DETACHED

Chapter 18: His Comeback

The elevator doors slid open.

A tall young man stepped onto the executive floor carrying a black leather briefcase.

The atmosphere changed almost instantly.

Employees who had been chatting moments earlier returned to their desks. Some stood respectfully, while others greeted him with polite smiles.

"Good morning, Mr. Cole," the receptionist said.

"Morning, Mr. Cole," several employees echoed.

Xavier acknowledged them with a slight nod as he walked past.

Fifteen years had changed him.

The quiet thirteen-year-old boy from Eldeheim had become a man of calm confidence.

At twenty-eight, Xavier Cole stood just over six feet tall. Broad-shouldered, with neatly combed dark hair and sharp grey eyes that rarely betrayed his thoughts, he carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who had earned his place. His tailored grey color suit fit him perfectly, and every step reflected the discipline he expected from both himself and everyone around him.

He wasn't respected because he was Sebastian Cole's son.

He was respected because he delivered results.

As the Managing Director of Cole Group's London Branch, Xavier had transformed it into the company's most profitable international division in less than five years. Projects were completed ahead of schedule. Costs remained under control. Clients kept coming back.

The employees had learned one thing about him.

Xavier never demanded excellence from others without demanding even more from himself.

Just as he reached his office, another door opened.

A young man stepped out, adjusting the cuff of his navy suit.

"You're late," Adrian said.

Xavier checked his watch.

"I arrived thirty seconds ago."

"Exactly," Adrian replied.

"I've been waiting for two minutes."

A faint smile crossed Xavier's face.

"You've always had a talent for exaggeration."

"It makes life more interesting," Adrian said.

The two men shook hands before walking toward the executive conference room.

Unlike Xavier, Adrian Brooks was naturally outgoing. He was quick to laugh, quick to speak, and one of the few people who could challenge Xavier without offending him. As a director of Cole Group's London Branch, he wasn't just part of the leadership team—he was Xavier's closest friend.

The two had met during their first year at university in London. What began as a rivalry in the classroom soon became an unshakable friendship. Together, they survived impossible deadlines, sleepless nights, failed business pitches, and the enormous responsibility of building the London Branch into one of the company's strongest divisions.

Adrian had seen Xavier at his lowest and at his best.

He was there when Xavier secured his first major contract.

He was there when projects nearly collapsed under impossible deadlines.

He was there for every victory, every setback, and every lesson.

Over the years, they had developed an unspoken understanding. Adrian could read Xavier's silence better than most people could understand his words, while Xavier trusted Adrian with responsibilities he would never hand to anyone else.

If there was one person outside the Cole family whom Xavier trusted completely...It was Adrian Brooks.

"So," Adrian said.

"Ready for another thrilling board meeting?"

"I was ready yesterday," Xavier replied.

"I wasn't."

"I was hoping someone would cancel it," Adrian complained.

"They didn't."

"They never do," Adrian muttered.

Before Xavier could answer, his phone vibrated.

He glanced at the screen.

Sebastian Cole.

Xavier let out a quiet sigh.

Fifteen years had passed since his father sent him to London.

Time had earned them mutual respect. It hadn't made them any closer.

Adrian noticed the caller ID and raised an eyebrow.

"The Chairman?" Adrian asked.

Xavier nodded before answering the call.

"Good morning, Dad," Xavier said.

" Have you finished your meeting?" Sebastian asked

"I'm not calling to interrupt your work."

"No I have but you can continue," Xavier stepped away from the conference room doors.

"I'm listening." He finished

"There will be a board meeting at headquarters on Wednesday morning."

"I expect you to attend." Sabstein said over the call, Xavier frowned.

"In Germany?" Xavier asked to be sure he was hearing right

"Yes." Sabstein answered cooling as if he didn't know the implications of what he said

"I thought the quarterly meeting wasn't due until next month." Xavier asked try to know the reason his father wanted him get to Germany.

"It isn't,This meeting concerns headquarters." Sebastian paused and continued speaking

"You'll return immediately after today's board meeting."There was no request in his voice.

Only instruction.

"...Understood." Xavier replied even though he was frustrated

"We'll speak when you arrive." Sabastain finished speaking and ended the call

Xavier stared at the dark screen for a second before slipping the phone into his pocket.

Adrian looked at him.

"Err that didn't sound like a social call." Adrian said trying to be funny

"It wasn't." Xavier said and looked at him

"So?" Adrian continued

"I'm going back to Germany." Xavier dropped the bomb

Adrian whistled softly and rolled his eyes

"Headquarters?" He asked Xavier nodded.

"Looks like your peaceful life just ended."

"It wasn't that peaceful." Xavier said as they both entered the conference room.

Nearly twenty executives were already seated. The moment Xavier entered, conversations stopped. He placed his tablet on the table before taking the seat at the head.

"Good morning, everyone." Xavier greeted

"Good morning, Mr. Cole." They answered

Claire entered quietly and placed a folder beside him.

"The quarterly financial summaries, sir." She said

"Thank you." Xavier opened the meeting.

Over the next two hours, department heads presented reports covering revenue, ongoing developments, staffing, and projected investments. Every figure was questioned. Every proposal was challenged. No report escaped Xavier's attention. At one point, the construction director confidently presented a revised budget for a commercial development.

Xavier scanned the report for less than a minute before closing it.

"Page twenty-three," Xavier said.

The director blinked.

"Sir?"

"The concrete procurement cost, what supplier did you use?" Xavier ask looks very serious

The director quickly flipped through the report.

"Northwell Materials." He replied confidently

Xavier shook his head.

"They increased their prices six weeks ago, the figures you've submitted are outdated." Xavier said while looking at him

A silence settled over the room.

The finance director checked his laptop before slowly nodding.

"He's right." The finance director said in agreement

The construction director lowered his head.

"I'll revise it immediately."

Xavier simply nodded.

"Next report."

No lectures.

No raised voice.

Just expectations.

By the time the meeting ended, every executive looked mentally exhausted.

As they left the room, Adrian laughed quietly.

"I almost felt sorry for them."

"They'll thank me when the projects stay profitable," Xavier replied.

"They'll probably complain first."

"They always do."

Back inside his office, Claire was already waiting. The moment Xavier walked in, she stood.

"Mr. Cole, you have lunch with the Westminster Development Committee at one."

"The investor briefing at three."

"Tomorrow's site inspection begins at eight."

"And next week's..."

"Cancel everything." Xavier interrupted her

Claire paused.

"...Everything?"she asked

"I'm returning to Germany this afternoon." Without hesitation, she opened her tablet.

"I'll begin notifying everyone." She said

"Good." Xavier nodded in satisfaction. Xavier placed a file on his desk.

"Reschedule whatever can be rescheduled."

"The remaining matters will be handled by Mr. Brooks."

Claire nodded as her fingers moved rapidly across the screen.

Then Xavier looked up.and said

"Pack your things." She stopped typing.

"I'm sorry?"she looked confused

"You're coming with me." Xavier answered

Claire blinked.

"To Germany?" She asked

"I'll need my executive secretary at headquarters." He replied

The surprise disappeared almost instantly.

"Understood, I'll arrange my travel immediately."

"Also prepare every file relating to the London Branch."

"I want complete digital and physical copies before we leave." Xavier said

"I'll have everything ready within an hour." Claire said

"Thank you." He replied

Claire gave a small nod before leaving the office.

Moments later, Adrian walked in carrying two cups of coffee.

"I figured you'd forgotten lunch again."

He placed one cup on Xavier's desk before noticing the suitcase beside the wall.

"You're actually leaving today."

"I am."

Adrian sat opposite him.

"How long?"

"I don't know." Xavier slid a folder across the desk.

"I need you to take over."Adrian looked at the folder.

"Acting Managing Director." He looked back up.

"You're serious."

"I wouldn't ask anyone else." Xavier replied

Adrian leaned back in his chair.

"You know..."

"I always wanted your office." Adrian said looking at him Xavier smirked.

"I'll expect it back in one piece."

"No promises." Adrian pushed himself forward in a terrifying manner

They both burst into laugher.

Then Adrian's expression became serious.

"I'll look after the branch."

"I know." Xavier replied

"And you... " Adrian pointed a finger at him.

"Try not to start a war at headquarters." Xavier picked up his briefcase.

"No guarantees. Note if there is a war you will be in the front line with me" Xavier

" No... Xavier I'm not doing that with you again" Adrian refused

" Till then my good friend" Xavier responded back patting Adrian's back

.

By late afternoon, word had spread throughout the London Branch. Employees quietly gathered near the lobby. Some shook Xavier's hand. Others simply wished him a safe journey. Claire stood nearby with a trolley containing several document cases. Everything had been prepared As Xavier approached the entrance, he stopped.

He looked around the building one last time. Five years.

That was how long he had spent transforming the London Branch into Cole Group's strongest international division. Every corridor carried memories. Every office reflected years of hard work.

He turned to Adrian.

"The branch is yours." Adrian nodded.

"I won't let you down."

"I know you won't."nthw two friends smile sweetiy at each other.

Xavier climbed into the waiting company car. Claire settled into the seat beside him. As the vehicle pulled away from the building, Xavier looked back through the rear window.

London was no longer his destination.

Germany was.

And somewhere inside Cole Group Headquarters...

A problem was waiting for him.