Catherine walked in with a big smile on her face and her Birkin bag in her hand. "Hello, Dad," she walked slowly towards them, beautiful in her red short gown, that elegantly displayed her endearing curve.
McKellen and his wife immediately changed their position so it wouldn't be obvious that they were worrying about something.
Catherine's big smile slowly grew into a frown when she noticed her parents' position. They looked sad; like they just heard some bad news.
"Dad, what happened? Mom, Is everything okay?" She questioned with curiosity in her heart eager to hear what the problem was.
"Honey, don't worry, it's nothing serious okay?" McKellen responded not wanting her to be fully aware of what the matter was.
"Dad, you can't tell me it's nothing. You're sitting here and you were comforting Mom and what? Is it nothing?"
"Baby don't worry okay? It's fine, honestly. I just have a little headache it hurts so bad." her mother said, placing her hand on her forehead in pretense.
Catherine placed her bag on the table and squatted to lean on her mother's lap. "Sorry Mommy, you will be okay." she gently tucked a part of her hair behind her ear. "I'll go get some medication for you."
She was about to get up and go get at least a glass of water and some painkillers when her mother held her back. "Don't worry, okay? I just took some painkillers already and need to get some sleep now."
"Alright Mom, if you say so."
"I'll take your mom to our bedroom, okay?" McKellen gently spoke to his daughter while helping his wife up the stairs. The couple didn't want their daughter to know about the current condition of the company even though she would find out sooner or later.
Their daughter they know is strong-headed, someone who is determined to do things her way and refuses to change or compromise her beliefs or actions, even when faced with opposition or consequences. Strong-willed and independent, often stands her ground and is not easily swayed by others' opinions.
"Honey, Catherine must not know what is going on in the company right now, okay? I'll sort this out. Also here's a letter I received from the Bentleys." He handed the letter over to his wife.
She looked at the letter and read it in her mind before she said, "Bentley? He wants to meet up with you privately. Are you sure he doesn't have a hand in all of this?" She wondered.
In the afternoon, McKellen drove straight to Bentley Maple Syrup company in honour of the invitation he received the previous day from Mr. Bentley.
The atmosphere was filled with pressure as most of the employees, were all helter-skelter with documents in their hands. The buzzing sounds of telephones filled the air.
McKellen carefully assessed and observed the environment as he walked to the receptionist's office. It seemed like they had everything under control and business was booming and moving well for them.
Bentley Maple Syrup company was run by Bradley Bentley who is also the CEO of the company but will soon be handing the job over to his son Williams Bentley.
BENTLEY MAPLE SYRUP specializes mainly in the processing and production of Maple Syrup and other products that can be made from Maple Syrup. Everybody knew Bentley Maple Syrup company and McKellen Sweet Tooth to be in competition against each other.
The employees from Bentley Maple Syrup Company already knew that Mr Bentley and Mr McKellen were silent competitors. They all wondered what McKellen came to the company to do.
"Excuse me, I have a meeting with Mr Bentley the CEO."
The receptionist flipped through the papers on her desk, starring into them she responded, "Oh, yes sir. Mr Bentley made it clear that he'll be having a special meeting with you Mr McKellen. Right this way," the receptionist led the way as she directed him to Mr Bentley's office.
"Hold on a minute," she gestured with her finger and gently knocked on the door and gave Mr Bentley the information that he had a visitor. "You can go in now," she informed McKellen with a smile on her face and walked away.
"Thank you," McKellen nodded and stepped into the office.
"McKellen!" Bentley greeted as they both hand-shaked. "Thank you for honouring my invitation. Have a seat."
"Thank you," McKellen said, sitting across from him.
"I already know you're waiting to hear what I have to say and the reason why I invited you to a private meeting."
McKellen nodded.
"You already know the condition of your company and mine too."
McKellen had confusion written all over his face. What was wrong with his business? It looks like it's in perfect condition. He thought to himself.
"Oh, don't give me that look. It's all over the news I mean it's literally the newspaper headline." he chuckled. "What do you plan to do about it? I'm pretty sure you've tried your best to trace where the fault may be from. I know. I invited you here to offer you help. I've got advice for you." Mr Bentley said further.
McKellen was desperate to get the company back on track and back to getting its normal revenue even if it meant going through drastic measures.
McKellen was a bit ashamed because Bentley had such a high ego and he always considered himself superior to McKellen and in a way, his company was thriving compared to McKellen's. It did feel like they were in a silent competition but deep down Bentley was winning.
He slides a document across to McKellen's reach. "What do you say? I want to be your sponsor, I'll help you get back to where you used to be. We can even merge the companies if you care. We'll share the profits and revenue, the employees will be paid a good sum and it's a win-win for all of us. Aside from the fact that we run similar businesses, I don't think it will be odd if you agree to be my business partner." Bentley offered.
Mckellen just stared at the paper while he listened to everything Bentley said. Bentley's idea was actually very smart and made sense. It was exactly what Mckellen Sweet Tooth needed but he knew that he would obviously want something in return.
He wouldn't just want to do him such a big favour like this and not ask for anything in return.
"So what do you get in exchange for this favour?