The Arrogant Mr. Ryker

03 : New Demands

"...and that is exactly why we need to upgrade our premium package." Anthony Rhodes, the company's attorney, said. "I believe that it would appeal to our clients and increase the demand. At the end of the day, that is really all that matter, ladies and gentlemen."

Andrew Ryker was watching him silently, eyes slightly narrowed in contemplation as he soaked in everything the attorney had said. Mr. Rhodes sat down and cleared his throat, blush creeping up his neck. He organized the papers sprawled before him, made no direct eye contact with anyone.

After a long, tense pause, Mr. Ryker finally broke the silence. His question was directed to everyone sitting around the large round table. "Is there anyone that agrees with Mr. Rhodes' views? Should we upgrade our premium package?"

Demetria instantly began scribbling, glancing around the table to survey the committee's reaction. No one seemed to move an inch, it was almost as if they hadn't heard what he had just asked. They were without a doubt exhausted, bored, uninterested. Mr. Rhodes' speech lasted approximately two hours. He wouldn't allow anyone else to speak and in her frank opinion, he wasn't making much sense. She had gone through all the previous year's contracts, and she didn't believe there was anything wrong with the company's premium package. It was absolutely perfect.

She was currently sitting on Mr. Ryker's left, while Steve Hoffman, the finance manager, sat on his right. The other Heads were not necessarily seated in order. Leon was sitting on the far end of the table next to Julie Waters. He winked at her as the silence progressed. She but back a smile and instead focused back down on her little notebook.

"Well?" Mr. Ryker said, fixing each of them a piercing stare. Still, no one said a word. She found it strange yet fascinating that he commanded so much respect. Apart from her, he was the youngest person on the table. "Good. This meeting has reached its end. You are all dismissed. Thank you for your time."

"Wait!" Mr. Rhodes exclaimed, his face pale. "Won't you even consider it? It would be best for the company."

"I decide what's best for the company, Mr. Rhodes. Unfortunately, no one else shared your sentiments. The company is doing well without any unnecessary losses. There is nothing wrong with our premium package, as a matter of fact, it's one of the best in the city. Dismissed."

They all dispersed once the reached the lobby, sighs of relief escaping everyone's lips. Demetria had to admit: it was one long, torturous meeting. As much as she respected him, Mr. Rhodes really just needed to shut up. She was glad Mr. Ryker had put a stop to it, she didn't think she would have lasted another second in that heated room.

She met Leon outside.

"Well, that was something." She commented.

"Yes it was," he agreed with a nod of his head. "Anthony is most definitely going crazy. It's the old age, it's doing things to him. f**k's sake."

She stiffled a laugh.

"Cole."

She snapped her head in the direction of the voice. It was Mr. Ryker, of course. He was glaring at her, his hands shoved in the pockets of his slacks. "My office."

She excused herself and hurried towards him, both of them heading in the direction of his office just down the spacious corridor, opposite the meetings room. Once they were inside, the door closed behind her with a small click.

He sat on his chair, expelling a breath. "Did you get all of it down?"

She nodded eagerly. "Yes, it's all-"

"You can crumple those pages, Miss Cole. I won't be needing them. I also won't be needing a review of that tiresome, time-wasting meeting. Remind me to have a chat with Mr. Rhodes. The next time he dares waste my times with his nonsensical ideas, I'll have him fired."

She ground her teeth together, nodded. Her lips were pressed together.

"Oh, and another thing," he said. "Tomorrow I'll have a meeting with Sebastian Kavanaugh from Westpark Agencies. Make sure to take that down."

She nodded in understanding, flipping to a new page and jotting the date and the significance of the meeting down as fast as she could. "And what time is the meeting, sir?"

"After five," he stated, the finality in his tone evident. "I spoke to him just this morning and that was the only time that would satisfy both our schedules. I want you there, Miss Cole, so make sure you are on time. I want you to record every important detail. I want nothing amiss. I'll need a detailed..." Her thoughts scrambled as soon as the words 'after five' left his lips, her hand seizing its movements on its own accord. After five? Had she heard him right? It couldn't be. That was simply impossible. How on earth was she supposed to get to Cremer's on time for her date with Alex?

"Miss Cole?"

She turned to him, her cheeks flushing. "Yes, sir?"

"Did you hear what I just said?" She could clearly detect the flecks of irritation in his tone. His eyes were hard as he looked at her, his jaw set in a hard line.

She gulped. "Yes, sir. I did."

"Good," he said, his eyes contradicting every calm, slow word that left his lips. "I'm glad you're still with me. Where was I?"

Again, she gulped. "The meeting with Westpark."

He glared at her, his eyes shooting daggers at her. "So, as I was saying before you wandered off and are now lying about it, I want every critical detail written down and emphasized. Circle it if need be. The main points of the meeting will include the contract description and most importantly, persuading them to sign it. You will arrange coffees and treats, and you best do it now before you forget everything I just told you."

She nodded as he spoke, a red tint to her cheeks. "Will you be requiring anything else, Mr. Ryker?"

He studied her, his gaze flicking down her body once. Again, that feeling of complete unease consumed her. She did not like it one bit. It made her feel small, insignificant, hot. He then waved her off, leaning back in his chair casually. "That is all, Miss Cole. Get started on that contract I gave you earlier."

When she turned to leave, he stopped her. "One last thing: arrange a dinner for two this evening. Make a reservation in the best restaurant in the city. Make sure to mention my name if any complication arises."

She sped out of his office, exhaling the minute she stepped into the lobby. His presence was crushing and suffocating. He was truly infuriating. After five? Alex was supposed to take her out to celebrate because of her promotion. He planned it all out meticulously, they even had a room at a hotel booked. That was for seven in the evening, but would they be able to wrap the meeting up? What if it took longer? How was she supposed to guess that Mr. Ryker would have arranged a meeting on a Friday evening of all days?

Seriously?

She was conflicted. She didn't want to cancel their date, but at the same time she didn't want to let him down. That would be their first date in ages. They were both extremely busy with work, the only time they were available was inconvenient. She hadn't seen him all week. That was their time to catch up and spend some time together. Damn him. Damn that man.

What was she supposed to do?

She decided to push the matter aside and focus instead on her job. She made her way to her desk, which was now situated next to Cecilia's, and pulled the contract out from one of the drawers she kept locked and had the key to. It was official business; if anyone got their hands on it, Ryker would probably have her murdered. That is if he decided not to do it himself. With his bare hands.

She made a few crucial corrections, scratching this out and adding that. She simplified the terms and conditions, added the company's name to the contract and by noon, she was done and began typing it down. Mr. Ryker was long gone by then, probably arranging another meeting or making someone else's life a complete hell. She preferred the hours when he wasn't in. He was constantly on her case about a lot of things and they never quite saw eye to eye on that lunch thing.

So Rodolfo (the one she had only partially forgiven) brought her something to eat from time to time, making sure to always apologize about her top. It made no sense to stay mad at him for too long, what was done, was done. The top was ruined. Nothing she tried would bring it back. Also, she began packing lunch and took a generous bite of her cheese and tomato sandwich whenever he wasn't around.

By five she had the final contract printed and stamped, and she slid it under his door. He still wasn't back. She said farewell to Cecilia and headed out into the busy streets, taking a cab home. She knew she had to find a solution to her dilemma soon. She convinced herself that she was going to make it on time.

She'd make sure of that.