3. Office Matters

Before the business meeting begins, there are a few discussions Terry needs to have with his father. So he makes his way to his father’s newly designed presidential suite - the old office is given to Terry to keep. Passing by the large corridors, he makes his way to the office suite, taking a moment to breathe deeper before he knocks on the door twice. Just when the man sitting inside asks him to come, he steps in with a casual expression on his face.

“Dad -” his usual voice is filled with respect. 

David Nashville lifts his face, his eyes meeting his son, carefully scanning his behavior. “What is it?” Terry comes forward to sit on the opposite chair, parting his lips to speak, “Dad, did you go through the p*f file I emailed you?” his father casually replies, “Yes, why?” Terry continues to tell him the key points he noted before coming in. He knows that his father wants a perfect explanation for the issue he is going to raise, so he learned everything he could before coming in.

Discussing the issue that has been bothering Terry, he continues to explain his point to his father who in return only nodded at him. “Dad, if, let’s suppose - we sign this deal with the foreigners, chances are that they will be telling us what and when to do. They have mentioned this in the sample contract. I have gone through it thoroughly and I do not agree with their terms and conditions.” 

His father twitches his lips before he retorts, “If you have raised an issue, I assume you have also come here prepared with a solution. Are you?” the raised eyebrow his father is showing to him makes him speak with such dignity, “of course -” when he begins to explain his plan to his father, he is not only impressed but also agree to what his son is telling him. Then David Nashville is going through the p*f file in his laptop, busy latching onto the keyboard.

The private office within the suite is the central workspace of the company's top executive, David Nashville. It is spacious, well-appointed, and designed for both productivity and comfort. It may feature a large executive desk, ergonomic office chair, high-end technology equipment such as computers, monitors, and telecommunication systems, and ample storage for files and documents. The office also includes a separate seating area for informal meetings or discussions. 

A connecting glass door that leads to the conference room where the board meetings take place is also equipped well with the necessities. While Terry is looking around the presidential suite, he observes luxury that is according to his father’s taste. After his father studies the information, he acknowledges that his son nearly saved him from signing this deal, otherwise, it would have been a great loss for the Nashville Corporations. 

“Alright, we will do this your way -” his father says to him. 

The meeting starts and the foreign clients appear, filling the large conference room with their managers and executive people. David Nashville greets them with a smile on his face, he also introduces his son Terry to the clients. Terry is very confident, he holds a kind of power that makes him look professional in his work. While he is standing near the projector, beginning with his speech, he points out the same issue he mentioned to his father. The foreign clients, at first, are silently listening to him then they exchange these kinds of looks that almost seem like they are unaware of this important issue. 

“I am sorry but we might have to reconsider this offer -” Terry is very straightforward with his answer. One of the clients mentions that they are unaware of the mistakes that have been made in the sample contract and they have no intentions to cancel this deal. “We are willing to reconsider, please give us a chance to correct the sample and send you once again with your desired rights.” David Nashville sighs deeply, he, after all, is willing to sign this deal as this is going to be a greater investment and beneficial for the company. Whereas for Terry, his position in the company will also be increased. Every time he makes a deal or profits the company, he gets a higher position by his father, David Nashville. The position he is looking forward to includes Vice President, a position below his father. After all the hard work he has done, he believes he deserves the best part. 

The decision finally comes to a conclusion and both parties agree to reconsider the sample contract. While leaving the foreign clients ask David Nashville about his other son, Jay. “We haven’t happened to see your other son, Jay Nashville.” Both, David and Terry exchange looks that are filled with anticipation. They are aware of his actions, he is least bothered by his family dinners, let alone the matters in the company. “Well, yeah, he was really looking forward to this meeting but last night he was not feeling well. I asked him to have a day off. He will surely join us the next time.”

Rushing back to his office suite, David Nashville is fuming with anger. The stormy expression on his face says it all. Behind him is Terry who walks inside the suite with him, remaining silent as he waits for his father to speak. “This is not the first time he has done this. You must be aware -” Terry’s voice is casual and calm while his father keeps on pacing back and forth, the kind of embarrassment he has felt in the conference room brings anger upon his face. “This is not right! I will not tolerate this. He needs to be a little responsible.”

Hearing this, Terry can only scoff, the kind of emotion he barely shows as he lifts his eyebrows to speak, “You are well aware of the reason behind his indolent behavior.” David Nashville gives a cold stare to his son who doesn’t bother to care. Before leaving the room, he mentions, “I am going out for lunch with mom. See you later -” With this, he leaves the old man alone to suppress his anger within the four walls of his cabin.