Scarlet Truth

Two

Minutes later, he sent a message. “I will take it.” He then sent his office address.

***

The man examined the gold with a jewelry loupe.

“Three hundred dollars,” he said flatly.

“It's worth more than that,” I argued.

“Take it or leave it!”

I swallowed hard. “Sir, pay me a thousand,” I contended.

I don't even know the price of such gold.

“Three hundred is a good price, ma’am.”

He didn't look like he would increase the price.

“Alright, deal.” I said weakly.

He handed me the cash and left the place.

I know this necklace meant a lot to Mom. But right now, I need her with us.

***

I hurried to the hospital with the money in my bag. The money is not much, but at least it's a fraction.

“I would like to make payment for Mrs Annabella Daniels,” I told the receptionist, placing the cash on the counter.

I went straight to Mom's ward. Nadia was with her. I pecked Mom on her forehead and signaled Nadia to come out.

I took out the receipt I got from the hospital.

“See,” handing her the receipt. “I paid a little of Mom's bill.”

“Clara? How?”

“I sold the gold necklace.” She stared at me, not sure of what I meant. “The one dad gifted mom.”

Her eyes widened. “That necklace…”

“I know, but Mom needs us more.” I pulled her in for a hug.

“We still have a long way to go from the twenty thousand but at least we paid something today,” I said with tears rolling down my face.

***

The next day at Le Petit Haven, everything felt different. Not because anything had changed, but because everything had changed.

I was going through the account book and balancing report at Le Petit Haven. Being a manager is not easy, but it kept my mind busy. It was past 10am and customers were coming in and going out. I could hear the sound of plates and glasses, and the aroma of barbeque swirling from the kitchen.

“Clara!” I heard Mr Wilson's voice.

I went to his office. He looked happy.

“I have great news,” he said. “I got an email from Astor Group.”

“Astor Group!” I blurted out, “The billion-dollar company?”

He nodded.

“They are hosting a global tech conference next week, and guess what?” he grinned. "They want us to bring in our best dishes for a tasting session," he continued. "If we impress them, we will cater for the entire event." He added. “We’ve been invited to showcase our meal for tasting this Thursday.”

He passed his phone to me,

Subject: Invitation to Provide Catering for Astor Group Conference

Dear Le Petit Haven Team,

We are pleased to inform you that your restaurant has been shortlisted to provide catering services for the Astor Group’s upcoming Global Tech & Investment Conference. As one of the city’s most promising dining establishments, we would like to invite you to present a selection of your best dishes for a tasting session at our headquarters on Thursday, 10:00 AM.

This is the initial phase. Your restaurant and other restaurants will be considered for the final event. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

Astor Group Events Team.

***

I'd come across some news about the Astor Group. Damian Astor's pictures, the CEO, was everywhere; magazines, newspapers, and the Forbes list. People described him as a wealthy and influential man.

I heard he was the son of a business mogul, Robert Astor. Robert Astor had handed everything to Damian and now lives in Texas with his wife– Damian's mom.

“Come up with suggestions for what the menu would look like. The main dishes, appetizers, side dishes, desserts, and drinks.” Mr. Wilson said.

“Alright sir,” I said and left his office.

***

Damian Astor

I pulled my tie, already questioning myself for showing up for the meeting.

"Astor Group is a multinational enterprise with investments in corporate skyscrapers, luxury housing, software technologies, and renewable energy projects." Nicholas started the meeting.

"The Global Tech Conference is in three weeks. It's make-or-break. We have invited the Saudis, Canadians, and Germans. Preparation has started and this year, it will be bigger than last." Nicholas stood in front of the table, projecting the event plans on the screen.

My Dad's presence was unexpected. He is usually not around for such meetings. He and Mom are based in Texas. He flew for the conference and I know he is going to lecture me on marriage.

The meeting was over and everyone started leaving the conference room.

“Damian, we need to talk,” he said.

Of course, this old man is predictable.

The last person closed the door and my dad started.

“Hey son, how have you been? Your mom says hi.”

“I am okay, is that all?” I asked, his expression turned stern.

“Is that how you talk to your father you haven't seen in months?” he queried.

"How are you, Dad?" I said,

"How is Mom?" I forced a smile.

“We are fine, thanks for asking.” He smirked.

“So, are you in a relationship? I mean how is your love life?”

“C’mon, Dad.” I stood. “I just remembered I had some paperwork to sign.”

“Don’t run from this conversation!” I left the conference room.

***

As I returned to my office, I heard a knock and answered, “Come in.” Mr Charles, the event manager, walked in.

“Good day, sir, I have prepared a proposal for the event.” He dropped a spiral-bound file on my desk.

“Alright, I will go through it. Give a copy to Nicholas too.”

“I'll do that sir,” he said.

Nicholas came to my office minutes later.

“Damian, I emailed you, you haven't responded,” Nicholas asked, standing in my office doorway with a stack of papers and a laptop.

I didn’t answer. I stared out the window looking at the view of the city skyscrapers from my office on the 30th floor of Astor Tower.

The conference. The board. My father’s endless expectations!

“With mom and dad coming, this event is going to be a headache,” I muttered finally.

Dad came all the way to nag about marriage. I wonder what his strategy will be this time.

“They are only looking out for you,” Nicholas said, dropping his stack of papers on my table. "T&P construction brought in these."

"They sent invites for their new infrastructure, and they would like you to attend," he handed over an envelope.

"Salis and Co. will be sending a representative for a business meeting later today," he said.

“Alright, how about the conference?” I asked.

"We are still working on it. The proposal has been sent to the teams we will be working with."

"The venue is ready, the guest list has been finalized, and the interior decorator has been contacted."

"For the catering services, two have been shortlisted and sent mail; Le Petit Haven and Maison Blanche,” he added.

“Good. Then let them fight for it.”

“You could try caring, you know,” Nicholas said dryly.

“I do care,” I replied smoothly. “Just not about the food.”

But deep down, I knew why I was restless.

Our annual conference is coming up and it's usually a big event. The last time he was bothering me about marriage, he and Mom set me up on a blind date with one of their friends' daughters. The date was a disaster. It was just awkward silence. I had warned them not to do such a thing again.

Marriage? Love? All nonsense. Every woman I have met so far only wants my money, not me. Besides, I'm not ready for any of that.

Being the heir of the Astor group came with power and expectations. My life looks perfect from the outside. The luxurious cars, the tower, the suits, the endless lists of ladies, some just want one night in my penthouse and the rest desperately want the Astor name.

“Damian!” Nicholas' voice broke through my thoughts.

“Hey!"

"Are you okay?"

"You look distracted."

“I'm okay, just not in the mood for my parents’ drama right now.”

“Your dad's pressing on marriage is valid if you ask me.” Nicholas smiled.

“Nah, it's because he is old and bored,” I said.

"He says being married and having kids gives stability."

"Stability is overrated!"

“Is it?” Nicholas quirks a brow. “Or are you just afraid of commitment?”

“I’m not afraid,” I snapped. "I am smart, I have seen what women are like."

"They don’t want love, they just want the Astor name, the bank account, and the lifestyle."

“Yeah, you are right.”

“Let’s stop this marriage conversation,” I said sharply. “I am not in the mood.”

Nicholas doesn’t argue. He knows me too well.

Nicholas has been my friend for the longest. We went to the same high school and college. He studied computer science, started a startup after college but went bankrupt two years later. I offered him a job in Astor’s group. We have been working together for five years. He has always had my back.

***

Later that evening, Nicholas and I went to the club to have fun. Clubs were our ritual.

As an Astor, my name opened every door. Private clubs, VIP lounges, luxury lifestyle services, golf clubs, name it, and any girl's heart.

Women are always drawn to me. I seem to have a magnetic presence. They are obsessed with fortune and lifestyle. I never asked for more than an evening. No morning calls, no promises, just a night.

The club was blasting with loud music. We made our way to the VIP lounge, and the MC echoed through the speakers. “It's Damian Astor in the building!” I waved and smiled back at the crowd.

A bunch of girls surrounded me, looking all excited.

“Girls! Easy!!” Nicholas intervened, asking them to organize themselves.

One of them came closer. “Hey, handsome.” She sat beside me. She looked stunning and was adorned with diamonds and a sparkling red dress.

“Hey, Mr Astor.” She said with her hand on my chest.

Of course, she knows my name.

“You look nice,” I said.

“Well, I try to impress.” She whispered.

“What is your name?” I asked her.

“Sophia.”

We laughed, chatted, and flirted for a while.

“Want to get out of here?” She smirked.

“Yeah, let's leave.”

I left Nicholas there and left with Sophia for my penthouse.