THE drive back home was too disturbing and uneasy for Zach. It was so unacceptable to him that he got to a particular street and had to swerve to the side of the road and halt, then he fell into a deep thought, thinking about the whole situation.
Was it when it was already so close to getting what he wanted that Lucas decided to thwart the whole plan, he still couldn’t believe it.
“Hmmm,” he sighed, “this wouldn’t have to end like this, I can’t give up because Lucas did,” he soliloquized, “I will find someone else to get this job done, yes,” and with that he revved up the engine and zoomed off.
***
Jeremy stood quietly in the doorway of his opulent room in his penthouse, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him.
In the center of the room, by the beautiful center table, stood Jasira, his fiery, captivating girlfriend.
Today, her raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves, and her emerald green eyes sparkled as she spoke animatedly with one of the maids.
The maid, Gabriella, was a young woman with a kind face and a gentle demeanor, the chief maid. She listened attentively, occasionally nodding or offering a soft smile in response to Jasira’s words.
Jeremy really couldn’t hear their conversation, but the warmth and sincerity between them were palpable. He felt a rush of affection for Jasira as he watched her interact so kindly with Gabriella.
“Alright ma’am,” he suddenly heard and saw Gabriella smiling at his woman.
Jasira chuckled.
“Not just alright, do it,” she said.
Gabriella nodded.
“I sure will ma’am, I will,” she began laughing and heading towards the door.
“Will come check it up later,” Jasira said and dismissed her.
“Thanks for your time,” she said as she got to the door and with a polite nod, her eyes lowered respectfully, she greeted Jeremy.
“Good day Boss,” she said and he nodded in response, making way for her to pass.
As soon as she had left, Jasira turned and spotted Jeremy, a smile spread across her face instantly, lighting up her features.
“Jeremy,” she said warmly, walking over to him. “Okay, how long have you been standing there?” She asked.
“Long enough,” he replied, pulling her into his arms. “You were wonderful with Gabriella, you are always wonderful with her. I love seeing this side of you.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked down modestly.
“She had some questions and shortcomings on particular recipe, I was just offering her some instructions and support.”
He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
“You are amazing, you know that right?”
She leaned into his touch, her eyes softening.
“I try my best.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying each other’s presence. Then, she pulled back slightly, a playful glint in her eye.
“So, Mr. CEO, what is on your agenda today?”
Before Jeremy could respond, there was a knock at the door. Both turned to see Nathan, standing there, an envelope in his hand. He approached with a slightly wary expression.
“Boss,” James said, holding out the envelope. “This just arrived for you. It is from Lord Lucas.”
Jeremy’s expression darkened at the mention of the name. What again does he want this time huh? The tension between them had been escalating, and the arrival of this letter was unexpected, to say the least.
Jasira swallowed hard, grinning from ear to ear unnoticed. Lucas was really a good boy.
He took the envelope, his jaw tightening. Jasira placed a comforting hand on his arm, sensing his unease. “What does it say?” She asked softly.
He broke the seal and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the contents quickly. As he read, his expression shifted from anger to surprise, and then to a mix of confusion and skepticism.
“It is an apology,” he said finally.
***
Zach’s heart raced as he sat in his car few meters away from the club. Lord Lucario Moretti was a name whispered in shadows, a mafia lord whose influence stretched across the city, he had never imagined going to meet him for any job, but with the failure with Lord Lucas, and his business teetering on the edge of collapse, he saw no other option.
The Black Orchid Club was a haven of luxury and secrecy, nestled discreetly in the heart of the city, he had earlier received information from a reliable source that Lucario was gonna be present in the club at that hour, after booking a meeting with him.
After minutes of thinking, he stepped out of his car, straightening his tie and summoning every ounce of courage he had, then he walked up to the club.
The bouncer at the door eyed him suspiciously before letting him inside, the club was a dimly lit sanctuary of opulence. The scent of expensive cigars and perfume hung in the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses.
He approached the bar and leaned in to speak with the bartender.
“I’m here to see Lucario Moretti,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
The bartender nodded and gestured towards a door at the back of the room.
“Through there. He is expecting you.”
Zach swallowed hard and made his way to the door, knocking lightly before entering. The room beyond was a private lounge, furnished with leather chairs and heavy drapes.
Lord Lucario sat at a mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand and a calculating look in his eyes. Heavily built athletic men stood at different positions, about four of them.
“Mr. Zach,” Lucario said smoothly, motioning for him to take a seat.
“I have heard about your situation. What can I do for you?” He asked.
Zach sat down, feeling the intense scrutiny of Lucario’s gaze.
“Lord Lucario, I need your help. My company is on the brink of collapse, and I need to secure a partnership with The Peterson’s company to save it. Jeremy Petersons has refused to meet with me, and I’m running out of time,” he explained.
Lucario leaned back, his expression thoughtful.
“Jeremy Petersons is a hard man to sway. What makes you think I can help you?”
Zach took a deep breath.
“I know you have influence, connections that can open doors that are otherwise closed. If you can get Jeremy to meet with me and consider a partnership, I will do whatever it takes to repay the favor.”
Lucario’s lips curled into a predatory smile.
“On the contrary, it isn’t same for Jeremy,” he said and Zach gasped.
“Yeah, it isn’t same. I deal only with people with unclean records and Jeremy isn’t one of them, he has strived to keep clean records, I can’t do what you are asking for,” he stated emphatically.
Zach’s eyes widened in shock.
“Huh!”
“Yeah. With this I think our meeting is ended, now leave,” he ordered.