Relentless Pursuit

CHAPTER TWO: BETWEEN YOU AND ME

It was a beautiful morning to be grateful for. The Monday morning air had the spirit of business swimming in it. And everyone in suits, male and female, made their way into one skyscraper or the other. The bustling streets of New York City buzzed with the energy of ambition and desire.

Reginald on the other hand went with the flow of the morning as usual as he strode with purpose bodyguards surrounding him, towards his skyscraper. His sharp gaze cutting through the crowd as he navigated his way to yet another meeting. Making his way into the Thompson Industries building, his employees snapped to attention as he approached. The elevator doors opened with a soft whoosh, as he strode in, his eyes fixed on the display panel. On the top floor, he swept into the reception area, his gaze scanning the sleek decor as every step he made commanded authority as usual.

His assistant, Jenkins, rose from his seat immediately, seeing him A tall slender man in his early 20’s with a discreet smile on his face.

"Did you call my lawyer, Stevens like I told you to?" Reg asked, not looking back at Jenkins, who followed him at his back with a wide file in his hands.

"Um... yes, sir. I did just as you asked me to... He has been waiting for you, sir." Jenkins said quickly, rushing towards Reg's office door and holding it open as Reg made his way in.

Reg's office was a testament to his wealth and power. The room was expansive, with floor-toceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline from above. The walls wereadorned with priceless artwork, and the floor was made of polished black marble that seemed to glow in the soft light.

"Then go tell him I'm around. I've got a meeting in minutes. Make it snappy. Now." Reg said, his voice low and even as Jenkins made his way out immediately. Taking up a glass, from the wine

deck at the edge of his office, Reginald poured himself a drink and stood at the window, his eyes fixed on the city skyline, as he waited for his lawyer to arrive.

Stevens stepped inside a few moments later, a look of mild surprise on his face, as he casually made his way into Reg's office. "Reg, my man, what's going on? Jenkins said you

needed to see me urgently."

Reg turned away from the window, his eyes locked on Stevens, a man who had been his close friend since childhood. They had grown up together, exploring the city streets, sharing secrets,

and supporting each other through thick and thin. Other than his mother Stevens is one of the closest person in regs life. Stevens made his way to Reg's table his rugged features were visible

on his face standing out of his well tailored suit and sharp jawline tempered by a warm smile, as his eyes crinkled at the corners greeting Reginald.

''How are you doing Reggie? It’s been quite a while now you know.'' Steven said as he approached Reginald.

Reg extended a firm handshake. "Steve, thanks for coming man.''

Stevens smiled, shaking Reg's hand. "No problem, Reg. What can I do for you, my man?" he said, picking an apple from the little fruit basket in the middle of Reg's huge table.

Reg walked over to his desk, his eyes still locked onto Stevens'. "I've been meaning to ask you... have you heard anything from Sophia lately?"

Stevens' expression turned stunned, as Regs statement stopped him from taking a bite out of the apple in his grasp, his eyes widening in surprise. "Sophia?” Steven asked as Reg replied with

a slight nod.

“Reg, I thought you two... I mean, I know you divorced her. Why are you asking about her now?"

Reg leaned against his desk, his arms crossed as he let out a deep breath. "I just need to know if she's okay, Steve."

Stevens' surprise turned to concern. "Know if she's okay? Are you okay, Reg? When did you start to care if people were okay especially Sophia. ah ….Don't tell me... No, no, you missing

her?"

Reg denied immediately, his voice firm. "No, Steve, nothing like that. I just need to know for some... private reasons. Let's just say it's…..personal." Stevens raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Private, you say? Well, I won't pry, Reg. But I will make

some discreet inquiries and see what I can find out." Steven said taking a deep bite out of the apple.

Just then, Reg's smart office phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He picked it up, listening for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, thanks for the reminder."

Steven raised an eyebrow. ''Everything okay man?”

Reg stood as he nodded in response, sliding his hands in his suit’s collar as he jumped his shoulders. ''Meeting starts in twelve minutes. I’m keeping them waiting.''

Stevens stood up, clapping Reg on the back. "Well, go knock 'em dead, champ. And don't worry, I'll dig up whatever I can on Sophia.'' Steven said reassuring Reginald they hugged one

more time.

"Oh, and Steve," Reg called out, his voice calmer than usual.

"Please, no one else can know about this... just between the two of us.”

Reg's eyes locked onto Steven's, his gaze intense with a hint of concern as Steven let out a calm chuckle, his expression reassuring.

"Don't you worry, brother, I understand. Just between the two of us."

Reg's expression softened slightly, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly as he nodded in appreciation. The two shared a brief, knowing glance before Reg turned to leave Steve following

behind.

Reginald and Stevens walked towards the meeting together, their footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. As they strolled, Stevens took another bite of the apple he had picked from the fruit basket, his eyes fixed on Reg.

"You know, Reg, I've known you for a long time." Stevens said, his voice low and thoughtful.

"And I've never seen you like this. What's really going on? Are you really missing her? you know it’s a normal thing if you do.”

Reg hesitated, his eyes scanning the corridor before responding in a hushed tone. "I'll tell you later, Steve. Let's just focus on getting the information like we said. And besides I have a

meeting now.”

Stevens nodded, his expression understanding. "Alright, champ. But you owe me an explanation."

As they approached the elevators, Reginald and Stevens parted ways, each heading to a different elevator. Reginald stepped into an elevator ascending to the top floor, where the meeting would take place. He pressed the button for the executive level, his eyes fixed on the display as the doors closed.

Meanwhile, Stevens entered an elevator descending to the lower floors. He pressed the button for the ground level, his eyes fixed on the floor numbers ticking down.

All he way to the conference room, Regs mind remained unsettled. But as usual he never let anything get in the way of his work so he pushed those thoughts aside.

“Focus Reg it’s just one for work”. He said to himself as he approached the conference room, the sound of murmured conversations and shuffling papers grew louder as he proceeded the meeting with a heavy heart.