06: Reclaiming Perfection

ALMA

"It still seems like a dream," I said to Rodney from the passenger seat. "I can't believe he did that. Put me as the heir to all that he owns!"

Rodney scoffed, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's no surprise he had left it to you, Alma. If there's anyone capable of running that company. It's you.

I nodded slightly, but the truth was, I wasn't sure at all what I was going there to do. I was scared to my bones that this was me diving back into the horrible past I'd left behind.

It had been three days since the call came in from the lawyer. Now, we were on our way to the airport, heading to Los Angeles. I wasn't going there to take over, of course. It'd be ludicrous of me to jump in something like that while I also held the rein of my own company.

I felt it was too big a task. Grandpa had entrusted me with so much, and that wasn't even the whole problem. I glanced at Velma beside me, busy with her iPad. Carl's image flashed in my mind, and the deep-seated hate I'd been bottling for him bubbled to the surface. How could I face him again, especially with Velma?

I didn't want him to ever be a part of her life. "Mom, is something wrong?" Velma's voice pulled me out of my reverie, and I forced a smile, realizing I'd just been staring at her.

"Everything is fine, sweetheart."

"This is just like a vacation, right?" Her bulged as she asked excitedly. "I love vacations!"

God, I hoped it was only that, too. I aimed to get there and see the will for myself, after which I'd clear things out with the lawyer and return immediately. I had no intention of taking over the conglomerate. I stroked Velma's chin. "Yes. It is just a vacation, nothing more."

She drifted her attention back to the media, and I caught Rodney's eyes in the rearview mirror. I ignored the question in them and responded tersely. "It is just a vacation, Rodney. We'd be back in no time."

"Are you sure?" His brows pinched together. "This is a pretty big deal, Alma. It might be hectic and scary at first, but if there's anyone who can make it work. It's you."

"I'm not trying to make it work. I just want to erase my name from that family and get it over with. I'm done with them. I've been done for five years, Rodney. It won't change now."

His lips quivered as though he wanted to protest, but he merely sighed. Business wise, this was too big an opportunity to let go of, but I wasn't driven by my ambitions this time.

There was so much more to consider. If the whole of the company was going to fall in my hands, what about Linda and her mother then? I could already picture their fumy heads and red ears at the news of the succession. If anything, I didn't want Velma around such a toxic environment, especially when Carl was involved.

How would I explain to my daughter that her father was a jerkass who left me for my step-sister? The mere thought of it caused an ache in my head. We arrived at the airport, and our plane would hit the air. Rodney escorted us to the terminal.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I know it won't be easy for you to face this on your own?" There was so much earnestness in his voice as he spoke, his eyes frantically searching for a positive response.

"No, it's fine, really." I shook my head. "I can handle it. Not to mention, we'd be back in a few days. I'm serious about not wanting anything to do with them anymore. I just want to get clearer and come back to my normal life."

"I'd miss you, Rodney. I'm sorry Mama says you can't come," Velma said softly, tears welling up in her eyes, and she stretched her arms for a hug.

"I'll miss you, too, my little princess." He knelt down to hug her properly. Rodney lightly patted her shoulders. "Your mom has her reasons, and you'll be back soon, alright?"

"Alright..."

"Remember what I taught you? You can always call me whenever you want to say hi, okay? Also, don't give your mom a hard time, and don't stay up too late. I'd be waiting for you when you're back."

Velma threw her arms around him against until I had to slightly pull her away. "We should get going, or we might have to trek all the way to Los Angeles."

"I'm just a call away, Alma. If ever you need me."

"I won't. I have it under control."

"There you go, superwoman."

Rodney snickered, and we said our quick farewells. Velma was a crying mess until we were out of earshot. I spent the entire hour comforting and promising her that she'd be seeing Rodney soon enough.

As the plane touched down in Los Angeles, a wave of anxiety washed over me. I glanced at Velma, who was looking out the window with wide eyes, her excitement palpable. "Here we are, sweetheart," I said, trying to sound cheerful despite the knot in my stomach.

We gathered our belongings and made our way through the airport, the bustling crowd adding to my nerves. Finding a taxi, we climbed in and settled ourselves. As the vehicle started moving, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach.

Glancing out the window, I caught a glimpse of someone familiar driving off in the opposite direction. My heart skipped a beat as I realized the figure bore a striking resemblance to Carl, my ex-husband. I felt a rush of emotions flood through me - anger, resentment, and a tinge of fear.

It couldn't be, right? Carl had no reason being here? The torture settled with me for a second, only a second, because never could he have that much power over me anymore. He'd done enough.

"Mama, what's wrong?" Velma's voice broke through my thoughts, concern etched on her face.

I forced a smile, trying to push aside my unease. "Nothing, sweetheart. Just thought I saw someone I knew, but I must have been mistaken."

Velma studied me for a moment; her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you sure, Mom? You look upset."

I sighed, reaching out to squeeze her hand reassuringly. "I'm fine, Velma. Really. Let's focus on getting to our apartment, okay?"

She nodded, but her worried expression lingered. I turned my attention back to the passing scenery, trying to push aside the unsettling encounter.

As we drove through the busy streets of Los Angeles, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It was probably my paranoia. My last experience here wasn't exactly friendly. Every passing car seemed to hold a potential threat, and I found myself gripping Velma's hand tightly, seeking comfort in her presence.

Finally, we arrived at the apartment complex that had been prepared for us. Stepping out of the taxi, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "Here we are, Velma. Our temporary home."

Velma's eyes widened with excitement as she took in the surroundings. "Wow, Mama, It's so big!"

I smiled, grateful for her enthusiasm. "Let's go inside and get settled, shall we?"

We made our way to the apartment, and as we stepped inside, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was a cozy space, filled with warmth and comfort. Velma immediately began exploring, her laughter filling the air. I called Rodney immediately after we arrived, and Velma spoke to him, spending long minutes explaining how lovely the place was. Too bad it was only for a few days.

I took a moment to collect myself before pulling out my phone to check the time. Mr. Page, my grandfather's lawyer, would be expecting us soon for our meeting. As I dialed his number, I couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness that lingered in the back of my mind.

"Hello, Mr. Page? It's Alma. We've arrived in Los Angeles, and we're ready to meet with you."

I met Mr. Page at a cozy coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sound of chatter around us. He greeted me with a warm smile, but I could see the concern in his eyes as we sat down.

"Alma, thank you for meeting me," he began, his tone serious. "I'm afraid I have some troubling news to discuss with you."

I braced myself, my heart sinking with fear. Troubling news? I didn't want to know anymore, yet I was compelled to ask what had gone wrong. "What's wrong, Mr. Page?"

He sighed heavily, his expression grave. "It appears that there has been some foul play within the company. Embezzlement, to be precise."

My heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. "Embezzlement? But how? Who could do such a thing?"

Not like I didn't already have a vivid idea of who could be behind this. I expected nothing more more from them.

Mr. Page shook his head. "We're still investigating, but it seems that someone within the company has been siphoning off funds for their own gain. Your grandfather was aware of the situation before his passing, and he entrusted me to find a solution. I can only share my research with you when you agree to take on this task."

I felt a surge of anger and frustration. How could anyone betray my grandfather's trust like that? "What can I do to help?"

Mr. Page hesitated for a moment before reaching into his briefcase and pulling out a folder. He opened it to reveal a handwritten letter, signed by my grandfather. My heart constricted as I read the words, his voice echoing in my mind.

"He left this for you, Alma," Mr. Page said softly. "In it, he expresses his faith in your ability to set things right. He believed that you were the only one he could trust to take over the company and restore it to its former glory."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I traced the familiar handwriting on the page. My grandfather had always been my rock, and the thought of letting him down tore at my heart.

"But I can't, Mr. Page," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not ready for this. I don't want anything to do with the company."

Mr. Page nodded understandingly, but there was a steely determination in his gaze. "I understand, Alma. But the truth is, the company is in a dire situation. Your grandfather's passing has left a void that needs to be filled, and you're the only one who can do it."

I gulped hard. "I'd built a life for myself outside the family, Mr page. This isn't something I can just take on. I understand how much my help might be needed, but I do not want this."

He pulled out another set of papers from his briefcase, laying them out in front of me. My heart sank as I saw the financial reports detailing the company's decline. It was worse than I had imagined.

"After much deliberation, Alma, I'm afraid you don't have a choice," Mr. Page said gently. "Your grandfather believed in you, and I believe in you too. Together, we can put an end to this embezzlement and turn the company around."

I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me - fear, uncertainty, hate. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "No, thank you." I squeezed the letter in my hand. "After everything. I'm not coming here to start the torture afresh. I already have my life planned out, so disinclude me in all of this."

I stood to my feet, and Mr Page did, too, the disappointment obvious in his eyes. "Well, if you change your mind, Alma. There's a family meeting held at the Jenkins family house tomorrow. I'd love to see you there, with a change of heart."

I clung to my purse. "Do not count on it."

Twenty-one hours later.

I eyed the building and it was just as I had remembered. This was the utmost den of thieves, and for the past five years, I'd dreaded coming back here. Now that it had come to it, there was no going back.

"Where's this place, mama?" Velma asked, clinging to my arm.

"Your grandfather's house." I paused and looked down at her vibrant face. Come on, sweetheart. Let's go take back  what's ours."