TORN DECISION

Chapter six

Everyone crowded around the TV to watch the news, as they all waited with bated breath for the bidding to commence. The tension in the air could not be split with the sharpest of knives, as it thickened over time with the pressure of the much anticipated bidding exercise. “Good morning everyone, My name is Andrew Reignoff, the secretary of the prestigious Bigger Sons Tech. The bidding will commence in 5,4,3,2,1…” And with that, the bell went off with a clanging sound.

“Once again, in the absence of the CEO, Mr. Raymond Escrow, I will be your humble host. Best of luck everyone.” No one suspected the similarity in the last name or that his secretary left the name Escrow, a clue to whom the boss was. Everyone, including Sierra, was engrossed in the bidding that had already commenced. It took a while, but the bidding finally came to an end.

“How long does it take for the winner to be announced, I can't wait to help Sierra pack up her things out of this rathole.” Humphrey mocked, his uncensored words an attempt to rile Richard up. “It takes an hour or more. I expected you to be well-informed about how the business world operates by now. HENRY.” Richard's come back hit a nerve as Henry shut his mouth completely, completely violated and left speechless.

Richard, frustrated by the seemingly never-ending wait, helped himself to the worn out comforter in the living room. Lady Carolina, Mr. Devon who was quite all through the ordeal and Henry who perused round his house rudely all looked disgusted by the state of his apartment. “Coffee, Tea, Juice?” Sierra offered but was ignored. She helped herself to a cup of juice, lightly sipping from the cup, her eyes glued to the TV.

“I blame this on Richard. You put my daughter up to this, and now we are all headed towards destruction. You are the weapon aimed at the Devon family, and you have finally succeeded, you scum!.” Lady Carolina's cool and calculate composure was wearing off with each passing second.

Richard did not know what took them so long to make the announcement, but he was sure of a definite victory. This was his chance to exploit them to the fullest. A moment of weakness like this, coupled with the hate meted out on him, fueled his sly side and awakened the bargaining power in him. “Let's do this. If Sierra, a representative of the Devon's is announced the winner of the bidding, my unborn child, will become the sole heir of the family and inherit all the family's properties.” Sierra choked on her drink while Humphrey hooted out loud in mockery.

“But, if the bid falls through, Sierra should marry the infamous Durrel Stance and I will happily become the best man of the occasion. Trust me when I say, you will not hear or see me in the same space as your daughter after that.” Richard noted the hurt on his wife's face and the way his words stuck her like a two-edged sword. A look passed between the two of them which vindicated him. She understood what he had up his sleeves, but Richard played with fire.

“It's the guts for me, Richy. Where did this over the top self-confidence emanate from? I took you as some timid, little boy.” Humphrey teased but was ignored from Richard's end. “That's a deal. I'll have my lawyer draft out the contract for you.” Mr. Devon replied and said nothing else. The decision of the bidding was yet to be made, and Richard's bravado slowly began to fade.

He reached out to his phone as he typed rapidly on it. “What the hell is going on? Why hasn't the result been announced?” He queried Butler Theo who blamed it on issues with the server. “I'll need to step out for a minute.” Richard announced and was rewarded with a loud snort. “Boo hoo.. He is making a run for it.” Humphrey mocked Richard, who was on the last level of his self-control.

“Babe what do I get for you from the convenient store?" He asked his wife, who remained silent and positioned herself at the extreme end of the kitchen. “Whatever is edible.” Her face void of her usual smile and voice heavily laced with exhaustion. He nodded and made way out of the house.

Richard booked a cab and headed to the company. At the entrance of the building, he was greeted with a bow, irrespective of his wretched dressing. Richard's was rendered completely shocked at the sight of the so-called Durrel Stance. He was not alone, beside him was a beautiful young lady who appeared to be obviously more than a friend to him.

“Ahh! If this isn't the wretched Richard Escrow.” He mocked. Richard, astonished by his outburst realized a biography of who his identity was already divulged to Mr. Stance, who had a lot to say. “Have we met before?" Richard feigned the knowledge of knowing him. “You will soon be well acquainted with me in due time.” He chuckled before giving the lady on the forehead. “Go wait for me in the car, I'll be with you shortly.” He smacked her ass loudly and whistled loudly with each seductive step she took.

“So Mr. Nothingness, what brings you to a complex way above your league. Go home and curry favor from your mother-in-law. Maybe, she might consider giving you a second chance to have at it with her daughter.” He mocked. The fact that this side of him was well masked showed her awful of a person he was. Richard did not mind this seed of discord in human form been planted in the Devon's household. All he cared about was Sierra and their unborn child.

“Soon, I'll comfortably take your place and have fun with my new play thing. I can imagine how good she is down there and how ready she will be for me.” Pure raw rage blinded his vision and blurred out his humanity as he pounced on Durrel, giving him a taste of his medicine.