The Incredible Anderson Denfield: path to power

08

The next morning was a Tuesday and Anderson smiled as he dressed himself up in a white shirt and designer jeans.

He had spent the night at his father's mansion for easy convenience for their meeting.

He checked his wrist watch and knew his father would be up by now.

He had decided to use the project to keep himself busy while in town.

It has been an easy cake convincing the investors to approve the expansion and acquisition projects and now the only thing left is his father approval.

He knew his father too well — a man who doesn't like to do things without clear reason.

His phone beeped and he picked it.

It was from Eduardo.

*** Good morning lad.

hope you had a fun time with the ladies.

Your old man is up.

Tell me how it goes when you are done.

See you soon. ****

Anderson smiled at the thought of the 'ladies' Eduardo mentioned—ones he had promptly sent away the night before.

He suddenly remembered Eduardo's words

" All work no play makes Jack a dull boy... Don't be like Jack, Anderson."Eduardo would say before laughing away in smiles.

He knew Eduardo meant well, trying to help him forget his ex-wife, but that life just wasn’t for him, something Eduardo refuse to see.

His door opened from behind and a girl dressed in coloured uniform walked in and bowed.

" Good morning, Mr. Anderson" she said in a serene voice but got no response.

" Good morning...." She said again, this time louder.

Anderson picked his phone, acting oblivious to the lady in front of him.

" Have to go " he said to himself before casually walking out of the room, leaving the maid standing.

He walked gently down the staircase into the living room.

He met another round of maids preparing an elaborate breakfast spread.

The aroma of fresh food filled the whole room.

They all stopped and bowed as he walked past them.

As he got into another room, he spotted his father seated.

The room was much bigger unlike the other rooms and where his father liked to spend time most.

It was a habit he had noticed since he was a child.

He coughed slightly as he entered

His father, Mr. Denfield, was seated with his laptop open in front of him. His graying hair gave him a dignified appearance, and his presence always commanded attention, even in the simplest of moments.

As Anderson entered the room, his father raised his head from the screen and gave out a warm smile.

“Well, look who finally decided to join the land of the living, I thought you had decided to sleep to eternity ” his father said, his voice low and steady, as if the world around him paused whenever he spoke.

“I was just taking my time.” Anderson chuckled, running a hand through his hair.

His father was the kind that was terrible with jokes but he still never fails to crack them.

His father’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “You always take your time, son. Sometimes I wonder if you realize how much of it you have.”

Anderson smirked, moving towards the sofa, but he kept his eyes on his father.

“What’s on your mind?” his father asked, taking his glasses down.

“Just thinking about... things,” Anderson replied nonchalantly, dropping onto the couch.

His father’s gaze softened, though the smile remained. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

“But if you’re not in the mood for that, there’s always work to dive into. You’ve got deals to finalize, remember?”

Anderson nodded but didn’t respond immediately.

His father leaned back in his chair, folding his arms as he stared at Anderson. “You seem preoccupied. Something tells me you’re not thinking about business.”

Anderson hesitated, his fingers tapping lightly on the arm of the sofa. He could feel his father’s gaze on him, steady and piercing, as though he already knew what was weighing on his mind.

“I’m fine, Dad” Anderson said finally, forcing a casual shrug. He was sure his father knew the reason why he was here

His father tilted his head, his smile fading slightly. “Anderson, I didn’t build Denfield Group by letting distractions linger. If there’s something on your mind, deal with it before it deals with you."his father said before laughing to his own words.

Anderson let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked humor. “You’ve got a way with words, Dad.”

“It’s experience,” his father smiled. “You don’t reach my age without learning how to read people. And right now, son, you’re practically an open book.”

Anderson leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees then he smiled.

His father moved his haze back to his laptop and coughed slightly.

" Hm, I heard you got married, son." His eyes on the screen.

" So you already made your findings, you haven't changed a bit." Anderson smiled.

His father’s brow furrowed" Are you saying I can't find out about what my son have been doing for the past three years? Ridiculous "his father said with a sly smile on his cheek.

" hahaha, you cunning old man."he smiled

" It's all over now but that isn't what brought me here?" Anderson said, wanting to dismiss the conversation

His father leaned forward, resting his forearms on the sofa “She?”

Anderson nodded, running a hand down his face. “ Dad.. we have deals to discuss. "

“Ah,” his father said with a knowing smile. “ fine. I'll let you be. "

Just then, two maids came in.

One held a tray containing two glasses of juice.

The other held a glass of water with a small pack beside it.

Anderson watched as they dropped it on the table.

They bowed and raised their head, wearing their best smile.

They seem so nervous at first glance.

" Here it comes" Mr Denfield said, placing his laptop by his side.

The plump one came forward.

" It's time for your medications, Mr. Den"

Mr. Denfield’s eyes narrowed slightly as the maid approached with the small pack. He took a deep breath and gave a slight nod, signaling for her to continue.

The maid, her hands trembling ever so slightly, carefully opened the small packet and revealed a set of neatly arranged prescription bottles.

The other maid placed the glasses of juice and water on the table, but both keeping their distance.

Anderson sat back on the couch, his eyes moving between his father and the maid. He knew the medication was a regular part of his father’s life, but it had always been something that Anderson tried to avoid discussing.

His father had kept this part of his life private for years, and Anderson never pushed. There was always a line between them, a boundary that Anderson knew not to cross.