Chapter 24: Corporation politics

“Mr. Montgomery.” Juliana swallowed and then began to walk away.

She was definitely pissed. “Juliana, wait," he called out.

She turned to him, squeezed her eyes shut, and then opened again. “I think you are going too far, Mr. Montgomery. There's not enough cordiality between us that’d warrant you calling me by my first name.”

She was being extra mean. “Don’t be like this, Juliana. I mean, Ms. Starkwood. Pardon my manners.” Davis implored, wondering why he was this concerned.

He guessed he didn't want to see good people hurt. Just like he’d been hurt all his life. He would never sleep well at night knowing that somewhere was out there, thinking he was the cause of having the proposal they’d worked hard on rejected.

“Bye.” She stated and began to walk away again.

Davis lunged after her and grabbed her arm from behind. “I’d like to talk but not here. Care to talk about this?”

“What's the point, Mr. Montgomery? My proposal has been rejected, just like you wanted. I just can't believe you had that conversation with me and promised me heaven and earth.” She met his gaze now, her eyes peering into his.

Davis averted his eyes. He couldn't bear to see the hurt and disappointment in her eyes. She’d really worked hard on the project and he knew her company was counting on it. His corporation was the best shot.

Davis let go of her hand. “Do you really believe that shit Johnson had just spouted? He lied," Davis blurted, frustration biting at his edges. "I don't know why he said that but, Ms. Starkwood, I’d never…"

“Don't," she spat, eyes flashing with a mix of anger and betrayal. "Don't play innocent now.c Mr. Montgomery. You are the CEO here. Also, your absence at the meeting today spoke volumes."

As much as he wanted to explain things to her now, doing so in this company was a no-no. “Would you come with me for lunch?" he suggested. "Give me a chance to at least, explain."

Silence fell on them afterward until she shook her head. “Not now, Mr. Montgomery. I need...” She swallowed. “To breathe and process this in. I was quite so sure of the outcome because of some assurances a certain person gave me. I guess I was wrong to place expectations on people.”

And with that, she walked away. Davis stood there, alone and adrift. He watched her leave and sighed. “I tried my best. Guess I have to accept Mr. Starwood’s dinner offer sooner than I intended.” He muttered to himself and returned to his office.

His appetite had disappeared.

The desire to confront Johnson burned within him but he reminded himself that Johnson wasn't worth abandoning important work for.

“When I'm done with work, I'll pay the bastard a visit in his office.” He mumbled.

However, he found that he couldn't concentrate. “That’s it. I'm going now.” He slammed close the document he was working on and marched towards Johnson's office.

Johnson’s blonde Secretary tried to stop Davis from going in. “Sir, Mr. Johnson said he doesn't want to…”

Ignoring her, Davis stomped into the office. How dare that pesky secretary try to stop him? He was the goddman CEO!

“Mr. Montgomery, I'm seeing more of you around me these day.” Johnson beamed with a cheerfulness facade as Davis entered.

Davis sat without being offered a seat. “Cut the act, Mr. Johnson. You know why I'm here.” He crossed his legs on Johnson’s desk arrogantly.

“Wow…” Johnson grinned from ear to ear. “Could it be that you perhaps want to become best friends with me judging by this your unethical demonstration.” He fixated his gaze on Davis’s leg to signify what he meant.

Davis chuckled, shooting Johnson a daring glare. “I don't make friends with old men who think they are smart when they are actually far from it.”

“And I do not know how to be nice with little arrogant boys.” Johnson tilted his head.

Now, that was more like it. At least, the friendly facade was off. “Glad that we are both on the same page now.” Davis hit his feet hard on the desk, making a loud banging sound.

Johnson simply glanced at it and sat unflinched. Davis smirked – he’d find whatever it was to make this corrupted man whimper and beg for his mercy.

“You see, there's a record about people who tried to defile me.” Davis began, his tone calm. “They all end up being miserable.” He shrugged.

“I’d be damned before I let a boy the age of my son threaten me.” Johnson laughed. “Not even one who had is not so experienced with corporation politics. Don't cross me, boy. You might be the CEO but my experience will bring you down before you even dare to start.”

The kind of people who were easy to crush were those who underestimated their opponents. Davis liked Johnson’s attitude. It’d make everything easy for him.

“When the time comes, I hope you continue to keep this attitude, chairman.” Davis sarcastically pointed out, spreading his leg even wider on the desk.

By the way Johnson’s forehead puckered, Davis knew he didn't like how he was treating his desk. Made Davis want to continue.

“There will be ‘when the time comes’, Mr. Montgomery. If you don't have anything worth my time to say, I’d like to ask that you use the door now.” Johnson scorned.

As much as Davis would like to annoy Johnson further, being in his presence was icky enough. And thus, Davis went down to business. “After taking my money, you hungry hippopotamus. Why was Juliana’s proposal rejected still?”

Johnson's smirk surfaced. “Sorry to disappoint, new chap, but business is business. Some things just don't go as planned. You should learn to roll with it."

Davis clenched his jaw, trying to control his anger. "You knew what you were doing all along, didn't you? Don't tell me you rejected the proposal because you are vegan.”

Johnson leaned back in his chair, feigning innocence. "Now, why would I sabotage anything that’d profit our firm, Mr. Montgomery? Think logically."

“I don't have time for your games," Davis snapped, his patience wearing thin. "This affects both companies. That proposal had lots of potential. The corporation Secretary thinks so too and I won't stand by while you manipulate situations for your gain."

Johnson's smirk widened. “You're too emotional, Mr. Montgomery. That's your weakness. It's not about manipulating; it's about seizing opportunities. A little setback won't ruin our corporation."

Seizing opportunities?

“What do you mean seizing opportunities?” Davis blurted.

He knew there was more to this.