An Enemy in Sight

“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 cannot help but also notice a few holes in some of the reports.”

Gary frowned. “What holes are you talking about?”

“I found—”

“No sir, you can’t just enter without getting an appointment with Mr. Newman first,” the secretary said loudly as she entered the office behind a young man in an expensive suit.

“I don’t need an appointment to meet him.” Darken said when he stopped behind Gary, proudly looking straight at Mr. Newman. Like he beat all odds.

“It’s okay, Lily, I’ll take it from here,” he dismissed her, and she eyed Darken and walked out of the office, shutting the door behind her.

“You’re wise for choosing to see me, Mr. Newman.”

“Courtesy demands that you listen when you’re told I am having a meeting and wait for your turn.” Mr. Newman spoke irritably.

Darken laughed. “You really want us to go over this again?” He sat beside Gary and crossed one leg over the other.

“Mr. Anderson, I apologize for—”

“Wait, what?” Darken turned to Gary with a surprised-mock look. “Mr. Anderson, my very good friend,” he grinned.

“Look, I didn’t come for you. Just leave me be,” Gary grunted, not sparing him a second look.

Darken chuckled. “Even I didn’t come for you, but today seems to be the answer to everything I wished for.” He had a smug look on his face.

“Mr. Newman, how about we discuss this later? I don’t want clowns into my business.”

“I’d watch my mouth if I were you, sir. I love your daughter a lot, but that doesn’t mean I can’t beat a man up for disrespect,” Darken warned, eyes void of any smile.

Gary scoffed. “I don’t know why you love giving me good reasons to show you how much stronger than you I am.” Gary glared at him. “Remember when you tried to touch my daughter?”

Darken’s gaze darkened as memories flooded his mind of that particular night.

“Yes, that’s the look I left you with. Don’t come anywhere near my family, and you wouldn’t have to relive your nightmare.” Gary patted his shoulder and stood up. “I will speak to you later,” he said to Mr. Newman and turned towards the door.

“I know you came here for your company,” Darken said loudly, making Gary stop in his tracks. “I can get you what you want easily. No loan needed.” He turned to face Gary, whose back was still turned to him.

“I don’t need your help. I can handle my business myself.”

Darken chuckled. “Like how you handled it last year?” Gary’s palm formed a fist. “Let’s be honest with ourselves, there’s nothing you have that can get you back Anderson Co. Just marry Joan to me, and let’s forget we ever had any bad blood.”

Gary whipped around so quickly and marched to Darken.

“I would rather die than see my daughter with a no-nothing like you,” Gary spat out angrily.

“Watch your tone around me, Mr. Anderson.” He rose to his feet and looked daringly into Gary’s eyes. “I still have the upper hand here and plan to purchase Anderson Co. very soon.” His eyes softened, and he smiled sweetly. “Let’s make a deal—while my offer still stands.” Darken moved a step towards him. “Don’t worry, I will take good care of Joan and give her everything she deserves,” he winked.

Gary held him by the collar and pointed his finger at his face. Darken tried to release his grip, but Gary was stronger.

“This would be the last time I tell you to leave my daughter alone. You’ll regret not listening to me.” He pushed Darken to the table and stormed away.

Darken scoffed and adjusted his collar. He sat back on the chair.

“Now, tell me all I need to know about Anderson Co.”

…

Gary walked out of the building, huffing in annoyance.

“Such a dim. I wonder what good comes out of that boy,” he grunted underneath his breath.

He walked to his car and entered. He sighed and leaned on the headrest, slowly letting his heart rate calm down.

“What should I do now?” he muttered under his breath.

His phone beeped, taking him out of his thought bubble. He picked up his phone and swiped to read the message displayed on the screen.

‘I know what you did.’