Shadows Of The Contract

Etern stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out over the bustling city thirty stories below. From this height, the people looked like tiny ants, scurrying through their daily routines. Vandale—widely known as “The City of the Rich”—was no stranger to scandal. With wealth came glamour, power, and endless headlines of corruption and betrayal. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Etern's lips as he recalled the latest story making waves across every news channel. “Johnny Dave is on the verge of losing his company.” Turning away from the glass, he headed toward the bar tucked neatly into the corner of his office. One of the company’s cardinal rules was simple: Never drink on the job. But, as Etern poured himself a glass of aged bourbon, he reminded himself—perks of being the owner. Johnny was a good man. A decent one. For a moment, Etern almost felt a twinge of sympathy for his situation. Almost. Then his father's voice echoed in his mind: “Only the mighty survive in this world.” Tomorrow would be an interesting day. Etern could hardly wait to watch how it all unfolded. *********** The news came at her everywhere she turned. It was just written in a different way. "Billionaire Johnny Dave signs away his company". "Dave Co-operations, A Lost Legacy?" "Johnny Dave on the verge of losing his company'" "Eterns: The Future of Dave". "Sandie, did you hear what I just said?" She snapped out of her thoughts to meet her best friend's eyes. "I'm sorry Lin, what was it?". Linah signed sadly, "I asked if Logan has come up with a plan". "He hasn't left his study in days. He won't tell me anything. Nobody is telling me anything", Sandie finished angrily. "He will figure it out. He is the smartest person I know". Sandie looked down at the last headline, "I really hope he does'". *********** "Sir you have Johnny Dave here to see you. Don's lips curved, "Let him in Natasha". He would admit, he had a lot of respect for the man standing in front of him. Johnny lost his parents at the age of sixteen, thrusting him into the business world. He had single handedly taken a multi-million company and made it into billion dollar company while shouldering the responsibility of raising his little sister. But unfortunately it takes little to make or break a man. In his case, it was a tiny mistake. One might be wondering why he was going after Johnny's company. Dave Co-operations dealt with the production of machineries, Eterns was one of the biggest accounting companies in the world. They were not competitors but in the business world, you go after what you can or in this case, what you want. He finally raised his head to acknowledge him. "Johnny Dave, how is it that we had not met prior to this. It's a shame it has to be under such circumstances". Johnny glared, "Cut the crap out Don and tell me what you warnt. I would say you wanted my company to get the competition out of the way but we both know that's not what this is about. Our companies are in no way related. So I ask again, tell me what you want". Don sighed, "Caren was right. It is always business with you'". Johnny's face turned red at the mention of her name making Don's lips curve higher. Even though his father had been a complete asshole, he had been right about certain things. One of which was, "Women are vile creatures that will destroy you if you give them the chance." An evidence of the point was standing in front of him. "You can sit Mr. Dave." "What do you want Don?" asked Johnny reluctantly, taking a seat. Don closed his laptop, "I'll tear up the contract that you signed handing Dave Co-operations over to me", "In exchange for what?", "I have a new contract, my lawyers already had it drawn and sent to me. All you need to do is sign it and you can be on your merry way with your company still in your name." He stood up, handing Johnny a sealed contract. He watched witha small smile as he read through the details. It would be any second now, five, four, three, two, one.... "You can't be serious'", Johnny sprang out of his seat. Finally losing all sense of humor, Don said, "Three days, that's all l'm giving you before I start tearing down Dave Co-operations". Johnny threw the contract at him as he walked out angrily. Three days Johnny". ************* Sandie scattered the last pieces of the bread crumbs. The birds all gathered round to peck at them. She watched and wondered what it would feel like to be like them. She would be able to spread her wings, soaring in the sky without a single care in the world. She would be free. "Mum used to stare at the sky too with that sane wishful look. The birds don't have it as easy as you think". She turned to her brother sharply, "How did the meeting go?. Did he agree to your terms?. Are we going to lose the company?" "Snowflake, I told you it doesn't concern you". You can't say that Lo, I know it's your company but I'm a Dave too, it's a part of my legacy too". "Don't worry about it. Everything will be fine". He came closer, pulling her in for a hug then pecking her forehead. "Everything will be fine Snowflake. I promise", he whispered into her hair. She tried to make herself believe Johnny's words as she tossed and turned in bed that night. Johnny had gone through tough times, but never had she seen hopelessness in his eyes before. Throwing the cover off, she got to her feet grabbing her running gear. "I don't know what to do". Johnny paused, "I heard he was a bastard but this is just taking it to another level". He paused again, "He gave me three days to sign my sister off as his property. He went quiet, "I don't care if it's just for a year or a single minute. I'm not letting him anywhere near Sandie". "What?", Sandie burst into the study, "He wants you to do what?". "I will call you back Carrick". Johnny ended the call and turned to face her. "You should be in bed. You have school tomorrow'" "I've had enough. You are done keeping me in the dark. First of all, you go and sign a paper handing him the company, I still don't understand how that was possible. You are the smartest person I know. Now you're hiding the fact that Don Etern wants to buy me in exchange for the company?" "Sandie you are blowing–" "No you don't get to interrupt me, we are a team Jo, or atleast I thought we were." Johnny sighed, running a hand through his hair, "You want to know what's happening. Okay then. Sit and I will tell you everything." *************** The rain poured down, hitting the sheets angrily. It had come out of nowhere. It reminded him of her. Sandie Another of father's words rang in his ear,a plan will always work out when executed properly. It might take a bloody arnount of time but remember, it will always work out. He had laid out his plan, following his father's advice and executed it strategically. It took two years for it to actualize but here he was. He closed his eyes as he remembered how it all began.