Chapter 74

James POV

Thirteen years ago

James approached the office of Devin Hughes, the shark that eats the people in his business. Devin Hughes, a name that is much feared nowadays, but was unknown a decade ago. He was just a small company head back then.

However, slowly but surely, he paved his way up to either by cajoling, crushing, or cheating. Whatever was necessary, he has done it. Now, he is the head of one of the largest investment firms in America. He never does anything unless it is profitable for him somehow. He is well-known for backstabbing and cheating his partners.

And James stepped foot in his office for help.

"Sir, is it wise?", Brittany asked beside him as she glanced nervously around the waiting area. Brittany has heard about the reputation of this man. She fears that her boss is not thinking this through and making a hasty decision. However, she doesn't have the experience or familiarity with him yet to stop from taking this step.

"We don't have a choice Brittany", he said, his gaze forward lost in preparing his pitch. James is well aware of the reputation preceding this man. But he believes in himself.

He trusts that given the opportunity he can prove his worth to Devin Hughes too. James is of a mind that if you work hard with honesty then nothing can stop you. James however, has yet to learn that trusting a man comes with a price.

"Mr. Hughes is ready to meet you. This way please", a secretary looking like she could be a model for Victoria's secret said to them.

James stood and followed her not showing any interest in the extra sway the secretary is putting in her walk especially for James's benefit.

She then knocked lightly twice on the door and left them to their devices. James understood a good delaying technique when he saw one. He realized that Devin Hughes is trying to make him sweat. He also deduced from this little power play that Devin Hughes is interested enough in what he has to say to not send him on his way.

James entered the office accompanied by Brittany. Devin Hughes leaned back on his chair; his hands clasped in front of him as he scrutinized the man before him.

James McKenzie. Nothing much known about that name except he is the heir to Aon Airlines Inc. An Airline that is quickly sinking into the bottom of the sea.

Devin registered the importance of this meeting. He also perceived who holds power in this room. He is not blind. Nor is he a philanthropist. He has no need to hear this nonsense.

But he will because he likes to see people squirming before him. It would be interesting to see this proud man beg from him. He will dangle the fruit before him...raise his hope and then will crash it to the ground.

However, first, he needs to show this man who controls this meeting.

"I will talk only to the head of the company", he stressed the word 'head', pointedly looking at Brittany who stood a step back from James.

Fearing it might affect the pitch, Brittany turned to leave when James stopped her by holding her hand.

"She stays with me", James said standing in a wide stance, his tone confident.

Devin however, misunderstood the relation between them as per his crooked mind. He sneered at the clasped hands and said,

"I would appreciate it if you don't bring your personal affairs into my office. I have a lot of work to do and my time is precious James McKenzie"

The hair on the back of James's neck bristled at the accusation. However, he put a lid on it. This is not the time to hash who has more power.

"Brittany is my secretary and she stays in this room to note down the details", he said matter of factly.

Devin waved his hand and said, "very well. Enough on dwelling about this. As I said, my time is valuable. What is the purpose of you coming here, James McKenzie? If I'm not wrong you are much needed at your father's company right now"

"My company", James pointed out.

"Hmm...I was not aware of this new development. Anyways, what are you doing here when you are much needed there?", a slight change in Devin Hughes's attitude can be seen upon hearing this news. His eyes sharpened, his muscles alert as he took notice of the young man with new eyes.

"I want you to invest in my company", James informed without any preamble.

Devin thought to play God, but looking at the attitude of this young man, he is not sure who is giving and who is taking.

"Why would I do that?", he questioned cuffing his links as if he had time on his hands.

"Because twelve years ago, you broke my parents' marriage", James said as he strode forward and sat in the chair. Brittany, being a good secretary, tried to blend into the background.

"I was accused of many things but that. That's an interesting tale you have their son. But I have no hand in it", Devin said relaxing. He has overestimated this guy. Generally, he was not wrong in guessing a person's worth, but sometimes a mistake or two happens even with him.

"Twelve years ago, you came to my birthday, you purposefully zeroed in on the investor who is thinking of investing in our company. Though you spoke the truth, you made sure to ruin the chance of him investing in our company. You forgot the tiny detail. You were also one of Perla's lovers. You were also no different from others. Because of that investment you are here today. If not for that, you wouldn't be sitting on that chair", James related his past where he heard Devin Hughes spreading rumors on his birthday, which led to the disaster that was his parent's divorce.

"That's rubbish. Ok, even if it's not, what's the purpose of digging it? You want to go and tell that guy about this. Sure. Be my guest. He has long since retired. So, you see you don't have any bargaining chips son. And as for me sitting on this throne, I carved it. I made it with my hard work. If not for that investor, it would have been different. So, you don't have any leg to say that statement boy", Devin mocked him.

"What about the media? Aren't you scared that the media will find out how you build your empire on other people's bones?"

"James...James... James, you are still raw. A babe in the dark woods. Listen to your seniors. Go and hide as far away as possible. That's the only thing you can do", he leaned back on his chair giving his full weight to it, with hands clasped behind his head and feet up on the desk, making the point obvious that he is the man with power in this room.

"Never! I may be new to this industry but I'm not one to back down from a challenge", James slammed his hand on the desk as he said that.

"Why come to me?" Devin asked, his casual ambiance gone. He is getting interested in listening to this young man's spirit. Maybe he will help him...or maybe not.

"I knew a man of action when I saw one. You are the ringleader, the power behind this industry. The others... They are just puppets but you... you are the manipulator... a puppeteer, who pulls their strings' “', James said as he composed his face to a neutral one.

"Impressive. And you have the guts to come before me and ask for help? After knowing about me?" Devin asked as he took off his feet from the desk and leaned forward on his chair, his hands clasped before him.

"I may be babe as you pointed out in this field, but I have the tenacity to fight for what's mine", James said, putting both of his hands on the desk and matching the pose of the man before him.
"And what do you fight for James?" Devin asked raising an eyebrow

His family's legacy. However, James didn't say that out loud. He is not that wet behind his ears to show his hand to the opponent.

Instead, he said what must be expected of him, "power"

Devin saw fire in this young man. A hunger to succeed, a thirst to achieve something. He also saw an opportunity for himself. Not himself exactly, but his daughter.

Though his daughter is only 20, news of her affairs is circulating among the elite crowd like crazy. It wouldn't be long before the media gets the whiff of it and she is labeled a slut.

Devin doesn't care what her daughter does as long as it doesn't affect his company. However, if word gets out that his daughter is notorious, it will be difficult for him to find a husband. After all, she is the only heir to his empire and he doesn't want to pass his empire on to some opportunist.

It must have to be someone of equal status or...someone desperate. Like James McKenzie. Who could be controlled with his strings if he agreed to this proposition? Not bad, Devin Hughes, he internally patted his back.

If James McKenzie marries his daughter, then he will have a hand on his company too. Though it's currently in losses, he has no doubt that James McKenzie will turn it into profits in no time. His earlier observation is correct after all. Now to set the wheel in motion.

"If you want my help then you have to marry my daughter", Devin put out his demand, jubilant at successfully trapping him.

Author's note- Thank you for being patient.