Ryan sat alone in the expensive leather chair, dwelling in the disquieting stillness of his office, feeling both overwhelmed and lonely. He rummages through his thoughts, his gaze over the offer from the anonymous lady. The audacity of her request agitated the placid water of his mind, producing ripples that echoes hauntingly through his soul.Could he genuinely consider ceding sixty-five percent of his company and even going as far as relinquishing his position as the chief executive officer? Shock and frustration were the emotion at war with in him, betraying an almost physical pain on his chiseled credentials.Still, he understood that the proposal from the anonymous lady wasn't a mere preposition; it was a potential lifeline, a chance to salvage what little remained of his company.As he looked down at the impeccably written argument, thoughts raced through his mind like a storm. The new offer stood at 65%, a 10% increment from the initial agreement, the woman had gagged up her wa

“First, I want you to meet with Mr. Lerman again and still in person. I think it's important for a touch of face-to-face discussion, to make sure we're all on the same page. Can you set that up and do that once again for me?” Ciara asked, her voice firm but not unkind.“Of course, I'll get right on it,” Sheila replied, already reaching for her calendar. “When would you want me to meet with him? And where?”“I'd like you to meet with him as soon as possible. How about tomorrow's afternoon? You can come to his office as always, or you both can meet somewhere neutral, like a restaurant or a hotel. I just want to make sure there is a productive conversation, without any distractions. What do you think?” Ciara asked, her voice thoughtful.Sheila considered for a moment. “I think a neutral location would be best for the meet up. That way, neither of us will feel like we're on our home turf, and we'll both be more open to compromise.” She replied, fielding out Ciara's thought.“I agree. I th

Ryan and Sheila sat across from each other at a table in a swanky restaurant, it was the new restaurant in town and Sheila had booked a reservation the previous day as ordered for her meet up with Ryan.The atmosphere that was hanging was that of a tensed one, as both parties had a lot of riding on this deal. The waiter approaches the table and asks for their orders, and they placed it. After the waiter left, there was a moment of awkward silence. Finally, after what seems like ages, Sheila breaks the ice.“I know this is a big decision for you, Mr. Lerman. I want you to know that we understand your concerns about your employees, and I'd like to assure you that they'll be well taken care of under our management.” Sheila said, carefully picking her words.She had said this first because that was Ryan's side of the deal to give in to their new offer. Given that his employees are well reserved and did deserve to keep their position in the company, mostly Miriam.Ryan leans back in his ch

Dwayne was surprised by the august visitor he received, he did not even expect to see him, not even in the nearest future.“Dwayne…" He called out, snapping him out of his train of thought. “Won't you let him in? Or you are planning to let him stand out here until forever, eh?”Dwayne regained his senses, quickly masking his shocked expression with a smile. “Oh, I'm sorry, uncle Ferd...” He was quick to utter an apology. “Please, do come in.”“Oh, yeah!” Ferdinand uttered in a dried tone, sarcasm laced in his voice. “I was even planning to come in, even if you are, or you are not intending to keep me here.”Dwayne sensed he was angry but said nothing, he only paved the way for him to come in, and he gently closed the door behind for him since he wasn't intending to do so himself. Dwayne followed his trail quietly and watched him have his seat first before speaking.“It's surprising to see you here, Uncle Ferd.” Dwayne began slowly after clearing his throat lightly. “I could bet that y

Ciara left her brother's home quite early as stated the previous night, leaving Herzl behind in his care —she had decided it's only the best her son stays with Dwayne. She has lots on her table to sort out and Gerald, who always fills in her place for Herzl, would be busy as well and there will be no one to look after him.She had promised to come and get him during the weekend. Herzl wasn't bothered a bit, in fact, he enjoyed the thought of it and wished that weekend never comes.Ciara got to work and Gerald was already waiting for her arrival, his back resting on the wall few inches from her office's door post. Ciara was a bit taken aback to see him arrived quite earlier than her; he wasn't the type that drops by early.“I see you beat me to it today, Gerald.” She enunciated with a dried tone, unlocking the door. “I'm quite surprised at this since you've never developed such a habit.”As always, his expression was stoic, and his face appeared like he hasn't smiled for ages. “Why are