The Incredible Anderson Denfield: path to power

10

Anderson turned reluctantly, plastering a polite smile on his face.

His grandmother, Eleanor Denfield, swept into the room with the energy of someone half her age, her floral dress swishing around her.

Despite her petite frame, her presence filled the room.

“Grandma,” Anderson said, stepping forward to meet her halfway. “I wasn’t expecting you here.”

“Clearly,” Eleanor said with a knowing smirk, pulling him into a tight embrace. “You’ve been avoiding my calls, haven’t you? Naughty boy. ”

Anderson chuckled nervously, his eyes darting to his father, who was still seated with an amused expression. “I’ve been busy, Grandma. You know how it is.”

“Busy, my foot,” Eleanor scoffed, releasing him and holding him at arm’s length to inspect him. “You look thin. Are you eating properly? And why haven’t you called your grandmother to say hello?”

“Grandma, I’m fine,” Anderson assured her, shifting uncomfortably around her “I’ve just had a lot on my plate lately.”

Eleanor’s sharp eyes narrowed. “Nonsense. Nothing is too important to neglect family. You young people always forget your priorities.”

“Mom,” Mr. Denfield interjected from his seat, his tone light, “go easy on the boy. He’s here now, isn’t he?”

Eleanor shot her son a glance. “Hush, Richard. I’ll deal with you later.” She turned her attention back to Anderson. “Now, tell me what you’ve been up to, young man. And don’t even think about giving me one of your rehearsed answers.”

Anderson sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m working on a major project, Grandma. Expanding the company, securing investors, the usual corporate grind. I'll be leaving town as soon as I'm done.”

“Hm,” Eleanor said, folding her arms. “That sounds like business talk to me. What about your personal life? Are you seeing anyone? Or are you still burying yourself in work?” there was a knowing smile on her lips.

Anderson sighed, using his hand to relax his hair. “Grandma! Right now, my focus is on the company and besides, I got things to handle.

"

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Handling things, are you? Is that why you look like someone that haven’t slept in days?

Anderson opened his mouth to argue but quickly closed it.

His grandmother had a knack for cutting through his defenses like no one else.

Anderson glanced at his watch and stood. “I really have to go now. Eduardo’s waiting, and I can’t keep him hanging.”

" Not without eating."

Anderson turned back, “Grandma, I really—”

Eleanor shook her head in a disapproving manner. " Fine but, you’re not leaving this house without eating something. Do you think I’m going to let you walk out of here looking like you haven’t had a proper meal in days?”

Anderson glanced at his father, silently pleading for rescue, but the old man simply shrugged, as if to say, This is your battle to fight.

“Fine,” Anderson said, resigning himself to his fate. “Ten minutes.”

She patted his cheek affectionately as he sat beside her

" That's my boy" she said, staring at him with smiles.

His father burst into hearty laughter “Looks like you’re trapped now, son. You know how your grandmother gets when it comes to you.”

" Dad," Anderson shot his father a look.

His father chuckled harder. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, rising from his chair “I have a call to make. Have fun, Anderson.”

Just then, A maid came in to drop a tray of tea before briefly walking away.

“You know,” Eleanor began as she stirred her tea, “you remind me so much of your mother when she was your age. She was stubborn too, always determined to do things her way.”

Anderson smiled faintly, the mention of his late mother.

Two maids entered the room, carrying trays loaded with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, creamy soup, and grilled vegetables.

Anderson blinked at the feast. “Grandma, this could feed half the neighborhood.”

“haha ha ha" Eleanor laughed, satisfied with the spread. “You look like you need it.”

Anderson sighed.

The aroma of the soup, rich and creamy, made him realize just how hungry he actually was

As he took his first reluctant spoonful, his grandma leaned back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “See? Isn’t this better than rushing off to some boring meeting?”

Anderson smiled. “It’s good soup, Grandma. I’ll give you that.”

Eleanor grinned “Of course, it's your favorite. Now finish your soup. There’s chicken waiting.”

Anderson managed a small smile. “I know, Grandma.” he knew there was no escaping.

Eleanor's face softened. “Good. Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t involve heartache. How about that new restaurant on Maple Avenue? I hear they have the best lamb chops in town. I've been craving to visit there for a while.”

Anderson chuckled.

He knew she was devising means to spend more time with him “You and your lamb chops. I’ll take you there one day, I promise.”

“You’d better,” she smiled. “And don’t think I’ll let you cancel. I’ll hold you to it.”

Meanwhile, at the same time, in the huge building of Megafield Corporation, Raymond Baker was in his expansive office, working on his laptop. The soft hum of the air conditioning was the only noise occupying the room.

Suddenly, the door flew open with a force that made it seem the door would fall off anytime soon.

Standing in the doorway was Alex Kurt. Behind him, his secretary scurried nervously, and two stern-looking detectives in plainclothes followed close behind.

Raymond gently raised his head. “What’s going on! I thought I told you not to allow anyone in. ” he asked Jenna, his secretary.

Before the lady could speak, Alex stepped forward “Raymond, I demand an explanation! Why was my contract suddenly disqualified? And why do I have to wake up to see detectives at my place? Is this some kind of political game?”

Raymond only smiled.

Alex’s suit was slightly disheveled, but his expression held an unsettling confidence despite the situation.

Mr. Baker!” one of the detectives barked. “Apologies for the intrusion, but Mr. Kurt insisted on speaking with you before being taken into custody. We have full orders to investigate his business dealings. We have reports pertaining to frauds on his records.”

Alex’s brow furrowed, and his gaze darted to Raymond.

“It’s baseless!” Alex shot back. “This is clearly an orchestrated attempt to ruin me! Raymond, you’ve worked with me once. You know my track record.”

“Raymond! you can fix this, I know the orders came from here.” he said, his voice trembling with restrained anger. “I told them—if I can speak to you, everything will be cleared up.”

Raymond smiled, adjusting his tie. “Mr. Kurt, I assure you, this decision was made at the highest level. It’s not my place to question the directives. "

Alex kept quiet and suddenly smiled. To everyone’s surprise, he walked past the detectives and casually sank into one of the chairs across from Raymond’s desk.

The lead detective frowned. “Mr. Kurt, we’re not here for a casual meeting. Get up.”

Alex raised a hand dismissively. “Relax. I’m not going anywhere. Raymond and I are just having a little chat."

He turned to Raymond, “You’re going to order them to drop the charges, and you’re going to reinstate my contract.”

His words made Raymond smile.