The Mysterious Mr. Hastings

Chapter 04 - Chris POV

I had a key, though their butler opened the door immediately. Their house was smaller than mine, but their acreage was larger. The couple appeared in the doorway.

Sonny Black was in his late sixties with white hair and a mustache, using a cane or a wheelchair when he fatigued. His wife, Jade, was in her early sixties—short brown hair, blue eyes, and remarkably athletic for her age. She spent most of her time with her horses and dogs. Their house had been recently renovated in classic colors but was sumptuously furnished.

“Christian,” Jade said, pulling me into a hug, while I shook the old man’s hand.

“We weren’t expecting you, but come in,” Jade said, leading me into the lavish living room.

“I brought this for you,” I said, handing over the gift bag. “I was out of line before I left.”

“You mean that comment about grandkids?” Jade laughed. “We don’t have any business pestering you about that anyway.”

“Besides, it looks like my charm is fading,” I joked.

“I highly doubt that, Christian,” Sonny laughed. “But what gives you that idea?”

I told them about the woman from the plane, and Jade couldn’t stop laughing.

“Well, maybe you’re just getting old,” Jade teased.

“How did the meeting go out there?” Sonny asked.

“The situation at your subsidiary wasn’t great,” I began. “Two parties offered to buy it.”

“Who?” Jade asked.

“Edward Duncan and the Cromwell family. My god, Kendra Cromwell is stunning.” Jade laughed.

“Tell me you didn’t try to hit on her,” Sonny asked suspiciously.

“She’s stunning, but she’s terrifying,” I said. “The type who’d shoot you if she wasn’t satisfied. I’d never dream of trying to make a move on her. Her beauty is undeniable, but she’s cold and deceptive. Her husband was at the meeting, too—just sitting there silently.”

“I hope you rejected the offers,” Sonny said, and I nodded.

“I know that’s where you met Jade and that you consider that company your lucky break,” I laughed. “I said no to both, though Duncan’s offer was better. He’d keep the company intact; Mrs. Cromwell avoided the topic entirely.”

“That surprises me,” Jade said. “Edward Duncan is a decent businessman, but he can’t compete with the Cromwell dynasty. They’ve ruled that city for generations. They have four sons. Over there, they’re power players, just like you two are here—except they never expanded out of state.”

“No one is getting that company,” Sonny said firmly. “It’s yours, my love,” he smiled at Jade.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t been on a single date in the last few weeks, Christian,” Jade said, her voice dripping with skepticism.

“I didn’t say that,” I smiled. “Chris Stewart went out at night with his buddy.”

“I hope you didn’t get into any fights,” Jade said disapprovingly.

“Didn’t have to,” I winked. Jade just sighed.

“Can we get back to business?” Sonny asked impatiently.

“I restructured the company over the last few weeks. I put reliable people in charge and fired some of your old directors. From here on, I can manage it remotely. Everything is in order; tomorrow I start focusing on the new merger. The contract was signed before I left.”

“You don’t want to absorb Shadow Corps into the Hastings Group?” Sonny asked. “It’ll all be yours anyway.”

“We’ve been over this,” I replied. “It’s your company, your life’s work. I’ll help run it, but I won’t absorb it. End of discussion.”

“I taught you too well, Christian,” Sonny laughed. “You’re too damn stubborn.”

I had dinner with them, discussing the merger’s potential before riding back to the mansion late that night. Jade didn’t like me riding on public roads, so I only opened up my bike on the private backroads.

—

The next morning, I tossed on jeans, a shirt, and a knit sweater. Theo said the look fit my department. I headed to the office, where Carol was already waiting for me at the entrance. She was a professional in her fifties—bespectacled, short, and thin—someone I’d met at Sonny’s years ago. In every potential merger, she was the first person I sent in to scout the terrain. If she was against the deal, we moved on; if she backed it, we signed. I always listened to her.

“Mr. Stewart,” she greeted, shaking my hand. “Welcome to the company.” She handed me my ID badge.

“I’ll show you to your floor,” she said, and we headed for the elevators.

The lift was crowded, so we didn’t talk. When the doors opened, she led me toward a small group. A middle-aged, good-looking guy—much shorter than me—hurried over.

“Mr. Miller,” Carol said, “your new colleague, Chris Stewart.”

“A pleasure,” Miller said, shaking my hand. “Come, let me introduce you.”

The team stood as Miller made the rounds. There was Diane, a brunette with curly hair and a flashy outfit that tried too hard to compensate for an average face. Then Meghan, a shy redhead dressed like she was going to church. The guys didn’t look like they’d seen a gym in years—Josh was a bit pudgy with thick glasses, and Hugh was a lanky, scrawny kid.

“Where’s Jones?” Miller asked sharply. “If she’s not here yet, she’s late. This will be her last day.” I raised an eyebrow, but only Carol noticed.

“I’m here, Mr. Miller,” a familiar voice said from behind me.

I turned around. It was the woman from the plane. I couldn’t help but smile. She was wearing slacks, a blouse, and a vest. Almost no makeup, but she looked incredible. Even in heels, she wasn’t as tall as me, but she was statuesque for a woman. Diane didn’t even come close.

“Allegra Jones,” she said, reaching out. I took her hand.

“Chris Stewart,” I said, matching her gaze.

“Diane,” Miller told the brunette, “show Chris the ropes.” He ducked into his office. Allegra sat down and got to work without a word.

“Come on, Chris,” Diane said. “Let me show you around.”

She set off, and I walked beside her. She kept flashing me seductive smiles, but I was busy mapping out the terrain. Her outfit was definitely more daring than Allegra’s—short skirt, low-cut top—but I was more interested in the floor plan. Diane showed me the breakroom and the restrooms, pointing out which departments were on which floors. Every now and then, she’d brush my shoulder with a smile, and I’d return the gesture lightly. I loved this kind of game; it was effortless.