Chapter 11
1359 Words
Sebastian frowned at the document in his hand.
“What is it?” Jane Robinson, the mayor, asked, as she sat across from him in his home office.
“The financial report of our latest project at the East Coast.” Sebastian replied. “The project that was supposed to be completed three weeks ago, but it seems it has been delayed once again.”
Jane sighed, entwining her elegant fingers. “Is it that bad?”
“Worse,” Sebastian said, setting the document aside. “And this isn’t the only project that’s in jeopardy. There are a couple of others that are in danger of failing, and all because the workers aren’t doing their jobs. According to the foreman, they’re not showing up on time, or even worse, they’re not coming at all. It’s a damn mess.”
“And you can’t find any reason for this sudden change of behavior?” Jane asked.
“I don’t have to find it. I know what the problem is,” he leaned back in his chair, looking directly at her. “There is a union forming amongst the construction workers, and the instigators are none other than your competitors. They know I support you in all your campaigns. And they want to send a message to me.”
Jane shook her head. “I’m sorry, Sebastian. But you know I can’t get involved in something like this. Not with the upcoming elections.”
“You can’t, but you will,” Sebastian replied, his eyes hard. “You owe me, Jane. You know you do.”
The Mayor sighed, rubbing her temple. “Fine. I will try to find a solution for this. But it won’t be easy. This union is pretty powerful, and if they decide to strike, no one can stop them.”
“I don’t care. I just want you to find a way to stop this from happening. You know how important these projects are to me. If they’re delayed, it will cost us millions.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Jane said, getting up from the chair. “If that’s all, then I’ll be going. I have an important meeting with the city council.”
“Of course,” Sebastian said, standing up. “Thank you, Jane.”
“No problem.” She smiled, walking toward the door. “Oh, before I forget. You’re coming to the fundraiser, aren’t you? I would really appreciate your support.”
“I don’t know,” he said, sliding his hands into his pockets. “I have a lot of work to do, and I don’t think I have the time.”
“It’s an important event,” Jane argued. “And everyone is going to be there. Even your business rivals will attend. I’m sure you’ll find a way to benefit from this. Think about it, at least. Please.”
“I will,” he said, watching as the mayor walked out the door.
Once she was gone, Sebastian went to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a drink.
“Boss.”
Sebastian looked over his shoulder and saw his most trusted bodyguard standing by the door.
“What is it, Michael?”
“Your daughter is looking for you,” Michael said.
Sebastian sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Did you tell her I’m busy?”
“I did. But she’s insisting. She said it’s urgent.”
“Fine. Let her in.”
Michael nodded and left the room.
After a few minutes, a small figure came rushing inside, her face bright with excitement.
“Daddy!”
Sebastian looked up from his glass and saw his ten-year-old daughter standing by the doorway, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
“Chloe, what is it? I’m busy.”
“I know, but I have to show you something. Look what I made!”
She took out a piece of paper and handed it to him.
“What’s this?” Sebastian asked, looking at the drawing.
“It’s us,” she said, pointing to the figures on the drawing. “You, me, and Riley.”
Sebastian looked at the drawing, and he could clearly see three stick people standing next to each other, with the names written below. His daughter was ten but she acted like she was five. It wasn’t her fault. She was born immature and faced a traumatic accident at a young age, which damaged her brain development. It didn’t stop her from being the sweetest and kindest little girl in the world.
“You have a good hand, Chloe, but why put her name there? She’s not family.”
“I know. But she’s my friend.”
“She’s a stranger.”
“No, she’s not,” Chloe argued, taking the drawing back. “She’s my best friend. We’re going to spend the day together, and then we’re going to watch a movie.”
“Did she promise you all that?”
“No. But I know she won’t say me no.”
“Really? How are you so sure?”
“Because I’m cute.” Chloe gave him a mischievous smile. “She can’t say no to this.”
Sebastian laughed. “Okay, if you say so.”
Chloe giggled and threw herself at him, wrapping her small arms around his waist.
“I knew you’d understand,” she said, burying her face in his chest.
Sebastian smiled, hugging her tightly.
“Are you happy, baby?” he asked, stroking her blonde hair.
“Yes.”
“And do you think it’s good for you to hang out with strangers?”
“Riley’s not a stranger. She’s a nice girl. And I like her. A lot.”
“But you have only met her once.”
“That’s enough.” Chloe looked up at him. “Please, Daddy. Can she come over? Please.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides, she looked quite busy the last time I went to see her.” He wanted to say less thrilled but he didn’t want to upset his daughter.
“Please. I really, really want her to come.”
There was no point in arguing with his darling daughter. Once she made up her mind about something, there was no stopping her. He only hoped Riley wouldn’t break her heart. She seemed to have something against him since the second she set her eyes on him.
“Alright,” he sighed, letting go of her. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Yay! Thank you, Daddy!” Chloe squealed, giving him a big kiss on the cheek.
After Chloe ran off to God knows where, Sebastian sighed and called his butler.
“Sir.”
“John, I want you to send 100 grand to Riley Collins. It’s the reward I promised her. And let her know Chloe wants to meet her again. She wants to have a girl’s day out. So, make the arrangements. And please, keep the men at a distance. I don’t want Chloe to feel uncomfortable.”
“Very well, sir.”
“Oh, and send a bouquet of flowers. Roses. Tell her they’re from Chloe.”
“Right away, sir.”
“Thank you.”
Once the butler left, Sebastian sat behind his desk, sipping his drink.
He still couldn’t believe his daughter had made friends with that girl. And not just any girl, but the girl who seemed to be holding some sort of grudge against him. He didn’t understand why, though, and found himself curious despite everything.
She was a beautiful girl, that much he could admit. And she was obviously smart and brave. His daughter had grown fond of her, and she was not an easy person to please. He should know, seeing the number of nannies and staff he had to fire because Chloe always found something wrong with them. To say his daughter was picky wouldn’t be an exaggeration. She was just a tiny person who knew exactly what she wanted.
And she had found what she wanted in Riley Collins.
He didn’t know if it was a good thing or not.
- Writer
