Zero to Billionaire

Chapter 3

John sounded desperate in his voice. "Mr. Harris, please. I have to keep this job. I'll take any action. Please give me another opportunity."

Mr. Harris observed him for one another heartbeat, the tension in the atmosphere sharp enough to pierce. A little grin appeared on his lips, a hint of what may have been laughter. He said, his voice carrying a note of challenge, "Anything, you say?"

John took a deep breath. "Yes, in that case, sir. Anything that I am able to do."

"Interesting," Mr. Harris said as he leaned back in his seat. In fact, there may be a solution. Next week, we have a group of possible investors that might rescue our business. John, you have to impress them. They must realize that we are a dynamic, forward-thinking business."

John felt his heart accelerate. A chance? This could be his chance at atonement. His voice full of fresh life, he said, "And what do you need from me?"

"I need a project," Mr. Harris said, fixing his eyes on John's. "A project that highlights this company's greatest qualities. Something audacious and inventive that declares, "We are the future!" John, try thinking outside the box. Surprise me.

John felt excitement rising in his chest. A task, an opportunity to establish oneself this was just what he needed. His voice was strong, "I can do that, Mr. Harris," he said. "I won't let you down."

With a glimmer of delight in his eyes, Mr. Black nodded. "Very good. However, there's one more item. You won't be working by yourself on this.

A beat skipped by John's heart. Was Sarah the one he was partnered with? He felt terror at the mere concept. It was like negotiating a minefield to work with her.

"You'll be collaborating with Mark," Mr. Harris said in an emotionless voice.

John was overcome with a sense of amazement. Mark! The person who knew him better than anybody was his closest friend and confidant. Excitement and relief rushed through him in equal measure.

"Mark?" he said again, his face divided by a broad smile. "That's… that's fantastic!"

"I kind of thought so," Mr. Harris responded, grinning slightly. "You are able to comprehend one another. You two get along nicely. John, I'm waiting for results now. This is your opportunity. If you do well, you'll be promoted. If you fail, you may take the door."

John got to his feet, his resolve having become stronger. His voice firm, "Thank you, Mr. Harris," he said. "You won't regret this."

Mr. Harris gave a scornful nod. "John, just get going. The timer is running out."

John emerged from the office, thoughts flying through his mind. Instead of walking down the corridor like a despondent person a few seconds before, he virtually skipped. He almost bumped into Mark, who was turning a corner with a pile of papers balancing dangerously in his arms. When they crashed into each other, the files flew, spreading papers all over the floor.

"John?" With a look of amazement on his face, Mark said. "Why are you in this place? And why is that silly smile on your face?

John became more and more excited as he assisted Mark in gathering the paperwork. "Mr. Harris called me in," he said, his excitement almost overwhelming him. "He is assigning us a task! a significant one, to win over some possible financiers."

Mark's eyebrows lifted in astonishment. He whistled, "Wow." That is a surprise. But fantastic! What are we attempting to accomplish?"

John described his talk with Mr. Harris, feeling the pressure of both the opportunity and the repercussions bearing down on him. He clarified that they needed to do something creative that would highlight their ability and commitment.

Mark listened carefully, his face becoming grave. He concluded by saying, "John, this is a huge opportunity." "A lot of pressure, however. high-stakes game."

John gave a fierce nod. "I know, but Mark, we can pull this off. It's always been a pleasure working with you. Do you recall the wild marketing campaign we ran the previous year?"  

Mark smiled. "How could I overlook that? The dancing hamsters were quite clever. They laughed together, the memories taking the edge off of their present predicament for a little while.

With a fresh strength blazing in his eyes, John turned to face his companion. "Mark, we're going to win. I swear."

At that time, the lunch bell sounded, its high-pitched chime breaking the friendly atmosphere. John and Mark strolled hand in hand towards the cafeteria, engrossed in contemplation of their impending endeavour. John realised that there would be no easy journey ahead. Obstacles, arguments, and coffee-fueled restless nights would ensue.