The morning air outside Harrison Capital was crisp, but inside the building, everything buzzed with sharp precision and quiet urgency. Richard Harrison stepped out of his sleek black car, adjusting the cuff of his dark suit as his polished shoes clicked against the marble floor of the lobby.
Miranda, his ever-efficient assistant, walked briskly beside him, clutching a folder filled with briefing notes.
"The board meeting is scheduled to begin in ten minutes," she said. "All key members of Zenith's delegation are already in the conference room."
Richard gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. "Let's get this over with."
Inside the executive boardroom, the tension was palpable. The Zenith board members, well-dressed, calculated, and shrewd, sat with folded arms and sharpened gazes. Files were open, tablets lit, coffee untouched.
As Richard entered, the room seemed to shift slightly. He didn't bother with pleasantries; his presence commanded enough weight. He took his seat at the head of the long glass table, clasping his hands.
"Shall we begin?" he asked coolly.
What followed was an intense back-and-forth, questions fired like darts, numbers dissected, projections analyzed. Richard answered with a precision that left no room for doubt. He was calm, focused, and utterly in control. He talked about international expansion strategies, long-term brand alignment, and tailored profit-sharing models that addressed the board's deepest concerns before they even voiced them.
A few members exchanged looks, impressed ones.
Then came the subtle shift. The Zenith chairman, a silver-haired man with eyes like steel, finally leaned back and glanced at the others.
"Mr. Harrison," he said slowly, "your numbers are strong, but your public image recently received… significant attention."
Richard's jaw twitched slightly. He knew exactly what the chairman referred to, his sudden engagement to a woman the press barely knew.
He didn't falter. "Stability builds trust. Whether in leadership or personal matters."
A tense silence. And then—smiles. Genuine ones.
Minutes later, the meeting was over, and the Zenith board rose to shake his hand.
"Congratulations," the chairman said. "The contract is yours."
Richard accepted the handshake firmly, offering a nod of gratitude. But inside, he felt the heavy rush of triumph. This wasn't just a win, it was the win. The Zenith Contract was the most sought-after deal of the quarter.
As the board filed out, a few remained behind which were his senior staff and key members, watching him with a mix of admiration and respect.
Richard turned from the tall glass window, his expression composed but firm.
"This win wasn't mine alone," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Every sleepless night, every calculated risk, we made them count. And this… this is only the beginning."
A few nodded, some exchanged subtle smiles, and Miranda beamed beside him.
"I expect everyone to stay sharp," he added. "Now isn't the time to get comfortable. We've secured Zenith, but we still have to prove we deserve it."
Without another word, Richard nodded to Miranda, then turned and strode out of the conference room.
Back in his office, Richard loosened his tie slightly, sinking into the leather chair that faced a panoramic view of Montelucia City. The sunlight cast long shadows across the floor, but the storm that had brewed all morning had finally passed.
He exhaled deeply, the adrenaline still slowly ebbing from his veins.
Then his phone buzzed. Dad, the screen read.
He hesitated for a second before answering.
"Richard," came the warm yet dignified voice of his father, Gerald Harrison. There was pride there, laced with the subtle authority of a man who had built an empire from the ground up.
"You did it. I just got off a call with one of the Zenith partners. They were impressed. Very impressed."
Richard leaned back. "It was a necessary win."
His father gave a soft chuckle. "Necessary or not, it's a big one. You're steering your company exactly where it needs to go. I'm proud of you, son."
Richard's eyes flicked toward the framed photo on the shelf, a younger version of himself with his father at one of their earliest company launches. The weight of legacy pressed in.
"I appreciate that."
"I would've been there," his father continued, "but I had a meeting with a few of the global associates. They're watching closely now. Everyone is. You've positioned Harrison's Capital, as a major player, Richard. And maybe someday you would also manage Harrison's Global here. Don't take that lightly."
"I never do."
There was a pause, a shift in tone, and then his father added, "And about the... engagement. It took me by surprise."
Immediately, Richard straightened in his chair, tone clipped and controlled.
"It's nothing to worry about. Everything's under control."
Another pause.
"Alright," his father finally said. "I trust your judgment. Just stay focused. You've worked hard to bring the company this far."
"I know."
"Good. We'll talk soon."
When the call ended, Richard stood in silence for a moment, the hum of the city filtering through the thick glass. Montelucia stretched out before him, glittering, thriving, a kingdom he was building one deal at a time.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
Miranda entered, tablet in hand. "There's a Montelucia gala tomorrow. A formal celebration for closing the Zenith deal. Your attendance is expected."
Richard turned from the window, nodding slightly.
"Right," he said under his breath. "I almost forgot."