The Beta's Witch

Chapter 2: Let's Make a Deal

I walked past Mr. Thomas’s assistant and politely knocked on his door before pushing into his office. The man wasn’t one for privacy. I found him hanging upside down off his couch, throwing a tennis ball in the air. Rolling my eyes, I made my way to the visitor chair in front of his desk.

“Good morning, Mr. Thomas,” I sang.  

“Good morning Ms. Ryder. Did you get those case files for the construction deal with Johnathon Ford?”

“Right here. Everything is all set for the meeting later today. Is that what you were calling me about last night?”

“Huh?” He flipped right side up. Pulling his phone out of his pocket he checked his call history. “Ah, that adorable little sneak. I found Victoria playing with my phone last night. She must have called you while she was button mashing. My bad.” I met his embarrassed grimace with an easy grin.

“That’s okay. How’s that beautiful baby girl of yours? And Henry? I bet they are both getting so big!”

“They’re great,” he beamed. “Victoria just turned two and Henry is six.”

Scrolling through his phone he flashed his screen at me. A new photo of him and his family filled the screen. His beautiful wife held a chubby toddler in her arms while Mr. Thomas’s hand ruffled the top of Henry’s blonde head.

“I bet Victoria is giving you a run for your money, they’re fun at that age,” I recounted, “And I’m sure Henry’s getting really good at paying attention to just about everything you wish he wouldn’t.”

Daniel’s attentiveness had me censoring just about everything from phone conversations to TV show options.  I looked up from his phone to catch Elijah staring curiously at me.

That was another thing. None of them knew I had Daniel. I didn't know any other way to keep him safe. 

I cleared my throat, “Anyway, if you don’t need anything else, I’ll update you on the Ford Contract, after I meet with his son this afternoon.”

“His son?” he asked, surprised. He circled his desk, easing into his large office chair.

“Yes,” I scowled, “Mr. Ford would like his son to learn the family business.” Ford Jr. was a pig but not as bad as Jeff.

Mr. Thomas hummed. “Yeah come find me when you’re done.” Tapping a button on his computer, I saw the screen blink, making me realize he hadn’t even started working yet.

“Will do, Mr. Thomas.” I gathered my folders from the desk, leaving a copy of the rough drafted contract.

My office was on the same floor as Elijah Thomas, the President of Homeland Relations. The entire floor was dedicated to contracting and maintaining the business deals that Grey Enterprises made in the States.

Phones rang constantly as the business was known as one of the most professionally accredited, relations-wise, on the east coast.

I admired Lucas Grey’s effort to raise this company to new heights. Four years ago, I had been his assistant and sat in on the meeting where Grey Enterprises was cleared to expand in Europe. I surmised we would be considered a top company worldwide in the next few years.  

I started at Grey Enterprises six years ago as a receptionist, determined to climb the professional ladder. Not long after starting I enrolled in business school. I hopped from the front desk, to accounting, where Mr. Jacobs recommended me to Mr. Grey when his assistant quit.

It was rumored that the man was impossible to work with, but I had found his attention to detail and punctuality refreshing. 

Mr. Grey must have seen something in me as well, because after two years he promoted me to a Vice President of Homeland Relations, where I’ve been negotiating and finalizing deals under Elijah Thomas, ever since.

This past year I had earned my Masters of Business and have set my sights on the position in international relations in the ever-elusive Mr. Matthews department. I had yet to run into him, but that had more to do with him being the President of International Relations and Marketing. I would give anything to be able to take Daniel on business trips to Europe.

Swiveling in my chair I thought about my time here at Grey Enterprises. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Grey were very friendly and open about their lives. I gushed over their children, playing with them whenever they visited the office. I had even allowed myself to joke alongside at times. They were the closest thing I had to friends, but they knew nothing about me. In truth, I knew very little about myself.

The thought made me sad.

Sighing, I focused on planning out my meeting with Jonas Ford. Jonathon Ford made it clear to me in his email that his son was authorized to approve the contract that would forge a new relationship between Grey Enterprises and Ford Realty.

Lucas Grey enforced fair deals, based on the net worth of other companies to blah blah blah.

I got where I was because I was a ruthless negotiator with serious skills in persuasion. Very rarely did I ever walk away without something good for the company. Mr. Grey usually looked in the other direction when I swindled an unruly client.  

As a woman in the business world, surrounded by men, I was seen less as an equal and more as a piece of meat. I learned how to use that to my advantage. They made it too easy, letting themselves get distracted by a pretty face, mistaking me for naïve; not realizing they were finagled until after I had already closed the deal.

I absently checked my emails, following up on a few contracts that were underway or already closed. Most of the previous clients were good sports afterwards and reaching out to them usually guaranteed they would come back. I never wanted to close deals by means of less honorable tactics. My skills in negotiations were finely honed and I was proud of what I could accomplish on an equal playing field.

“You should really smile more, sugar.” A merry voice sang through my office. I rolled my eyes. Joseph Castor floated into me office, holding two take-out cups. Sliding one to me he sips from his while eyeing me over the lid.

“And you should really call before you just show up at my office.” I scolded. He was dressed in an expensive button-down shirt, cuffs impeccably sharp, not a spec of lint clung to his dark slacks.

“I came to check on you. That Ford contract you had me look over was soft. Are you sick or something?” he studied my face.

Joseph Castor was my ace in the whole. Not long after I started working at Grey Enterprises I met him around the building. He was a hot shot lawyer and I was just starting to develop an interest in the business world. He now helped make sure my contracts were solid before I pushed them through. I admit I might not be as aggressive in negotiating if it weren't for him. 

“Grey Enterprises is more focused on it’s international contracts right now. I’m not going to waste effort on a kiddie deal with Mr. Ford’s son.” I shrugged, absently fingering the lip of the cup.  

He hummed thoughtfully. “If you say so.” He shrugged, “you have room for negotiations though.” His playful smile was hard to ignore, but I just wanted to get this meeting over with.

“Thank you, Mr. Castor. Truly, I enjoy your visits, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to work,” I responded with cold professionalism, swiveling back to my computer. The flamboyant lawyer never gave up the opportunity to visit me. I had no idea why. Even I knew I wasn’t always pleasant company.

He glared suspiciously at me before sighing dramatically. “Fine,” he drawled, “I’ll just come back later!”

“Please don’t,” I called, but he was already around the corner. I tolerated Joseph because he didn’t ask questions and never stayed long enough for me to return the favor. He was rather odd, but I wasn’t in any position to judge.  

..... 

 When It was time for the Ford meeting, I was less than enthusiastic, but completely ready to get this over with. I sent up a quick prayer the baby Ford was on his best behavior.

An executive assistant walked behind me, carrying my files. Typically, negotiations were held with a number of Executives and higher ups from both companies, but this meeting was just a finalization of agreements made back and forth over email or FaceTime. Ford Realty wanted to build an office downtown to fit their growing business. Ford jr. was just here to sign the papers. It was a formality.

I took the time to appreciate the view from the conference room. Floor to ceiling windows streamed sunlight into the room, making for a cheerful environment.

“Ms. Ryder,” Jonas Ford purred, “It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it, holding my gaze for way longer than necessary. I cringed inwardly.

“Thank you, Mr. Ford,” I greeted, slipping my hand away, “Please have a seat.”

 I waved the executive off, taking the files and laying them out on the table. No need for everyone to be uncomfortable. “I hope this contract cements a long and prosperous relationship between our companies.”

A line I used with almost every deal. Every man loved his ego stroked. If they believed that Grey Enterprises needed them, they were more likely to let their guard down. In reality Grey Enterprises was more than okay without most of the  stuck up CEO’s who crossed my conference room.

I began to go over the contract, pointing out a few of the lines we discussed, commissions, profits, etc. When he stopped me.

“I’m sure everything’s fine,” he dismissed, “Tell me, will you be the liaison for the remainder of the contract?” The way his greedy eyes fell below my face, flipped a switch in my brain.

I smiled sweetly. “Unfortunately, no Mr. Ford, my involvement ends as soon as we come to an official agreement on the contract.” I waved the documents airily.

“Well then, perhaps we should take our time. I would love to get to know you more.” His overconfident smile let me know he was used to getting his way with women. I pursed my lips.

“Mr. Ford,” I began.

“Jonas, please.” He interrupted, taking my hand again..

“Mr. Ford,” I emphasized, tugging out of his clammy grip. “Your father was adamant that this deal goes through without any issues. I’d hate to disappoint him.”

“Pfft, the old man can wait a few hours,” he boasted, “Besides it’s not everyday that a guy gets to have a sexy woman like you all to himself.”

Sexy, gorgeous, beautiful. If there was a creep with an original compliment out there, I would eat my shoe.

“Well,” I said, pretending to sound unsure.

“I’m sure there’s something on the contract that needs to be . . . re-negotiated.” He offered easily, shamelessly ogling my cleavage.  

Hmm. “Okay,” I conceded, “Why don’t we change the incoming commissions to 20% of all profits made by Ford Realty over the next, let’s say, five years? I can retype that part of the contract right now, should give us a little extra time.”

I could tell nothing I said registered, as he was too busy staring at my chest. The arrogant tilt of his head telling me he thought I was falling for his charm.

“Sounds good princess.” He smiled easily. I plastered a mirroring smile on my face while I took out my laptop and retyped that section of the contract. The i***t had just agreed to give Grey Enterprises a 5% increase in sales tax for completing the contract over its most profitable time period.  

I quickly typed it up while he chatted in my ear about how he would one day own one of the biggest realty groups in Maine. I continued to smile and nod, while I sent the contract to the printer.

The same assistant who had followed me into the conference room walked in with the revised copy of the contract, smirking discreetly as she handed me the stack of papers. Most of the department knew how I conducted business by now.

“Well Mr. Ford,” I batted my eyes, “It looks like it’s all set! If you’re satisfied, I’ll run over and get Mr. Thomas’s approval before you sign it.

“Oh and don’t worry,” I emphasized, wide-eyed, “I’ll make sure he agrees to the terms we’ve discussed.”

‘Sounds perfect, Beautiful. Maybe after this I can take you to lunch.”

I hummed thoughtfully, as I turned to leave the room. As soon as my back was toward him, I dropped the act and rolled my eyes. These young assholes in suits were all the same. Boasting and reaping the benefits of their parents’ money and lacking all respect for people who had to work to get where they are.

I shot a quick message to Elijah, asking where he was. He quickly responded that he was in Mr. Grey’s office. I headed for the private elevator to the top floor, enjoying that Mr. Ford would have to wait a lot longer.