CHAPTER HUNDRED AND SEVEN

Richard’s POV

I took a deep breath and smiled, feeling that familiar rush of anticipation. "You know what, Dennis? Count me in. I want to join the business consortium."

Dennis raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "Well, well, look who’s stepping into the big leagues. Richard, you never told me your other names… Richard?"

"I'm Richard," I said, extending my hand. "Richard Thorne."

Dennis paused for a moment, a look of curiosity crossing his face. "Thorne, huh? I’ve heard of an Archibald Thorne. Any relation?"

I couldn’t help but chuckle. "You could say that. Archibald is my father."

Dennis let out a low whistle. "The Archibald Thorne? The one they call the 'Corporate Shark'?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, that's him. But I prefer to think of him as Dad."

Dennis laughed, a hearty, genuine sound. "Well, Richard, you've got some big shoes to fill. Your father's reputation precedes him, but not much else. He’s a bit of a legend in these parts."

"A legend, huh?" I said, leaning aga