Chapter 5 : FriendShip

Making more money out of the money in hand has always been a hard task in the business world. One has to be cruel, act merciless and seal a deal to make profit. Being the head of a conglomerate group comes with its own responsibilities. One slip and the price to be paid would be hefty. That's the reason Ian never believed in second chances. "If you can't do well with the opportunity in hand, how do you expect me to believe again? So anyone working under me needs to follow the policy of do or die" was Ian's clear instructions to his employees from day one. 

It took him years to build his empire. He has seen people using the worst tricks in business on his way to reach his current position. So each penny mattered a lot to him, that doesn't mean he is a stingy boss. According to him the relationship between him and his employees was the exact give and take one. If they were able to render him the service to the best of their abilities, then he was willing to pay the deserving sum as their compensation. World doesn't run on excuses and Ian does not accept tardiness. That's how things work in Ian Evans business dictionary. 

Usually he supervised his entire business from the headquarters at Canary wharf. But sometimes he preferred visiting the branches in order to check the employee's efficiency. Though his mother says that he was a bit short tempered man, still he was manageable. At least he never believed in destroying things around him just to calm his anger.

Since his deal with Carter & Co. finished quite earlier than expected, he planned to take up some new projects in New York. After summing up some of the major projects, he had to attend a charity exhibition at Brooklyn. Attending such events is a must in the field. If art attracts you, then you might enjoy your time, if not you can surely show off your money. In Ian's case, he was an aesthetic lover, so attending such events is a break from numbers for him. 

As he walked into the venue with his PA, he witnessed walls covered with incredible artworks. One of the paintings really caught his attention and he was amused with the way the artist had depicted his thoughts. For a commoner it would simply look like a painting of a woman, but it had deep hidden meanings that only a true art lover could decipher.

While he was admiring the masterpiece in front of him, the artist himself walked towards him and introduced himself as Drake. Ian complimented him for his artwork. He spoke to Drake about his interest in purchasing it. 

  “ It's my recent work: DWD. If you're able to grasp my thoughts, I would willingly give away this work of mine without a single penny, but if you can't then probably you would walk away empty handed. How does that sound to Mr. Evans? " Drake asked him in a challenging tone. 

“ Ian Evans doesn't appreciate a no in answer. Since you're daring enough to challenge me, I'm willing enough to take it up. So let's get to the business... Regarding your artwork, it clearly speaks about the story of a woman. A woman, who wants to fly and shine with her own colours but held back by the society and people around her. Your rough line shows the roughness of the path she chose. She has uncountable colours inside her with which she can paint her own life story but her hands are tied with chains of thoughts by others. She has an invisible tear in her eyes but she decided to put her brave front to the world with her smile. You want to show the world about the delicate dream of a strong woman. I must really appreciate the way you played with those colours. So your work Damsel With Dreams is really a great one Mr. Drake " Entire hall broke into applause and Drake seemed to be impressed with Ian's answer. 

  “You definitely have every right to own this young man. Whenever an artist makes a stroke, he aspires to show his thoughts. Any artist feels ultimate satisfaction when someone defines his work with utmost passion. Today you made me feel satisfied. So this is my gift to you. " Drake was happy to meet a true art lover like Ian who valued his thoughts and appreciated it. 

  “ I feel honoured to receive it. But I would still want to pay my due respect to the masterpiece. Your thoughts are priceless, but as an admirer, I would like to appreciate your work with a token of appreciation. So I would like you to accept my respect." Ian politely denied the offer.

  “ But young man this is my own choice and you have clearly qualified my condition "

“ A businessman must respect every drop of sweat shed in his favour. In your case you have spent your precious time and thoughts on this painting. So I can't take this beauty without respecting your efforts " Drake was finally convinced with Ian's words. 

  “Fine young man, you win the argument this time. But one day I would definitely win against you" Drake playfully challenged the young man in front of him. 

  “ I'm looking forward to it, gentleman. '' Ian replied with a chuckle and quickly signed the check with a worthy amount and presented it to Drake while he signed the authentication certificate and passed it to Ian. 

Ian looked at the painting one more time and he knew it would find its best place in his bungalow. His PA fixed the issues about bringing the painting to London with necessary precautions. Next day both of them returned to London as he had settled all his important things in New York. 

Coming back home, Ian personally took interest in the installation of the painting on the living room wall during his weekend. He always wanted his things perfect and most of the time he preferred relaying himself for his work than bothering others. Once he was done with his breakfast, he checked the work details of different branches and slept on his cold and empty bed. 

If the devil works hard, then CEOs like Ian worked harder. Most part of his day would always be spent in meeting rooms or his cabin with files. Over the years, Ian dedicated his time and energy only on his company which indeed was the least favourite trait of his according to his mother Anna. 

Ian visited three important branches of his company after returning from New York and the visits this time were quite fine, apart from the fact that he decided to kick out 5 people from each branch. It wasn't intentional, but he couldn't help but remove useless ones. 

Anna's birthday was nearing and Ian had already asked his PA to check all the important things needed for the celebration. Since she never liked boring social gatherings, he decided to celebrate it in her favourite place U & I. After all, her happiness matters more than anything in this world to him. 

With all those tiny angels around them, Ian and Anna had an eventful day on her birthday. "Kids are called the real messengers of God" is what Ian and Anna have always believed and all these tiny fairies proved that fact yet again. Being with them literally calmed him and this was the reason he visited them whenever he got time. 

Next day evening, Ian had to attend an anniversary party of one of his important business associates, Mr. Carrick John. His designer had already sent his custom made suit to his place. He got ready without much delay and left for the party.

As soon as he got down from his car, the ever so eager media started bombarding with hundred odd questions and he replied to those which he found necessary and moved away from them. Ian joined in the party and congratulated the couple of the night with a bouquet. 

  “ Thank you for sparing your precious time for our celebration Mr. Evans. We are glad to have you" Mrs. John spoke with a polite smile. 

“ Pleasure is all mine Mrs. John. It feels good to meet people outside business meetings, at least we can have some good time without arguments you see... " The couple shared a laugh after hearing Ian's reply. 

  “ That's true Mr. Evans. The man inside the meeting room is a real tough one to please. But truth to be told, you're really one of the hardworking and passionate bosses I have ever worked with. You do deserve all the respect you have earned " Mr. John appreciated Ian's hard work. They had been working together for more than 5 years now and John had seen Ian struggling through the tough times. 

  “ It's not just my efforts Mr. John. It's the collective efforts of everyone at I &E that we are able to stand strong even after so many years. " Ian replied politely. 

“A handsome boss with humble words. Quite a combination... " A beautiful lady in her mid 20's walked in with a glass of champagne in her hand. 

  “ Oh let me introduce our renowned model to you Mr. Evans, this is Abigail Williams, she is our spokesperson for the recent clothing series. I will let you youngsters know each other then" Mr. John introduced the young lady and walked away with his wife. 

“ Nice meeting you Ms. Williams" Ian spoke as he shook hands. 

  “ Honoured to meet you Mr. Evans." Abigail replied with a smile. They talked for some more time and realised that they shared common interests. Altogether it was a pleasant evening for Ian. 

Ian got busy with his work after that party but he managed to keep contact with Abigail. They met at some other parties and events. Ian pitched her to model for his newly launched brand of sportswear and she readily accepted. She started working with ad shoots and things and Ian met her once in a while during her schedules. Ian wasn't someone who had a bunch of people he could call friends. Most of the time he preferred staying by himself and the only person he would call his friend was his mom. But Abby was becoming a good friend to Ian day by day. 

Ian and Abby met for dinners or coffee sometimes and the media would project it as a budding relationship which actually wasn't true at any point. He considered Abby as a good friend and nothing more. He could never understand how on earth those paparazzi came up with their impossible theories of hooking up people. But again.. denying things would just pile up more nonsense, so they both decided to ignore it.