DOMINATING HIS FOES

Chapter 6 - Survival

“Darling, what’s happening?” Emily asked. As she walked into the office.

“Now isn’t the time, Emily. The business is bleeding,” he replied with his eyes blazing in fury.

“It’s all over the news, people are beginning to talk. You should do something about it, Fred. We can’t let this happen to us. You promised me we will always be at the top.” Emily said with a shaky tone.

Edward exhaled heavily, “I don’t need you to tell me what I already know.”

Emily knew that if the business should collapse. She will lose everything. She doesn’t want to go back to her old life. She wouldn’t want to be laughed at by her friends.

Edward raged boiled over, when he kept seeing numerous calls. He grabbed the document from the desk and hurled it across the room. The papers scattered around the office.

Emily flinched in fear when she saw the horrible expression in his gaze. Just when she thought she would experience a good life after her divorce with Asher things began to go south.

“You can go back to your office,” Edward said to his assistant.

He walked towards Emily, lifting her chin higher. “I am sorry,” he said with his voice barely above a whisper. “I will make sure I find a way, you don’t have to worry about anything. I will handle this, and we will have one of the best weddings after all this is over.” He assured her.

Emily nodded, like a baby who just heard from her father. Her heart was throbbing fast in fear, all she wanted at the moment was for the storm to be over, she can’t wait to be called Mrs. George.

*******

Asher sat on the coloured couch with his leg crossed against the other. He waits for Mr. Zack Sinclair, a seasoned investor of George’s corporation.

The door creaked open. Revealing the man in his sixties walking inside the room with a mild demeanor. Asher adjusted his suit, taking a few steps as he shook hands firmly with Zack.

“Where is Mr. Mancini?” Zack asked, with his eyes ogling around like he was looking for someone.

Asher smirked, “I am Asher Mancini.” He replied.

Mr. Zack raised his brow; he was expecting to see a middle-aged corporate shark, but standing before him was a young man in an impeccably tailored black suit.

“You are Mr. Mancini?” he asked in surprise.

Asher nodded and gestured towards the leather chair, where they both sat down while his guards stood at the entrance.

“I must admit, I was expecting someone different.”Mr. Zack said with his voice barely above a whisper.

Asher smiled, “I get that a lot, Mr. Zack. What can I offer you?”

“Whiskey.’

Asher snapped his finger, and the waiter brought a bottle of whiskey and two wine glasses. He poured the desired quantity into the glasses before stepping away with a bow.

“I assume you know the reason why we are here,” Asher said after the glass left his lips.

Zack nodded, his finger tapping repeatedly against the glass. “Yeah, and I am more interested in why a young man like you wants to buy shares in Edward’s company. His stock is taking a hit and investors are wary.”

Asher leaned forward, “That’s exactly why I am here. I see opportunities where others see a sinking ship.”

Zack scoffed, confused by Asher’s remarks, “That’s quite a gamble. You should be looking elsewhere, not in Edward’s company.”

A small smile curled by the side of Asher’s lips. “A calculated one, I like taking risks, and this is not different from the previous one I have taken.”

Zack looked at the young man, who sounded confident. He shifted slightly with his gaze still fixated on Asher.

Asher shifted slightly, he kept a determined outlook. “I believe Edward’s downfall is inevitable, the company is hemorrhaging money due to poor leadership. Investors are scared, and you happen to be among them. But unlike others, I know you to be a smart businessman. You want the smart exit.”

“And you think selling to you is the best move,” Zack asked.

Without hesitation, Asher nodded. “Yes, because I’m Willing to pay above market value.”

Zack tilted his head. Asher’s words got his attention. “That sounds interesting, but not convincing. Why do you want the shares?”

“Let’s say it’s personal but for a good reason,” Asher replied.

“Let’s talk numbers,” Zack replied, taking a sip.

The next few hours were all about business, they countered each other, Zack was impressed by Asher’s negotiating skills. His offer was solid, his strategy and determination unshakable. Zack leaned on the chair as he took a deep breath.

“You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Mancini,” Zack uttered.

“It’s a fair one.”

Zack chuckled, “You have yourself a deal. I will have my lawyer draft the papers by morning.” He rose from his chair, extending his hands towards Asher.

“It’s a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Sinclair.” Asher shook hands firmly with him.

“I have a party at my place next weekend, you are invited.” Mr. Zack muttered.

“I will be there." Asher smirked.

Asher watched the man walking out of the room, he shoved out his phone to inform Mark about the deal. He stared at his wristwatch, he had other things to do before returning home.

He arrived at one of his properties in America, a vast estate that had once been in his portfolio. It’s been years since he last stepped foot here, his life with Emily wasn't been easy, trying to leave a normal life just to get her love, and still he didn’t get what he wanted.

He and the engineers were inspecting the property to know what to do next.

“Mr. Mancini, I promise you. I will do a better job.” The engineer said, assuring Asher.

“I believe you, Mark recommended you. I will be waiting for a reply from you.” He said.

Just then, a little boy, no older than five, with innocent eyes. Rushed towards him, Asher was shocked. He narrowed his gaze at the engineer, hoping for a reply, but the engineer shook his head.

“What are you doing here, young man?” Asher asked.

“I am looking for my mommy.”

Asher and the engineer exchanged glances before shifting their gaze towards the boy.

There is something about the boy that Asher didn’t seem to grasp. His features were familiar.

“Who is your mommy and where is she?” Asher asked.

The boy shook his head, leaving the two men in confusion. Asher glanced around the environment, hoping to find someone to claim the boy.

He sighed softly, “Come on, I will help you find your mom.’ He held the boy as they both walked towards the entrance.

Asher noticed the boy pointing towards a direction, he followed the boy's finger and his breath caught in his throat.

Asher felt his heart throbbing, his entire world tilted as he recognised the lady before him.

The moment their gaze met, Asher knew he wasn’t dreaming.

It was her.