Chapter 3

"So, Mr. Davis, we have seen your samples, and your presentation is brilliant." He paused. 

"But we need something exceptional. Something that can stand you out amongst other companies bidding for this project." 

He drummed his golden pen on the table while the room remained silent with all attention focused on him.

"The truth is," he continued, "the Boris Factory representatives were here two days ago and they presented something similar to this. I am not saying your presentation is a total replica of theirs, but it has a connection and I seriously do not understand how that came to be."

He looked around, then added, "if your team can present something out of the ordinary in our next meeting, Zepan Firm will be glad to award the project to your company."

Chris looked around the room dejectedly, doing his best to stop himself from breaking down. 

He had prepared so much for the presentation and had given his all in explaining each slide as the projector displayed the plans. 

Listening to Sheikh Abdallah, the CEO of Zepan Firm, nullify his efforts due to a presentation done by a rival company that killed his morale.

The whole plan was his, he had worked day and night to come up with the strategies, and only his team had seen a part of his strategies, how then is it a replica of Boris Factory's presentation?

Sheikh Abdallah stood up and walked gracefully towards Chris who was still standing speechlessly. 

He stretched forth his right hand for a handshake and Chris took it in his, giving a tight smile.

"Mr. Davis," he whispered, "I understand the game, and that is why I am giving you another chance to prove your company's worth. 

I trust you'll come up with something better" he patted Chris' shoulder, nodded, and walked out of the room, after which other board members followed suit.

Chris and his team stayed glued in their position, each lost in his thoughts. Chris eyeballed his team and wondered aloud, "who leaked the proposal?"

•••••••

"There is a snitch amongst us, and I'll find out who that is. I swear on my mother's grave." Chris gritted out while having a meeting with his team at their lodge.

He had been pacing around the room since their return, punching the wall so hard that his knuckles peeled. 

He pulled his hair in frustration and let out a growl. 

His three friends and teammates who were at the meeting, hung at different spots in the room, doing everything possible to avoid Chris' rage.

"I fucking came up with those strategies! I compiled them all by myself, how then did it leak to the Boris Factory, again?"

He stood still like one in a trance, staring at nothing. He took a deep breath and puffed it out.

•••••••

Chris looked through the window and gazed at the clouds. He had different thoughts running through his mind, and one that bothered him most was how to face his father. 

He had left America with high optimism, and now he was back to the start.

He shook his head sadly and rested his head on the seat he occupied. He had more days to brood over his loss, but for now, all he wants is to enjoy the flight to Beijing, China, and unwind. 

Roland had said there was a place in Beijing where they can ease their worries, enjoy life and have a taste of the city's ancient delicacy called Peking roasted duck.

•••••••

A black exotic taxi pulled up at a gigantic building situated in a conspicuous, yet serene environment. Chris and his three friends stepped out of the car, all ready for the night.

Chris raised his head to check the name of the place and read it out. "Tornado Factory." He looked towards Roland quizzically.

Roland smiled. "Wait until you get inside. This is not your regular factory, this is a fun factory." He beamed and took the lead while others trailed behind.

Chris looked around as they stepped into the building, the music was surprisingly deafening, yet he heard no sound while outside. 

He took in his surroundings and noticed the whole place was dimly lit with red and blue bulbs.

There were men and scantily dressed ladies at different corners. Some were shamelessly making out in the full glare of others. 

The waiters and waitresses gilded skillfully with their roller skate boots from one point to another, serving drinks. 

He loved the view and he was sure it would help clear his head.

Roland paved the way and secured a spot for them. 

He signaled to a waitress whose skirt could barely cover her butt, and her cleavages were popping out of her tight-fitting shirt with loose buttons. 

She skated towards their table and took their orders.

"There are so many women here to satisfy your urges, all you need is to ask," Roland shouted over the music excitedly.

Liam and Robert high-fived Roland and conversed loudly. 

Chris busied himself with the view around, although he couldn't see their faces, the movement was visible.

The waitress returned with their order and hurriedly excused herself to attend to other customers. Chris and his friends chatted, ate, and drank.

Every drink in the "Tornado factory contained aphrodisiac, and that's something Chris didn't know.

After taking a third bottle, Chris got up drunkenly and screamed, "I need a woman!"

His friends who were not as drunk as he was, laughed at his display and watched as he staggered, battling with his belt.

Chris gulped down more drink and felt his dick pushing hard as his zip. He looked down lazily at his erect penis and laughed. 

"I'm gonna fuck y'all to death! I need a woman!"

The manager saw Chris and signaled to one of the ladies yet to be called by a customer, she was asked to satisfy him.

She walked briskly to his side, her head remained bent with her fingers woven. Roland assessed the lady and nodded in satisfaction, she was a beauty.

"Yo man, you got a big fish here to satisfy you." Liam teased.

Chris lazily turned his gaze toward the lady standing before him like an obedient lamb. 

He belched and said, "You look familiar, young lady, have we made out before?"

Cara bent her head more and wished for a saving grace.