The Sterling Offer

Seth's eyes were fixed on the screen in front of him, reading through the annual reports for the company.

His office was a huge space with large windows that looked out onto the bustling road of the city. His desk, made dark wood, stood in the center. A coat hanger on the left and a bookshelves on the left. A few decorative plants were in the office, Celine’s idea.

She thought the office was too bland and boring, hoping some greenery would bring some life into the office and make Seth's day better. It didn't.

Seth pulled off his glasses, massaging his brow with his fingers in slowly circular motions. It's been a long day and he's been going from one meeting to another.

The cup of coffee he took was starting to wear out, he needed a break. He picked up his telecom, his fingers pushing in his assistant’s number.

“Sir?”

“Come to my office.” Seth dropped the telecom. He got out of his seat, walking towards the wall of glass behind his chair. He rolled up his sleeves, eyes fixed at the bustling city down below.

As much as he tried to concentrate with work, he couldn't get Thea's words out of his mind. She wanted to go to business school. Why? She was very educated to the best of his knowledge and she seems to be good at what she does back when she was with her family's company.

Seth had had a background check done on Thea after that night at the hotel. As much as he was stunned to find out she was engaged to Runes Sterling, he couldn't ignore the fact that she had earned herself a nickname in her own right.

The golden child.

Seth massaged his temple, he is dying to know what's going on in her head. It shouldn't concern him but Thea..she had a way of pulling at his heartstrings.

Dante walks in merely seconds later, looking calm and collected as always. Working with Seth could drive any sane person mad but Dante has managed quite well over the years.

“You called for me, sir.”

Seth hesitated. “Thea. Was she accepted into the business school?”

“Yes sir. Ms Harmony granted her admission. I believe Miss Thea’s classes would start on Monday.”

Seth chuckled, he knew Ms Harmony. She was the most difficult person to please, very much like himself. And the only woman wh9 gave h8m a chance.

“Just like that?”

Dante nodded. “I believe Ms Thea managed to impress the school's Dean which is quite rare.”

Rare is an understatement, it was impossible.

Seth nodded, glancing over his shoulders."What's new about the offer we made to Sterling Industries?"

He had told Dante to send in that offer that day before. Despite his nonchalant exterior, he was desperate to know if Runes took his bait.

Dante looked at a file on his own tablet, eyes scanning the screen in silence.

"Mr. Sterling, has agreed to a meeting, sir. He's proposed a time for next week to discuss the terms."

A faint smirk curled on Seth's lips."Acceptable. Did he appear... enthusiastic?"

Seth had bought the company the Sterlings wanted to partner with before sending in the offer in the company's name.

He couldn't let Runes Sterling know the offer was coming directly from him. Not yet.

"His email expressed considerable interest, sir," Dante confirmed. "He views this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen his company's hold on the market."

Seth gave a slight nod. "Predictable.”

"What should I do next, sir?" Dante asked, ready with a pen.

"The meeting next week…cancel at the last minute.” Seth said simply.

Dante glanced at his boss in question, tardiness isn't something Seth tolerates.

“Sir?”

“You heard me. Then announce that the finalization of this partnership will happen at the Annual Blackwood Banquet."

Dante's expression remained neutral despite the slight shock in his eyes.

"The banquet, sir? That's two months from now. And it's typically a private event for our closest associates, not for public business announcements."

"I know." Seth stated. "Do exactly as i say."

"Understood, sir," Dante responded. He wasn't quite sure what was going through his bosses mind but he knew better than to question him.

"I will begin preparations immediately."

Seth is quiet, his mind already on something else. Or someone else…

Dante gave a brief nod and quietly left the office, already making calls on his private headset.

Seth exhaled as a stray strand of hair hung on his face, his expression unreadable. He glanced down at his watch, it was about time he called it a day. He grabbed his coat from the coat hanger, putting it on.

Suddenly, his private office phone, a dedicated line known by very few, rang.

It was not Dante, nor Celine. It was a number he recognized instantly; he slides on the receiver.

He picked up the phone. “Any news?" he asked, his voice flat.

“Runes is looking foward to your meeting and it seems he is putting everything into making sure its perfect.”

“As he should. It doesn't sound like a useful information.”

“I have something else. He’s been sleeping with Yumi. I might have a video proving this. Should I…”

“No. Would that be all?”

“I found some files from old contracts. Mr Runes have been stealing from his partners over the years and I'm afraid he might intend to do the same with you.”

“Is he?” Seth said, a slight hint of amusement in his voice. Looks like the Sterlings are never going to change. Once a thief, always a thief. “I would love to see him try. I belive that's all?

“Yes. I will send in what I have tonight. I'll call when I have something more incriminating.”

“You've done mire then enough, Marcus.”

Seth ended the call, silence enveloped the room. He exhaled, leaning over his table as he shuts his eyes in agony.

His head ached slightly, recalling a terrible incident he had tried so hard to forget. Why is this happening now?

He tugged as his shirt, pulling off his tie as he tried to catch his breathe, this was it. This is his chance to ruin that bastard’s life for good!

He grabbed his telecom and Dante responded immediately.

“Sir. I got an message from an unknown email and seeing its contents, its details of the Sterling Company defrauding their partners. There's over a hundred subsidiaries on the list…”

“Good. Go through it and comply it all for me. I need everything ready tommorow.” Seth managed, breathing heavily.

“Yes sir. Sir, is everything okay? You sound a bit..”

“I’m fine. Get it done and get back to me.” Seth said, gritting his teeth.

“Yes sir.”

The call ended amd Seth took a deep breath, steadying himself. He didn’t come this far to break down now. Runes has had it coming for a long time now..