It was almost perfect, and Andreas did not forget to add the finishing touch: hidden cameras placed at strategic points. Their precise positions would undoubtedly record everything that happened in her office.
Andreas felt satisfied. It seemed that no detail had been overlooked. In reality, however, Vlora’s words had left him curious.
“Everyone has their price.”
A feeling of incomprehension filled Andreas’ mind. He had no idea what Vlora meant. Something was bothering him, and he did not know what was going through her mind until he decided to visit Progun the next day.
Andreas sighed deeply and stared at the towering building in front of him. Grand and prestigious, Progun was like a monument to the world’s fantasies of untold riches.
But that was not the main reason why Andreas wanted to reclaim it. He did not care about its value; he cared about his pride.
That was the only thing Andreas would fight for. He was willing to take risks and do anything to assert his self-worth.
Andreas took a step forward, past the polite security guard and receptionist who greeted him. It seemed they still recognized him, even though it had been a long time since he had set foot in there.
Of course, Andreas had no right or business to be in Progun. But that did not mean he could not come.
The receptionist realized this and picked up the phone as soon as Andreas entered the elevator.
On the floor where the CEO’s office was located, Andreas was greeted by a secretary who greeted him cautiously.
“Good morning, Mr. Andreas.”
With one hand in his pocket, Andreas approached Alan, who was standing behind the secretary’s desk.
“Hello, Alan. How are you?”
“Good, Mr. Andreas,” Alan replied briefly, then asked immediately, “Are you here to see Mr. Jonas? He will be attending an internal meeting in about ten minutes.”
Andreas grinned and nodded several times. “Preparing for the shareholders’ meeting.”
Alan said nothing. He chose not to answer, and Andreas respected that.
“Do you know something, Alan?”
Vaguely, Alan furrowed his brow as Andreas leaned slightly towards him. “What, sir?”
“That’s why I like you.”
Andreas finished his statement with a pat on Alan’s shoulder. Then he casually made his way to Jonas’ office and said indifferently, “Don’t worry. I won’t be more than ten minutes.”
When Alan came out of his confusion about Andreas’ words, he realized that his former boss had disappeared from his sight. Now he could only hope that Andreas kept his word and did not stay longer than ten minutes.
Fortunately, Andreas did not plan to linger in his meeting with Jonas. Ten minutes was a relatively long time to spend with someone he did not like.
Arriving at Jonas’s office, Andreas immediately opened the door, walked in, and heard Jonas’s voice.
“Is it already-”
Jonas’ words stopped when he saw who entered. It was not Alan, but Andreas, who seemed to be strolling in with the typical grin that always managed to provoke Jonas. Not to exaggerate, but he always wanted to punch Andreas for his disgusting expression.
Andreas approached Jonas. He pulled out a chair and sat down in front of Jonas, acting nonchalant.
“Uh.”
Andreas’ sigh flowed rhythmically. He turned the chair he was sitting on and looked around.
“I don’t want to disturb you, but I just wanted to have a look around the room.”
The chair continued to spin slowly. Sometimes it stopped briefly, as if Andreas was carefully observing the surroundings. He seemed to be thinking seriously, both hands rubbing the armrest.
“What do you think I should change when I finally become the owner of this room?”
The chair stopped turning and Andreas and Jonas faced each other with a growing tension in the air.
“Are you still asleep, Reas?” Jonas asked with a sharp look. “Don’t dream that you’re not sleeping. It’s ridiculous.”
Andreas smiled. “It’s okay. Mock me as much as you want, but we’ll see who’s laughing in the end.”
“Don’t dream that it will be you.”
“Do you think it will be you?”
Andreas’ smile turned into a mischievous chuckle. He covered his mouth, pretended to be polite, and then flicked his finger to make a sound.
“I’m sure you have doubts as well, Jonas. So, my advice is, don’t forget to have fun. I’m afraid you won’t be able to enjoy your life after the shareholders’ meeting.”
Jonas’ face turned red. His jaw stiffened, and even though he knew that Andreas was deliberately provoking him, he could not stand it.
“Don’t brag, Reas. You should look in the mirror before you talk about me. You have no power to get rid of me. Even if my position is a bit difficult right now, it doesn’t mean that the shareholders are on your side. You’re not-”
“That’s enough!” Andreas interrupted Jonas and stood up. “I don’t want to waste my time listening to your chatter. Like I said, I just wanted to check this room. I have no intention of talking to you. We…”
Approaching, Andreas pushed Jonas’ desk. He stared at Jonas with a determined look, and his expression was really challenging.
“… can have a more interesting conversation some other time.”
Andreas finished with a wry grin. As if he wanted to give Jonas a nightmarish memory, he made sure to be as repulsive as possible.
“Damn you, Andreas.”
Jonas could only clench his fists as tightly as possible. He growled and took several deep breaths, trying to control the boiling emotions in his chest.
Jonas’ reaction pleased Andreas. In return, he made a farewell gesture just before leaving Andreas’ office completely.
Andreas’ smile faltered when he saw Alan get up from his seat. There was no need to ask; he knew that Alan must have been waiting for him.
Andreas shook his head, finding it amusing. It seemed that not only Jonas was careful with him, but now Alan as well.
Maybe I have a talent for making people be on their guard.
Andreas would like to acknowledge Alan’s caution this time. As the saying went, he wanted to kill two birds with one stone; meeting Jonas was not the only reason for his visit.
“Everyone has their price.”
Andreas shed his casual demeanor for a moment. Serious and determined, he successfully transported Alan back to the past. Back to when they were still CEO and secretary.
“Alan, tell me.”
Andreas’ weighty voice brought Alan back to reality. He blinked and found himself facing an unexpected question from Andreas.
“What’s your price? Jonas or Progun?”
*