Chapter 7
Donald's POV
I clenched my teeth as I drove through the streets like a possessed demon.
My frustration had begin from the moment I called Sophia. Thereafter, my father had called to threaten me concerning my divorce with Sophia.
Imagine ordering a grown ass man like myself to get back with a woman I didn't love? Where's the sense in that? And to think he'd threaten to take over the company if I don't comply, it's something I really can't place.
I find the whole thing complicated, yet annoying. How come the witch had warm her way into the hearts of my family that much? Particularly my father, is something I still find hard to understand.
I had argued with him and then ended the call before putting the phone on DND (DO NOT DISTURB). I would deal with him later. I need to win this deal first, and I can only do that with a clear head.
I steered the car to the right, taking the last bend that will take me to 'Hailey's place', but my jaw instantly dropped.
In front of me was a long queue of cars moving at a really slow pace. I take a quick glance at the Richard Mille wristwatch on my wrist.
Fucking hell!
I was already fifteen minutes behind the set schedule of meeting Mark Lance. Messing with Mark Lance is not something I should be doing. I can't possibly delay any more time.
It's just ten minutes to get to my destination. I need to make a change of plan. And I need to do that fast!
I picked up my phone, there was over ten missed calls. Two from my father and the rest from Jane. Jane never calls more than twice, unless it's really urgent.
I knew instantly Mr. Lance must have been waiting. Looking ahead from inside the car, the traffic was still moving at a really slow pace.
I dashed out of the car, I couldn't afford to waste any more time.
Looking around as I walked, everyone seems to he minding their business. I break into a jog. That's the only way I can cover the remaining distance within this short period.
In no time I was panting in front of 'Hailey's place'.
My upper body was covered in perspiration and my shirt was completely soaked.
People around were giving me weird looks but I didn't spare them a glance. I have other worries - Mr. Lance! His car was already parked outside the restaurant's compound.
I got into the restaurant and head up towards the VIP section but someone stopped me.
"Restricted area, please head back downstairs."
The man on glasses stopped me with a hand on my chest. I gave him a quick look. He was heavily built and was putting on a black suit. His look portrayed him to be a bodyguard.
I cleared my throat looking at his hands that was still on my chest. "I'm here to see Mr. Lance."
He looked at me from head to toe as if I had lost my mind. "What business do you have with him?"
I clenched my fists then closed my eyes. When I open them back, the man was looking at me as if I've gone nuts. Is there a slight chance this hunk didn't know who I am?
"I am Donald... Donald Briggs."
Immediately I mentioned my name, the guard ran his eyes over me, then as if suddenly recognizing me, he gave a quick bow.
"I apologize Mr. Briggs. I didn't recognize you at first."
"It's okay, take me to Mr. Lance." I commanded, waving off his apology.
He led me straight inside the VIP and I saw Mark Lance sitting at a corner.
Even for a businessman like me, I still felt nervous. Two things contributed to my nervousness. One, I was drenched with sweat after jogging all the way here. Two, I was rich in my own right, but Mark is the richest man in the country.
I composed myself immediately I was in front of him.
"Mr. Lance, I'm sorry I didn't arrive earlier," I apologized, taking a seat opposite him. "I'm Donald..."
He waved me off then extended a hand, "It's okay Briggs, I know who you are. You aren't hard to miss in the business world."
I was flattered to receive such a compliment from Mark Lance. Only that, I didn't show it. I only nodded and flashed him a quick smile.
"Here's the document containing the proposal." I said, handling him a brown envelope.
I observed him keenly, his eyes seem to dart about the pages for a while before it settled back on me.
"Two years is all you need to carry out this project?"
"Certainly, Mr. Lance." I nodded confidently.
"Very well then. That's commendable."
I knew instantly I had sealed the deal with him. The smile on his face was all the confirmation I needed. I didn't think of anything otherwise, afterall I spent sleepless night personally drafting and reviewing the proposal.
This deal would not just top my rating in the business world, it would also earn me more respect from my father. He had been trying to land a deal with Lance while he was in charge of the family business, but all his efforts proved abortive.
The shrill ringing of a phone interrupted my train of thoughts and I looked up to see Mark pull out his phone.
"I have to take this, sorry." He apologized but I only gave a quick nod.
I hate having phone calls during a business meeting but who am I to set rules for Mr. Lance?
"What!" He exclaimed, instantly drawing my attention. The calm look on his face had suddenly turned to a scowl.
I suddenly became alarmed as he dropped the phone without another word, then his eyes settled on me.
"Donald Briggs," he called my name out coldly. "This deal is impossible!"
His last statement filtered into my ears and I instantly felt like a dagger was plunged into my heart.
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