Chapter 84 Old friends
CHAPTER 84
Old friends.
RICHARD CARTER
The atmosphere inside the office was nothing short of powerful. Everything about the room spoke of the influence of dark polished wood, wide glass windows overlooking the city, and shelves lined with awards and documents that carried years of dominance in the business world. It was a space where decisions were made, deals were sealed, and alliances were tested.
Mr. Richard sat behind his desk, flipping through a set of files with calm precision. His expression remained composed, but his mind was clearly at work, calculating, weighing, planning. He comes to work once in a while so he won't be idle. He takes breaks most of the time to travel and in no mean time he would be announcing his successor from one of his sons that will take over his company.
A knock came at the door.
“Come in,” he said without looking up.
The door opened, and a tall, well-dressed man stepped inside. Mr Desmond, Clara’s father. His presence carried its own authority measured, refined, and just as dangerous in its own quiet way. He closed the door behind him and adjusted his suit slightly before walking forward.
“Richard,” he greeted.
Mr. Richard finally looked up, a faint smile appearing.
“Good to see you,” he replied. “It’s been a while.”
Desmond nodded as he took a seat across from him.
“Too long,” he agreed. “Business has a way of pulling us in different directions.”
Mr. Richard gave a small chuckle. “That, it does.”
For a brief moment, silence settled between them. Two men of influence rarely spoke without purpose.
“So,” Richard said, setting his file aside, “you didn’t come here just for pleasantries.”
Desmond leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other. “You’re right,” he said. “I came with something important.”
Mr. Richard raised a brow, intrigued.“I’m listening.”
“There’s going to be a conference,” Desmond began, his tone steady. “A major one. Investors, partners, industry leaders… everyone that matters will be there.”
Mr. Richard’s expression sharpened slightly. “Go on.”
“It’s not just another gathering,” he continued. “This one is different. Opportunities will be presented big ones. Mergers, expansions, new alliances.”
Mr. Richard leaned back in his chair now, his fingers interlocking thoughtfully. “And you want me to be involved.”
“It wouldn’t be complete without you,” Desmond said smoothly.
A faint smile touched Mr. Richard’s lips.
“You always know how to present things.”
Desmond returned the smile, though his eyes remained focused.
“This isn’t about flattery,” he said. “It’s about positioning. The right people in the same room at the same time.”
Mr. Richard nodded slowly. “And you’ve already confirmed attendance?”
“Most of them,” Desmond replied. “The key players are in.”
Mr. Richard stood up slowly, walking toward the window as he looked out over the city below. His mind was already working through possibilities, calculating outcomes.
“This could be useful,” he admitted.
“It will be,” Desmond corrected calmly.
A brief silence followed before Mr. Richard turned back. “When is it?” he asked.
“End of the week,” came the response.
Mr. Richard nodded once. “Alright,” he said. “I’ll attend.”
Desmond’s lips curved slightly. “I knew you would.” he gave him a weird smile, and sat still.
“What is it?” he asked. Richard turned facing him.
Desmond leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. “There’s one more thing,” he said.
Mr. Richard’s gaze narrowed just a little.
“Go on.”
Desmond held his gaze for a moment before speaking. “I’m hoping Leo will be there too.”
Richard didn’t react immediately but the shift in his expression was subtle and telling. “Leo?” he repeated.
“Yes,” Desmond said calmly. “He’s… quite essential to the kind of attention this conference will attract.”
Richard let out a small breath, walking back to his desk. “Essential?” he echoed.
“You know his influence,” Desmond replied. “Where he goes, people follow. Investors, media, competitors… all eyes on him.”
Richard didn’t argue that because it was true. Leo wasn’t just a businessman he was a force. A name that carried weight in every room he entered.
“He’s been occupied lately,” Richard said carefully.
Desmond studied him.
“I heard,” he said. “Something about a girl.” Richard’s jaw tightened slightly, though he kept his composure. “Personal matters,” he said.
Desmond nodded. “Of course.”
But the slight curve of his lips suggested he knew more than he let on.
“Still,” he added, “business doesn’t stop for anyone. Not even him.”
Richard leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the desk.
“That depends,” he said. “Leo isn’t the kind of man you push.”
“I’m not suggesting that,” Desmond replied smoothly. “I’m simply saying it would be beneficial if he attended.”
Richard was quiet for a moment. “He’ll be there,” he said.
Desmond's brows lifted slightly. “Confident?”
Richard allowed a small, knowing smile.
“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”
Desmond leaned back again, satisfied.
“Good,” he said. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”
The tension in the room eased slightly, though the underlying intentions remained. Because this wasn’t just about a conference. It was about positioning and strategy and something far deeper beneath the surface.
Richard picked up his file again, glancing at it briefly before looking back up.
“Send me the details,” he said. “I want everything: attendees, schedule, agenda.”
“You’ll have it by tonight,” Desmond assured him.
Richard nodded. “Then we’re done here.”
Desmond stood up smoothly, adjusting his suit once more. “For now,” he said.
Richard gave a faint smile. “For now.”
As Desmond turned and walked toward the door, he paused briefly before opening it. “One last thing,” he added without turning back.
Mr. Richard looked up. “Yes?”
Desmond's voice lowered slightly. “This conference… it’s going to change a lot of things.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed just a fraction. “I expect nothing less.”
Desmond nodded once then he left.
The door closed quietly behind him and the room fell back into silence. Richard leaned back in his chair, his expression slowly shifting into something more serious. Because he knew one thing for certain if Leo was going to be there. Then whatever this conference held it wasn’t going to be simple.