The Montgomery Effect

Davis

~~

“As you all know," he began, his voice ringing through the quiet room, "Ms. Avalon's proposal was recently dismissed. However, I have reason to believe the evaluation process was compromised."

They all goggled at him, probably already discerning where he was getting at.

“Therefore," he continued his tone hardening, "I propose we give Ms. Avalon another chance to present her vision. This time, we will ensure a fair and unbiased assessment.”

One of the older board members, a man with eyes like polished stones, cleared his throat. "Mr. Montgomery, with all due respect, the chairman expressed his strong disapproval of Ms. Avalon's proposal. It's not simply a matter of reservations."

Davis's lips curved into a cold smile. "And the chairman, Mr. Johnson, is no longer a member of this company."

Shocked gasps and whispers filled the room right after.

Everyone knew the ousting was Davis's handiwork, yet no one dared voice it. The air was thick with the scent of fear and silence filled the room. Some were shocked and showed it while some were quiet. Somehow, Davis savored every reaction. Every one of them knew the ousting was Davis's handiwork, yet no one dared voice it. The air was filled with the scent of fear and silent concession.

This was the kind of thing Davis liked. He’d read the minds of most of them the other day and saw that the bunch of them didn't like him much. He hoped Johnson was enough as a scapegoat to them that whatever contempt they might have of him, it must remain in their minds. If any of them dared to cross, they’d meet the same fate as Johnson.

Finally, the ever-efficient secretary who only had the hood thoughts among the members the other day Davis read their minds – cleared his throat. "If the board agrees, Mr. Montgomery, perhaps we could reconvene on the 15th of next month? That would give Ms. Avalon ample time to prepare."

One by one, the board members mumbled their agreement, desperate to avoid the fate of the deposed chairman. That should be called ‘The Montgomery Effect’.

The meeting ended on that note and Davis intentionally stood up to shake the board members.

When he took the chief financial officer whom Davis read from his mind the other when he said Davis's face irked him…

‘This boy is really playing with fire. I'll be here when it burns him’.

Davis’s ring worked its magic and he read that much information from the man’s mind. However, on the surface, he almost enveloped Davis in a hug had he not dodged it.

“You are doing a very great job, Mr. Montgomery. Keep it up!” The man purred and Davis scoffed.

NEXT – Davis thought to himself.

‘He must be out of his mind if he thinks he can dominate us!’

‘He is too pompous considering his history!’

‘I just don't want to get in trouble’.

‘I can't wait for Thornfield to kick his ass’.

That came from the COO. Davis’s brows furrowed. There was yet another Donovan Thornfield’s mole that he needed to take care of, Davis thought.

Lastly, he shook the corporation’s Secretary's hand and wasn't disappointed. ‘We really need more people like Mr. Montgomery on the board’.

Davis smiled at the man. “Thank you.” He beamed, sincerely glad that one person was on his side.

The man looked confused. “I did nothing, sir.” He pointed out.

Davis patted his shoulders, chuckled, and walked back to his office.

.

Alone in his office, the smirk vanished from Davis's face. He had too many foes and opponents. The business world was a dangerous game. It was, however, a game that he was determined to win.

Seraphina’s legacy would continue to be upheld. Even in her death, he’d make her proud for the wealth she had bestowed on him.

The ringing of his phone cut his thoughts short. When checked the screen, he saw that it was Silas. He immediately knew it was about Theodore.

“Sir, good news! Theodore Starkwood will be released from school shortly. I called to get you prepared.”

A surge of satisfaction washed over Davis. At least, this was leading somewhere. "Excellent. Silas, meet me in my office now.”

Silas, buzzing with anticipation, burst into Davis's office. "He's out, sir! Just left the school."

Davis, who was already strategizing his next move, felt a surge of satisfaction. "Excellent. Let's go."

He had no idea why he was so eager to meet the boy.

Minutes later, they pulled up outside Theodore’s school gates. As if on cue, a lone figure emerged, backpack slung over a shoulder, head downcast.

Davis frowned. That wasn't how a young boy should live his life at school. Walking around with friends, laughing and chattering - that was what was expected.

“He's walking alone," Silas remarked.

Davis’s frown deepened. “Which isn't a good thing. I’ll go give him a welcome surprise.” He stepped out of the car and headed to the boy.

“Hey there, champ.” Davis grinned at him as he approached him.

When Theodore looked up at him, he saw shock mixed with a glint of recognition flashed in the boy’s eyes.

"M — Mr. Montgomery?" he stammered.

A smile crossed Davis’s lips as he tousled the boy’s hair. He wanted him to feel as free around him as he could.

Theodore," Davis replied, his tone as friendly as he could make it. “How are you feeling after your — illness?"

Theodore's cheeks flushed as he hesitated. "I'm fine now, thank you."

Right now, Davis had just confirmed that the boy wasn't sick. He clearly didn't know how to lie. Why had Julianna and Mrs. Starkwood lied to him then?

Davis's eyes narrowed, his gaze boring into the boy. "Good. And would you mind having a quick chat with me?"

Theodore hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously around the schoolyard. "Well, I — my ride should be here any minute."

“Nonsense," Davis interjected, his voice. "We won't take long. Come on, now. Don't you like me? Let's find somewhere quiet."

He scanned the area and his eyes finally landed on a brightly colored ice cream stand nestled against the school wall. Theodore's eyes followed his gaze. Davis saw a flicker of interest in the boy’s eyes as he saw the stand but he soon returned to having the apprehensive look.

Why was Davis feeling like such a young boy had been forced to grow up quickly? He hoped to hell that it wasn't what he thought it was. If it was so, he’d make sure Ben Starkwood never leaves the prison after he was apprehended.

“Fancy some ice cream?" Davis asked, his voice softening slightly. "It's my treat."

Theodore's hesitation melted away at the offer. It was now replaced by a glimmer of teenage indulgence. "Well, I — okay, but just for a bit.”

Boys should be boys.

“Excellent," Davis chuckled, his smile disarmingly charming. "Let's go then, before the ice cream man runs out of them.”

He led the way and Theodore trailed. As they approached the truck, Davis decided to touch the boy.

The moment his left hand touched him…

‘I hope I don't get in trouble for this but I really want the ice cream. Mr. Montgomery doesn't seem like someone who would tell Dad’.

Pity welled inside Davis for the boy. He had no idea when he reassuringly squeezed Theodore’s hands. He wanted to tell him it was okay but he also didn't want to scare the boy. Hence, he remained silent.

On getting to the ice cream stand, the melody of the ice cream truck and the sweet aroma of waffle cones filled the air. Davis ordered a double scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough. It was ha childhood favorite. He ordered a simple vanilla for Theodore.

“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery.” The boy chided as he took the cone from Davis.

Theodore didn't seem like a rebellious kid. How was he getting in trouble with Ben Starkwood then? Davis wondered to himself but he knew he was about to find out now.

As they sat on a nearby bench, the ice cream melting between their fingers, Davis began his careful interrogation of Theodore Starkwood.

“So Theodore, who comes to pick you up?” He began, starting with trivial questions so as to not alarm the boy.

Theodore didn't look at him as his face was buried in his ice cream. “My driver, Clinton.” He said.

“Oh, cool. How about your friends? Why are you walking alone?” Davis pressed.

Theodore shrugged, obviously enjoying his ice cream. “I had friends but they stopped talking to me.”

“Why?”

“Dad doesn't want me having a slip of the tongue with friends, so he warned them off me.”

Kaboom!

Now, that was the lead he needed; Davis thought. Theodore had indeed had a slip of the tongue with him right now.

“He doesn't?”

“Hm hm.”

“But why?”

“Huh?”

“Why does Mr. Starkwood not want you around other kids like yourself because he does not want you to have a slip of the tongue. about what?”

It was then that the boy realized what he had done. Davis watched his ice cream fall off his cone. Both of their eyes trailed the ice cream and then back to one another.

“I — erm… I mean…” Theodore tried to elude the question but just as Davis had noticed earlier, Theodore didn't know how to lie.

Davis placed a reassuring hand on Theodore’s shoulder. “Your secret is safe with me, Theodore. Tell me.”