Continuation of jamin's pov
I stood at the edge of the window, the city spread out before me like a canvas of twinkling lights. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying the scent of rain and smoke.
My eyes drifted to the scar above my left eyebrow, a constant reminder of the past. The memories still lingered, echoes of a life left behind.
I lit a cigarette, the flame casting a brief glow on my face. The nicotine rush calmed my mind, but the emptiness remained.
Why did I always find solace in the darkness? Was it because the shadows hid my demons, or because they mirrored my soul?
Lost in thought, I didn't notice Derick's approach until he cleared his throat.
"Sir?"
I turned, squinting against the dim light. Derick, my trusted assistant, held a folder and wore a concerned expression.
"What is it, Derick?"
"Your meeting with the investors has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning. And..."
Derick hesitated, glancing around the window before focusing on me.
"There's been an issue with the Johnson account. They're threatening to pull out unless you personally oversee the project."
I took a long drag on my cigarette, the smoke curling into the night air.
"Handle it, Derick. I'll review the files in the morning."
Derick nodded, but lingered.
"Is everything alright, sir? You've been... distant lately."
I waved him off.
"Just tired, Derick. Close the door on your way out."
As Derick departed, I returned to the edge, my thoughts drifting back to the shadows.
I stared out the window, watching raindrops slide down the glass like tears. My reflection stared back, a stranger's face.
What had I become? A shell of the man I once was.
My phone buzzed, breaking the silence. A text from Julian: "Meet me at MM Bar. 8 pm. Important."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. Another business deal, another fake smile.
But something nagged at me. A sense of restlessness.
I thought of my past, of what I'd lost. The memories still lingered, a constant ache.
I pushed away from the window and began to dress. Time to put on the mask.
As I grabbed my keys, my gaze fell on a painting – a watercolor of a sunset, vibrant and full of life. My art, my escape.
For a moment, I forgot about the meeting, the deals, the expectations.
I forgot about everything except the colours the beauty and the freedom.
The rain-soaked streets mirrored my mood. I arrived at MM Bar, the neon lights reflecting off the wet pavement like a siren's call.
Julian waited inside, sipping whiskey. "Jamin, glad you made it."
I nodded, taking a seat beside him. "What's this about?"
"A potential investor for your tech startup," Julian replied, his eyes locked on mine. "But there's a catch."
I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of catch?"
"The investor has...specific requirements. Personal ones."
My instincts screamed warning. "What do you mean?"
Julian leaned in, voice low. "They want a piece of you, Jamin. Your soul."
I laughed, a cold sound. "My soul's already gone."
Julian's expression turned somber. "You sure about that?"
I downed my drink, feeling the burn. "Positive.
But the doubt crept in like a shadow in the night...
The whiskey burned my throat, but I welcomed the distraction. Julian's words echoed in my mind: "They want a piece of you, Jamin. Your soul."
I gazed around the bar, wondering if the investor was watching me. The dim lighting and crowded room made it impossible to tell.
Julian nudged me. "You okay, man?"
I nodded, though I wasn't. The past haunted me, and this mysterious investor stirred up old demons.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Trevor Harrison," Julian whispered.
Trevor's piercing gaze locked onto mine. "Jamin, let's discuss the terms."
My instincts screamed warning, but my desperation silenced them.
"Let's talk," I said, standing up.
Trevor led us to a private room, the air thick with anticipation. Julian excused himself, leaving me alone with Trevor.
"So, Jamin," Trevor began, his voice low and calculated, "I've reviewed your startup's potential. Impressive."
I nodded, wary of the compliment.
"But I want more," Trevor continued. "I want exclusive rights to your AI technology."
My gut twisted. "That's not negotiable."
Trevor smiled, a cold, mirthless smile. "Oh, I think it is. You see, Jamin, I have something you want."
He slid a folder across the table.
"Information about your sister's disappearance."
My world froze.
"How did you...?" I couldn't finish.
Trevor leaned forward. "Let's just say I have resources. Now, are you willing to make a deal?
Trevor's smile dripped with insincerity, his eyes gleaming with calculation. He thought he held the upper hand, but I saw through the facade.
"Information about my sister's disappearance?" I repeated, my tone neutral.
Trevor nodded, his expression triumphant. "Yes, Jamin. I know your weakness."
Weakness? He thought he could manipulate me? I almost laughed.
"Trevor, you're transparent," I said, leaning back in my chair. "You think you're the first to try to leverage my sister's disappearance for gain?"
Trevor's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm not intimidated," I continued, my voice steady. "I've dealt with sharks like you before. You want my technology? You'll have to do better than that."
Trevor's face darkened, his jaw clenched.
"Let's make one thing clear, Trevor," I said, standing up. "I'm not desperate. I'm not vulnerable. I'm the one with the upper hand."
Trevor's eyes flashed anger, but I saw the faintest glimmer of surprise. He hadn't expected me to call his bluff.
"I'll give you an offer," I said, smiling. "You can either take it or leave it. But know this: I'm not to be underestimated."
Trevor's expression twisted, a mix of anger and curiosity. "What's your offer?" he spat.
"I'll give you a 10% stake in my company," I said, my voice firm. "But you'll have to invest $50million upfront. And you'll have no say in the company's direction."
Trevor's eyes widened, then narrowed. "You're crazy."
"Take it or leave it," I repeated, my smile growing.
Trevor's face reddened, but he knew he was beat. "Fine. Deal."
I extended my hand, and Trevor shook it, his grip tight.
As we sealed the deal, I felt a rush of triumph. I'd outmaneuvered Trevor, protecting my company and my sister's legacy.
But a nagging thought lingered: What did Trevor really want?
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