Failed Contract

Conrad's POV

I watched Arabella take her leave while disgust filled my heart, I hated each moment I had to spend in her presence, I clenched my fist in anger just picturing what her hideous face looked like, I want everything to be over in the blink of an eye and waiting for everything to fall in place seems too slow for a man of my caliber, my phone buzzed again and this time, it came with a notification that made me smile. Countless reactions just for a little stunt pulled by my little boy.

"When it's all done, you will have no one to run to," I said unconsciously, feeling relieved by each word that left my lips.

"Sir, your investors are waiting, they demand your presence at once Mr Conrad" my bodyguard called out to me, startling me out of what felt like a trance, I adjusted my suit right away, I took a calm and relaxing breath before I walked in with a smile too contagious to ignore.

"I'm deeply sorry for keeping you all waiting, I had to attend to some personal issues, we all know the troubles that women bring to the table," I said calmly, my voice mixed with anxiety and a touch of happiness for what's about to happen.

"Take your seat, Mr Conrad, we don't have all day to keep babbling, we are here strictly on business" Mr Antonio interfered, his words nothing short of a buzz kill

I snapped my fingers at once and my bodyguards understood the assignment, my secretary brought I'm some files that needed honorable signatures.

"Here are the documents you should sign to take this talk to the next level, there's no time to waste my dear investors" I gestured with a broad smile as I handed them the documents. I relaxed in my comfy chair, watching as the four buoyant investors scanned through the documents like their lives depended on it, I could see them whispering among themselves as I swallowed hard.

I remained calm, scanning their every move, their possible thoughts, and next line of action.

"I can't help but notice the uneasiness on your faces, is there any problem my buoyant investors?" I threw out my question like a time bomb as the lead investor, Mr Antonio said before taking off his glasses, our eyes locking on to each other.

"There are some faults in this document and I can't help but smell a rat in your cupboard," he said boldly while the rest nodded in uniform, their voices all resting under their leader. I raised an eyebrow, still very much confused by their unethical observations.

"Everything there is correct, I reviewed every single detail and I have explained everything about the bold decision you're about to make. This is a lifetime opportunity that can't come twice, I suggest you seize your chance while you can Mr Antonio" I responded calmly, adjusting my tie and keeping my eyes on his wrinkled face.

"Why is there a change in the name of the company?, From my knowledge, the company doesn't belong to you"

I was lost for some quick seconds but regained consciousness with a faint smile, I coughed elegantly before I dared to open my lips.

"I don't see how that matters Mr Antonio, it's still the same company you are familiar with, nothing has changed so I see no reason to throw unnecessary tantrums"

"This company belongs to your wife's late father, not you"

"And I am legally married to Arabella, I'm her husband and by marriage, we share assets, what's mine is hers and what's hers is mine" I dared to speak, cutting short one of the investors who tried to make a point.

"Her father is the reason this company is at its peak, if you share assets with your wife, then why isn't she here to attend to this meeting?" Antonio asked.

"She has a more pressing issue to handle, women easily get bored with business talks," I said nonchalantly before taking a sip from my glass of water.

"I have no trust in this deal, all I can see on your face is deceit"

"I won't take an insult from you Mr Antonio!" i revealed without fear and in that moment, silence engulfed the room, they all looked at each other, puzzled by my boldness.

"Arabella is the only woman we can't trust before signing any contract, we won't make a move that's going to cost us billions of dollars without the daughter of the founder, I have no business with any company that goes by the name "Contech Group", I'm a diligent man and I won't lead my comrades to darkness" Mr Antonio revealed before he slowly stood up to his feet, I watched the other investors do same and it pricked every cell in my body as I watched in utter disbelief.

"I believe it hasn't gotten to this extent, we have already mapped out different plans, we have carefully talked about everything, the name is a bit different from what you are familiar with because my wife agreed to let me lead the company while she takes a break, losing her father took a toil on her mental health" I revealed, showing a bit of fear as they watched me keenly.

One of the investors smirked as he took out his phone to show me a video,

"That's the recent video that's trending on the media, about your son and wife, I believe a caring husband would get his shit together at home before convincing us to sign a contract with a changed company name"

"My colleagues and I don't have the assurance we need to sign this contract, Mr Conrad, we bid to take our leave now," Antonio said with a smile as his colleagues all arranged their suits while I stared in utter disbelief, nothing made sense at that point. They walked out one by one but before Antonio could step an inch outside the conference room, I pulled him back, he turned around in shock.

"Mr Antonio, I traveled all the way from New York to finalize the deal, you assured me you and your investors were ready, I wouldn't want to have the feeling that you have wasted my time," I said with a threatening tone.

He yanked my grip on his hand as the look of disdain fell on his face, he looked at me from head to toe like someone utterly disappointed.

"I will never sign a multi-billion dollar deal with a company that I don't trust, get Mrs Arabella and perhaps we can have another meeting on better grounds, and this time, I will be present with my lawyers. I bid you goodbye Mr Conrad" He said with a low and threatening tone.

Watching him take the elevator got me infuriated, I went back to the conference room and smashed the nearest glass cup I could grab hold of.

"Fuck Shit!!!" I screamed in anger.

My bodyguards watched without a word as I threw my tantrums without control, my eyes burned with anger, I had planned for months regarding this deal and that shit head investor made my efforts look meaningless. In that moment, my phone rang and I answered with a voice laced with anger.

"Who's the bastard bold enough to call me?"

"I'm sorry to intrude at an unpleasant moment sir, a woman is at the reception, and she demands to see you"

"Tell my wife to go home before I lose my temper for the second time!" I threatened and was about to end the call when her voice sprang up.

"She goes by the name Emilia sir"

I remained silent for a moment as the name certainly took me off guard.

"She said she's here to give you a good time" the receptionist added.

"Lead her to the conference room" I ordered before smashing my phone, I stared at the window, watching the breathtaking view while I clenched my fists.

"You're almost at the finish line, nothing can stop you now!" I assured myself loudly, basking in my imaginative triumph.