CHAPTER 1 MANAGING BANKRUPTCY

Davina

I scrolled through the spreadsheet rows, my eyes darting across the window screen for any error. I had sent the record yesterday, but my boss rejected it without any good reason. I was still scrolling through when a soft creak from the door followed.

I looked up.

The door swung open to reveal a young man with ruffled blonde hair. Mr. Bridgewater. He was an aficionado of bow ties—this afternoon was moon green on a black shirt and matching black pants. He crossed the room and stopped behind a seat across from my desk.

“How’s it going, Ms. Holt?”

I shook my head, eyes darting back to my laptop screen. “I wish I could say fine, but this is literally the third time I’m revising this budget.”

Mr. Bridgewater rounded the table to get a closer view of my screen, then a sigh left him. “My apologies. Mr. Hardman can be a difficult person sometimes, although I’ve noticed he has this thing for you.”

I shook my head. “Whatever. That’s not enough justification.”

“Enough about Mr. Hardman. How’s your father doing, with the whole bankruptcy and all?”

For a moment, my hand froze, then I leaned back in my chair and shook my head. “We need half a million dollars and fast.”

“Damn! Another trouble?”

“It’s complicated, Nolan.” I groaned, my hand going to my hair. The idea that I had to work two jobs—my father’s company and Pearson Enterprise—just to keep the looming poverty ahead at bay sickens me. It’s just so hard.

“Ms. Holt?” Mr. Bridgewater’s voice snapped back to me. He was sitting opposite my desk, leaning close. “Anything I can do to help?”

“I just need money.” I met his gaze again. “Even if it means lending me, I’d pay you back, trust me.”

He released a long sigh. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, Nolan.” A small smile curled my lips.

“It’s nothing.” He waved a hand. “Mr. Hardman sent me to get you, but not without the budget. I need to forward a copy to the board. The restaurant on West Street is running short on supplies, and the budget needs to go into full effect as soon as possible.”

“Nice.” I scoffed. “If he didn’t make me go through all of these revisions, maybe the board wouldn’t be in such a hurry.” I opened my mail and in a couple of clicks, I sent the spreadsheet as an attachment to the list of emails on the screen and sent another copy to my tablet, then stood up. Picking a sleek device with a large screen beside my laptop and the dark blue blazer on the suit hanger, my eyes met Mr. Bridgewater’s. He narrowed his gaze.

“Check your email.” I rounded my desk, breathing past him and adding. “And don’t leave my office open.”

With my shoes clicking through the quiet office, I headed out of the office and into the hallway. Shrugging into the blazer, I breezed past a few colleagues I only knew facially and they nodded their greetings. A few feet before me, silver double doors slid open and some people stepped out. I broke into a light run.

Dashing inside the elevator box with a breath, I gave the few occupants inside curt nods. A few shrugged, while some others didn’t care. A small smile tugged at my lips. I dialled for the seventh floor above me.

A day later, the doors slid open and I walked out. Slowing my pace, I unlocked the device in my hand and scrolled across my recent download until I came to a stop before the most recent—the spreadsheet. I tapped on it, walking past a tall coworker who was straining his neck to get a glance at my screen.

I made a left turn and went down the hall. I stopped at the last door. Pressing the doorbell, I pushed the door open to reveal a lavish office slightly larger than mine.

Behind a large executive oak, walnut desk and a plush, leather desk chair was a large floor-to-ceiling window. The man I came to see stood backing me, one hand in pocket, another hand holding a ceramic cup. I slowed into a crawl, walking inside the room. Before I got to the visitor’s chair before the desk, he whirled around, revealing a tailored suit over a white shirt and a red tie.

“I already sent the—”

“I’ve seen it.” He stopped me short. “I’m sorry you had to go through all that stress. The board can be hard on me sometimes. And pushing the energy over to other staff is only a matter of reflexes.”

“Reflexes?” My eyes slightly widened.

He shrugged, walking over to his desk and dropping the empty cup. “I’m sorry, Ms. Holt, but all the bad energy you’ve been getting from me was all from the board.”

I nodded. “It’s alright.”

He slumped into his seat and picked his tablet, and a few swipes on the screen, a small beep followed. My eyes darted to my tablet and I saw a notification bar. I tapped on it. A brief moment later, a window opened showing me a transaction alert of $50,000. I looked up at the man with wide eyes.

“Mr. Hardman?”

He looked up from his screen to meet my gaze, then he sat up. “I’m sorry, but the board did that.”

“I’m sorry?” I blinked, my eyes flitting between him and the message on my screen. “But this is not up to half of the money I applied for.”

“Ms. Holt, your father’s company isn’t the only one on the verge of collapsing. Pearson Enterprises is also on the verge of breaking apart, and the board needs to keep the system running.” He sat up and leaned towards his desk. “You’d agree with me that you’re one of the few, newest employees that this company is granting advance payment.”

My face grew hot, and the hand on my side folded into knuckles, stomach tightening. This isn’t what I’m expecting. The money he sent me is only going to go so far. I bit back a groan.

My father is currently looking for half a million to keep the company afloat, and in the last talk I had with him, we had agreed for him, my mother and I to find a way to source the funds. What Mr. Hardman sent here isn’t going to cut a slack. I had no other option than to resort to pleading.

“Please, Mr. Hardman.” I pleaded. “I applied for two hundred. What you…what the board sent here was less than half. It’s not going to get anything done.”

He cocked his gaze to the side, his gaze narrowing at me. I watched him with pleading eyes. After a moment, his eyes went back to his device again and he made a few swipes, and another beep from my phone followed. I glanced at my phone and I saw $100,000 had been added.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Hardman.” I bowed, slightly curtly, almost mechanical. Some of my blonde hair fell over my face with the force with which I bobbed my head. He didn’t meet my gaze.

“You owe me one.” He said as I backed away from him.

“Not a problem.” I turned around and headed for the door when his voice stopped me. “Will you be free this evening?”

CHAPTER 2 BUYING STREAK

Tanner

I walked into a large lobby with Mr. Highmore, my personal assistant and adviser. While he was just my personal assistant, I treated him like my associate. I’ve literally lost count of the times his outstanding business advice saved me from making foolish financial mistakes.

A few people appeared from different angles of the lobby and flanked us as we walked across towards a large, bronze double door sliding open ahead. Some people walked out, emptying the elevator. I walked inside with the group.

“Sir, we bought half the shares of Moore Logistics, and Gavin Corporation is putting up their company for sale for twenty million dollars.” A dark-haired man said.

“Twenty million?” I raised a brow.

Daniel added immediately. “No reasonable businessman would buy that company for that much. They have to get it down.”

“Pitch for ten million, Mr. Scott.” I turned to Daniel. “That’s reasonable enough, hmm?”

“Only fair.” He nodded, then turned to Mr. Scott. “Did you do research for slush funds?”

The dark-haired man shook his head. “No, sir.”

A ding from the elevator, and the doors slid open. We walked into a smaller lobby and across it to a hallway, walking ahead. Few employees came out from a few doors to opposite doors on the side. The transparent glass on either side of the hallway revealed staff focused on their computers, some of them having companions standing with files in hand.

“Check for slush funds.” Daniel added. “That might influence our decision of buying the company or not.”

“Ms. Salt, Is The Holts ready to give up the company just yet?” I asked.

We made a right turn and Daniel hurried ahead, pushing a door open to reveal an extremely large office. I crossed the room to my desk and rounded the large mahogany desk to meet the gaze of the blonde talking now.

“They are a bit stubborn, sir. They believe they do have a way to get themselves out of their mess, and they are yet to declare bankruptcy.”

Daniel breezed past the colleagues standing and slumped into the visitor’s seat before my desk. “Risk. Risky fellows.” He shook his head. “In as much as I hate to admit, they still have a chance of saving the company.”

I turned to Daniel. “How?”

“I looked into the company logistics.” He continued. “If they find a way to get five million dollars in the next two months, they’d be golden.” He turned in his chair to the others before us in the centre of the room. “Make them another offer. Twenty-five million. They shouldn’t refuse that.”

“Yes, sir.” The blonde nodded.

I sat in my large desk chair. “Anything else I need to know?”

“The Pearson Conference for Investors." Mr. Scott picked up on my question. “It’s two weeks away.”

I looked at Daniel and he shrugged. “A little play with the big boys wouldn’t hurt.”

“Fine then.” My gaze darted back to the employees. “Mr. Scott, Ms. Salt, you’re up. You too should reach out to Pearson Enterprises and get back to me in the next two days.”

They nodded, then turned on their heels and left. I released a breath I didn’t realise I was holding, and Daniel turned to me.

“If I had to make this decision myself,” I began, “I’d decline attending the Pearson Conference for investors.”

Daniel shook his head, wagging a finger at me. “Uh-uh. Don’t say that again. That meeting is an opportunity for you to grow stronger, boy.”

I narrowed my gaze at him without a word and he continued. “Listen, Tanner, most of the fools attending would probably come around looking to make your acquaintance for their selfish interest. You just play along with your sixth sense and then land them in your palms.”

“Fools, you say,” I chuckled. “But Daniel, what do you think about The Holts?”

His gaze went distant for a moment and I continued. “The CEO is adamant that I invest, but I’m not so sure.”

“The fact that he is a major stakeholder of the company is a significant red flag.” Daniel's eyes met mine. “We don’t know this guy so well, so investing blindly is dangerous, considering the economic meltdown in the country and all.”

My gaze went over his shoulder and I thought about it. Most of the companies in the country are trying to get on their feet, and some businessmen can play dirty. Some of them will stop at nothing at stepping over others to get what they want.

I met Daniel’s gaze again. “But I offered to buy the company. Most men would jump on the offer.”

“Most men.” Daniel emphasised. “Not intelligent men. I sense intelligence in his rejection. And grit in his refusal to declare bankruptcy.” He sighed. “It’s only a matter of time and the company would be mortgaged. He’s only got two months.”

“I’m already feeling a slight pity.”

“You do business with logic, Tanner.” Daniel snickered. “Not emotions.”

“Fine. So, how do we deal with the shares from Moore Logistics? I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve.”

The door to my office was pushed open and a dark-haired lady walked through. “Sir, the CEO of The Holts would like to speak with you.”

Daniel and I shared a look before I returned my gaze to the secretary. “Put him through.”

“Okay, sir.” She left.

Moments later, an educated American voice drifted through the speakers.

“Mr. Templeton, it’s my pleasure to speak with you again.”

I made a face at Daniel before replying. “You seem to trust in your ability to bring The Holts back to her feet.”

“I know my ability to bring back the company, Mr. Templeton.” The voice was too confident. “I may have made a terrible mistake, but I don’t make mistakes twice. All I’m just asking for is a chance to correct my mistake.”

“Considering the economic meltdown in the country, Mr. Holt,” I came in. “Five million dollars is a lot of money. What’s my guarantee if this goes south?”

“You can take over the company.”

I released a sigh and met Daniel’s gaze. He gestured that I end the call.

“I’ll get back to you, Mr. Holt.” The line went dead.

Daniel sat up in his seat. “I have another reason to worry. Why is he not giving us numbers to work with?”

I shook my head. “On one end, he might be trying to work like me, keeping his statistics to himself. On the other hand, it could simply be that he’s being shady.”

“Either way,” Daniel shrugged. “That’s a red flag.”

I pulled my laptop open. “Whatever, I’m more concerned with what we could achieve with Moore Logistics.”

“A trip to the Bahamas.” Daniel joked.

I shot him a mocking glare, then my gaze darted back to my booting PC when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. When I met Daniel’s gaze, he narrowed his eyes at me before his eyes darted to my phone.

“Don’t pick that call, Tanner.” He stood up instantly.

CHAPTER 3 GLIMPSE OF HOPE

Davina

We have reviewed your application and statistics data, but we are unable to be of help at the moment due to a couple of classified reasons. We wish you better luck elsewhere and hope you find a way out of the dunghill.

- TreadStone Inc.

I read the last of the emails we received. All the companies we asked for support and investment all turned us down, mentioning one reason or the other. I kept the laptop on the table and leaned back on the couch, my hands interlocked behind my head. The more we looked for ways to save the company, the more it seemed like the company was going down the drain.

Footfalls grew in the distance, and my eyes darted overhead to the gallery, and after a moment, a grey-headed man appeared, walking across and disappearing within the walls. He reappeared again, descending from the stairs.

I watched him approach. “How did it go?”

I shook my head. “I fulfilled my own part of the bargain. Did you.”

His lips tugged with a small smile. “I got three hundred.”

I sat up with a shrug. “Then we have half a million. But all our applications were rejected.”

“Not all.”

My phone rang and I glanced at the screen. Mr. Hardman’s name was displayed on the caller ID. I checked the time. It was still six p.m. I turned to my dad, silencing the call.

“The email is saying a different thing altogether.” I gave my dad a look of ‘don’t worry about the call’ and continued. “I opened all of them. They all said no.”

“The CEO of Softcore Corporation called.” He took a seat opposite me. “We talked, and he promised to get back to me.”

“That’s not a verdict, dad. We can’t work with that.”

“It’s the best lead we’ve got.”

I shook my head slowly. “We should not stop at that, dad. We should pile up alternatives.”

“I know, and I’m already working on a few.” He nodded.

I cocked my head to the side without a reply and he continued. “Pearson Conference.”

“Holy—” I gasped. “That’s it, dad! That’s our shot. We could…”

My phone rang again. I glanced at it, my eyes darting from Mr. Hardman’s name to the time on screen. It was barely fifteen minutes past six. I rang it up.

“Excuse me, dad.” I hushed as I placed the phone in my ear. “Mr. Hardman?”

“Davina, we are not in a work environment anymore. Feel free to address me by my first name.”

I nodded as if he were with me. “You’re still my boss, sir.”

“Fair point.” He replied immediately. “In the office. You seem to be in the middle of something.”

“I am in the middle of something.”

A brief silence followed, then his voice returned. “I wanted to know about our arrangements today, actually. Do we still have a deal or not?”

“Uh…” I trailed off, realising what happened in the office. The help he offered me came at a price, and he wants to be paid. “How about we reschedule? I’m trying to get some proposals for the Pearson Conference.”

“Two weeks is a long time from today.” He argued.

I nickered softly. “It’s still a short time for a company on the verge of bankruptcy. We need all the help we can get.”

The line went silent for a moment, then his voice returned. “Tomorrow evening then.”

“Yeah.” I nodded slightly. “Thanks, Mr. Hardman.”

A small grunt followed, and the line went dead. My dad raised a brow at me.

“My boss.” I shook my head and gazed at the floor. “It didn’t occur to me that his help came at a cost.”

When I looked up, I realised my father was watching me. I cocked a brow. “What’s wrong, dad?”

“You don’t have to inconvenience yourself to help me, you know that, right?”

“We are not having this conversation again.” I said defiantly. “Let’s get back to the Pearson Conf.”

When I saw he was unflinching in his gaze, I shook my head. “Dad, there’s nothing to worry about. I can handle my own.”

He released a long sigh and picked the laptop from off the table. “You’re still in your work clothes. Go freshen up, eat something, and we’ll get to work.”

He was right. I was so carried away with saving The Holts that I was still working in the house with my ‘work clothes’. I heaved a sigh and a yawn left me of its own accord.

“See, you’re tired.” He added without looking at me. “I know telling you to go to bed would be a trip to the moon, so I’m not going to force you. You get to decide that by yourself. But freshening up is an order.”

“What am I, twelve?” My pitch rose a little.

He laughed softly. “You certainly are acting like one.”

Balancing the laptop on his lap, he adjusted his glasses and peered at the screen. I watched him for a moment before I stood up and headed up the stairs. In my furnished, tidy room, I crossed to the bathtub and in a moment, I was done with bathing. Shrugging into the comfy clothing of my pyjamas, I dragged myself downstairs to the kitchen.

Dropping my phone on the centre counter, my knees were weak. I desperately wanted to rest on something. A chair, a bed, something. I released another yawn as I rifled through the kitchen cabinet, torn apart on what exactly to whip up for dinner. Failing to decide on something, I dragged my foot across the floor to the fridge, my flip-flop echoing in the empty kitchen.

Pulling it open, my eyes darted from one point of the fridge to another, a funny ringtone rending through the quiet kitchen. Picking a bottle of water, I uncorked and downed the drink, my eyes darting to the vibrating device on the counter as I took in the name.

Sunshine.

I nicknamed Ray ‘Sunshine’ on her 30th birthday because of how bubbly she can be. We met at a bar where I worked as a barista for some time, before some goodwill elevated me from a common barista to a staff member of Pearson Enterprise, the head company managing the bar alongside many others across the city.

She’s been the one who managed to break through my isolated exterior and see right through me. Peering at the vibrating phone for a moment and realising it was a video call, I was compelled to pick up the call.

“Hello?” She stressed the greeting, using a hand to unpack her dark hair and letting it fall over her shoulder. Ivory skin was slit like eyes and a straight nose glittered back at me, thin lips tugging from ear to ear and revealing well-set teeth. I smiled a little back at her.

“Hello to you too.”

“You know, since your new work, I’ve hardly had you for myself, hmm?” She leaned back in a woollen bean chair, a hand propping her head. I shook my head.

“Well, to be honest, you know what we’ve been dealing with recently.” I shook my head at her. “The Holts can’t declare bankruptcy.”

“Hello? Could you let your problems be a little?” She hissed. “Anyway, now that you’re a staff member, I suppose you must be making plans to attend the biggest event of the year.”

I nodded. “Biggest event of the year, hmm? That sounds like a boring event.”

“Did you just call the Pearson Conference a boring event?” Her eyes widened. “A conference with a lot of drinks, men and fun?”

“Wait, what?” I narrowed my gaze at her. “How do you know about that?”

Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, guess?”

I watched her for a moment as she smirked mischievously, and I gasped. “No way!”

CHAPTER 4 PEARSON CONFERENCE

Tanner

“You’re all set, Mr. Templeton.” Mr. Scott nodded as I walked out of the lobby into the courtyard, glancing around. A motorcade of three cars cruised to a halt before me, and the door swung open. Inside there sat a grinning Daniel, grinning in a tux.

“You’re late.” He frowned a little. “Working your ass off when you should be living a little?”

I groaned. "Aside from your call, I wouldn’t have left my office at all.”

“Seems you need to be reminded again and again that smart work pays better than hard work.”

“Seeing that you’re here,” I changed the topic. “It’s easy to judge that the conference is over.”

“Right on the first try.” He smirked. “You owe me one for representing the great Tanner Templeton in the conference. Now we are headed for the ball, and there is one last opportunity for you to trap down more businesses.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and represent me in the ball too?” I tilted my head ever so slightly to the left.

“No, sir.” He smirked at me. “Didn’t you dress for the occasion?” I grunt, sliding out a bow tie from my pocket and wriggling it in the air.

“You mean this?”

“That would be doing better work on your neck, Mr. Templeton.” He chuckled. “It’s just for a day.”

“I’m not fully convinced.” I joined him in the car and Mr. Scott closed the door from outside. I sent him a curt nod I barely saw him receive, then turned back to Daniel. “If I had my way, I wouldn’t go for this event.”

“If you had your way.” He repeated. “You should always thank me for being by your side. I will always be your sanity.”

“A sanity that is leading me straight to insanity, you mean?”

He narrowed his gaze at me, then snickered. “Listen, while those rich asses get lost in the dance and booze of drinks, make investments on returns that will grow you bigger. All of them would be dying to have you invest in their businesses.”

“The more reason why I should stay behind.” I groaned. I always hated that much attention, even though I prided in my self-image. The attention can get so nerve-wracking. Slowly, the car eased out of the courtyard into the road.

When we arrived at the venue, the car door was pulled open from outside, revealing a steward bowing curtly, wearing a well-ironed waistcoat over a white shirt. A matching black bowtie hung below his beard, slightly tilted to the side.

I made a quick work of putting on the bowtie I was holding, and Daniel adjusted it a little on my collar. A final glance at myself from the rear view mirror, I slid out of the car to see a blinding light of camera flashes, camera shutters going off on every corner. In a moment, Daniel sidles up beside me.

Together, we took a walk down the red carpet to the double door entrance into a large lobby. Lit with yellow light that glittered on the gleaming walls where a few art paintings hung on random areas beneath an abstract chandelier.

A few couples swayed gently to the soft beat from the speakers, feet moving in perfect rhythm over the glittering marble floor that sparkled the soft yellow light of the room. Daniel headed across to the left, and I followed him.

“Now, it’s time for you to put the goodwill I got for you into good use.” He gestured to a man putting on an expensive suit that matches my paygrade. “That is Mr. Callaghan.”

He turned to see us as we approached, and a grin revealed well-set teeth. “Mr. Templeton, it’s good to see you join us at the ball. You didn’t make it to the ‘business part.’”

“Actually,” Daniel came in. “He was having a meeting with Parkinsten in Japan. He was unavoidably absent, but he sent me to represent him.”

I wanted to call Daniel out on the lie, but I struggled to put on a plastic smile. “Actually. But I’m glad I could still join the event.”

“I understand.” The man nodded. “Sometimes we can be so busy with the demands of our clients.”

I smiled. “It’s good to meet you, too.”

We exchanged a firm handshake, and Daniel led me away. I called him out in a hush.

“Hey, what kind of lie was that?”

He turned, cocking his head to the side. “Where’s the lie? Are we not currently working with Parkinsten?”

“I never had a meeting with them this afternoon.”

“Sorry, if you were expecting me to walk up to him and say,” he feigned dramatically. “Uh, my boss actually forgot he had a meeting and got lost signing papers,” he met my gaze again with a small scowl. “No, sir. Your reputation is my job to keep.”

“I think I need a break.” I shook my head, plucking a flute from a passing waiter and downing the drink in half. “I’ll just head over and make acquaintances on my own.”

“Suit yourself.”

Separating from him, I weaved in-between the crowd, taking in the faces of the rich, pompous fools around. They know how to party hard, but they know nothing about the technicalities of business. Their enterprises are shaking, yet they had the guts to leave their offices to party hard and get drunk.

Weaving across, a woman stood alone on the right side of the room. A hand held her purse and the other swirled her wine in her tumblr, her gaze glued to the ground. Her curves caught my interest, making me intrigued, so I weaved through the crowd, closing the distance between us and getting a better look.

Auburn haired and parked into a ponytail, with some strands left to fall over on one side of her temple; she was sand-skinned and well-toned. My gaze trailed her curves as I approached, and she looked up to meet my gaze.

“Hey?” I said it almost in a whisper. “You’re doing okay there?”

She gave me a subtle once-over, then shook her head. “I’m fine.”

I walked over and stood before her, narrowing my gaze. “You don’t look so sure about that.”

“I’m fine.” She held my gaze, defiant.

“I’m Tanner.” I stretched my hand towards her and her eyes widened.

CHAPTER 5 TANNER TEMPLETON

Davina

The elevator doors slid open and I walked out, joining the crowd in the large lobby, walking across the glittering shiny floor when someone sidled beside me.

“How’re you holding up?”

I turned to see my father, and a little gasp left me. “Dad?”

Two men in well-tailored suits walked past us.

“I noticed your mind wasn’t in the meeting.” He commented.

I shrugged. “I thought the solicitation for funds would happen in the meeting.”

He chuckled. "That is why there is a ball. We’d be doing the solicitation there. Trust me, when happiness is in the house, people would be willing to help.”

I nodded as we walked outside to meet the glaring sun. I shielded my face for a moment as we took a few steps down and crossed the road. I rounded the car and slid inside.

Moments later, we arrived at the venue for the ball. Unlike myself, my father was so hopeful that somehow we would get people to support the business, but I was the clear opposite. The messages we got in the mail days ago were too discouraging, so I doubt it would get any better.

When we walked inside, the party hadn’t fully begun, but the people huddled in groups, chatting in hushed tones. I took in the crowd present when my father’s voice came through.

“Davina, I think we should divide and conquer. What do you think?”

My eyes darted across the building. Some people stood alone, sipping drinks; some sat in two, chatting and laughing. The rest were huddled in groups.

“I think I’ll take the loners and the pairs. You should handle the group.”

He nodded and stuttered off. I took a deep inhale, then walked towards a woman with gray short hair, her face folded in sharp wrinkles.

“Greetings, ma’am.” I stretched my hands towards the old woman. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She eyed my hands warily before she took it. “Pleasure to meet you too.”

I glanced around, then met her gaze. “How is it going for you?”

She released the loudest sigh I’ve ever heard. “Not so well for me. I wish my son was in town. He knows his way around here better than anyone. Not so for me.” She concluded, shaking her head, then narrowed her gaze at me. “You don’t look so well.”

I narrowed my gaze at her. “Uh…was it that obvious?”

She snickered softly. “Young lady, I have a granddaughter of your age back in the house. Trust me when I tell you that you’re not looking great. Is it something I can help with?”

I took in a silent breath. “The Holts are looking for investors. Anything from a half a million will go a long way.”

She crumpled her face in a grimace. “I’m sorry, young lady, but the company is currently having a downtime lately. We are currently not at the point of investing in other companies.”

**********

“We’d appreciate all the help we can get. Holt’s Cosmetics could use the money.” I pleaded with a bald man in a pinstripe suit. He wore a grimace.

“I’m sorry, but we are low on cash now.” He shook his head. “We are also looking for investors too.”

*********

The other people I met were the same. Some of them who knew us advised us to declare bankruptcy and start all over again, while some others offered their condolences. Tired of the outcome, I scanned the crowd for my dad.

He was still talking with a group, and while he smiled with them, the smile was mechanical. Behind his smile was frustration. I watched him for a moment as he shook hands with the group of five, then strolled across before his gaze caught mine. He retraced his steps and headed over my way.

“How’s it going?”

“Negative.” I shook my head. A female steward breezed past, and my dad plucked two glasses from her tray and offered me one. I took it from him and took a little sip, the cocktail washing over my tongue, reflecting luxury.

He folded his lips and nodded. “Now’s not the time to give up. Trust me, I know it for sure that the salvaging of The Holts will happen in this ball.”

I nodded slowly at him and then he strutted away. I was too frustrated to continue soliciting, so I swirled the wine in my glass, considering our options.

The Holts had been the family’s business, and according to my father, the business began with my grandfather. He had many sons, and after a business test he gave his children, my father passed the test, so the business was handed over to him, but his siblings became careless.

The feud in the family went so wild and it resulted in a severe decline of customers. My father, in an attempt to restore equity, made a poor income distribution across the wings of Holt’s Cosmetics. At first, the finance rose sporadically, but after six months, everything went down.

“Hey?” A male whisper broke through. I managed not to flinch. “You’re doing okay there?”

I took a quick glance at him. For a moment, his brown eyes bore into me, concerned. The light in the hall reflected off his bald head. A wide shoulder and broad shirt were decorated in a well-tailored tux, a bow tie hanging below a well-shaved stubble. My breath hitched, but I hit it. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look so sure about that.” He came to a stop before me.

“I’m fine.” I held his gaze, giving him a neutral gaze.

“I’m Tanner.”

I did a double take, my father’s conversation coming back to mind. “The CEO of Softcore Corporation called. We talked, and he promised to get back to me.”

I heard the stoic-headed man running Softcore Corporations is Mr. Tanner Templeton, but I wasn’t so sure. And the possibility of having a few Tanners in this ball was imminent. Probably this is not the Tanner of Soft Corporations.

I stretched my hand and took his. “Davina.”

He nodded approvingly, taking me in. I avoided his gaze, and he turned to the crowd, chit-chatting at every corner.

“You know, sometimes I wonder how everyone here still has money to spend while they complain about the economy.”

I shrugged. “People get things done if they have to. And Pearson’s conference is more like a yearly tradition. Either way, things have to be done.”

I felt his gaze on my temple and I didn’t return it. After a while, he looked away, his voice returning.

“Well, I guess a little play wouldn’t hurt.”

I turned to him as he sipped his drink, not sparing me a glance.

“I don’t believe in work and play.” I continued. “There is a specific time for work and a specific time for play.”

“Educate me.”

I turned to meet his gaze head-on. “I like fun; don’t get me wrong. But when you mix play and work together, things could go wrong.”

He took another sip of his drink, wagging a finger at me. “I like you. What company do you work for?”

“Well—”

“Mr. Templeton?” My father's voice stopped me halfway. I glanced between my father and the man, my eyes slowly growing wild. I’ve been talking with the CEO of Softcore Corporation.

CHAPTER 6 THE PITCH

Tanner

“Educate me.” I asked the lady who had just introduced herself to me as Davina.

When she turned to meet my gaze head on, my breath almost hitched. It took an extra effort for me to maintain composure.

“I like fun; don’t get me wrong.” She began, “But when you mix play and work together, things could go wrong.”

I did a double take. Something was unusual about her. She was not like the regular girls I’ve met in my social circles. This was more—there was an elegance and intelligence about her that intrigued me. And she is very confident—a trait you don’t see amongst businessmen recently.

He took another sip of his drink, wagging a finger at me. “I like you. What company do you work for?”

“Well—”

“Mr. Templeton?” A familiar voice called and I turned in the direction of the voice. A grey-headed man approached, his sand skin tone enclosed with a well-tailored suit ensemble that gave an air of old money. “I hope you’re enjoying the evening.’

“Quite, Mr. Holt.” I sent him a nod, my eyes darting back to Davina for a moment before returning to the man. “It’s a pleasure to meet you here.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Templeton.” He offered me a hand and I shook it. “I see you’re in the middle of something with my daughter.

“Your daughter?” My eyes darted from him to Davina, lingering on her for a moment. “You’re Ms. Holt?”

She nodded without a word and I turned back to Mr. Holt with a grin. “Your daughter does have an exceptional ideology about work, I must say.”

He smiled. “Actually, she is the family’s pride. She surely had a way of making an impression.

I nodded, noticing something else in his eyes. A calculable gleam. I suppose he wants to remind me of his proposal, so I didn’t push more for pleasantries. He took the opportunity at once.

“Mr. Templeton, if you don’t mind, I’d like to know the result of our chat the other day.” He picked his words carefully. “You did promise to get back to me.”

I tilted my head slightly to the side. “You didn’t give me statistics last time. Maybe you should be a businessman and tell me why I should invest.”

Mr. Holt cleared his throat. “Holt’s cosmetics is rather in a position to offer a unique opportunity for Softcore Corporation. Because of our current issue, we believe that by expanding into emerging markets, we will be able to bring the company back to its feet.”

I narrowed my gaze at him and he continued. “We’re currently considering a buyout of Aiden Holdings, a smaller firm that specialises in other body care products. This could revolutionise our sector in the next five years.

I maintained a neutral expression, my head going back to the recent struggle of the company before now. He was making an intelligent proposal that could work out in the next five years, and not only would he benefit, but Softcore Corps would also experience a surge, should this work.

“I see,” I finally spoke, slowly. “How much are you looking at to make this possible?”

“To make sure this works,” Mr. Holt hesitated. “We need an investment of five million dollars, which can come all at once or at the instalment pay of one million per year. This will enable us to make the buyout within the next three months and, of course, support the huge integration of both businesses.

I nodded as he kept talking about the business plan. Davina stayed silent as her father rambled about his business proposal. When he finished, a striking question went off in my head. I blurted it out.

“Why hasn’t the company been able to raise the money on its own?” I paused, then added quickly. “I mean, I understand that virtually all the businesses at this point are struggling, but at least—you get what I mean?”

“Combined with the market volatility, it is no news that my family feud since I ascended the company as CEO has been a major setback for us, resulting in a dip in our value. But I believe in this acquisition—I’m so sure that it is the big change that could bring the company back to its feet, should we get the right partner.”

The business idea was excellent in its own way, but I could also tell that the old man was desperate. At this point, I scanned the crowd for Mr. Daniel. Logically speaking, I should invest, but Daniel had the deep eye. He could detect failure from a distance.

I gave him a grim nod. “Give me a moment, gentlemen, while I consider your proposal.”

He nodded, and I walked off. Daniel was having a chit chat with a small group of men in suits. I approached him, tugging him by the wrist of his tux. “Mr. Highmore, do you mind if I whisk you away for a minute?” I hushed.

“The stock exchange is on the verge of collapsing, unless we apply that strategy.” He said in a rather loud voice before turning to me and hushing back. “You do know you'd rather have bad timing?”

“This is urgent, and I wouldn’t like to make a mistake.”

Daniel’s eyes darted away from me and he walked back to the group, adding. “Excuse me, gentlemen. Duty calls.”

They nodded and continued their chat, and Daniel joined me. “So, what’s the matter now?”

“Holt’s cosmetics.” I said. “They presented a rather fascinating business idea. I could tell the man was desperate, but I could also tell that there are high chances of his business idea working.”

Daniel nodded, his eyes subtly scanning the room before landing on Mr. Holt, who was talking with his daughter. “He does have a beautiful young lady by his side.”

“That’s his daughter.” I commented. “But I’d really need your input. They are currently waiting for my reply.”

“So fast?” His eyes widened. “I need to know their proposal, then run it through past and present business speculations to be sure if it could work or not. Right now, I can’t just help it.”

“So you’re saying I should turn them down?”

He shook his head. “I’m saying that you should do business the right way. Ask for more time. If you’re so desperate to help them, use your personal funds.”

“Alright.” I said with a note of finality. He gave me a long look, then turned around with a nod, heading back to his group. I watched him walk up to the foursome and continue his conversation before turning around and heading back to the businessman, an idea looming in my mind.

I like Davina, and I want to help the business stand back on its feet. But what happens if the business fails?

The idea in my mind took shape as I joined them. Davina looked away, taking a sip of her drink. His father looked at me with an expectant gaze.

“I think I have a better proposition.” I said. Davina nearly sputtered her drink.

CHAPTER 7 BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Davina

“I think I have a better proposition.” Tanner said, and I managed not to spill my drink onto my jacket. When I met his gaze, narrowed and grim, for a moment, I admired my father’s persistence. He was really going to invest in us, as he said.

“Let’s hear it.” My father urged him on. He met my gaze briefly before his eyes settled on my father.

“I do admire your proposal,” he began, “as it has a tendency to work out. But there are still chances that things could go down the drain. Because of this, I’m going to invest in the company from my pockets.”

“I’m really grateful to hear this, Mr. Templeton.” My father started. “But let me assure you, this won’t fail. I’ve taken a long consideration to this, trust me.”

“I do trust your business model, Mr. Templeton, no doubt.” Tanner continued. “I don’t want you to have any excuse to fail, so I’m going to be dropping half a million every month.”

“Oh my God!” I gasped. “Tann—I mean, Mr. Templeton—”

“But all of this comes at a price.” Tanner kept talking, ignoring me.

My father and I shared a look before meeting Tanner’s gaze, eager to hear Tanner’s proposition.

“Of course,” my father blurted.

He took a deep breath, then, with a gaze so neutral, he added. “I get to marry your daughter.”

I blinked, the reality of what he just said sending my mind into overdrive. For a moment, I denied it. My gaze darted from my father to him, then back to my father, and I realised from my father’s gaze that the salvation of the family was now in my palm. While I still considered my options, Tanner’s voice came again.

“My business adviser is not aware I’m doing this, so I must mention that you have until the end of the ball to give me an answer.” He took a few steps back. “I’ll give you both some time to consider and come up with a decision. However, do enjoy the ball.”

He spun around and stalked away. I met my father’s gaze, and he heaved a sigh.

“What do we do now, dad?” I asked.

He avoided my gaze. “You don’t have to do it if you don’t feel comfortable.”

I paused for a moment, considering his words. He said he was investing from his pocket, and his adviser isn’t aware. In all, it is obvious that he has taken a liking to me. That definitely means that he was doing all of this because of me. And that is scary.

The idea of deciding to marry him in a few hours is also crazy. I only met him for a few minutes. I don’t know what he is capable of. I don’t know the manner of man that he is, yet I have to agree to marry him either way for the salvation of Holt’s cosmetics.

“Davina?”

When I met my father’s gaze, I realised that he had been calling me for quite some time, but I was too far away in thought.

He gave me a long look, then added. “You know you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

I turned to my dad, wide-eyed. “You do realise what we are letting down the drain if we don’t go with his proposal? Half a million for six months, and with proper planning, we would never have a problem again.”

“I would let the world burn for you, Davina.” He wore a grimace.

“What if I get caught in the fire?” I retorted. Hehehe a loud sigh. I tore my gaze away from him to the ground, tracing invisible lines with my shoe. “If that’s what has to be done, then let’s get along with it. It’s not like we have a choice.”

“Davina?”

“Dad, this is not about me.” I ended the tracking and met his gaze. “This is about us, the family. If Holt’s cosmetics goes down, you and the rest of the family go down with it.” I wore a grimace. “But if one sacrifice is what it takes to save us, then I think we should just grab it while we can.”

“I love you, Davina.” He wrapped me in a tight embrace, then quickly broke away.

“He’s returning.” I said, my eyes darting away from him to Tanner, who was walking towards us with a frown on his face. For a moment, I wished whatever pissed him off had nothing to do with our deal.

“Davina, Mr. Holt,” he began, his eyes flitting from me to my father. “I’m afraid I may not have all the evening to spend with you all. I have a huge problem to resolve at the moment.”

My dad shook his head. “My apologies. It must be that bad.”

He nodded. “Some punks have made a terrible mistake that I need to correct as soon as possible. So, what’s it going to be?”

My father turned to me. “I’ll marry you, Tanner.”

His eyes widened ever so slightly and so quickly that I almost missed it; it was replaced with a small grin, and he nodded. “I knew you were a smart, young lady. I’ll be expecting you in my office in two days to finalise our contract.” I glanced behind his shoulder and my heart skipped a beat.

Ahead, a figure I could recognize anywhere was chatting away happily with a group of young men. He laughed, then turned his head to the side, sipping his drink, then suddenly turned back and our eyes met. He tilted his head ever slightly, watching me. I tore my gaze away from him to meet Tanner’s.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

I bobbed my head, almost mechanically. “I’m fine.” When his gaze narrowed, I wore a plastic smile, shaking my head. “It’s just, I’m so excited that we’ve finally gotten rid of this mess.”

“I said I liked you for a reason.” He let out a brief soft chuckle. “I guess I’ll see you around, then.” Taking a few steps back, he spun around and strutted off.

Not romantic. I made a mental note, watching his retreating figure as my heart pounded within my chest, threating to burst open. My knees grew weak, and my hands grew heavy. I kept the wine glass I had with me on the nearest counter, struggling to gain my bearings. My father turned to me.

“Are you okay?”

“This is a whole lot.” I said, my breath growing slightly ragged. “But I guess there is no going back now, is it?”

“I could call him right now and revoke—”

“That’s not what I meant, dad!” I cried with a silent groan, turning my gaze away from him. He snickered. When I turned to him, his gaze lingered on a figure, and he hushed.

“Is that not your current boss?”

I followed his gaze, and a pit formed in my stomach. Mr. Hardman was walking towards us.