To Color Your Life

And why am I not surprised? Christian thought. He was standing on stage as a winner, but he felt like a loser. He never liked to lose. His losses were always too costly. But at the moment he liked the feeling.

"Dear fellow shareholders, Mr. Pitcher," he nodded to Justin's grandfather, "Thank you all for your trust. The Pharaoh magazine team and its readers, thank you for your loyalty to your cause and all-round support to each other." Denver smiled at the nearest camera. "You know how to surprise."

Approvals echoed through the hall. Many of the guests were sitting with a contented look on their faces, others were whispering to each other, pointing their fingers first at the screen, then at Emily.

"Miss Hayes," the man turned to the girl, "You have a very peculiar way of persuading, but much to my surprise, it works."

Christian's face became serious again, the softness shown for a moment disappeared behind a mask of business calculation. "In view of the current circumstances, obvious to everyone," he pointed to the data behind his back, "As the new head of department thirty, I make the decision to support the project of Ms. Hayes and her team for a year to test its viability and profitability.

If during this year they can achieve the goals they have announced, the Pharaoh Family project would become a pioneer in a new direction not only in the publishing business, but also in many other industries. A bright short-distance victory does not mean you will win a marathon. I still prefer to rely on numbers and accurate calculations. But in the case of Pharaoh magazine, I am ready to make concessions and reconsider my approach."

Denver spoke the last words with a slight smile on his lips. "On the other hand, keeping the current project means that my project is not valid at the moment. And with my busyness, it is too time-consuming to understand the details of the work of the Pharaoh magazine. What then does the protocol prescribe, Mr. Pitcher?"

Evans' grandfather shrugged and chuckled, "I have no idea, Mr. Denver. Maybe you can think of it yourself? Today hardly anyone will be against your liberty."

Christian and Arthur exchanged silent glances, mentally understanding each other.

"Miss Hayes, please come onstage," Denver said into the microphone with an uncharacteristic warmth in his voice.

All eyes in the hall instantly switched to the girl. A faint blush of embarrassment flashed across her cheeks, but Emily tried to pull herself together.

It's too late to run, Hayes. You have two more years to work out the contract as the face of the magazine. So get used to publicity.

She straightened her shoulders and went up to the stage, where two men were already standing. The boss's grandfather, like a real gentleman, gave her his hand.

Emily's gaze slid to close friends: Сatherine, Barkens, Justin. She saw joy and support in their eyes.

Lord, thank you for giving them to me in my life. A warmth of gratitude spilled over her chest.

They did it. It doesn't matter who runs the magazine, the main thing is that their dream can grow further.

And she will do everything in her power to help it.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said Denver in a solemn tone, "Let me introduce you to my partner and co-owner of the Pharaoh magazine, as well as the acting director of the Pharaoh Family project, Miss Emily Hayes!"

Wha... WHAT?!

Emily froze with her mouth open. What's happening?!

Christian took the gilded pluck from Mr. Pitcher and put it in the girl's hands, "Congratulations."

"I... I don't understand," Emily looked at the metal thing in her hands in confusion. It was very warm to the touch.

"Weren't you suggesting that I should consider becoming your mentor?" the man grinned.

Emily was like a beached fish that could only open and close her mouth, not knowing what to say.

Darn! But she seriously told him this during the break! Blasted out without thinking!

"The price of my mentoring is half the business of Pharaoh magazine, you will be the head of a new project but you will have to follow my orders in matters in which I am more competent than you. For the rest, you can act as you consider right."

"Oh, I don't know what to say," she gasped.

Christian smiled, "You don't need to say anything, Miss Hayes. Unfortunately or fortunately, you have no choice."

"Thank you for believing in us, Mr. Denver," she whispered and pressed the metal plate to her chest.

The hall was filled with joyful shouts and loud applause. Mr. Pitcher shook the girl's hand, hugged her like she was a family for him, and walked off the stage.

"I look forward to a productive collaboration, Emily," Denver held out his hand to the girl.

"Likewise, Christian," she shook his hand, giving the man a beaming smile.

A moment, and Emily could not resist, so she hugged him. A short hug, a slight whisper of a grateful 'thank you', and now she is already downstairs, giving the same warm hugs to her team.

So cheerful, bright, tender. So beautiful.

"You surprised me too, Chris," Joyce walked over to the man, watching with interest as he stared at his palm as if hypnotized.

"What do you mean?" Denver immediately clenched his hand into a fist and slipped it into his pocket.

Catherine pretended not to notice the slight nervousness of her ex-husband. "Chris, we've known each other since high school. I have never seen you share with someone what you have achieved yourself. "

"Oh really? In my opinion, you were so good at making the credit card that I gave empty, back in the time when you and I were married."

Joyce rolled her eyes, "I'm talking about business, silly! So you gave your votes for Emily, and then you gave her the department. Come on, spit it out. What's happening?" she came close to the man, "You began to smile more, even laughed today. You know I won't leave this situation until I get to the bottom of it."

Catherine ran her fingertips along Denver's left side, and the man jerked to the side. "Ohoho, still ticklish, icy Chris?"

"Get out, Joyce. I have already regretted twenty times that I asked you to marry me then!" the man grimaced.

The girl snorted, "Yeah, right. It was a mutually beneficial marriage, so you don't have to cry with your fake tears here. So, what's the matter?"

Denver turned to the side but felt his ex-wife's gaze on his skin like the red dot of a sniper rifle catching its target. What a crazy photographer! She notices every little detail in the appearance of other people.

"She almost burst into tears when she saw that they were missing quite a few users," the man replied, "I didn't like it," he muttered under his breath. "And in general, your team has a great project, so leave me alone!"

He wanted to turn around and leave, but Catherine grabbed his elbow. "Wait, Christian, are you-"

When their gazes met, the girl's eyes widened even more. "Really??? Emily???... So you fell in-"

Denver covered Joyce's mouth with his hand, preventing her from finishing her sentence, "Just dare say it out loud, Catherine, and I will forget that you and I are friends."

He did not wait for her answer, stepped back, and walked quickly to his place. Taking his things, the man just as quickly squeezed through the cheerful crowd of people and left the hall. At this celebration of life, he felt that he did not belong here.