Alex took off his jacket which had a glaring and strong stain and smell of coffee. His pants were ruined also and so was his day.
He handed it to his secretary James, with a mixture of curiosity and caution. James also looked like he had a lot to say, but made sure to choose his words carefully. He didn't want to get a scolding like the waitress.
"Get me a new one," Alex said dryly, his eyes fixed on the laptop in front of him. James nodded and started the car engine, occasionally glancing at Alex through the rearview mirror.
"She seemed sorry… the waitress from earlier" James said a bit upset about his boss's reaction and the way he spoke to her, even when she continued to apologise. He felt sorry for the young lady, whose day was probably already ruined because of his boss.
James sighed when he didn't get a response from Alex, He knew better than to push the issue. There was no use talking to him.
. "What time is my meeting?" Alex asked in a firm voice, unbothered by what James had just said.
"8:30 sir"
Alex nodded and continued with his work on his laptop after checking his watch. His office was just a five-minute drive away from the coffee shop and he walked straight To his private elevator which he had built to avoid unnecessary greetings each morning.
The scent of polished wood and leather enveloped him as he rode to the top floor, his eyes on the number of floors they had passed, but his mind far off.
The elevators dinged and as soon as Alex walked into the chairman's office, his office his group of secretaries stood up to greet him which he acknowledged with a curt nod.
. Alex's gaze drifted to the window of his office, the city skyline gleaming in the morning light, as he walked over to his huge mahogany desk. He checked his watch, the ticking of the seconds echoing in his mind.
A strange envelope caught his attention, and he picked it up, his fingers tracing the embossed logo. He got a response sooner than he had expected. He dropped the envelope back on his desk and took a seat his eyes on the piled-up documents in front of him that needed his signature.
"What do they want now?" Alex said, his voice low and even, as he glanced at his watch. The meeting was just a few minutes away.
James who had disappeared a few seconds ago reappeared, a tailored suit draped over his arm. "I don't know, sir."
Alex changed into the suit, the soft rustle of fabric filling the air. He adjusted his tie, the silk smooth beneath his fingers. James couldn't help but admire his boss. He looked so poised and rich.
"We shouldn't keep them waiting then," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. He was curious to know why they called for a board meeting so early in the morning...
The conference room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the murmur of hushed conversations. Alex's entrance silenced the room, the directors' eyes fixed on him like wary prey. An intimidating aura made it hard for any of them to look Alex straight in the eye as he walked into the room.
"Good morning," Alex greeted, his voice dripping with sarcasm, as he took his seat at the head of the table.
The directors exchanged looks with one another, looking that were filled with silent words, that made Alex almost scoffed mockingly. They all looked ridiculous to him. but he had agreed to give them an audience. what were they going to complain about this time around?
After almost a minute of silence, a small-statured man stood up, his voice trembling slightly. "We recently found out about the ultimatum in your father's will..." the man started trying to sound confident but it was hard to with Alex's gaze on him.
Alex's eyes narrowed, his grip on the armrest tightening. James stood beside him, his expression neutral, but his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"...and we would like to address it," the man finished, his eyes darting around the room.
Alex leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "I'm curious to know what this has to do with the board," he said, his voice dripping with scepticism.
The man swallowed hard. "We...well...we know the ultimatum is coming to an end soon, and you have yet to meet the requirements."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "How is that any of your business?"
The man hesitated before speaking. "It is...we are the board...we have to know if you have plans of abiding by the requirements...your personal life is no secret to us."
Alex's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his tone even. "I think that's enough for today," he said, standing up.
The room erupted into chaos as the directors began arguing among themselves. Alex turned to James, his expression grim. "Find out who revealed the contents of my father's will," he whispered, even though he had an idea of who it might be, but wanted to confirm his suspicion.
James nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "I'll take care of it, sir."
As they left the conference room, Alex's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his eyes scanning the message. His expression darkened, and he turned to James. "It seems we have another problem," he said, his voice low and menacing.
James raised an eyebrow. "What is it sir" He wondered what the contents might be to make his boss mad.
Alex's eyes glinted with anger. "You will find out soon enough"
James who was still curious about the will asked "What kind of ultimatum is it, sir?"
Alex said nothing and walked away to his office, James following quickly behind him. Alex immediately picked up the envelope from earlier and opened it. His eyes became wide as soon as he saw the contents of the envelope. How could this be?
He handed the envelope to James, who was standing by his side. James' eyes grew wide in shock also when he saw what was in the envelope. "Find out everything you can without leaving a single thing out" Alex ordered.
A cold and calculating smile appeared on his face. "I wonder what other surprises are there for me to find out"