Chapter 9

• Michael’s POV
• ****
• “I don’t care about the current rate, the goods must be shipped according to the terms of our agreement.”
• The young man seated in my office shifted uncomfortably as I finished my sentence.
• “You look hot, should I turn up the volume of the A.C?” The discomfort was exactly what I wanted.
• “Em, sir I am good. The thing is that with the inflation prices up, my company needs time to adjust before we could, ship the goods to Italy.”
• “So in essence you need time?”
• “Yes sir” came the fast response.
• I made a posture of someone thinking hard.
• “You have until thursday.”
• “Sir.” Please sir, consider the current state of the economy”
• “The Blackwood Conglomerate will not tolerate backsliding companies. This agreement was reached at the last all executive meeting of last month, all other present company managers has fulfilled the terms of the resolution reached’
• “You know how much I detest lazy, incompetent CEOs?”
• “Please give us more time. I promise we won’t disappoint” He said with his hands clasped together as though he was begging for help.
• I took a good look at him. Aside from his tall features and broad shoulders, he looked so much like a child, probably in his early twenties. I raised an eyebrow skeptical of his ability to follow through on his promise.”
• I leaned in with an annoyed look on my face. “ Two weeks is the maximum, else you’ll be thrown out of the system.”
• “Yes sir, thank you so much. I promise not to—”
• My secretary barged in, Interrupting my meeting.
• “What is the meaning of this?”
• The secretary’s voice trembled as she spoke, her head bent in apology “Sorry sir.” “It’s just that your grandfather is on his…
• Her voice trailed off as the sound of footsteps echoed outside the door.
• The door swung open, and a tall imposing figure filled the frame. My grandfather's deep, resonant voice filled the room. “Am I no longer allowed to visit my company?” he thundered, his piercing gaze sweeping the room.
• Alex quickly stepped forward, dismissing my guest with a curt nod. “Please mr. Wayne you may leave, We’ll be in touch.” The young man nodded hastily, his eyes darting nervously towards my grandfather.
• As soon as he left, my grandfather’s men filed into the room, their imposing figure seeming to shrink the space. They were a familiar sight.
• “That’s not the case here.” You should’ve at least called to let me know you were coming.” who was I kidding he was fond of visiting without prior notice.
• “Hmmm” He relaxed himself on my coach and made to face me.
• “I heard you fired 5 employees last month, care to tell me why”
• When has my grandfather ever shown interest in the way I managed the company?
• “I had good reasons to fire them… Tell me exactly why you’re really here.” I said sternly, there was no need to play around.
• He let out a dry, throaty laugh that seemed to shake his entire body.
• “Since you’ve been avoiding me so much, I decided to pay you a surprise visit, no harm in that, ehh?
• “It wasn’t intentional, I’ve been very busy overseeing other companies, dealing with the stubborn CEO’s you put in charge” I said with a tired look on my face.
• My grandfather’s eyes glinted with amusement “You must be the most hardworking person in the world” He said, spreading his hands to indicate the world. Annoying old man.
• I made myself comfortable on the couch. It was obviously no use giving excuses, he knew I was avoiding him on purpose and he knew why.
• “You won’t offer me anything to eat?”
• “I’ll offer you something to drink, your usual?”
• He clutched his chest, a look of mock horror on his face “You’re a huge pain in the ass, I’m asking for something to eat!” “You don’t care to know if I’ve eaten for the whole day, what kind of grandson are you!”
• I rolled my eyes “ urghh, Can you please cut the baby act? You’re obviously too old for this”
• I signaled Alex. who nodded and headed for the door “Your usual it is, sir.”
• But before Alex could exit, my grandfather spoke up again.
• “Leave it be, I’m not here for a cup of coffee” He said and maintained a serious look.“You’re not getting any younger.”
• I felt a surge of frustration, knowing fully well, where he was going with it.
• “Come on” not today.
• He leaned forward, his voice taking on a softer tone “ I attended Damian’s marriage ceremony last week, you should’ve seen how happy he was.”
• “You do remember Damian right? His father and I go way back. Lovely man.”
• “I hear he is same age as you”
• I sighed inwardly knowing where this conversation was headed “We’ve discussed this, I'm just not ready for marriage or that kind of responsibility for now.
• I will never be ready!
• “Responsibility? You’re not getting any younger, you know. It’s time to start thinking about settling down.”
• “Not now.”
• “No use trying to talk some sense into you.” He said while getting up on his feet.
• “I didn’t expect you to give in, stubborn as ever” He muttered and stretched his back.
• I let out a sigh thinking it was all over. But my grandfather wasn’t finsihed yet.
• “I have made a list of your possible dates, of course with beautiful ladies”
• I sprang to my feet “ You can’t be serious!”
• “Since you’re too busy to fi
• nd a wife, I’ve decided to get one for you”.
• “I'll have Alex set up the arrangement for your first date.”