DamianI leaned back in my chair, a smile spreading across my face as Serena walked in, her expression calm and composed, just like she always was. It was the one thing I admired about her the most, her ability to always stay calm no matter the nature of the news she was about to deliver. It always made me keep my own emotions in check. I waved her in, feeling a sense of relief that she was back. "Welcome back Serena, how did the week go?" I asked with a smile. The company was on the outskirts of town so she couldn’t come and go every day. I made her use a hotel during the week and then return on weekends.She closed the door behind her, her eyes locked onto mine, and I noticed a bit of curiosity in them or was it apprehension? I couldn't quite put my finger on it. "It went well," she said, her voice even, as she walked towards me. "But I have something important to ask you first." She said firmly.My curiosity piqued, I leaned forward, my hands steepling together, and nodded, my e

Xavier Each sip of that tea spread warmly through my chest, melting away the stress that has been piling up there. My eyes were glued to the computer screen as I scrolled through pending emails and unfinished work. If there was any way I could speed time up and get this meeting over with, I’d most definitely do it. I tried to focus on them but my eyes kept gazing back at my phone to know when Damian would drop a message. Impatience gnawed violently as I leaned back on my chair, exhaling softly. A knock on the door almost yanked my soul away from my body as I sprang up from the chair and adjusted my shirt. I thought it was Eliot returning from a brief meeting, so I walked over to the door and pulled it open. Although I wondered why he would be knocking on the door to his own office. “Sir, the head chef wants to know what conference room the tea and biscuits should be sent to..” a warm voice came from the lady standing in front of me. The nervousness I had just a few moments ago, q

Damian Eliot walked in, a sinister smile plastered on his face. I leaned back on the chair and fiddled with the pen in my hand while he settled into his seat. “So..” he cleared his throat and flipped open his laptop, “let’s get down to the business of the day, Mr. Reynolds..” “Sure.” I responded dryly, my eyes darting from his face to my phone screen. “I’m sure my intern has filled your assistant in on the reason for this meeting, I mean on the basis of the sponsorship.” He started and I nodded. “Yes, he has. I wouldn’t be here otherwise..” I responded. He chuckled softly and took a sip of his tea. “You know, we used to have a very loyal sponsor, and for years we’ve never looked elsewhere with them solidly behind us..” he deviated but my eyes didn’t leave my phone screen as he spoke. “But unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances that company had to pull out of our sponsorship agreement just so they can use the funds to stabilize their own growth..” he continued. I knew

Damian“Do we really need to get home before you tell me what it is you found on your boss?” I snapped, my curiosity tightening its grip around my neck as I swerved the steering. “Look old man, don’t call him that. Anyways, wouldn’t it be a lot better to tell everyone at the same time so they can know how far we’ve come on this mission?” Xavier shot back. I smacked my lips and tilted my head to the side, this didn’t sit right with me. I don’t want anyone else knowing what’s going on so far, at least not for now..“Xavier, I’ll call Victor over to join us at a bar so we can sit and discuss this. We’re not telling anyone else for now..” I ordered and dialed Victor’s number on the dashboard. It connected even before the first ring completed, as though he was already anticipating the call. “Sir..”“Victor I’ll send you a location right now, meet me and Xavier there in twenty minutes, or less. Depends on where you are anyway…” I said firmly. “Noted sir.”“Where are you?” I asked and h

Xavier I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear, the early morning sunlight streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my room. I forgot to turn off the previous night since I didn’t need to go to work anymore, a routine I was so eager to end. I slowly reached over to it and turned it off, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, feeling the familiar ache in my shoulders from the tension of the past few days. It was the day I had to head out to confirm that the slush funds were actually real, and that Eliot's dirty money was actually hidden in a bank in another town. It was going to be a long road trip, and I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Victor’s idea to confirm that it was real was a good one but I hated that I had to be the one to do it. As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet hit the cold floor, and I stood up, stretching my arms over my head, feeling the satisfying crackle of my spine. After a warm shower, I began to get dressed, my m