Chapter 10 Cocktail meeting
Charles POV
A while later, I was ready to leave for my company. Harvey had called me numerous times today about the appointments I had with my clients.
While I was driving, my phone rang multiple times but I ignored it. The calls kept coming so I parked by the side of the road to check the persistent caller.
John Jenkins.
The CEO of Jenkins Group and my future father-in-law.
I picked up the call and greeted immediately.
"Good morning, Son. Where are you?" he replied, his voice tight with urgency.
"Any problem?" I asked.
"We need to discuss some important issues about the merger and your upcoming wedding," he said.
"Today?" I asked, my face turning to a frown.
"Now. It's just a brief cocktail meeting. Won't take your time," he said.
"My schedule is full for the day. You can't just spring this on me," I said, trying to conceal my annoyance.
"A few minutes of your time after you close for the day wouldn't change anything," he said, his tone becoming more formal.
"Sir—" I tried objecting before he interrupted me.
"If you really need the merger, come to my house by six pm for a brief cocktail meeting. No objections," he said and hung up before I could speak.
What would be so important that he needed me right away? Meetings like this are planned beforehand, not sprung on people because he thinks I'm a young boy that made it early and can be pushed around anyhow.
Harvey's words rang in my head.
"You just have to play along with them. Merging with that company would make you more powerful in years to come."
I ruminated over his words and realized it was absolutely true. If I eventually married Nikki, I would be the owner of the Jenkins Group.
I took a deep breath and calmed the rage inside of me.
"It was going to be worth it. All these sacrifices," I whispered slowly to myself as I reversed and headed to the Jenkins mansion.
"You're here!" Nikki ran towards me as I stepped out of my car.
"Your father called me," I said, restraining myself from her embrace.
She noticed that I withdrew and threw herself forcefully on me. I stood still, my hands folded against my back.
"Where is your father?" I asked, shrugging her off my body.
"I missed you, Charles," she said, ignoring my question.
"I asked a question," I replied sternly.
"Charles! You don't have to be so cold around me. We are about to get married," she said childishly, resting her head on my shoulders.
I gently removed her head and looked at her, expecting a reply to my question.
"They're waiting at the garden," she said hesitantly.
I left immediately for the garden without looking at her. She hurried up, trying to keep up with my pace.
"Ouch!" She screamed, holding her leg.
I stopped and turned. "What's wrong with you?" I asked.
"I struck my foot on this stone," she cried, pointing at a medium-sized stone in front of her.
"So?" I asked, a little confused because the stone was not huge enough to hurt her.
"I can't walk! My leg hurts," she said and began to sob.
I walked up to her and bent down to examine what had really happened. "Yeah, it's there. It hurts," she said, resting her hand on my head.
I looked at her leg thoroughly and couldn't find any injury or scratch. I removed her hand from my head and stood up immediately.
"Nothing is wrong with you," I said with annoyance.
She came closer to me and wrapped her hands around my neck. "Something is wrong with me, Charles. I need you to be—"
I turned back and my eyes locked with Linda's. Her expression was sadness mixed with pity and some kind of softness I couldn't explain. She had been standing behind me the whole time and that was why Nikki had put up the show.
Linda hurried away immediately. I quickly unwrapped Nikki's hands.
"Don't put up unnecessary shows again," I said, annoyance written visibly on my face.
She quickly stepped back in fear and I walked to the garden.
"Oh, Charles! You are welcome," Jessica said as she sighted me.
"Good day," I greeted, keeping my distance from her.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your busy day," John said, stretching his hand for a handshake.
"It's fine, I'm here now," I replied, acknowledging the handshake.
"I called you for a few things. But mainly to sign this document," he said, extending the envelope he held.
I took the envelope and went through the documents. "Some angel investors want to learn more about the man they'll soon be working with. The merger is close to being finalized, so I need you to sign this document, use the details provided, and reach out to them."
"Okay," I said, bringing out my pen to sign the documents. "What are the other issues?"
"I heard the wedding is coming up in three days?" he asked, his voice sounding formal yet filled with concern.
"I... um, your daughter said it would be best," I managed to say despite the uneasiness.
"John! Why do you have to bring up an already concluded matter?" Jessica snarled at her husband.
"Calm down, honey. I was only thinking it was being rushed. Did you give the two lovers time to get to know each other?" John said, his voice as gentle as a dove.
Nikki immediately rushed to her father. "Dad! We already know each other. There shouldn't be any reason for delay."
"But Nikki dear, what about the plans? How are you going to plan a big wedding in just three days?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"It's already taken care of. Mum has prepared everything. Besides, it doesn't have to be such a big wedding," she replied.
"Okay, what about you guys having dinner tonight with the family? Talk more and get to know each other better?" he suggested carefully.
"That would be nice! I can't wait to have dinner with Charles today," Nikki blushed, holding her father's hands.
"What about you, Charles? What do you think?" Jessica turned to me.
I was at a loss for words because I hadn't planned for dinner. I was about to refuse the offer when I saw Linda walking in with a tray of wine in her trembling hands.
My eyes followed her as she walked up to Jessica. "Circulate," Jessica whispered harshly as she took a glass of wine from the tray.
She served Nikki and John before coming towards me. Her hands trembled with fear as she stood in front of me. I immediately placed my hands on hers, calming her down.
Nikki, who had been observing me as I got lost staring into those innocent eyes, cleared her throat to bring me back.
"You should join us too, Linda," I said, trying to clear the air.
"What?!"
"What?!"
Jessica and Nikki exclaimed in unison.
"It's not possible. She can't sit at the same table with me," Nikki spat, disgust written over her face.
"It would be so uncomfortable for Linda, she doesn't have manners or something to wear" Jessica said
Linda quickly stepped back, removing my hands from hers. "They're right, Sir. I can't. Besides, I have no clothes to wear," she said, bending her head to avoid my intense gaze.
"Of course! She doesn't have anything to wear and she's just a maid. Why would someone want her at the same table?" Jessica said, her voice filled with hatred and jealousy.
I turned to John but he had already looked away.
"I'll get her something to wear. That shouldn't be a problem. I need her to be present at the dinner," I said and Nikki's mouth dropped.
"Why would you do that? You have not gotten anything for me since we knew each other but you want to do that for a mere helper?" she asked sharply.
I removed my eyes from her piercing gaze. Nikki turned to Linda immediately and the latter turned and left the garden.
"I think we are done here, John. Hope you would dine with us?" I walked up to John.
He shook his head and responded. "I have an urgent appointment today. I don't think I'll stay for dinner."
"John! Don't tell me you're going out again," Jessica shouted.
"I have to leave with Charles. We need to have some personal discussion," he replied, looking at me pleadingly.
That look meant "save me."
"John—"
"Jessica, we have some matters to discuss privately," I interrupted Jessica before she could spit out all the venomous words in her mouth.
"We have to leave now," John said, heading to the garage and I followed.
"Thanks," John muttered slowly as we reached the garage.
"But why—"
"You don't need to say anything, Son. I have to go see someone important at the hospital. Take care," he cut me short as he entered his car and drove off.
I watched his car as it disappeared from sight. "He must be going through a lot," I mumbled and shook my head.
"Ring! Ring!" My phone vibrated.
"Hello, Harvey!" I picked up.
"I have been waiting for you throughout the day. Where have you been?" he asked, his voice deep with concern.
"I had an urgent meeting with the Jenkins family. We are having dinner tonight too."
"Okay. You don't have to worry about coming back to the company. I've handled all your appointments."
"Thank you so much, Harvey. Can I ask for a little favor?"
"Yeah, sure."
"I need you to order a dinner gown for Linda."
"Linda??"
"Harvey, please, just do as you're told."
"Hmm. Okay," he said and hung up.