that time. I didn't tell your mother because I knew what she was going through, and even if I told her, she wouldn't believe me. She was always blind with love."

Lindsey's eyes widened, she swallowed hard, starting to understand her painful past.

"The saddest part came later. Your mother decided to get involved in the company's affairs and returned to work. Soon after, my Lina looked unwell, but it seemed like flu symptoms that wouldn't go away. Your father didn't want her to see a doctor. I hadn't seen her in days, so I decided to visit her. The scene I found terrified me. She was pale, suffering from diarrhea, nausea, body aches, headaches, and had convulsed several times."

"Oh my God! My poor mother. I didn't notice anything."

"I called one of my men, and they helped me get her into the car. Before reaching the hospital, she told me, 'Mom, if something happens to me, take care of my daughter. She is the sole owner of the Rose S. A. textile company, and the mansion my grandparents left me belongs to Lin. She's the only one who can live there; otherwise, it will be donated to a shelter.' That's why they never let you escape from that house because, if they did, they would lose it, unless you got married, as stated in the will.

We arrived at the hospital, and she was treated in the emergency room. After a while, a doctor explained to me that she had a complicated clinical picture, with her kidneys compromised and cerebral hemorrhage. The doctors tried to stabilize her and save her life, but unfortunately, she died.

I was sure that my daughter didn't die from a simple illness. With the money I had, I had her death investigated. A known doctor performed more in-depth blood tests, determining that the results were positive for ethylene glycol poisoning, an ingredient present in antifreeze products, in other words, car antifreeze. What makes ethylene glycol potentially deadly is that just a few sips can damage the central nervous system, and these symptoms also coincide with flu-like symptoms. The shock of knowing the truth gave me a heart attack, and they managed to stabilize me. Your father took advantage of what happened to me. Two days later, he inherited everything from your mother and took complete control over the family assets. I fought for your custody, but a judge wouldn't give it to a sick old woman. Shortly after, he married his lover and took her daughter to live with him in your mother's mansion, which rightfully belongs to you. Lindsey felt her heart beating strongly, making it difficult to breathe. Tears flooded her cheeks; she couldn't believe that her mother had tolerated so much cruelty.

"So, Courtney is my half-sister. Granny, do you think my father poisoned my mother?"

"I conducted my investigations, and yes, John and Kathen are the murderers of Lina. They were giving her antifreeze in her juice. I reported your father for her death, but he left me without resources, and John, with money, interfered in the investigations, leaving her death forgotten. They wouldn't let me see you, my child; they smeared my reputation in society. Without resources and after all that had happened, my heart was failing. I decided to come and live in this villa where your grandfather, your mother, and I used to come for vacations. We were happy here. I hoped that one day you would find me, and I could tell you the truth.

Lindsey sobbed and growled, "I promise, Grandma, I will make them pay for my mother's death."

"Of course, my dear. That's why you have to be strong, study how to lead and manage a company so that they can't intimidate you. You're a woman, and in a world of sharks, you have to learn to swim among them. I heard from an acquaintance that your mother's company is afloat thanks to the help of your ex-husband."

"Cursed individuals! They've destroyed everything my mother had in life, but I'll get through this. I swear, Grandma, I will avenge her death and reclaim what's rightfully mine."