The Price of Legacy

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 company from the C corporate group?”

Mr. Newman threw him a look and sighed. “It’s best if you both talked about this instead,” he said. “I was told not to inform you of anything till a representative arrives.”

“Oh, come on, Mr. Newman. I am just a curious shepherd worried about his sheep’s safety.” He drew closer. “Do I know him?” he inquired.

Mr. Newman frowned slightly. “Mr. Anderson, be patient. He’ll be here soon. When he gets here, you both can discuss the next steps.”

“Okay, where is he—wait.” Gary stopped himself; his eyes widened in fear. “Don’t tell me it’s—” a knock on the door interrupted him.

The door opened, and the secretary popped her head in. “He just arrived, sir,” she informed. Mr. Newman gestured for her to let him in.

Gary tried to say something, but Mr. Newman stopped him when the door opened.

Mr. Newman stood up with a smile on his lips. “Good morning, Mr. Martinez. I’m glad you could make it on time.”

Gary stood up, ready to decline the offer and just forget about the company when Mr. Newman said a familiar name. He frowned and turned around quickly. The shock from seeing who now stood in front of him drained the blood from his face.

“Julian!” he said in surprise.

“Gary,” Julian said casually, like he had been waiting for this moment. “How are you, my friend?”

Mr. Newman looked between both men with furrowed brows.

“Do you know each other?” He asked what was at the tip of his tongue.

“Please, give us a minute?” Julian said.

Mr. Newman nodded and walked to the door, but Gary stopped him.

“Why should he leave? Don’t want anyone knowing what you did?” He asked, his voice sounding pained and distressed.

Julian chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’re not aware that’s how business works.” Julian smiled a little. His face had no warmth in it.

“By hurting someone who you claim to care about dearly?” Gary chuckled nastily. “Julian, you looked me in the eye and stabbed me, like it meant nothing. Like our friendship was something shallow.”

Julian sighed, resisting the urge to say something harsh. “That’s why I am here to make things right.”

“Oh really?” Gary asked with sarcasm.

“Yes. I have a proposal, and if you agree with it, I can help you get back Anderson & Co.,” he said.

Gary stopped for a moment to stare at him to see if he was joking. He didn’t believe him.

“So, that’s the plan? Steal from me and return it to me like a gift in exchange for something else? Great!” He chuckled.

Julian frowned. “Stop acting like you’re clean and holy before GOD. We both know the shady things going on in your company, which led to it being bought from you.” Julian said, shutting Gary up. “The financial crisis wasn’t the only reason it was taken, there’s always more to the story.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Gary frowned.

“Please, don’t play innocent with me. We are business people, and we know the length we go to sometimes to make our business thrive in whatever way it can.”

Gary looked even more confused at what he was saying.

“What do you mean?”

Julian sighed. “Look, that’s not why I am here. I am here with a proposal, and if you accept it, we can make something work.”

Gary let out a defeated sigh. “What are you proposing?”

“An arranged marriage between your daughter and my son.” He said.

Gary’s eyes went wide, soon filled with rage as he moved a step closer.

“What?”

“I am proposing a marriage between—”

“I heard you. Don’t repeat it.” Gary stopped him. “You want to trade my daughter for a company?” His voice was not softer or vulnerable.

Julian sighed. “There’s a price for everything.”

“And my daughter is the price for my company.” He shook his head. “You think my daughter is some kind of property to be acquired or exchanged for another?” he asked, anger slowly building in his tone.

“That’s not what I said.” Julian defended.

“You implied it!”

Julian checked his watch. “Look, there are a lot of investors interested in Anderson & Co., and you don’t know half of them. Even the ones you know wouldn’t give it to you because of the value your company holds.”

“It’s suffering a terrible financial crisis,” Gary pointed out.

“Not what everyone is seeing. I’m sure you don’t see it that way too.” He gave a deadpan look.

“I am not giving my daughter in exchange for my company. I will fight for it with everything I have.”

“What exactly?” he asked bluntly. “Look, I am not trying to insult you or be arrogant, but you need powerful people behind you if you want this company back for yourself, so I am making this offer.” He pulled out a card from his pocket. “If I don’t get a response by the end of the week, I’ll assume you’re not interested” he nodded at Mr. Newman who has been watching the show then left the office.

Gary looked down at the card on the table and thought of what Julian told him about his company’s value. He looked at Mr. Newman.

“Just accept the offer, Darken is determined to get it, and he will.” He picked up the card and handed it to Gary. “We both know who he is and what he’s capable of doing.”

Gary looked at the card and huffed. “You should have told me who it was,” he muttered, and then he walked out of the office.