Chapter 188 It's a deal then

Chapter 188 It's a deal then
Rhys's POV

“Don't try to play that trick on me, father. It isn't going to work.” I said, throwing my face away.

My father chuckled. “I heard he's your strongest enemy on the rink. Do you really want me to bring him back home?”

I clenched my jaw. “You really know a lot. Does that mean you also knew where they were after they left?”

My father hesitated for a second before nodding his head. “Of course, I did. How do you think we got our divorce?”

My mind reeled. He knew? Right, of course, he did. He was the president of Calloway's enterprise so of course he will know.

“Why didn't you tell me?” I asked even though I could already guess the answer.

He shrugged. “What difference will it make? She wouldn't have left the mansion if anything inside it mattered to her, don't you think?”

I hated to admit how right he was. Growing up, I had always thought she had left because of how rigid and cold my father left. But meeting her again after more than twenty years, I knew better. She left because she wanted to leave and most importantly, she left because of greed.

I brushed past him and walked toward his desk, lowering the envelope onto it.

“I accept your offer. I'm going to come and work in your office for a full year but I don't want the amount I mentioned again anymore.”

My father spun abruptly, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips. “Really?”

That was the first time I was seeing him smile and it made me realize something. I was never a son to him but an asset. That realization made me re-evaluate the way I usually saw him and how high I had placed him.

“Is that the question you should be asking me?” I snapped, my voice rising.

The smile vanished from his face immediately. “How much do you want?”

“A billion dollars and 70% of my salary upfront.” I said, clicking my tongue.

A frown appeared on his face. “This has to be a joke, right?”

“You are going to offer me a loan, salary and bonuses if I work in your company, right?” I asked.

His frown deepened. “Did you go through the document?”

“Of course I did but right now, I'm stating my own conditions.” I replied.

He shook his head. “The company is only going to offer you a salary and bonuses. I was generous enough to make sure it would cover the loan amount you wanted.”

“Father, you're a business man. Shouldn't you know the difference between asking for a loan and asking for a salary?” I queried.

He arched his brow. “Don't push your luck, Rhys. You can drop the document and walk away if you don't want the job.”

“Do you think I would be here if I had an option?” I snapped, leaning against the desk. “I came to you asking for a loan and not a job.”

Silence thickened in the air.

“I'm afraid, young man, I can't fulfill your request. I'll offer you a job, salary and bonuses. You can find your loan offer somewhere else.” He said, walking back to his wine shelf.

“Then there's no need for our collaboration then.” I said, getting off the desk. The job offer was tempting but I wasn't going to stoop so low. If I was going to face what I hate the most, it would be able to benefit me more than usual.

I was already at the door when his voice came curtly from behind.

“Five hundred million dollars and 40% of your salary upfront.”

I smiled but didn't turn. Seems like I was a very important asset to him. “Is that how much I am worth to you?”

“Eight hundred million dollars and 60% of your salary upfront.” He said after a few seconds.

I snickered. “You seem quite desperate to take me into your company and think I'll bend to your rules?”

Silence stretched through the room once again.

“Excuse me then, I have a career to work towards.” I said, my hand gripping the door knob tighter.

He didn't say anything until I opened the door.

“It's a deal then. Come back tomorrow to collect the new document.”

I still didn't turn around. “The whole money should be ready also.”

I didn't wait for his response before walking out of the room and banging the door after me. I flinched when I suddenly saw Vanessa near the door.

“Are you going to work at our father's company?” She asked, glancing over my shoulder.

“Our?” I repeated, sizing her up.

“Rhys, you—”

I pushed her aside and made my way downstairs but Mark wasn't anywhere in the living area. I brought out my phone and dialed his number.

The sound of a phone ringing came from the direction of my room upstairs. I climbed the stairs and stopped in front of my room a few seconds later. But the door opened from the inside before I could touch it.

“You're done already? I thought it might take a longer time.” Mark said, opening the door wider.

I inhaled deeply and stepped into the room. For more than five years, I haven't stepped into it.

“You haven't come here since you moved into the Knights building, right?” Mark asked, closing the door.

“Why don't you take a guess?”

He scoffed. “It is spotless, that's why I asked.”

I clicked my tongue. “That old man married a new wife so what do you expect?”

I had barely finished talking when my phone rang. I brought it out and to my surprise it was a call from Reed.

I answered it and placed it on my ear. “Coach, I was just about to—”

“You didn't sign the document in that envelope, right?” He cut me off sharply.

My heart jumped into my stomach immediately. “Coach, what's that supposed to mean?”

“Answer my question.” He almost yelled.

“I-I did.” I stammered. “Is there anything wrong?”