Chapter 6

"This morning," was his response.

Didn't individuals become weary of concocting tales about the lives of others?

I had a feeling that my grandfather's name was all over this. I was aware of his methods.

"This is ridiculous, don't people have something better to do with their lives?" I said. Returning the iPad to him, I questioned, "Who is she anyway?"

"The obsessed girl who won't stop calling the office," he said.

"Great, another pathetic girl that probably needs to be sent to a psychiatric hospital," I said.

My phone rang once more; it was my mom sending me another text. 

I believed that leaving your parent's house was the main goal for them to stop being around you.

He said, "Mr. Pierce is here early, sir."

"You can tell the receptionist to send him in," I said.

"I must warn you, sir, he isn't one of your problems you can just throw money at. That ground means a lot to him, you would have to convince him." He issued a warning.

He was in his late fifties, based on what I have heard. There were many untruths about him, including the idea that he lost half of his family's wealth in a divorce after getting married young. He has no relatives remaining, and no children. This meant that, given the pitiful state of his life, he wouldn't be all that difficult to persuade.

"There is no person I haven't managed to talk to about anything," I laughed.

Perhaps all I needed to do to get out of this predicament was to offer a glimpse of what I saw.

Just as Leonardo Pierce entered, Luke moved out.

As I got up from my seat, I said, "It's nice to see you."

"The pleasure is all mine; I've heard a lot about you." He said.

I had the upper hand on him already.

I motioned to a seat at the cough and said, "Please take a seat." I could convince him much more easily in a more laid-back setting.

I made him a drink offer while he was talking about the weather.

I presented the building's blueprints.

I showed him the planned 1640-foot building's architectural layout and said, "I call her Agatha." I went on to describe the concept to him. "It's going to be the tallest building here, with smart tech all at your fingertips."

I was careful not to provide too many specifics, and he leaned back and listened to my notion.

"Money is not the problem, I'm willing to accept any of your offers." I went on.

"I have to admit, Derek, that your concept sounds incredibly appealing, but I'd need some time to consider it. Unfortunately, I was childless since I would have liked for my children to inherit this as it represents my family's heritage and is more than simply a piece of real estate. He said, "I'll get in touch with you before I depart—I'll be in New York for a few weeks."

"Sure thing," I grinned. "While you are in New York how about you stay at my hotel, you can get to know a little bit more about me," I said. "I'll personally be there to ensure you are comfortable."

I had to make this transaction work, no matter what.

"I think I'll take you up on that offer," he said. "It was great meeting you, but unfortunately I have another meeting I need to get to," he said.

"It was entirely my pleasure," I said. 

My hand shook his.

Leonardo left my office with a smile on his face.

"Dorn it," I kicked the chair and whispered.

That's just how deals got turned down, so will he get back to me before he leaves? I guess I'll just have to find another way to win him over.

Luke entered my workspace.

"Well, did you persuade him to do it?"He said.

He undoubtedly intended to damage my ego.

"I warned you this was not about money; you should have at least shown you care about anything other than boosting your ego." He went on.

When did he have the guts to talk to me like this?

I replied, "By the end of the week, I'll have him sign."

When things didn't work out the way I had hoped, it only made me more determined to try again.

"Just a warning, the receptionist downstairs said your grandfather is on his way," Luke said, glancing back at his iPad.

I exhaled. 

My grandfather was cruel, and he wanted me to compete against him even as he grew older.

His only rule in life was to get what you wanted, no matter who was harmed.

Just minutes after Luke had left, my grandfather stepped into my office with his signature smirk, he leaned into his cane to support his weight.

"Grandpa," I said, attempting to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

"I heard about what happened with Henrick," He said, taking a seat.