RISE OF THE SCORNFUL CRYPTO LORD

4. A DEAL AND A MISTAKE

Claire's POV

I wake up early because of the deal I'm about to sign.

Today’s the day I meet the buyer offering $900 million for Harrington Tech. It’s more than the $750 million I wanted, way more than the $600 million Nathan and Mother pushed for.

I slip into my best navy dress, smoothing my hair while hoping this deal saves Dad’s legacy.

I don't know why, again, Liam’s face flashed in my mind. I could still remember the hurt in his eyes at the gala, the champagne soaking his suit.

I bought him that suit to protect him from their laughs, but he thought I was looking down on him. I didn’t mean it that way. I love him, always have, since those coffee shop days when we’d talk for hours. But things changed after we married and my dad died. Mother, Nathan, Christopher, Lila, they hate him, calling him a nobody.

I stayed quiet to keep the peace, but it’s pushing him away. I shook my head, grabbed my bag, and headed to the meeting.

The café is quiet with the sunlight spilling through big windows. I’m twenty minutes early for the 10 a.m. meeting, so I sit at a corner table, sipping water, and checking my phone.

At 10:15, I was getting ready to give up. Did he back out? I was about to stand up when I saw a man walking in, tall, in a sharp gray suit, holding a folder. His steps are steady, his face half-hidden by sunglasses.

I stood up, smoothing my dress, and smiled. “Mr. Gray?” I asked as he approached me. He nodded, removing his glasses, his eyes were sharp yet kind. 

“Claire Harrington,” he said shaking my hand. “I’m John Gray.” We sat, and I felt a strange calm, like he’s someone I can trust.

He slides the contract across the table, already signed with a stamp. I frowned, flipping through it.

“You signed this at home?” I ask.

He nods. “Just stamp yours to confirm.” I scan the pages. Everything was in order, $900 million for Harrington Tech.

After a few minutes, I nodded my head. “You done?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I responded.

He pulled out his phone, tapped a few buttons, and said, “The rest is in your crypto wallet.”

I checked my app to confirm, and there it is, the funds. The deal’s done. My shoulders became relaxed, but my heart ached so badly. This is Dad’s company, and I’m letting it go.

I didn't want to sell it, I wanted to keep it and run it like my father did, but it will take me two years of practice to get it right. And the only person who could, my relatives don't rate him at all.

Greedy motherfuckers.

John leaned forward, “Pick three people from the company you want to keep on.”

I paused, thinking. “Lisa from finance and Mark from tech,” I say quickly.

Lisa and Mark are both loyal and good at their jobs. There is one other person, but then I hesitated, then looked at John.

“Can I suggest someone not in the company?” He raises an eyebrow. 

“Who?”

I took a deep breath. “Liam Conrad. He’s… someone I know. He’s got a computer science degree and knows the market. He’d be great for this company.” My voice shook a little, thinking of Liam scrubbing tables and taking their insults.

John nodded slowly. “Are you sure about this?” He asked.

“Yes,” I replied, nodding my head as if my answer needed some backing.

“Have him send a resume. I’ll see for myself if he is worth it.” He replied.

I smiled, my heart lifting up in joy. Maybe Liam can have a place here and prove them wrong. Then become the top, and maybe buy out the company one day.

Vivid imagination…

Then John surprises me. “Are you married, Claire?” His question hits like a cold splash.

I froze, unsure of what to do, and again, this question reminded me of Liam’s face, his hurt at the gala, the way he tried to kiss me last night, and I pushed him away.

I love him, but we’ve drifted so far, and I don’t know how to fix it. 

Mother’s pressure and my relative's cruelty, it's all too much.

John’s voice pulled me back. “Claire?” I swallowed my spit.

“It’s… complicated,” I said, barely a whisper.

He smiled, leaning closer. “Go out with me tonight. Just dinner.” My heart stopped.

I looked up to John…

He’s charming, definitely wealthy, someone who could secure my future and that of my unborn kids, but he’s not Liam.

“I’m sorry I said it was complicated. I’m actually married,” I blurted out, and then further added a lie to sound firm, “And I’m going out with my husband tonight.” I tried to smile, keep it light, not wanting to upset him after the deal.

He nods, unfazed. “Fair enough. But meet me tomorrow with your family. They own 30% of the overall shares, right? It’s only proper.” I agree, relieved.

“Tomorrow, dinner at our place.”

I thought everything had ended, but he was too determined by not letting go.

“One date, Claire. I’d do anything for you. You could be the CEO of this company.” My breath catches again.

CEO? A good life, respect? It’s what I’ve wanted.

But betraying Liam? I can’t. I shook my head, but he pointed to my hand. “No wedding ring. Are you really married?” My cheeks burned.

I took it off months ago, tired of Mother’s comments. I didn't know what to say, so I nodded, taking the reservation ticket he offered. “One date won’t hurt,” I muttered, unsure.

He grinned. “Dress well. I planned ahead.” I force a smile, confused. Did he expect this?

All day, my phone buzzed with calls from Mother, Nathan, and lawyers. And it is all about the deal.

I decided to text Mother.

*Sealed the deal for $900 million. Home soon, but I have dinner with Mr. Gray. Will be late.*

I felt guilty immediately after Liam’s call entered, and I hesitated as my thumb hovered on the screen.

I answered, and his voice was warm and exciting for the first time in years. “Claire, dress nicely tonight. I’m taking you on a date.” My heart skipped immediately.

A date? It’s been two years since he suggested this! Why today!?

“Where’d you get the money?” I asked curiously

“My wages,” he said proudly

I’ve already said yes to John. I can’t tell Liam I’m dining with another man, especially one who bought the company from us; Liam would feel threatened, and it’d break him. But then, this might actually help him to secure a job with Mr. John.

“I’m working late,” I lied. “Just sealed the deal,” I added.

His silence was louder than the next words he'd say, “Oh alright, don't forget to eat.” Then he cuts the call.

I didn’t mean to hurt him. I put my phone inside my bag and stepped out.

Then I noticed a car pulling up outside the company.

The driver said it’s from Mr. Gray. I smiled, sliding in as my nerves jangled.

At the restaurant, John’s waiting, his suit perfect.

We talked about business, the company’s future. He asks about my family, my parents, but I dodge it, not wanting to talk about Dad’s death or Mother’s control.

My dad's death was tagged as suicide, but the last person he saw was me and we both had a great time as usual. All of a sudden, I fell asleep and the sounds of a siren woke me up. I wiped my index finger against my groggy eyes as I walked to the sitting room then I noticed two people carrying something outside.

Then I saw the police marking out a place in my father's room. A few moments later, Nathan, who was 7 years older than I am, told me that my father is dead.

“Claire, Claire!” Mr. John jolted me back to reality.

“Oh sorry,” I apologized.

It didn't take long before I forgot all that was bothering me and I started laughing at his stories, happier than I’ve been in years. We both connected naturally, but deep down, my heart is with Liam.

Again! I had thought about Liam, and as usual, guilt doesn't want to leave me alone.

I should be doing this with Liam right now and not with some man I barely know.

All of a sudden, John took my hand. His touch was gentle, the room faded into the background, and all I could hear was his voice.

“You are astoundingly beautiful, Claire.” He stopped and continued while he gently caressed my hand. “It will be nice if you're all mine. You needn't worry about anything anymore.” He added.

I was falling for it, and I couldn't stop it when his face moved closer, and I’m caught, craving someone to care for me after so long.

Our lips are inches apart, and I almost give in, wanting this moment. 

But immediately, I pulled back, replying with a hasty breath. “Sorry, I can’t do this.” I stood up, rushing toward the exit as my heart pounds right in my chest..

I crashed into someone. “Sorry,” I apologized and looked up. It’s Liam, his eyes looked hurt and angry. “It’s not what you think,” I said, my voice breaking, desperate for him to believe me.

John walked up and made matters worse as his face was calm but curious. 

“Who is he?” he asked, looking at Liam.