Predators' Prey

Chapter 3

"Boss, there's an important news going round the empire"

"Speak"

"Everyone is saying you are getting married soon just because you want to vie for the position of permanent CEO of the empire and get complete control of it"

He paused, then slowly raised his head to look at his Assistant. He pushed the laptop in front of him away from him so he had enough space to place his elbow and clasp his hands.

"And this has you worked up because?" he could not help asking

His always calm and comported assistant flew into his office like his pant was on fire. He forgot to knock before entering his office, did not shut the door behind him but was already standing close to his table.

"But it is not true" he was really flusterred

"I still don't see what the issue is here Liam"

"Well," Damien could never in his life imagine a day would come where Liam would be so flustered that he would rub his palms anxiously. He could not stay one place and was bouncing from one foot to another and his face was so red. It seems the case is really serious, he thought.

Giving in , he let out a long sigh. "Go ahead. Tell me what it is"

After thinking of the right words to relay the gossips he heard from the office corridors, he started.

"Well, the thing is this. Following the union and collaboration between the other two stronghold families, the Army Empire and the Adams, your father mentioned that anyone that wants to take full control of the company and be the family head must be married, having a heir is an added advantage and..."

Damien raised his hand and he paused. With a furrowed brow, he asked "Why am I just knowing this?"

"This was discussed during the last family meeting you were absent. I did mention it to you and told you to appreciate the blind dates your mother kept arranging for you but you said you had better things to do"

"You should have emphasized its importance" for the umpteenth time, Damien caught himself sighing. This time, he was tired. He slouched as he leaned into his seat then stretching his neck then his back and his waist. He knew he needed rest but giving up was never an option. He picked up his phone and dialed number. The receiver answered on the second ring.

"Damy?"

"Why is that old man looking for a daughter-in-law so bad?"

"Don't tell me you were not aware of it"

"It skipped my memory"

"Damy, you are not a kid anymore. You need to come down more often. What is your plan now?" her voice sounded unbothered

"Find me a wife. I should get married tomorrow morning" he emphasized earning a shriek from Tammy.

"You are joking right?" she blurted out impulsively

"Do i sound like I am? I did not come all this way just to give up because I'm not married. It doesn't matter who it is, get me a wife. I'll meet her tomorrow at the registration beaureau" he ended the call, closed his laptop. with a wave of his hand, Liam quickly put the laptop in its bag, cleared important files on the table then turned to find Daamien lost as he was fixing his tie in front of a mirror.

"Boss"

"Let's go shopping. call Alice to clear the room beside mine and deccorteit as a room for a woman."

"Yes boss" he replied.

Tugging the bag under his left arm, he walked out the office, held the door for Damien Voss as they left together.

Ailey picked up her phone from the desk. She was so engrossed with work that she forgot to check her phone. Now she saw 10 missed calls from her mother. Thinking something had happened to them, she hurriedly called back.

"Hello! Mum?" she called as soon as the call got connected

"Ailey dear, how are you at work? Hope you are getting along with your colleagues?" her voice smiling over the phone.

With a relieved sigh she answered "Yes mum. Work is fine"

"That is good. I called earlier in the morning. Someone is willing to help give us money to pay junior's school fees."

"Who is it? Is it a scam mum?" she leaned on the door stile to the lunch room as it was their lunch break.

"It is not a scam. He is a former co-worker at the art gallery I used to work at"

"What does he want in return?" she questioned further

"Nothing. He says he is repaying a favour, plus he got another job, a big position and is rich now. So, he's very willing to help, although i told him i'd pay back as soon as you're paid"

"Me?" she chuckled and she heard same from the phone too "Why did you get it tied up with my salary mum? i started my internship today and I am on probation. What if I don't make it to start earning?" she sniffed with a smile

"Don't I know the daughter I gave birth to?" her mother playfully gave her comeback "He said he has business at the Marriage registration beaureau tomorrow morning so get there early to get it from him. Remember he is doing us a favour, so don't keep him waiting my dear. Okay?"

"Sure, I have heard. How much is it?"

"Won't you get it if the amount is smaller?" another comeback

"You seem to be enjoying yourself too much mum. Bye, I'm off to work" hen she ended the call as soon as she got a response from her.

Then she walked into the break room, took a tray and plate from the storage and joined the queue to buy food for her lunch