Hearts Of Wall Street

Chapter 3: Beneath The Surface

The next morning Rachel woke from her bed, she was feeling both happy and anxious at the same time. The gala had been an enlightening affair, one that only raised more questions at the end of the night with Mark then with everyone else. She could not set the idea aside that she stood on the threshold of a discovery which would explain something to her both in regard to Mark and herself.

Rachel dressed prepared for the day ahead, she put on a navy blue blouse and a pair of tailored black pants. She desired to look professional, while at the same time, she wanted to be seen as friendly and open to the events of the day. She then headed for Donovan Capital, her mind filled with expectation.

Elena was civil to her as any commoner of the house would be when addressing another person. “Hi Ms. Bennett, Mr. Donovan is not available right now, he is in a meeting, though he informed me that he will be back soon. However, before that he requested that I unlock the archives to aid your research”.

“Thank you, Elena” moments later, Rachel responded, including her in the offer would certainly help her.

Elena took her to a small room with wooden shelves full of papers, a range of reports, and year old statements. It was a goldmine of information and Rachel sweetened at the idea of getting her hands on it.

”If you need anything, I will be just outside”, Elena stated before leaving Rachel to go and search for information.

Rachel proceeded to sift through the material for several hours tracing the history of Donovan Capital. It was evident that the first draft of a business plan and letters of investors and correspondence seen by her passed a picture of a young man with passion and tenacity, Mark Donovan. In totality, the paper was educating, narrating the growth of the firm and its owner.

Among the documents that were enumerated there is one that she paid special attention to. It was a letter of Mark to his parents that had been written soon after he had established the Donovan Capital. The intent of the letter was optimism and resolution but there was also a tone of the price he paid for getting there.

*Dear Mom and Dad,*

The letter began, *I hope this letter meets you in good health. I felt like letting you know some good news. I am finally able to say the words that I’ve always wanted to say – I have started my own investment firm. It is still a rather limited business at the moment but the idea is to expand this line as much as possible. You had concerns when I decided to give up my job, but I thought it was necessary to do so.

Am doing this, night and day in trying to set this up. Sure it hasn’t been easy, and there were times I began to doubt this but all I want is to make this work. I wish to construct a product that will bring a change for the better and there should be a remnant of it. *

I honestly do miss you both a lot and would love for both of you to come see what I have been developing here. But I do know that it is all worth the sacrifice. I am saying that ‘’Education for me is this and this is my dream '’ and I am not going to rest till I achieve it. *

*With all my love,*

*Mark*

Rachel was able to relate with the young Mark who wrote that letter being forced to flee from home. Following his experience, it was quite evident that he has undergone various struggles and has made various losses. It took her time to understand to what an extent the splendid young man who stood before her was just a cover of the powerful billionaire.

Deep in her thoughts, she did not notice the door was opened from behind until she heard Mark’s voice saying something.

“Finding anything interesting?”

‘Rachel!’ he exclaimed, turning at the sound of her name, her heart rate spiked. In black suit looking very debonair, his blue eyes took her in with curiosity and amusement etched on his face.

“I thought you were engrossed in reading this letter you wrote to your parents this morning,” she said holding the letter. “You have come a long way and it is highly motivating to watch.”

Mark reached and took a few steps aside, looking at the letter and smiling somewhat nostalgically. “It was a long time ago you know… I was naive and idealist… It’s hard to even imagine now watching myself standing here in the company I created.”

“I guess you’re right, There is much more to me than seeing a ruthless businessman,” he replied to Rachel.

Mark’s expression turned serious. “Deep inside each of us is a story, one that is hidden behind the mask that we put on for the world to see. Since people do not bother to peer deeper, they will never know what our real story is.”

Rachel realized that she had been standing in front of him when he said that and she felt a chill down her spinal cord. It is perhaps possible to summarize that there was a certain nervous sensuality in the way he looked into her eyes.

“I’d like to know more,” She said in almost a hushed tone.

Mark looked into her eyes for a second before he confirmed. “Excuse me Ma’am,” a boy said as he extended his hand to lead her. “Let me take you somewhere. I have a message I want to share with you. ”

He manoeuvred her out of the archives and into a lift and as this descended it went into the sub-basement of the building. When the doors opened, Rachel was immediately transferred to a completely different environment from the above neat working rooms. The basement had the typical features of a utility space with the concrete like walls.

“This is where the real work happens,” Mark said, showing the corridor to them. “That is the nerve centre of the market; that is where key decisions are made on the basis of analysed data, and those decisions refer to billions of dollars.”

They went into one of the biggest rooms with many monitor inputs and many working desks. The image representing analysts and traders is enclosed in a glass cage, all of them, men and women, looking at the screens, their faces expressing eagerness and anticipation. The first was Mark’s character, with whom Rachel met several of his team members who spoke well of him, the job and difficulties.

“This is where we spy for info, this is where we forecast and then strike,” Mark boasted. “Indeed, the institution is competitive, but that is the place where it is best to work. ”

Rachel got captivated with the exposure to this aspect of the business ventures. Seeing Mark melded into the image was quite a wakeup call to the reality of the task that Mark had on his hand and the pressure he was under to deliver such a task.

He then took her hand and led her out of the trading floor to a small conference room. The man shut the door after making sure the ladies were with him, leaving them to a closed room to discuss in private.

“I thought you should see that side of things because it’s a big part of business that takes place around here,” Mark said brusquely. “But there is more in this company than only the numbers and the agreements between counterparts. There is a human factor that is often left undocumented.”

Rachel gave a nod in agreement, she was interested in the story that the woman had to tell. “Tell me more. ”

Subscribing to the fact Mark took some time to digest Robert's suggestion, he leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful look on his face. ”I have always had faith in people and I think my team is my strongest resource.” This is how Hublot’s Team leader describes other members of the Team.

He stopped, and for the first time he saw a direct look at her eyes. “There is the effect we have on the world too. There are the investments we make, the companies that support, and the employment we offer all go round affecting people negatively or positively. It is a factor I do not take lightly.”

Rachel feels she has gained a new found respect for Mark. This made it quite evident that he lived not with the motive of making more money but out of duty and principle.

“I know there is a different side of you which I want to know” she stated this as gently as she could. “The side that is more on philanthropy, the side that wants to be involved and bring change.”

Mark’s expression softened. “Philanthropy is an essential value to me personally, and I assumed from the primary day that whoever controls success should share the wealth to society.”

He slowly got up and went to take a cabinet, and after opening it he displayed several plaques and awards. “These are some of the causes which we have sponsored in the past years ‘’ Educational programs, health causes, environment ‘’ And it’s not for the urge to draw public attention but it is what is right to be done.

Rachel went to stand in front of the awards and stare at them for a moment before she shivered at the mere sight of the numerous charitable movements Mark had supported. “Indeed, by changing various lives positively as commented by the students, tutors, and group members, you have been of immense contribution.”

Mark let out a wide grin, there was some amount of pride shining out of him. “That is the idea, Wealth is fine to create but let it be wealth with a purpose of changing people’s lives positively.”

The next few hours were dedicated to the detailed analysis of the marks charitable activities. He described the projects with great enthusiasm and identified goings-on and accomplishments of the organisations. Rachel took meticulous notes, her feelings toward Mark that were intensively developing but she chose to stay focused and professional.

Shortly into the afternoon Mark felt like he was getting hungry, so he proposed that they get a small rest. “Would you like to go for a late lunch? Perhaps there is a restaurant close to the office that you may like.”

Rachel responded more in agreement and was encouraged to spend more time with Mark outside of work. They got out of Donovan Capital, and crossed the road to a restaurant that Elena had chosen: it was a very warm, rather expensive restaurant. They were placed in a nearby table that needed some isolation from the other guests because of the crowd.

They successfully continued the conversation over freshly made salads and grilled fish that was served to them. At times, Rachel started giggling while listening to Mark enumerating stories from his first few years in the field of finance, as they were not expecting the man to be funny and even occasionally self-ironic.

“You have been quite open today,” Rachel replied, taking a sip from her wine glass. “Thank you. It has helped me in understanding who you are in so many ways.

Mark’s expression grew serious. “So you must know all the details, Rachel, including the positive ones which you have not mentioned. I want you to know all aspects of it as much is at stake here.”

Rachel bobbed her head in agreement since what he was saying felt very serious she could sense it. “I do see Mark, It is so good to be here.”

After they were done eating, Mark’s phone rang. He took a look at it then clenched his fists, his face giving away a look of displeasure. “Sorry, excuse me, I have to attend this call. It is rather important.”

Rachel did so meaningfully, as he lived on a very tight schedule. Mark went out to attend the call, and Rachel was left alone to take it all in and think through how the day had been like. She had changed her mind about Mark, though she could not exactly point out how and why. He was not only a great businessman but rather a man who had many layers and who took his duties seriously and who, honestly, wanted to help.

When Mark returned he looked extremely stressed. “Unfortunately, I need to leave the lunch early, there is an issue that requires my intervention.”

Rachel kept standing, still waiting for him to go on, she was ready to follow him. “Sure, I agree with you So you have given me food for thought today and of course for lunch too.”

Mark swallowed the lump in his throat, and gave her a tender look. “Thank you for the conversation. I am happy that we met. If we can, we will talk more soon.”

Despite their light-hearted banter as they headed back to Donovan Capital, Rachel felt that there was a change of some sort between them. This new relationship was not merely business oriented, there was a new depth that was achieved.

They returned to work; Mark went into his meeting, and Rachel went back to the archives to do her work. Rachel decided to spend the time reading the records and understanding how Donovan Capital emerged as the leading company. The scale of the structures and systems engaged her more as well as the continuity of the story and the dramatic points within the company’s history.

When it was evening and still no positive result, Rachel had to leave. She put away all her papers and walked towards the door still deep in thoughts on what she had just discovered. She ventured out of the building into the cool night air her body drained, but her spirit high.

As she was walking home, she had enormous thoughts of Mark. However, she had managed to penetrate him at some point and see the gentleness behind the tough exterior that she found appealing. It remained in her mind what other mysteries remained hidden underneath other veneers.

---

The subsequent days also mimicked this particular schedule. Thus, Rachel followed Mark and got a better understanding of his life. She participated in high risk meetings, through observation, practised the aspects of tension in negotiating, and the high working pressure of Donovan Capital. Throughout all this she was struck with the efficiency and coolness of Mark as well as his calmness in a crisis, focusing people where they needed to be to get the job done.

And so it happened one evening when Mark was signalling the end of the working day, he came over to Rachel. “I have an important business meeting in London next week and the meeting is important with some valuable investors. I know you will benefit from the trip for your article if you accompany me.” Mark said.

That was something Rachel always looked forward to, travelling with Mark made her feel whole again. “I would like to. When are we going on a trip?”

”Tomorrow morning,” Mark retorted, with a little smirking sensation on his lips. “Get ready for the trip, this one I’m telling you is going to be quite a roller coaster ride. ”

That evening Rachel had a lot of preparation to do; packing for the next day could only be done with the sickest anticipation. All she could think of was what this journey was going to offer her in terms of career growth and what more to her life.

The following morning they went to the airport where they hired a private plane that was luxurious and comfortable. Rachel took her seat and she had quite complex emotions ranging from mere nervousness to an adrenaline rush. Despite never having been on a private jet, she said the experience came with a strange and exciting feeling.

Mark was sitting across from her; he looked casual but attentive at the same time. “There are so many places still to visit in London itself, for this trip, it’s going to be crazy but yes, it is going to be worth it.”

Rachel agreed, she was looking forward to it. “I’m ready. ”

The flight was not long, so Mark had some time to explain to Rachel what meetings would occur and their importance. She began to take detailed notes and started treasuring the information that could help her prepare for the next intense days.

On arrival in London they were driven to their hotel; this was a first quality five star hotel in the middle of the city. Rachel could not help but admire the beauty and was richly impressed with the fact that she felt like being in another world.

That evening they were free from the discussion part up to the time the meetings were scheduled to start. Mark suggested that they go out for sightseeing and Rachel was more than happy to. They strolled on the streets and shopped around observing the various kinds of activities that are present in London. Mark guided Rachel to different sites and told her interesting facts and jokes about them; he had been there before.

To her relief, they took a walk along the River Thames and for the first time Rachel was getting the soothing feeling she needed. The liveliness of the city had an effect on her and she stopped feeling awkward whenever she was with Mark

Eyeballing Mark, she went on, “You appear to be changed here.” “More at ease. ”

Mark smiled again, and the city lights in his eyes were blinking softly. “London has always been dear to me as it is the place where I signed some of my first very large contracts, experienced some bitter lessons. London is the world in a nutshell – with all the contradictions of a global economy.”

They sat by a brook, near a bridge for a while. Then the silence became loaded with things left unsaid but definitely, there was an understanding.

Mark’s gaze softened. Finally, he said, “I’m glad you’re here, Rachel. It is not only important from the business perspective, it is also crucial to know what motivates me. ”

Rachel nodded as she was overwhelmed with some sort of emotion. She understood that she had gone through the evolution of a pessimistic attitude towards Mark and arrived at the true respect and admiration. That potential was so much more than he ever was, more than she thought she would like and she was keen on unearthing all that there was to it.

---

The following day was a rate of event and bargaining. Rachel was able to see how Mark managed each situation well, and he had the aura of a leader that people acknowledged. They described her as the kind of woman who appreciated his confident and benevolent character, a rare gift to negotiate beneficial for all the sides.

All day long, Rachel documented all communications objectively, writing down even the minor details. The relationship that Mark had with all the employees left quite an impression on her; he was polite to all of them regardless of the rank they held. This was probably true because of the leadership he was giving the team and the standards he was upholding.

The last meeting concluded and, although it was late, Mark and Rachel went back to the hotel, tired but content with the achieved results.

“You were great today,” Rachel remarked as they made it to the main door of the lobby. “What you did in the negotiations, I have never witnessed anyone who could manipulate it in that great manner.”

This brought a smile on Mark's face and his eyes reflected a hint of appreciation. “Thank you, Rachel”, it makes a lot of difference when it is being said by such a person like you Rachel, I am happy that you were around to witness the whole event.

It was evening when they planned to have dinner at the rooftop restaurant of the hotel which is a fusion restaurant with a beautiful city view of London. When they reached the table and started eating it seemed as if the tension was somewhat lifted, and there were signs of friendship between the two of them.

“So, let me know something about you,” Mark switched the conversation immediately and it caught Rachel off guard. “You have been interviewing me about myself but I barely know anything about you.”

Rachel glanced at him briefly and then speaking in a low voice replied; “They are lovely people but my parents are comparatively illiterate in such fields, my mom is an old teacher and my dad was a worker in a construction site before he became a journalist. They are proud of me, but are tense most of the time.”

Mark looked deep in thoughts as he listened to her very attentively. “It probably is difficult to be across the country, or even the world, away from them.”

“It is,” Rachel admitted. “But I love what I do. I’ve always been passionate about journalism, about investigative reporting as they call it; about getting to the root of the matter and presenting issues that are consistent with the Social Justice theme of Elegance.

They formed respectable jobs that they are normally expected to carry out till they retire .Mark could hear the respect in his voice when he said “I can see that” “You are disciplined and working very hard, one thing I suppose they love about you.”

But Rachel flushed at what he said feeling the tickles of happiness in her stomach. “You are welcome Mark, I really appreciate hearing that.”

They continued talking, and they conversed with each other without any issue. He wanted to hear about life and her dreams, sometimes even her fears; and she was to learn more about him. Mark in return, decided to tell his side of the story, the story of his hardships, and the things he has lost so that he could be part of the wonderful team he is part of at the moment.

As the night went on, Rachel realized she was watching a side of Mark that few ever saw. He was more than just a powerful business person; he was a man who faced enormous challenges and emerged more robust because of it. A deep connection to him swept over her, something far beyond just the professional world.

After the dinner, they returned to their rooms, each burdened by the weight of the day's events. As Rachel got ready to sleep, she could not get Mark and this journey they were sharing out of her mind. Her feelings for him were getting more enhanced, yet she wondered where this path would lead.

The following days were a blur of activity. The hours were hardly passed without Rachel and Mark interacting, attending meetings, and pulling new deals and every day seemed to bring a new challenge and an opportunity to learn something fresh for them.

That evening, when the day finally was over, long and tiring, Mark proposed a stop at a gallery of art not far from where they were. Rachel was grateful for even this escape.

The gallery was an oasis of creativity, calm and packed with unique works of art. Rachel felt the peace spread through her as they went from one exhibition to another. The beauty of what the artists had created and the emotion they conveyed resonated so well with her.

Mark seemed equally moved; his eyes travelled to the painting of a stormy seascape. “Art has always been my refuge,” he said quietly. “It reminds me that there is beauty in chaos, and even when it is darkest, there is still hope.”

Rachel nodded in touch with his words. “I feel the same way. Art can express things that just can't be expressed in words; it is food for the soul.”

They wandered in the gallery till evening, their talk ranging from art to life and everything in between. Rachel enjoyed the sharpness with which Mark could see things and his veneration for life, which shone through in everything he said.

They left the gallery together; the night air was fresh and cool. They walked in comfortable silence as the bond between them grew deeper. Reaching the hotel, Mark looked at Rachel sincerely. “Rachel, I must say I do value our time together. You have turned me into a different person with your view, and for that, I am grateful.”

Rachel was about to burst with emotion. “I feel the same way, Mark. This has been amazing, and I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity.”

They stood like that momentarily, the night closing in around them in a bubble of intimacy. Rachel was hit by a wave of feeling, a desire to close the distance between them. But before she could do that, Mark stepped back, his eyes holding all the promises he wasn't voicing.

“Goodnight, Rachel,” he said, soft. “We have another busy day tomorrow.” “Goodnight, Mark,” Rachel replied, the sound of her voice somehow reflecting anticipation and disappointment at the same time.

---

The next day was the final round of meetings, the end of their work in London. Rachel felt the tension rise; the stakes had never been so high. She watched him guide everyone—steered them through the complex, confusing waters of negotiation—using his skills and inspiration to view themselves and their respective tasks differently, rising to meet this new standard.

By close of business, the deals had been signed and the mood was ecstatic. Mark's investors were pleased, and Rachel herself was experiencing an exaltation of pride at just being included in such a successful escapade.

As they celebrated with a small gathering at the hotel, Rachel could not have felt more fulfilled. She had seen struggles and victories in Mark's world firsthand, and it made her understand and respect him more for his willpower and survival.

During the celebratory night that seemed to last forever, the commotion of the gala was dying down to an end; Mark swept Rachel off to one side. “I have something I want to show you,” his eyes twinkled as if he had done something naughty.

Curious, Rachel followed him to the top of the hotel. The view was breathtaking; the city lights stretched for as far as the eye could see in every direction.

“It has to be among my top list of places in the world” Mark slumped on the railing of the bridge. “It is a strong memory in my mind as a great improvement mark while still provoking a desire to do more.”

Rachel was standing alongside him, she more than anyone was filled with feelings that raced in her chest. “Oh wow Mark, that is very beautiful and thank you for showing it to me.”

He looked at her, squarely in the eyes, then said coldly to her: “Rachel, days which passed were really amazing for me, Walking with you made me notice things that weren’t running through my mind before,” he found something for her that he can’t turn my back on.

Rachel’s eyes widen and she momentarily holds her breath. “I know it, Mark, but I feel it too, it is just how we are, but this is complicated, we are colleagues and…”

“I know,” Mark said, cutting her in gently. “However, it takes with it the greatest moments in life, and I do not want to shut my eyes to what we have together.

Rachel was torn between fear and desire feeling scared but eager at the same time. This is almost comical, which gets a reaction out of her, so Rachel asked, “What are you saying, Mark?”

“I’m saying that I want to take this further, what do you say? I want to know where this is going.” Said Mark enthusiastically. “But only if you are willing to step to this level with me”.

Rachel focused on the look in his eyes and it was evident that he was being sincere and serious. She understood that this was one of the profound times when one has the opportunity to reach for what is new and unknown.

Finally, she spoke, “I am ready, ” she said quietly with her heart beating so loudly in her chest. “I want to see where this leads. ”