Once Upon A Christmas

Seven

Chapter 7

Chase

“We are set to proceed, sir. Talented developers will be sent to follow the initial development. The deal was closed at ten times the asking price.”

I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking softly. “Okay, that will be sufficient to aid expansion efforts. Has Mr. Clarke reached out?”

“Not since his last mail.”

“Alright, let’s give him a few more hours.”

My assistant hesitated, his tone shifting. “Sir, the investigation report so far on the attempted sabotage. The culprit admitted to being put to it by Mr. Delatrix’s assistant.”

My brow furrowed. “Which Delatrix? — Josh?”

“That would be correct, sir.”

A frown deepened across my face. Josh Devan Delatrix was no friend of mine. Him getting into my business was starting to irritate me. Aside from seeing him briefly at a business conference last year, our last real conversation had been ten years ago. Family functions was where we usually crossed paths, and even then, we were never friends.

So why go to such lengths to sabotage one of our company’s events?

“Carry out a deeper investigation into Delatrix. Find a motive. The investigation isn’t complete without that.”

“Yes, sir. My thinking is that it is out of spite. Doing business in the electronics sector, as competitors. It appears our company handles major contracts — government supply chains, consumer tech, and microchip innovation which puts them out. There is hardly any competition since we keep excelling.”

“But the Delatrix business is not into electronics.”

“Mr Josh Delatrix started his own electronic business, distinct from the family holdings.

He's tried to break into consumer devices but his ventures have been plagued with recalls. Although he is not publicly affiliated with the company, one may suspect a few shady dealings. Rumors suggest he's been funneling money through shell firms to keep the business afloat.”

I tapped my fingers against the polished desk, irritation simmering. “That tactic he pulled is quite illogical, don’t you think? He should focus on perfecting his craft rather than making up for his incompetence through sabotaging us. We are not the reason for his failures. He cannot measure up to me in any way. Being born into wealth doesn’t make him intelligent enough to handle it.”

I paused, my voice low but sharp. “I had earlier concluded he wasn’t worth my effort, but he’s proven to be more of a nuisance, craving attention. If he wants war, he’ll get it — but on my terms.”

…..

Stepping out of the car, my assistant asked, “Do I join you, sir?”

“No, I’m only stretching my legs for a bit, and trying out a different atmosphere. I’ll call you when I need you.”

Truth was, I was bored. I hadn’t stepped into this firm in a while. Usually the lawyers came to me, but this time I had my assistant call them ahead for this meeting.

The building hadn’t changed much since I was last here. It stood tall and less imposing than I recalled.

Inside, the marble floors gleamed, the air smelled faintly of old paper, and polished wood. This was the firm that had aided in protecting my grandfather’s assets, so they were all too familiar with our management.

The reception area was alive with hushed voices and the shuffle of papers. Lawyers moved briskly, their suits sharp, their smiles cautious.

When I entered the meeting room, my eyes scanned the faces gathered around the long mahogany table. Some were familiar, others new, but one face stopped me cold. My heart leapt before my mind could catch up. Could it be? The same delicate features, the same quiet beauty that had once captivated me. Within my sight and reach once more?

The day, which had promised to be tedious, suddenly carried a spark of possibility.

I forced my expression into indifference, masking the storm inside me. She wasn’t paying me the attention I craved. Her focus was on her notes, her pen moving quickly across the page, while others watched and listened to me. That indifference of hers was a challenge, and I felt the old pull of wanting to break through it.

For my comfort, I asked her name, though I already suspected. “And you are?” I said, my tone measured.

She looked up briefly, and her melodious tone floated to me “Lisa Orwells. I’m assisting today.”

The sound of her voice was a trigger, unlocking memories I had tried to bury. I wanted to block out everything else and listen only to her. Her presence was distracting enough to make me satisfied I had come today.

The girl whom had once been within my reach in a fleeting moment, and who now sat across from me in a room full of lawyers, unaware of the storm she had reignited.

This wasn’t coincidence. This was opportunity. And I intended to seize it.

One of the senior partners, a woman whose last name was Debrowsky, muttered something about Lisa being an intern. The word felt dismissive, but I ignored it. My attention was fixed on Lisa. I noticed the faint redness in her cheeks when my gaze lingered. So I still had an effect on her. Pride swelled within me, and I decided to press further. “I would appreciate Miss Orwells’ continued assistance with this,” I said, deliberately. “She looks… capable.”

The exchanged looks didn’t bother me, let them wonder. I left the room feeling lighter, as though I had reclaimed something I hadn’t realized I’d lost.

In the car, I leaned back against the leather seat, replaying the moment. The way she had looked at me. My body reacted instinctively, betraying the depth of my longing.

Lisa.

The name itself was enough to stir me.

I hadn’t expected her. Not here, not now. The girl I had kissed years ago, the one who had haunted my thoughts and waking moments more than I cared to admit. I remembered the warmth of her lips, the way time had seemed to pause.

I exhaled, a slow smile tugging at my lips. Fate had an interesting sense of humor. “Well, Lisa, “looks like we meet again…”

Turning to my assistant, I gave the order with calm precision. “Seth, look into Lisa Orwells. We will be actively involved moving forward.”