chapter 14

Hannah ushered Archie and his lawyer, Peter, into Dominic's office. "Sir, they are here." She announced, her voice a gentle hum in the room.

Dominic's gaze rose from the file in front of him, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Welcome," he said, his voice low and smooth. With a gesture, he invited them to take their seats. "Have your seats, please."

"Thanks," Archie and Peter chorused, their footsteps soft on the floor as they walked to the chairs and sat down. 

Dominic's eyes lingered on Hannah for a moment before he dismissed her with a nod. "You can leave," he said, his tone courteous. As the door closed behind Hannah, his attention refocused on Archie and Peter. "Where are the documents?"

Peter extracted two documents from his bag and placed them on the table, his movements precise. He slid the first document forward, his eyes meeting Dominic's. "This is the agreement," he explained, his voice steady. With a gentle push, he presented the second document. "This is the list of shareholders, including their shares and percentage."

Dominic's eyes scanned the first document, his brow furrowed in concentration as he pored over the details. After a few minutes, he set it down and picked up the second document. 

His gaze swept over the first page before he reached for his phone. With swift efficiency, he snapped photos of each page, the list of shareholders now captured. He placed the documents on the table, and his fingers flew across his phone's screen for a minute. "The transaction will be done right now." He informed them, his eyes meeting theirs. 

Archie's face softened with gratitude. "Thank you." He said, his voice sincere.

Dominic's gaze swept the room, his question directed at Peter. "What's next?"

Peter pointed to the document in front of Dominic. "Signing the agreement."

Dominic's attention turned to Archie. "Have you signed?" 

Archie nodded. "Yes, I've input my signature."

"Okay, I will deliver it to the president for her signature," Dominic assured, and with a smooth motion, he pushed the documents to the left and picked up another document from the right. 

He handed Archie a document. "You need to sign this too… It comprises our terms and conditions. Read through it and let me know your thoughts."

Archie took the document, nodding. "Okay."

Peter chimed in, "you'll have to return the document so you can have your copy." 

Dominic nodded in understanding. "Sure," he agreed. "And you have to return that as well once the president applies her signature. We will photocopy it so we can keep a copy too." 

As they prepared to leave, Peter smiled and stood up, Archie following suit. Dominic rose from his seat and shook hands with them. "Thanks for your cooperation."

Just as they were about to depart, Dominic's words stopped Archie in his tracks. "Archie, you can't go yet. The president is on her way here and she wants to meet you." 

Archie's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of anticipation and curiosity on his face. "Why?" He asked, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. "You said I'd talk to you and you'd discuss with her, so why do I need to meet her?"

"Don't you want to meet her? Are you afraid of seeing her? Dominic asked, his tone probing. 

Archie forced a wry smile onto his face. "Why would I be afraid? I didn't commit a fraud."

Just then, a voice echoed from the entrance, sending a shiver down Archie's spine. "What if you commit a crime worse than that?" 

Archie's gaze swiveled toward the speaker, his eyes widening in bewilderment as he took in the figure presence.

"Rosie?"

Rosie's smile was radiant as she waved at him. "Hi…" She strode into the room, her long strides eating up the distance. As she sat down, Dominic quickly vacated his seat.

Archie's eyes followed Rosie, his mind racing with questions. "What are you doing here, Rosie?" He asked, his voice laced with confusion and curiosity. 

Rosie's smile never wavere. "Isn't that a silly question to ask when it's not your house or even your office?" She tossed out. She picked up a document, her eyes scanning its pages before looking up at Dominic. "Is he the one selling his company to me?" She asked, feigning innocence. 

Dominic's expression remained neutral, but Archie's confusion was palpable. "What are you talking about?" He asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Dominic's warning was swift. "Archie, mind your words. You don't talk to your boss like that."

Archie took a step back, startled, his eyes darting between Rosie and Dominic. "Return the document!" He demanded, his voice rising. "I'm not interested in this transaction again."

Archie strode toward Rosie, his hand outstretched to reclaim the document, but Dominic intervened, pushing him back. "What are you doing? I said I'm not interested in this transaction again!" Archie protested.

Rosie's scoff was dismissive. "Mr. Moore, this is late."

Archie's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean it's late?"

"It's too late to withdraw because our financial department is halfway through with the transaction," Dominic's explanation was straightforward. Just then, a notification flashed on his phone. He glanced at the message and showed it to Archie. "Transactions done. Too late to withdraw."

Rosie's sigh was one of satisfaction. She picked up a pen and signed the documents with a flourish. "Everything is set, so the company belongs to me now," she declared, her eyes gleaming with triumph. 

As she pushed the document toward Peter, her instructions were clear, her tone brooking no argument. "Let me have my copy within twenty-four hours." 

Archie gritted his teeth, clenching his fist with his eyes turning red, his gaze fixed Rosie, his question barely above a whisper. "What are you doing?"

Rosie's response was a masterclass in composure, her lips curling into a light yet stunning smile. "Business," she said simply, elaborating, "Mr. Moore, We're doing business together."

As she stood up, she extended her hand, offering Archie a handshake. "Mr. Wright, I hope it will be nice and smooth doing business with you."

Archie was frozen in shock, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. His mouth seemed to betray him, refusing to form the words he wanted to say. Instead, his lips began to tremble, his face a picture of stunned disbelief.

"Won't you accept it?" Rosie asked. 

Dominic chimed in, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "Archie, are you rejecting the president's kindness?" He paused briefly, then emphasized, "remember you're now her staff, a managing director of her property. Do not forget you'll live on her money from now on. She'll be paying your salary. Whether or not you want it, you must to obey her."

Dominic's words cut deeper and Archie's face reflected his growing unease, his lips still trembling as the reality of his situation sank in.