Jade Lotus

Chapter 3

Jade was nervous the moment she saw him.  So nervous in fact she had to employ an ancient calming technique her Sobo (grandmother) had taught her.  Pressing her thumb into her palm and wrapping her fingers around it she calmed her racing thoughts.  She was able to present her a steely calm professional demeanor by the time he walked over to her.  He was beautiful.  She couldn't stop her eyes from traveling the length of him.  Kendal's dirty blonde hair was impeccably trimmed to enhance the naughty curls.  His bright green eyes were brilliant.  The color of Jade she giggled to herself.  He was tall and well-muscled but lean.  Like a beefy surfer who had been polished by the boardroom.  Then he smiled.  It was heart stopping and dangerous.  The type of smile that could maker her lose focus.  She mentally shook herself.  She had worked too hard to get where she was.  She would demolish him in business, but that didn't stop her from daydreaming about unbuttoning his shirt, and demolishing him in other ways. 

Their first business encounter was intense.  Kendal went right for the jugular when she told him her uncle was closing on the property.  A twenty percent counter for cash.  Her uncle would be livid when she told him the news.  She had to admit Kendal had guts.  He had been in Japan for a day, and was already trying to broken a counter deal against her uncle, who was more powerful than she liked to admit.  

Jade heard about Kendal constantly when he had worked for her uncle in America.  She never met him in person, because her uncle hadn't allowed her to travel to America while he was working there.  Uncle's  influence hadn't hurt her career, but it came at a very high price.  He ruled with an iron fist and expected total loyalty.  Still she owed him.  He had provided her with a home and education when her parents died in freak car accident when she was fifteen.  She loved her uncle, but was hurt that he always prevented her from returning to America to visit her parents grave. 

She was deep in thought when the black sedan arrived at Atsuko Tower.  Time to face her uncle.  She stepped out of the car and walked into the tower.  Uncle would expect a report immediately.  No sense in delaying the inevitable so she walked to the lobby elevator.  The nearly silent door opened and she stepped gracefully inside.  She pressed the button for the top floor and straightened her suit.  With a deep breath she threw her shoulders back and walked from the elevator to her uncle's office.  She paused only long enough to ask his assistant if he was alone.  

Uncle Hachiro was seated behind his massive black desk.  He smiled a victorious smile at her when while she made her way over.  He spoke with utter confidence, "So how did Mr. Archer take it when you told him the property was already under contract."  She put her hands on the front of his desk and leaned forward as she answered, "Not lying down.  I just had to inform the seller of his cash offer of your price plus twenty percent."

He slammed his fist on the desk and shot out of his chair.  "He countered with cash?!?! That's probably all the capital he has.  Foolish boy."  Uncle Hachiro obviously hadn't read the recent New York Times article about Kendal's last merger.  He definitely had more capital.  Her uncle had underestimated Kendal and she told him so.  "Uncle I have researched Kendal's career and holdings since he left your employee and he's developed a massive capital fund.  He's close to your holdings, possibly more after his most recent deal closed.  The details were confidential so I can't be sure."

Uncle Hachiro looked like he swallowed fire.  It bothered her a little.  She was well aware why Kendal left her uncle's employ.  It was no wonder he came to Japan, with guns blazing to settle a score with his old boss.  That's the one thing her uncle under estimated about Kendal.  His ability to fight back. She knew it was a shrewd business move for her uncle to close the deal and take credit for Kendal's presentation, but she also knew that those Japanese men were only closing the deal period because Hachiro was in charge.  Kendal would never have reached his full potential working for her uncle.  The deck would always have been stacked against him.  Kendal couldn't possibly realize that by betraying him her uncle actually did him a favor.  He created the spark Kendal needed to succeed on his own.

"What did the sellers say when you presented his counter offer."  Jade shook her head.  His impatience was infuriating.  "They just got the offer twenty minutes ago.  Do you really think they can consider millions so quickly?  Don't rush this.  They'll be put off if you don't follow proper protocol."

Uncle let his disgust flow, "You shouldn't have presented such an offer this late in the process.  Speaking to Mr. Archer was an courtesy, not an opportunity for you to increase your commission."

Jade raged internally.  With all the quiet calm she could muster she mounted her defense. "Uncle, had I not presented the counter offer and the buyers were made aware, you wouldn't look like the honest business man you are." He started to speak, but she held up her finger and continued, "In addition to the dishonest light it would paint you in if we withheld, the buyer could actually sue you for damages in the revenue they would lose on the larger price.  Mr. Archer could also contest my commission all together since he was practically forced to use me to carry the counter to the buyer, since time was so of the essence in his situation.  No Uncle, I made the wise business decision with your best interest in mind."

Standing on opposite sides of the desk he dismissed her from his sight.  "Call me when you hear about the counter."  She nodded and walked out of his office.  She wasted no time making her way to her waiting car.  She gave the driver the address to her apartment.  After closing the dark partition, she sat back against the comfortable leather, closed her eyes, and let her mind wander.

She was daydreaming of the smell of Kendal's cologne when her phone rang. "Hello?"  She sat straight up when the voice on the other end answered. "Jade, It's Kendal.  Any word from the buyer yet?"  So he was just as impatient as her uncle.  She answered with cold professionalism, "Mr. Archer it customary to give the buyer some time to consider."  

He quipped in return, seemingly undeterred by her chilly answer, "You're right of course.  How did your uncle take the news?"

She couldn't believe he had the audacity to come out and ask so bluntly.  "He is a man of business.  Such things happen all the time."

Kendal snorted in her ear. "He's a man of business alright.  I have to say I'm impressed you actually presented my offer.  Part of me wondered if you would bother."

It stung Jade that he thought she might be dishonest.  In all fairness he was judging her on her close relationship with her uncle.  "Mr. Archer, despite any dealings you've had with my uncle in the past, please don't judge my character on the actions of others."  

Kendal eased his words, "My apologies Ms. Atsuko.  It was wrong of me to make such a comment when you've only acted like a professional."

Just as he finished his apology, Jade's phone beeped letting her know another call was coming in. 

"Sorry to interrupt you Mr. Archer, but the seller is calling now.  Lucky for you, it seems you'll get the quick response you hoped for.  I'll be in touch."

Before he could respond, Jade clicked her phone to answer the incoming call.  She listened patiently while the seller gave her their answer.  She took notes, and thanked them for their time.  Her uncle won again.  Despite the higher offer of cash, her uncle's powerful influence held them to the deal they had already struck with him.  They only asked that her uncle provide a year of professionally staffed security for the building.  He would easily agree, since he could provide the security from one of his smaller companies.

Jade didn't like the gloating tone her uncle used when she called him to give him the good news.  He didn't even thank her for the additional work adverting a disaster. Luckily she avoided having to tell him in person since it was good news.  She was now at her apartment, and decided to call Kendal back to give him the bad news.  She wanted to get it over with so she could try and relax after such a difficult day.

He picked up after two rings.  "Kendal here."  She rolled her eyes at his overly efficient greeting.  

"Mr. Archer it's Jade.  I'm sorry, but the news isn't good.  The seller decided to honor their initial deal with my uncle.  They didn't feel it was ethical to consider other offers this late in the process.  They did wish to pass on their appreciation for your generous offer, and they wish you the best in your continued search."

Kendal laughed.  She didn't expect that.  "Well you gave that little loser speech with perfect efficiency."  She didn't know what to say. "Mr. Archer my intention wasn't to be condescending."  He stopped her before she could continue. "Jade, it's a compliment. I'm impressed by how you handled yourself in a somewhat precarious business situation.  I knew they wouldn't accept.  I only made my offer to put my name out there, and to piss your uncle off.  Everyone of the sellers business confidents will know I'm looking now.  The right property for my deal will drop into my lap shortly." She listened quietly as he continued, "You could really help me though.  I took the afternoon to research you and I know you're the best in your game.  Your name helps, but it's not why you're the best.  I do business with the best any chance I get.  Maybe you'd take a chance on doing business with me since a conflict of interest no longer exists."

Jade responded cautiously, "What do you have in mind?"

"Help me find a property to expand a pharmaceutical company that is on the cutting edge of vaccine development.  It's a business plan I actually believe in.  They will hold the drug patents, and are looking for manufacturing options that allow them to supply the world population cheap treatments for illnesses that affect the entire planet.  It's an opportunity to do some global good."

Without even pausing to think she answered, "Please email my assistant the property requirements, and I'll have a list of potential properties in 24 hours.  I'll have my assistant contact yours for available appointment times to view the properties you're interested in."

She couldn't believe she had just agreed to help him.  His sincere business plan didn't hurt her decision.  How could she say no to helping the planet.  Her uncle would be furious, but she didn't care.  This was a rare opportunity to do good.  Her father's mission in life had been vaccine development.  It's why they had moved to America.  How could she not do something that he would have been so proud to be involved in.

Kendal thanked her and told her he'd send her the information she requested immediately and they politely got off the phone.  She walked in to her massive bathroom and turned the hot water on to fill up her tub.  She was going to soak in scented bubbles until the events of the day made sense.  She'd like to think her only reason for agreeing to help Kendal was to honor her parents memory, but she knew better.  She was entirely too exited at the thought of seeing him again.

With girlish thoughts of what she would wear swimming in her mind, she dunked her whole head under the hot water and let the warmth ease all the tension from her body.