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Chapter 109: The Snake And The Rat

My car slowed to a stop in front of the Apex Investments headquarters like a jet at the end of its runway.

Like I’m sure I’ve said before, the driver deserves a raise.

I stepped out of the car, looking up at the tall building. The sun reflected off the glass of the upper floors, making it look like a mountain with gold shining at the top.

Well, it couldn’t get more symbolic than this. After all, today was the day.

The day in which we’ll gauge where we stand with the board and see if we’d be able to change things.

When I’d first heard of the event, I’d thought I’d have to rely on Jenny to explain the landscape to me after the vote but here I am.

"Mr, Voss." I turned away from the skyscraper and standing in front of me was a suited employee who nodded respectfully. "Welcome to Apex Investments. Mrs. Newton is expecting you."

He gestured and I nodded, following him through the lobby. As I walked through the place, I could see the sense of excitement among the employees.

This was probably something that would be talked about among themselves for years to come. The battle between the two heirs.

Who will seize the throne? The elder and rebellious sister or the younger and obedient sister?

I chuckled to myself as I entered the elevator but as we began the ride upwards, I composed myself.

I wasn’t going to see Santa Claus. I was going to see the formidable Clarisse Newton. My closest stamp holder.

After having the time and space to think about it, I’d decided to not go for it. At least, not now.

Not only was Clarisse a smart woman who will be able to see through anything I might attempt, she was the one with the most power to decide the person who will sit on the throne of Apex.

Just one misstep would be enough for her to place Jasmine instead of Jenny on the throne. I couldn’t risk it.

Instead of thinking with my dick, I had to think with my brain.

Stamping her will give me a substantial reward. Enough money that I’ll even be the richest person in the world and could just buy enough shares in my father’s empire and effectively become the owner but Clarisse wasn’t an easy woman.

I was good but not that good. I knew my limits and this was the perfect place to not get ahead of myself.

Maybe after this is done, I’ll be able to stamp her. But not before then.

The elevator finally stopped and the doors slid open. A few seconds later, I walked into Clarisse’s office.

I said nothing, watching her.

"I can see it in your eyes, Nicholas. You want to know what I know, don’t you?"

I didn’t respond immediately. She was right, of course, but I wasn’t going to hand her the satisfaction of admitting it outright.

"Let’s say I am." I leaned back in my chair. "What’s next?"

Clarisse’s smirk widened as she stared at me. A snake eyeing a rat. "Life is give and take, Nicholas. Nothing comes for free. So tell me, what are you willing to give up to get your answers?"

"What are you willing to accept?" I countered.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "What if the price for what you want is to abandon Jenny?"

I answered immediately before there could be any silence between us.

"No."

There was no need for hesitation. I needed Jenny much more than I needed the answers. "Never."

Clarisse stared at me in the resulting silence. Then, to my surprise, she chuckled, nodding approvingly.

"Good." She said. "If you’d answered yes, I would’ve been disappointed, Nicholas. A good friend is hard to find and loyalty is even harder. If you lack either, you’re useless to Jenny."

I exhaled slowly at her words. So it was a test.

This right here, is why I won’t be fucking with this woman. When I say smart, this was what I meant.

"While I approve, that doesn’t change the fact that I’ll be watching you, Nicholas. You’ve proven yourself capable but I can see it in you." She smiled. "Ambition."

I had no idea what to say to that but she continued, surprising me with her next words.

"However, I want to thank you for helping my daughter, Nicholas. I appreciate it." She said and I knew that the thanks was genuine.

This time, I nodded. It seemed an appropriate response to her words and I knew that speaking out loud might break the atmosphere.

She finally glanced at the clock on her desk and stood. I rose to my feet too.

"We’ll have to continue this conversation another time Nicholas." She gestured toward the door. "Come. It’s time for the board meeting."