"Mr. Blackwood, I am afraid you have no time to contemplate. It's a decision you must make right now. Your decision to walk out of that door without a suitable response is tantamount to ending this contract. We would contact other partners who can salvage the situation and give us ultimate results", Mr Anderson said to clear the air. His face was defiant and it reflected action should Alex dare to misbehave.
Alex knew these were tough conditions, but he had expected no less. He nodded, acknowledging the demands. "I'm willing to comply with these conditions, but I also have a request. I need some assistance from your team here to navigate the local challenges effectively. I believe that a combined effort will ensure the project's success."
Mrs Johnson exchanged glances with her team. After a moment, she spoke. "We can assign a local project manager to work closely with you. They will provide you with the necessary insights and support to navigate the challenges."
Alex shrugged although he felt the same way nonetheless. He remembered the surly driver who disappeared out of thin air due to other inconveniences he had encountered already. There was nothing to be hopeful about but he just had to make do. "Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. I appreciate your willingness to work together. I promise I won't let you down again."
Mr. Anderson, however, wasn't finished. "One more thing, Mr. Blackwood. We've invested a significant amount in this partnership, and we need to see immediate results. You will be on a three-month probation period, during which we will closely monitor the project's progress. If there are any further setbacks, we will cut ties immediately."
The pressure intensified, but Alex had no choice but to accept. "I understand, Mr. Anderson. I'll make sure we meet and exceed your expectations during this probation period."
The meeting continued, and the details of the plan were discussed. Although Alex was grateful he secured the contract, he was unhappy with the terms. As he was about to drive, he received a call. Reluctantly, he responded with "Hello."
"Hi Alex", a familiar voice responded. It was a female. Alex had to look at the screen again to be certain whatever was his business with any woman. "Oh Annie, it just had to be you. How are you?" Alex asked concerned and sounding a little relaxed. Annie was the only woman whom he had succeeded in establishing a friendship with in quite some time. She was the only one who pardoned his rudeness and his unruly attitude. Although she seemed to have a soft spot for Alex, Alex didn't find her interesting.
"I am fine Alex. It's unusual of you to ask. But then, how is Nigeria? I chatted with Jacob yesterday and he told me about…"
"About what? And why do you go around nosing around my business? Don't you work too, Daddy's little Princess?" Alex asked with a mix of sarcasm.
Annie breathed a sigh. She knew Alex well enough to expect his reaction especially when it bruised his ego. Unlike him, anger wasn't her thing and she barely got offended. As such, no matter how cutting his words were, she had a way to get past them. "Alex, it is not my fault I am my Dad's only daughter. And the fact that I am CEO of his company doesn't make it jobless. In fact…"
"There she goes… You just have to remind me about your wealth and class. You are unbelievable". Alex muttered laughing hysterically. "Silly woman with some silly cash," Alex said prepared to throw her off with some more words.
"Okay, Alex. I see you have a foul mood. Get some rest and don't try to snap pictures. Your bruised face wouldn't help matters. Enjoy your day in Nigeria. England is peaceful today too. Bye." With that, she hung up. Whatever was she to do with Alex? The dude was angry and in a fiery temper all the time. She made up her mind to speak to Jacob later to ask him about the state of things with the bruises.
Alex felt a dagger in his heart when she said those words. He didn't want anyone to remind him of his current predicament in Nigeria. He angrily dropped the phone and started to drive home. Jacob had some explaining to do. The dude goes around poking in his business like he was a puppy. He reached out to his phone to call him but he thought against it. He was already angry enough for one day. He needed to focus on his journey back home.