Chapter 416 - Good People
As interim CEO of Muller Finance International, Erick had to attend various important business meetings, including to Tromso, Norway, this time to attend a charity event initiated by one of Muller Finance International's business partners. Erick certainly did not come alone. He was always accompanied by Alice wherever he went. That was why the two became close and involved in a romantic relationship. Fortunately, both of them were very professional and discreet, so their love relationship was not known by anyone. Ever since he asked Alice to commit, Erick insisted that he couldn't promise anything as long as Jack hadn't been found and let Alice find another man if she couldn't wait to have a more normal relationship, but unexpectedly Alice still chose to stay beside Erick. She felt very indebted to Jack, who had given her a better job opportunity. That was why she chose to accompany Erick until Jack came back to lead the company. Although many business partners always guessed that the two of them had a relationship, Alice firmly said that she was only the personal secretary of Erick Maguire, the interim CEO of Muller Finance International.
"We have prepared the best room for you, sir, a room that has a beautiful view of Tromso," said Mr. Antonio again when he was in the car with Erick and Alice.
"I don't really care about the room, sir, as long as it's safe, clean, and comfortable, that's more than enough for me," Erick answered briefly.
"It turns out that what people have been saying is true, the CEO of Muller Finance International is really humble. I am very impressed with you, sir, you are still young and have succeeded and..."
"I am only a temporary CEO replacing my boss, sir, I am nothing compared to him." Erick immediately cut off his business partner's words quickly. He didn't want many people to misunderstand him about his status. That was why he always said he was just the interim CEO, even though he'd been in that position for more than two years since Jack was declared dead.
Mr. Antonio smiled. He knew where Erick was talking. Slowly, the old man patted Erick's shoulder, trying to give Erick some strength. Although he had never met Jack, Mr. Antonio heard the terrible news that befell the CEO of Muller Finance International two years ago in the English Channel.
Mr. Antonio's convoy that picked up Erick and Alice finally arrived at a very luxurious house in Tromso. It was actually a real villa because of its interior and design. As the host, Mr. Antonio got out of the car first and invited Erick and Alice to get off as they arrived at Mr. Antonio's winter home.
"This is one of my private houses which was built based on the design of my late wife, sir. Since my wife died of a heart attack, I often rent out this house to important company guests or tourists visiting Tromso. I want to revive the liveliness in this house with the presence of people, who had stopped by at this place. Do you mind if you spend the night in this place, sir?"
Erick gasped. He was surprised to get such a sudden question after knowing the history of the house where he was going to spend the night.
"Of course I don't mind, sir, I actually consider myself very lucky to be given the opportunity to stay in this masterpiece of your late wife," Erick said earnestly.
"Thank God, I'm so relieved. Well then, let's go in. I'll show you your room and Miss Alice's room," said Mr. Antonio excitedly. He was happy because his guests liked the residence he had prepared. "Come in."
Erick and Alice, along with several people who were still loyal to Jack, followed Mr. Antonio's footsteps. When they were just on the first floor, they were all amazed by the beauty of the interior of the house, especially Alice. As a woman, it was certain that she would easily be amazed by everything that was attractive and beautiful, including master Antonio's superb design of the house. They all obediently followed the host's footsteps towards the rooms that the maids had prepared for them beforehand.
"Okay sir, I can only escort you here. I have to go back to the venue of the event to make sure everything goes well. Tonight, my men will come pick you up to go to the event," said Mr. Antonio with great dignity when he was about to say goodbye with Eric.
"Alright, sir, I understand. Actually, I feel really bad for you to pick us up personally when you are still so busy, and even prepare a place to stay as amazing as this." Erick answered sincerely from the heart for all of Mr. Antonio's kindness to him.
Mr. Antonio smiled. He then took Erick's hand and gripped it tightly. "I am happy that you are willing to stay in this house, sir. Well, I'm sorry, the people at the venue must have been very noisy because I didn't come."
Erick could only smile at the words from his business partner who was willing to pick him up. Erick had heard that Mr. Antonio was indeed very friendly to his business partners. However, not everyone would receive a special treatment like this. Without Erick knowing, Mr. Antonio gave this special service to him because he was touched by the loyalty of Erick Maguire to Jackson Patrick Muller, who was declared dead two years ago. That was why Mr. Antonio wanted to provide special services to Erick. He was very curious after hearing many stories from Erick about Jackson Patrick Muller. Mr. Antonio was curious how Jack treated Erick so that Erick was very loyal until now.
"The good-natured master is gone?" Alice, who appeared suddenly from behind, surprised Erick.
"He just left. He's a nice guy, Alice."
"Just like you." Alice immediately answered Erick's words.
Erick's smile widened at his lover's words. "We still have three hours to make it to the event. Would you like to take a little walk with me?"
"Sure!! Wait for me, I need to get my jacket."
Alice excitedly ran towards the second floor to her room still wearing the high heels that had always been her friends on the move. Sometimes Erick wondered how there was such a strong woman, who was willing to torture herself in pain wearing high heels for her sake. But for Alice, whose height was very far from the ideal height, high heels were her savior. Soon, Alice had returned to the first floor to join Erick again. Two bodyguards also accompanied Erick and Alice. Even though they only took a short walk, Erick was still being escorted by his bodyguards to avoid undesirable incidents. Edmund and his father were still eyeing his position as Jack's replacement, that was why he was always escorted by trained people who were ready to protect Erick with their lives.
Because Mr. Antonio's house was located near the harbor, the first interesting place to visit was of course the Tromso harbor itself. Even though it was currently snowing, it did not dampen Alice's enthusiasm to see the sights in Tromso.
"Be careful."
"I know, Erick, take it easy. Women are more reliable in walking on difficult terrain like this." Alice again reassured Erick that she was fine walking in high heels in this weather.
Alice snorted, she was annoyed at being underestimated by Erick. Annoyed, Alice stopped her steps. She then grabbed the binoculars that Erick was holding and started looking at the view of the City of Tromso with the binoculars.
"Wow! How beautiful …!" Alice's voice sounded loud as she was looking at the view of the City of Tromso through the binoculars.
Erick, who was staring at the sea in front of him, could only be silent. Every time he saw the sea, he was reminded of the terrible accident that had happened to his master.
Bang!
Suddenly, Alice dropped her binoculars.
"What's wrong, Alice?" Erick asked surprised.
"I-I saw Mr. Jack among the buildings."
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