Chapter 6

My Compass jeep croaked to live as I drove out of my apartment. In the trunk lay my luggage bag. It held clothes and some vanities I had.

After driving around aimlessly, I decided to stop at Morrison Brewery. I should see my father first. I will make amends and let him know that like the prodigal son, I have returned home. He had no option but to take me back.

Making a sharp turn, I sped down the road like I had lost my mind.

Soon Morrison Brewery was in front of me. I drove in and made a dangerous curve into the closest parking lot.

“Dude … I mean, ma'am, be careful,” a guard at the parking lot warned as I bounced out of the car.

I gave him a piercing look and went my way.

I went through a crazy security check until I met one of the staff that identified me. At his mercy, I was allowed into the last floor where my father's office was.

As I passed through the lobby, I heard some voices in the mini-conference room that was attached to my father's office.

One of the voices sounded familiar. 

Max!

I swallowed hard as hatred burned through me.

I walked past the room until I heard Max's voice again.

"...This is a golden opportunity! If you invest now, it will be your gain when we bounce back." He urged. The desperation in his voice was enormous, making me wonder about what was going on.

Curiously, I moved closer to the room. I couldn't see their faces but I heard their voices.

Someone in the room burst into queer laughter and said, “Mr Max, I like your fighting spirit, but that's not only what it takes to save your company. Morrison Brewery is on the brink of bankruptcy, investing now is like throwing money away.”

Bankruptcy!? My eyes widened in disbelief! 

“Is my father's company going bankrupt?”

"You are not throwing money away. We have been around for a long time. We have potential!" Max protested. "We're just experiencing a temporary setback. With your investment, we can turn things around."

"I'm not convinced, Mr Max. Your Company's financials don't lie. Investing would be a waste of my money. We are done here,” the man said with finality and I heard it as he rose to his feet.

Quickly, I scurried down the floor and made my way down through the stairs. I couldn't believe what I just heard. 

Morrison Brewery was one of the top companies in the brewery industry, how could it have gone bankrupt and beyond salvation? Those scoundrels were really out to bring my father down.

Dang!

Didn't Father see it coming?

While I stood at a corner thinking, a popular business tycoon walked out through the main door. Behind him were two bodyguards and Max!

Travis Scott! My eyes widened as I recognised him.

Instantly, realization dawned on me. He was definitely the one that Max was persuading to invest in the company.

Travis Scott was the country’s top multi-billionaire Bachelor. His companies were top-rated and because of his supreme influence and power, he virtually had no competition. Every company wanted to partner with him.

I watched as his bodyguards led him to the parking lot. The guard stationed by his car opened up and as soon as he settled in, the driver zoomed off. Two other cars followed closely from behind.

As the cars drove away, I glanced back at Morrisons’ building, and at the main entrance was Max. He was standing with his hands in his pockets. His eyes were shades of red and he looked grim and grunted.

That bastard! I cursed breathlessly. I wondered why my father didn't see him for who he was.

I hid away from him and walked back to my car.

Right on the highway, my car was just a few cars away from Travis' cars. I couldn't help but think; It was certain that Max reached out to Travis because he felt Travis was the only one who could bring the company back to its feet.

What if I excel where Max failed? What if I can convince Travis to invest in Morrison Brewery? But how?

Right behind the wheels, an idea occurred to me. With a subtle smirk, I sped up, in pursuit of Travis’ cars.