Chapter One:Let's Talk Business
Max's POV
"....... conference meeting at 4:30, dinner with the 'Astek' investors at 8:00 and.."
Break Up with girlfriend at midnight.
Maybe I'm thinking about this to much I mean 'hey Mwape this can't work out let's go our separate ways', that simple.
"Sir?" Jason says, snapping me out of my inner battle.
"Yes, you were saying something about 'Astek'?" I ask a little flustered.
"Y-yes, Sir are you alright you seem a little distracted?,do you need anything?" Jason asks unsure.
"Even if I was, it'd be none of your concern. Hand me the file for the conference meeting."
"Here Sir, anythin.."
"That would be all. You are excused."
I watched him walk away with disapproval written all over his face, and honestly, I can't even pretend to care.
****-***-****
Phone vibrates.
Mwape: have dinner with me
Me:my place before midnight. Don't be late.
Mwape: no, 'I love you'?
Me: don't be late.
I switch off my phone and go to prepare to meet the 'Astek' investors. I need this meeting to go smoothly inorder to crush my competitors to dust. Any mishap and my competitors would gain momentum, and I do not bow to anybody.
"Sir, Mr Jason has arrived." My servant Hellen announces.
"I'll be with him shortly," Is my simple reply.
I finish getting prepared and hurry down the stairs to meet with Jason.
Jason has worked for me for almost three years now. He has been my right hand man for as long as I can remember and is yet to disappoint. He works hard because he knows his just as replaceable as anyone else.
"Let's go. I don't wish to be late." I say walking past Jason who is waiting by the door.
We enter the car and the driver puts it in drive.
"Sir, this file contains the all necessary information we need to finalize the deal. If this doesn't work, then nothing will." Jason speaks with so much enthusiasm.
"For the sake of your job I hope it does, otherwise, you'll be on the streets like everyone who has ever failed me understood?" I speak with a little venom in my tone.
He shakes his head and faces the other way to avoid my gaze as my driver exits the house.
We arrive a few minutes early. I have to admit, our investors are rather punctual but that doesn't surprise me.
"Good evening gentlemen, I'm Makaika this is Chiko and that handsome man sitting next him is Elijah." The main man speaks rather informally. I shake my heard in acknowledgement, encouraging Jason to go straight to the point.
"Gentlemen I do not wish to take much of your time. I spoke to Mr Makaika on the phone so I'm sure you are well aware of our company's intentions." Jason speaks, looking towards my direction for confirmation to go on. I nod my head and hand him the file he handed to me, to look through in the car.
"Gentlemen, below is well written proposal from our company to yours. Be sure to go through it." He says as he hands the file to Makaika who then passes it to Elijah without even sparing it a glance.
Elijah is the most composed amongst the three. He has light brown eyes that are hidden behind his spectacles, wearing a dark blue suit coincidentally similar to mine and looks overly confident much to my dismay.
On the other hand Chiko has more muscle compared to everyone who is at the table. He is trying so hard to compose himself, but is failing miserably due to his constant fidgeting, which would have had him fired if he worked for me. Makaika on the other hand seems quite relaxed. His wearing a dark pink suit. He has ruffly cut hair which he doesn't seem to mind and dark brown eyes just like mine although his are a little smaller.
He looked like he is here to party and not to do business.
After examining the proposal for a while, Elijah glances towards my direction and speaks.
"Good work Mr Maximo. No errors whatsoever, but your proposal doesn't garantee maximum work ethic if you know what I mean?" He speaks."We cannot be certain that you will use our ideas as you execute this project."
"What do you suggest we do to ease your discomfort?" I ask earning an amused stare from Makaika.
"I suggest,"Chiko begins, "we have an 'Astek' representative working closely with Mr Shula to update us on the progress."
"I do not have a problem with that. Who do you suggest represents you Mr Makaika?" I ask.
"Call me Mak," he speaks."And I call you Max right?" He asks amused.
"Maximo is fine Mr Mak."
Or sir. I think to myself.
"Ook, I would have suggested myself but I don't think it would work out with Maxi over there."
What? Did that amateur just call me Maxi? Control, breath Maximo breath. It's almost over you got this.
"I have the perfect intern for that, although.....she uhm...she is very had working and determined but uhm she..."
Why is he straggling to come up with words. Does she have a disease? Even if she did I wouldn't mind as long as she is not incompetent.
"She's what Mr Mak?" I ask vaguely.
"She's partially blind and has night blindness." Spills Chiko.
"And you want me to work with her?" I ask clearly unimpressed.
"She works well and you will not have a problem with her, or and she is the deal breaker?" Adds Makaika, challenging me.
I will crush this guy's ego sooner than later.
"Is that all?" I asked wishing to end this here and now.
"Yes"Makaika exclaims noticing my discomfort.
"I agree, but you do realize that she will be working under me, and must follow the rules that all my employees follow?"
"I'm aware." Makaika says.
"Well then your intern reports to 'Shax Co' on Monday and we begin the progect. Ms..,"
"Taizya Nkhoma.." announces Makaika.
"Yes Ms Taizya Nkhoma will be under my authority until the project is complete. I think we have a deal gentlemen?" I end.
"I think we do." Replies Makaika.
"Let's celebrate then, to this new found friendship gentlemen." Says Makaika, moving his hands to grab a bottle of champagne.
Indeed I do have something to celebrate tonight, and something else to dread. I'm just hoping that everything work out for my favor.
Please let me not regret this.
