Ethan rubbed his face and stared at his wristwatch. God damnit it's been three hours and he still can't wrap his head around the sheer amount of outstanding debt the company had incurred.
How on earth did he allow this to happen?
A frantic knock sounded on the door, annoyed, he grunted a reply. His secretary was well versed in the language and interpretation of his grunts.
She entered, her fingers trembling around the phone she held aloft.
"The chairman." She mouthed.
Shit. Shit.
"End the call." He commanded softly.
She shook her head to indicate she can't, that old bastard probably threatened her position.
He pushed his hair back from his face and sighed. He collected the phone and placed on his ear.
"Hello, father." He said slowly.
"What have you done?!" His father's calm voice sent a chill down his spine. It was a common occurrence for his father to descend into a fit of temper, but this calm voice?
"Calm down Father. I can explain." He spoke as calmly as he dared.
"Oh yes you will. You'll explain how in the blazes you lost 500 million in a month." Low speaking tones, and finally, "I'll be there in five minutes."
"You better pray your excuse is a sound one boy, or you know what's at stake for you." The phone beeped.
Ethan gritted his teeth as he stared at the phone's screen. Right before he smashed the phone against the wall, watching as it flew apart with a loud bang.
His secretary flinched, bobbed her head nervously and shuttled out of his sight.
He loosened his tie, and cursed soundly.
All this had only happened because of that demon. Who would have thought? If only he had the 30% shares with him.
He thought he was smart, but that son of a gum outsmarted him.
His mind turned as he glanced at the wall clock. His father would be here in three minutes.
He shuddered, just thinking about what his father would say to him. The disappointment that'll be vivid on his face, his disapproval of him.
His father had always been one hell of a man to please. He was always displeased. A perfectionist who care only about keeping up appearances and making money.
His "old money" sermon had been preached so much that Ethan had them memorized.
From "old money" to "no money" the old chap was sure to have a fit of apoplexy.
Ethan could only sigh.
A knock sounded on his door and his blood spiked.
"Who the fuck is that?" He yelled.
The door opened, revealing the lean man with goatee.
His suit was a bit large for his small frame, and on his arm rested sheaf of papers.
"Good day Mr Ethan. I'm here with a solution." He smiled.
There was something about his smile_about him_that made Ethan want to stay far away. That was ridiculous, but he couldn't stop feeling as if there was something more to this man.
Cunning. Something dangerous lurking behind his dark eyes and small smile.
"What say you sir? Are you interested?" He coerced gently. It was subtle, the way he was steering Ethan's thought.
"What exactly are you prattling on about?" He snapped at him, his gaze involuntarily finding the clock.
Mr Marcus smiled, "I know your father is intending for you to step down from your position as the CEO. And I know you're deep in trouble."
"I can help you."
The words had an ominous ring to it. Ethan felt the hair on his nape standing.
He was confused. He wiped the beads of perspiration on his forehead away impatiently.
Today was a whirlwind of actions that were specifically targeting his weak point.
His father. In a minute. His position in jeopardy. Money misspent.
"Damn it all to hell," he muttered under his breath. He sat down with a dull thud and motioned for Mr Marcus to do the same.
He clamped his hands tightly together to not betray their trembling. He made his voice firm and demanding.
"What exactly do you have in mind?"
"You'll have to trust me."
He laughed loudly without humor.
"I think we can both agreed that I've done enough of blind trusting. It led me right where I am." He spread his hands wide, a harsh smile on his lips.
"We have so little time and so much explanation to do. I promise I'll explain everything in due time but for now, you just have to trust me."
Footfalls sounded in the hallway, Ethan felt his blood rising and his heart pounding in his throat.
In front of him sat Mr Marcus, looking calm and agreeable. He exhaled a breath. He really did not have anything else to do.
"Sure. But one condition, if this turned out to be a bad idea, I need some sort of insurance." He said hurriedly.
The door knob turned before Mr Marcus could say anything. His father entered casually.
He was dressed immaculately as always. He could never be caught lacking. His midnight blue suit was tailored made and the red carnation lapel.
"Good afternoon sir." Ethan greeted formally, extending his hand for a shake.
His father was a powerfully built man, every pore in his body radiated disappointment as he shook his son's hand.
"Good day Mr chairman." Mr Marcus stood up and extended his hands as well.
His father shook it, Surprise evident in his face. He glanced at Ethan who shrugged uncomfortably.
"Shall we?" Ethan directed them to the chair.
"I thought we were having a private conversation boy." His father's voice was polite but hard.
Ethan swallowed and replied as cooly as he dared.
"There are some things you need to know. Mr Marcus right here is our sales director. He has some information he'll like to share." Ethan declared.
Mr Marcus shared t
he papers between the three of them. His fingers were neat and sturdy, but Ethan thought he caught sight on a gnarled claw.
He shook his head. He was probably hallucinating.