Chapter 3
1036 Words
The morning hums with the low buzz of conference calls and the sounds of keyboards being clicked. Rhys as usual arrives early to work with bag. He walks through the corridor, already mapping out the executive floor where a meeting will be held at ten.
He was sent an email from the company to meet the boss when he arrives at the company. Rhys stare at the name Julian Voss, CEO. He could swear that name hurts his eyes so bad.
Rhys adjusts his cufflinks and straighten his shirt as he heads towards Julian's office. The glass walls reflecting an image of his composed and tall stature.
He maintained an unreasonable expression as he approached the office. Julian won't recognize the boy he threw out of the mansion thirteen years ago.
Julian has always been oblivious to the people around him. Always using them for his selfish plans but he never once asked them for a proper introduction.
Rhys smiles as he thinks whether his brother will recognize him but that doesn't matter all he wants is revenge. He doesn't need his money, He already has a large business empire that is operating successfully but here he is disgusing himself as a senior consultant from London in his brother's company. How nice.
Rhys stare at the oak door which represents old money and entitlement. He knocks once and enters without waiting for a reply.
Julian looks up from the desk to see who it was. He was dressed in a black suit, his tie knotted properly and his cold blue eyes which was like their father looks at him with boredom.
"Calder", Julian says as he gestures for Rhys to take a seat. "I have review your transfer files. It stated London sent you for the Asian pivot project",he says as he looks at the file on his desk.
Rhys seats on the leather chair opposite Julian as he place his notebook on his laps. "Yes sir", he answers. Julian nods his head in response.
"The Tokyo project is being delayed and that can cause the company a huge loss by 55%", Rhys adds making Julian leans back as he thinks of what he said.
"So how do we prevent this?", Julian asked.
"Shift 25% to Hanoi project, cut our exposure by 7% and apply for a contract at ROI. I have everything ready if you want to check it out", Rhys explains.
Julian checks the single page Rhys slides across the desk. His eyes furrow slightly as he inspects the information.
"Your thinking is really nice but you will meet with Eleanor Voss. She is in charge of the Asian pivot project".
Julian turns to the screen already dismissing the meeting. "I want reports by the end of the week. Dismissed",he order.
Rhys stands up as he collects his notebook. "Understood sir".
He reaches for the door knob but Julian receives a call making him stop for a moment. Julian speaks with a low voice as he answers the call but he noticed Rhys still in his office.
"I said you are dismissed",he says to Rhys who apologizes and walks out.
During lunch break, Rhys steps out into the empty corridor. He heads towards the coffee station but bumps into Eleanor as he took a turn.
She had just came from the direction that leads to Julian's office. Her cream blouse is slightly crumbled, her top buttons were open revealing a little cleavage, a faint flush was creeping up her neck.
Her hair which was styled neatly now had loose stands falling. Her lips looks slightly bruised and she clutched a tablet to her chest. She looked like she had been taken against her own life. Rhys feels his pulse quickening as he reach out to brush a strand of her hair from her face.
He does it gently, not enough to scare her or make her move back but to make her look at him.
"Excuez-moi",he says softly. His hand steadies on her arm for a brief second, his touch was innocent and warm.
Her hazel eyes looks up to meet his. Her face was flushed and she looks tired.
"Monsieur Calder," she replies with a soft tone but one could tell she was tired. She doesn't pull away immediately. "No harm."
He releases her arm, letting his fingers linger in the air a fraction too long, concern etching his features. "You alright? You seem... rushed."he asked.
She straightens herself,tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with a practiced flick. The flush deepens, but she puts on her mask of being cool and professional. "Just a long discussion with Julian about a project",she paused pause before adding,"The Asia pivot?"
Rhys nods, maintaining eye contact. "Yes. He told me he was going to brief you on the matter." He lets the words hang implying a shared ground between them.
Her lips curve in a tight smile, not reaching her eyes. "Of course. I will review the numbers with the team." She says and walk past him, heels clicking loudly on the marble floor as if fleeing the echo of the office behind.
He watches her go, the way she sway of her hips,the way her hand brushes her neck as if wiping away an invisible touch. Julian's touch. She doesn't like his touch.
Satisfaction coils in Rhys's chest, dark and sweet. His brother, oblivious to the fact that his younger brother is working for him and planning to claim what isn't his nice. The revenge tastes sweeter now.
She noticed him this time and even remembered his name. "Progress", Rhys says out loud.
He continues to the coffee station, pours two cups of black coffee. One for him and another with of milk for the one he will accidentally leave near her door later. Small gestures. Invisible hooks.
Back in his office, Rhys closed the door as he opens the notepad.
Under yesterday's entry:
She remembers my name and even gave me a false smile.
Brother doesn't recognize me even when I was sitting in front of him. How nice.
Lastly, she doesn't like brother's touch.
Rhys close the notepad as he leans his back on the chair. "This is going to be fun".
- Writer
