A Billionaire's Tale

The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the café as Joan carried another cup to the window table—a routine she had mastered over the year.The middle-aged woman smiled warmly at her. “Thank you, Joan.”Joan nodded and walked back to the counter.She started preparing another customer’s order when the door opened, revealing Camila walking towards her with the most ‘I need a week to sleep’ look on her face.“I need a year break,” Camila announced once she entered the kitchen.Joan chuckled lightly and placed two cups of coffee with two doughnuts on the counter. She picked up the tray with the customer’s order and walked over to serve him.Camila reappeared just as Joan reached the counter. Her eyes lit up when she saw the coffee and doughnut on the counter. She looked at Joan gratefully and picked one of each.They leaned on the counter as they ate.“You’re the best friend ever.”“You don’t have any friends,” Joan teased. Camila rolled her eyes.“I love you, girl,” Camila said with he

“Here you go, sir.” The secretary placed a cup of coffee in front of Gary. “Mr. Newman will be with you shortly.” She smiled sweetly, and Gary nodded.“Thank you.” He took a sip and placed it back on the table. He glanced repeatedly at the clock on the wall, drumming the table nervously as he sighed.The door opened, and a man with grey hair, wearing corporate wear, walked into the office with a document in his hand.“Mr. Anderson,” he said as they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. He sat in front of Gary and placed the document on the table. “I apologize for keeping you waiting. I had to attend to some matters.”“That’s fine, I just want to know the progress of what we discussed,” Gary said.Mr. Newman looked at Gary with a sad expression and sighed.“I’ve reviewed the documents you brought to me, and I can see how badly affected your company was due to the lack of financial stability.”“Yes.”“While I would love to grant you approval for the loan to get back Anderson Co., I ca

Joan opened the door and stepped inside, letting it close quietly behind her. She hung her coat and moved into the living room, where her parents were curled on the couch—her mother resting peacefully on her father’s lap, his fingers absentmindedly stroking her hair.“Hey, Mum, hey, Dad,” she greeted them.“Shh… Your mum is sleeping,” he whispered, placing his index finger on his lips.“Sorry,” Joan whispered back and entered her room.She sighed as she collapsed on her bed. It wasn’t as soft and comfy as the one she was used to, but it’s something she can cozy up in after a hectic day at work. Like today.Joan closed her eyes and sighed, thinking of all that went wrong today. The text. The rude customer. Camila’s stress over her mother’s case.It was all taking a huge toll on her, and she needed a release. Some good news. Something that would make all these bad things feel like nothing.She quickly freshened up and entered the living room again. Her father was now alone reading a doc

Gary entered inside Mr. Newman’s office. His brows were slightly furrowed as he glanced at his watch repeatedly. He didn’t know he’d been tapping the floor with the tip of his shoe till the secretary came in to update him on Mr. Newman’s arrival.He smiled at her in thanks, and she exited the office.Gary looked at his watch again and sighed. He couldn’t get his mind off what the meeting of today was. Mr. Newman informed him about a possible alias who would want to help get his company back.It was great news, but then he thought about what the person might need in return, and that had put him under a lot of mental stress, hence his unease.The door opened, revealing Mr. Newman walking inside with his secretary carrying his briefcase.“Wow, Mr. Anderson, you’re early,” he said, widening his eyes in surprise. “Thank you,” he said to his secretary, who walked out of the office, shutting the door behind her.“I am curious about this alias,” Gary said. “How was he able to acquire the comp

“I am not sure yet, but I will inform you when I get something,” Daniel said to the phone. His back was turned to the door. He was staring out his office window, a view he had. “I’ve never given you a reason to be disappointed. Just give me a few days, and I should have new information soon.”The door opened, and Daniel turned around immediately. Santiago approached him with a worried expression and sat in front of him.“I’ll call you back,” he said, then disconnected the call. “I didn’t know you were coming by,” Daniel said, trying to hide the surprise in his voice.If he had come in earlier, he would have heard all he was saying.Santiago didn’t notice the panic in Daniel’s face because he was clouded with his own problems. Sharing with a friend shouldn’t hurt.“Sorry, I didn’t plan it. I was just…” He groaned and buried his face in his palm.Daniel watched the distressed man in front of him and typed on his phone, then placed it on the table, facedown.“What’s got you all worked up