The meeting room buzzed with this… anxious energy as Lawton stepped inside. The executives were already seated, their expressions a mix of scepticism and curiosity. He could feel their eyes on him, a silent judgement lingering in the air. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his shoulders, ready to confront all of them. “Thank you all for gathering here today,” Lawton began, his voice steady but authoritative. “As you know, I’ve been reviewing the company’s records, and I have some concerning findings.” He glanced at the charts projected on the screen, the stark decline in product innovation evident to all. “It appears we haven’t launched a new product in years. Can anyone explain why?” A heavy silence fell over the room, broken only by the sound of a chair creaking as Mr Thompson, the head of marketing, shifted uncomfortably. “Well, Lawton, we’ve encountered several roadblocks,” he said cautiously. “One reason is that we’ve run out of ideas. The market has changed, and we’ve strug
Lawton awoke with a shock, the remnants of his nightmares hanging on him like cobwebs. For a brief while, he forgot where he was, and then the weight of the previous day's events returned. He glanced at the clock; it was early, but his thoughts were already racing. His wife, Amanda, had begged that he eat something before going to the hospital, and he couldn't resist her worried pleadings. She hovered about him, fear on every line of her face, but he reassured her before returning to his mother's side. When Lawton arrived at the hospital, he felt a surge of anxiety. The hospital was alive with activity, in stark contrast to the empty streets he had traversed the night before. Security was tight, as Smithson had stated. He walked by many guards, their eyes bright and attentive, on his approach to his mother's ward. When he walked in, his mother was awake, and her eyes lit up as she saw him. She extended a thin hand, and he gently accepted it, feeling a rush of love. "Hi, Mom," he rep
Lawton's heart raced as he watched Smithson's men secure Korvich in the makeshift interrogation chamber. The encounter in the warehouse had been heated, and now that Korvich was in their hands, the true challenge had only begun.The faint light from the single hanging lamp cast harsh shadows on Korvich's face, emphasizing the deep lines left by years of bitterness and hatred. Smithson stood beside Lawton, his gaze locked on the captive man. "We need to extract as much information as we can from him," Smithson remarked in a quiet, determined tone. "This is our chance to get to the bottom of everything." Lawton nodded as his mind raced. "I understand. But we also have to be careful. Korvich is dangerous, and we cannot underestimate him." Smithson's expression relaxed slightly. "I have already reinforced security surrounding the hospital. We cannot afford any more disasters. Be rest assured that your mom will not be get any unwanted visitation.”Lawton allowed himself a small moment o
Lawton awoke with a shock, the remnants of his nightmares hanging on him like cobwebs. For a brief while, he forgot where he was, and then the weight of the previous day's events returned. He glanced at the clock; it was early, but his thoughts were already racing. His wife, Amanda, had begged that he eat something before going to the hospital, and he couldn't resist her worried pleadings. She hovered about him, fear on every line of her face, but he reassured her before returning to his mother's side.When Lawton arrived at the hospital, he felt a surge of anxiety. The hospital was alive with activity, in stark contrast to the empty streets he had traversed the night before. Security was tight, as Smithson had stated. He walked by many guards, their eyes bright and attentive, on his approach to his mother's ward.When he walked in, his mother was awake, and her eyes lit up as she saw him. She extended a thin hand, and he gently accepted it, feeling a rush of love and guilt."Hi, Mom,
Lawton came home to see Amanda getting ready to go out. She was standing in front of the mirror, carefully applying makeup—a sight that caught him off guard. He locked the door behind him and continued towards her. His curiosity was stirred. He couldn't fathom any reason why she would be leaving at this hour of the day. Trying to recall if they had any plans for the evening, he meticulously searched his memory. Though he struggled to remember, nothing came to his mind."Are you going somewhere, Amanda?" With a voice that was just slightly nervous, he asked. Amanda looked up at him, determination and worry mixed together on her face."I am," she answered truthfully. "Barry Colton invited me to dinner." Lawton's eyes widened in surprise. "Barry Colton? The businessman?"Amanda nodded. "Yes, he said he has a business proposal to discuss with me."Lawton scowled, his protective reflexes kicking in. "Are you sure about this? Barry is known for his charisma, but he's also a highly power
He pulled out the seat for her which she took with a gentle smile as she looked around again, taking in the luxurious ambience of the wealthy and high-class restaurant they were seated in. Barry took his seat as they settled comfortably into their seats under the soft glow of the candlelight which created a warm feeling over the elegant surroundings of their private room. Barry, who was on edge to impress Amanda, sat on the edge of his seat as he leaned towards Amanda who was taken aback by his action. He decided to go straight or rather dive deep into what came into his mind first. “Hey, Amanda,” he called out to her, slowly and a little bit sexually which irritated Amanda. “Why don't we order something bountiful to eat? And set the mood right before getting down to business! There is a popular saying that says the strength of within is what you use outside and what can fuel that strength, food! What would you love to order, my beautiful lady?” Barry said to her excitedly and in h
“What?” He uttered, sounding extremely surprised.“Barry, I don't have anything to say nor do I know what to say at the moment!” She expressed as she tried to hide her disbelief and her growing irritation.“What I can say is this is just too sudden and I might have to think about it thoroughly. I still have a job if you have forgotten, so I need time!” She was prompted to say as he kept quiet for a long while looking at her like a lost dog whose owner is dead.“Of course, you can do that! I mean, you have all the time in the world to think about it, at least you should get back to me by ten sharp! But I think I know and I can assure you was this opportunity I am giving to you on a platter of gold is something you don't want to pass or slip your fingers,” He said, quickly regaining his composure as his puppy looked slowly faded into disappointment, then he tried to cover it up with a fake charming smile. “Ten sharp? What do you mean, that's nearly an hour left!” Amanda complained to h
"Your room?" Amanda asked."I don't think that's a good idea," Amanda continued."Why do we have to celebrate in your room of all places?" Amanda added."You don't have to worry about anything," Barry said."My co-workers are also there," Barry added."Male co-workers or female co-workers?" An unconvinced Amanda asked."Both," Barry replied."We won't be alone, but you don't have to go if you don't want to," Barry said."We are just going to celebrate, What's the harm in that?" Barry added.Amanda wasn't sure if she should follow Barry into his hotel room. She then thought about what he said about his co-workers being in the room and decided to go as it was not such a bad idea."We are going now?" Amanda asked."Yes," Barry replied."I can leave if I am not comfortable right?" Amanda asked. "Yes," Barry replied."Okay, let's go," Amanda said.Barry called the waiters and settled their bills. Amanda offered to split the bills with him, but Barry refused and paid with his card."Thank