Entitlement

Knoxville POV

Mr. Lionel, our most esteemed and lucrative client, strode into the study where we had been waiting for him, his presence commanding attention. His tall, imposing figure and stern expression exuded an air of superiority, making me feel like a subordinate.

"I must have kept you waiting, I was busy with something," he said, his deep voice firm and unapologetic, without a hint of remorse or courtesy. His piercing gaze swept the room, as if daring anyone to challenge him.

I wasn't surprised by his brusque demeanor; his rudeness was legendary, and I had grown accustomed to tolerating it out of respect for my father and the significant business he brought to our company.

I couldn't help but wonder, however, what had forged the strong bond between him and my father, necessitating these personal visits to his opulent study, adorned with lavish artwork and polished mahogany furniture.

"Mr. Lionel, hope no problem, it's been a while since you've visited the company, so I decided to come and check on you with my son," my dad said, attempting to sound cordial.

But Mr. Lionel scoffed, his expression turning even more sour. "Are you sure of that? Why pretend?" he said, his tone dripping with disdain. I couldn't believe how rude he was being, and I felt my anger rising.

"Mr. Lionel, are we still on that?" my dad asked, his voice calm and measured, but I could sense a hint of frustration beneath the surface.

"Yes, Richardo, you know that very well, and we would remain there until you decide," Mr. Lionel replied, his words laced with venom. I couldn't believe the animosity between them, and I felt trapped, unable to do anything but watch the exchange unfold. I had no idea what was behind their tension, but it was clear that it went far beyond a simple business relationship.

"Is there anything I need to know?" I finally asked, breaking my silence.

Mr. Lionel's gaze shifted to me, his expression unreadable. "It's not a big deal, son. Maybe your dad didn't tell you about it yet. I think he's in a better position to explain this to you himself."

I turned to my father, feeling frustrated and left out. "Dad, what's he talking about? If you're going to keep me clueless, then why bring me here? I thought we're here to talk about business."

My father's expression remained calm, but I could sense a hint of tension in his body language.

Mr. Lionel snorted, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Well, I think since your father has refused to tell you, I will have to get straight to the point." He paused, his eyes glinting with a knowing light, before continuing.

"I stopped patronizing on purpose," Mr. Lionel began, his voice firm and resolute. "I am looking forward to choosing another company since you all don't appreciate my effort as your best client."

I scoffed, incredulous. "Why? Did we do anything wrong? We've been treating you so well, and we keep giving you the rank you deserve every year. We've been loyal to you," I said, trying to understand what he was getting at.

Mr. Lionel's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "Loyalty isn't enough for customers who have been patronizing for years," he said, his tone dripping with disappointment and frustration. "I expect more than just loyalty. I expect priority, exclusive treatment, and personalized service. And I'm not getting that from your company."

I felt a surge of defensiveness, but my father's calm demeanor kept me in check. I waited for him to respond, curious to see how he would handle the situation.

"Then what did you want from the company? You can let us know, we can't discuss this," I said, trying to understand him.

My father intervened, his voice measured and cautious. "That's not the case, Knoxville. What he actually wanted is what we might not be able to provide."

Mr. Lionel's eyes flashed with a hint of triumph, as if he had been waiting for my father to admit this. "Exactly," he said, his voice firm. "I want a guarantee, a guarantee that your company can't or won't provide. And that's why I'm considering taking my business elsewhere."

I felt a surge of confusion and concern. What could Mr. Lionel want that we couldn't provide? And why was my father being so cryptic about it? I looked at my father, searching for answers, but his expression was unreadable.

"Dad what's he demanding that our company can't provide" I asked, and it took my dad to answer.

"He wants you to marry his first daughter," my dad said, dropping the bombshell like a hot potato.

I couldn't believe my ears. I wanted to be sure if I was hearing it right, so I asked again. "You said what?" I demanded, my voice incredulous.

My dad smirked, as if he had been expecting my reaction. "He wants an arranged marriage between you and his daughter," he clarified, his tone matter-of-fact.

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Arranged marriage? Was he kidding me?

Mr. Lionel nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, I want our relationship to be beyond just business. I want a close relationship, a family bond. Is that too much to ask?"

I scoffed, trying to process the audacity of Mr. Lionel's request. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm myself down.

Firstly, I was surprised because my father, who had been pestering me to get married again, didn't seem to support the idea of an arranged marriage with Mr. Lionel's daughter. His expression said it all - he was not on board with this plan.

Secondly, I was shocked because what could give Mr. Lionel the effrontery to ask me to marry his daughter? Did he think he was some kind of royalty?

"Can't you do that?" Mr. Lionel asked, his tone expectant.

I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "Why should I do that? Are you some kind of special people? Why should I settle for your daughter just because you're threatening our company?"

I paused, my anger rising. "Who cares if you leave?" I demanded, my voice firm. "We'll find other clients, other partners. We don't need you or your business that badly."

Mr. Lionel's face turned red with indignation, but I didn't care. I was fed up with his arrogance and entitlement.

"I am not here again, not his useless discussion" I stood up angrily and left.