The Royal Contract

How could he be so irresponsible as not to charge his phone? But he had nothing to worry about since Ria could handle the negotiation even in his absence. After all, she did half of the work.

He had not been in his office since they usually met at a restaurant with the other partners or a boardroom. But it was not hard to find since it was within the building.

“I am sorry, but do you have an appointment.” The secretary asked since it was the first time she must have seen him. “Because Mr. Stark has a business lunch meeting in his office now.” She informed him, not allowing him entry to his office.

“No, I don’t, but that is my partner in there with him. I was late, but I am here now to join them. Just tell your boss that Zach Andrews is here to see him.” He explained to her. It was not true, but if his assumption was correct. The man was initially looking for him, not her.

The woman looked at him skeptically as if she did not believe him. But he maintained his stance, exuding confidence before her. Eventually, she dialed the connecting phone inside the office.

“Excuse me, Sir. I know you said not to disturb you, but a Mr. Zach Andrews here, wanting to see you.” She spoke on the phone and then waited for a reply.

Somehow, he did not like what he heard. It was usually normal in private meetings, not wanting to be disturbed. But something about this one did not sound conventional. But he put it aside as silly nonsense as he waited for the man to acknowledge his presence.

He could not hear his response but could try to read her facial expression. However, she was good at her job as her face concealed her thoughts. She had a good poker face, probably honed through long experience dealing with people in her line of work.

.....

“The boss would finally see you now.” She stood up from her desk and ushered him into the closed double doors. When he entered, she quickly closed it behind her, leaving him in the presence of their client.

But she was not there.

The man was not alone, although he was in a meeting with another familiar face. They were present in the meeting earlier. Now, he wondered where Ria was.

“Mr. Andrews, I am glad you save me the trouble of looking for you.” The man greeted him as he gestured for him to take the other seat.

The other man present in the meeting also shook his hand before he focused his eyes on the man behind the desk. Still, his mind wondered where she was since the cleaning lady said she had gone along with him.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Stark? Is there a problem with the papers?” It was the only thing that he could think of at the moment as he tried to focus his attention on him instead of trying to look for her.

Besides, she was a grown woman. Why would he be afraid that something horrible might happen to her?

“You can call me Arnold. Mr. Stark makes me sound old.” He suggested as he pulled a folder out of his desk drawer. “Jay said he could not find you earlier, but I am glad he finally did.”

Damn! He thought in his mind. It was not this man who went to look for him but his son. They had met him earlier during the meeting, and now Ria must be with him. But where?

“Arnold sounds great. Then, call me Zach.” He liked that they could forego the formality. But as much as he felt good about this meeting, his mind was not the same.

He kept thinking about where the younger Stark took Ria. He could hardly concentrate on what the other two gentlemen inside the room discussed. Although, he did try his best to give them his attention.

“What do you think?” The man asked him, but he hardly listened to what he said. He only blankly looked at the older man as if he wanted to decipher his thoughts. “Are you ok? You seemed to be a little bit distracted.” His host concluded.

“I just had a few things on my mind, but if you are about to ask about the contract...” He was ready to make something up, but the man beat him into it.

“Don’t worry. I think I like it.” Then, he tapped his chin as if thinking. “I love it. Therefore, I already signed it.” The man told him. Then, the other man beside him congratulated him.

“That is great news.” That part he understood pretty clearly as he took the folder he handed to him. When he checked the documents, it was all signed, as the client had said.

It was a welcome surprise since the meeting earlier. The older Stark seemed satisfied with the contract, but his son still had minor issues with some clauses.

That was what he remembered. But what could have changed his mind? Still, he should be thankful that they had already accomplished their mission. But why did he still feel like a heavy weight was on his shoulder?

“You can now celebrate with your partner and not think about it. Take the rest of the day and tomorrow to explore our beautiful place.” The man encouraged him, shaking his hand and concluding the meeting.

But he still had one issue. He wondered if his son was with Ria at that moment. Was he only protecting her, or was he jealous? Of course, he denied the latter. He believed she was his responsibility because she came with him.

He did not like that she was with him because the man looked like a prick, and she might not be safe with a man like him. Ok! He had no idea who that man was. He should not be judging him.

But still, he did not appreciate that she should be out with a stranger. She hardly knew him. And she was already out on a date with him.