Eric and Jack walked with purpose towards Christopher's office, both knowing he was holed up inside. Eric was the financial manager of the company and also happened to be Christopher's brother-in-law while Jack was his trusted assistant.
As they entered the room, Eric spoke up first. "Are we interrupting something?" he asked, trying to keep things civil.
But Jack couldn't resist taking a jab at their elusive boss. "Hope we aren't interrupting another fantastic session with your secretary," he quipped, loud enough for Christopher to hear. "I heard them this morning when I walked into my office a little late. Chelsea was definitely satisfied."
Christopher, who had been typing away on his computer, paused for a moment and then said calmly, "I'm sorry if my private life is causing any inconvenience to you gentlemen. But please remember that what happens between consenting adults behind closed doors is none of your business."
Eric stepped forward, sensing the need to diffuse the situation. "Look, Chris, we're not here to pry. We just wanted to check in and see how you're doing."
Christopher seemed taken aback by this sudden show of concern. "I'm fine," he replied stiffly
Sitting across from their boss and friend, Jack couldn't resist teasing Christopher about his ranking as the number one eligible bachelor in Forbes magazine. But Eric had grown tired of hearing about it.
"Are you finally off that list?" he asked Jack, hoping for a change in topic.
"Nope," Jack replied with a grin. "I'm still 14th on the list. Christopher's still holding strong at number one."
Eric rolled his eyes. "Why don't you just settle down and marry Chelsea? You could have all the fun you want without having to worry about early morning office sex."
But Christopher wasn't interested. "I have no plans to get married anytime soon," he said firmly. "And even if I did, it wouldn't be Chelsea."
"Why not?" Eric pressed.
Christopher sighed. "I've already told my father that I'll find someone to settle down with, but it won't be her.
Jack perked up at this revelation. "Wait, Chris actually said that?"
Christopher corrected him gently. "It's Christopher, not Chris. And yes, I meant what I said. My father wants me to have a partner by my side, but my choice.''
Christopher sat there with a cold, calculating expression on his face as he spoke about what he expected from the woman he intended to marry. "Definitely someone I can control," he said flatly, "answers to me, humble and easy to bend. Someone I won't be having any affair with sexually." He paused for a moment before adding, almost as an afterthought, "Chelsea has a level of pride and free will, plus if I marry her, I would never touch her sexually."
Jack looked at him incredulously. "And where do you hope to find a girl like that?" he asked.
"I don't know yet," Christopher replied in a detached tone. "But I have until the end of the month. I always find a way."
Jack could sense Eric's discomfort with Christopher's words, so he quickly changed the subject to Alpha technology. Eric couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh at the situation. The legal fines were exorbitant and could leave the company in ruins if they didn't reduce it.
Christopher snorted dismissively. "They should have thought about that before doing what they did," he said coldly.
As the conversation continued, Eric couldn't help but feel uneasy around Christopher. His lack of emotion and empathy.