Home / Romance / THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE / CHAPTER FIVE: Fight or Flight

Share

CHAPTER FIVE: Fight or Flight

Author: Bi merci_
last update Last Updated: 2024-07-02 16:25:00

Elias's POV

I slowly walk into the conference room where the meeting is on going only to find every eligible businessman I had at some point worked with all seated with obvious satisfaction. My eye catches Mr Elijah, my father where he is casually sitting, leaning back in his chair with a smug smile on his face. I try my best to hide my anger and keep a straight face, I knew he had been after this contract for awhile but I never thought he would play so dirty.

I help myself to a sit next to him as I drop a piece of paper in front of him. Quite unruffled, he glances at the paper and then meets my gaze with cold indifference. Business is business Elias, you should know that by now. If your unable to secure the contract someone else would so no hard feelings.

“Well, I would check my email if I were you before rushing into any conclusion, I reply him with a faint smirk on my face.” The same goes to everyone here, please do check your emails. I never planned to go this far but if I ever feel threatened, I can't sit back and let it play anyhow, i must return as much as I am given. 

The room immediately becomes filled with stunned silence, a stark contrast to the usual buzz of confident discussions as i notice the smile on my father's face slowly fade. I notice the businessmen that were all in a glee moments ago now sitted rigidly their faces a mix of disbelief and apprehension. Wide eyes darted from person to person, seeking for some unspoken reassurance while some adjusted their collars, beads of sweat forming on their brows. I ask for a projector as damning figures are displayed to confirm the email they had all just received. It's a good thing I had a back up plan up my sleeves, had I not earlier called a business associate and colleague in Switzerland to help restructure the project and send out letters to different organizations I might have really lost this contract. 

With shock on his face, Mr Elijah leans forward, elbows on the table as he places his head in his hands. I'm not so sure if he's struggling to comprehend everything that just happened, as others in the room sit back with arms crossed tightly as if trying to shield themselves from the unsettling news. The air feels thick with tension and unspoken questions, a collective shock reverberating through the room. I quickly stand up cutting short their time to reminisce as I address the room laying out my terms and conditions for partnership as Raphael my personal assistant hands out the document to each of them.

“That'll be all for now gentlemen,” I say after Raphael has gone through the contract within minutes. Mr Elijah abruptly stands obvious disdain written all over his face with his fists clenched. This is not over Elias, he says with a half growl. You've crossed a line and I won't let this go. I narrow my eyes determination etched all over my face. I won't let you destroy everything I've worked for Mr Elijah, I reply fiercely. I'll always be ready for whatever you have coming. You’ve made a big mistake crossing me Elias, I'm still your father! That I know Mr Elijah, my tempo increasing, the world doesn't owe you anything and neither do I. If you want to succeed you need to be stronger, smarter and more ruthless. Unfortunately your none of these, this is how I built this empire and that's the only way you'll ever make it in this cutthroat business world. Mr Elijah’s only reaction is an unfazed shrug which only annoys me, I'll be coming for you Elias he finally speaks to me. Better be ready for a fight because I don't back down. 

I turn to leave, Mr Elijah's mocking laughter echoing slightly in the room, a chilling reminder of the ruthless world i was up against. Nonetheless I knew I had to stand my ground no matter the cost. Send a thank you card and gift to Mr Dev on my stead, he's in Switzerland doesn't prevent us from showing our gratitude, I say to Raphael as we leave the building. Entering the car I see a text from mom asking me to come home immediately. I could guess what this is about, my cry baby of a father has most likely gone to report me to his wife. I let out a sigh of frustration knowing how much I dread going back home, nonetheless I ask the driver to take me back. 

Alighting from the car, I dismiss Raphael for the day asking that my car be left behind as I slowly walk into the mansion where my whole family members live. I enter the dinning room to find everyone all seated waiting for me while noticing that the chandelier had been changed, the new ornate one casting a soft glow over the lavishly set dinning table, which was now a battlefield of tense silence. I try to put on a nonchalant attitude as I walk to take a sit for myself. Mr Elijah, the family's patriarch walks into the room with stride steps as he goes to sit at the head of the table obvious anger emitting from his body as his face is showing a mask of barely contained anger. I struggle to hide my chuckle and keep a straight face, well I know I would soon get pissed off by one of them. 

Slamming his fist on the table making everyone shudder his voice echoed across the room, “I cannot believe you would undercut your own family Elias!, how could you steal that contract from us?” Steal? I respond my voice threatening to pick tempo as I struggle to suppress my anger, I didn't steal anything from you, I'll rather say that your the one that tried to steal from me instead. The better proposal was eventually chosen which is mine, this is just business I wonder why you have to involve the whole family. Elias! Mrs Pia screams from across the room, her voice trembling. I am your mother and this is your family! How could you do this to us, we raised you to be loyal to your own. I take a deep breath trying to remain composed, “and when have you ever been a mother to me or this family loyal to me?” I owe you all nothing, I say softly as I lean back into the chair with my legs crossed. You don't get it, do you, Mr Elijah says to me while leaning forward and narrowing his eyes. This isn't just about the contract, it's about respect and loyalty to the family. You've embarrassed us, undermined our reputation, what will people think and say about us now! He growled. Of course! I match his intensity, standing up, my voice rising with frustration. That is all you’ve ever cared about, money and what people think about you nothing else, well that is your own cup of tea. You all should stop playing the victims because you lost this round, we all know none of you here actually consider me part of this family, the feeling is mutual. I won't sit still and watch you take advantage of me, not anymore.

 Just in that moment my aunt slowly walks in, distaste written all over her face. “This contract we're speaking of was originally Elias's, she says to the family her voice raw with emotion. You tried to steal the contract from him brother but Elias was too smart for you and you eventually lost. If the tables were turned you all would have been celebrating your victory at this moment without a care in the world about him so let the young man enjoy his win and stop bothering him.” She turns slowly at me and gives me a warm smile as she approaches me grabbing my hands softly, congratulations tiger, I'm very proud of you. Aunt Beatrice is the only reason I still acknowledge anyone in this family and probably still come into this house. I need to constantly make sure she's doing well and isn't lacking anything, I'll give her double of the love she's ever shown me. She was more of a mother to me than my mother ever could be.

With that I give Aunt a warm hug as I pick up my keys and storm out of the room, leaving a heavy silence behind me. I sit for awhile in my car stunned with disbelief, the reality of our fractured relationship sinking in, as a sense of betrayal and unresolved conflict lingered. I begin to speed back to my apartment, the outside world blurring into a haze as my mind drifted, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. Suddenly, a flash of movement jolted me back to reality as I slammed on the brakes my heart lurching into my throat as the tires screech. In front of me a girl stood frozen in the crosswalk, her eyes wide with fear. Her arms flailed slightly as she struggled to regain her balance, her dark hair whipping around her face as my car stops just inches from her. I gasp gripping the steering wheel tightly, my pulse racing and my breath coming in quick. I come down from the car only to finally recognize the lady standing in front of my car staring at me in horror…

Selene! I somehow can't believe my eyes.

Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Ozioma Ogu
please can you upload the next chapter
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER ONE: New York

    Selene’s POVYou really are unable to get anything right! How again did you get into this firm, let me guess, daddy paid for it? he says mockingly. Standing right there watching my boss rain all manner of insults on me, a deep rush of rage sweeps through my veins as I clench my fist biting down on my tongue, anything to suppress my anger. I just know that it’s only but a matter of seconds before I explode, honestly there’s just so much a person can take and as for me, I have had enough! I quickly grab the casebook on the table and without thinking twice swing it across the room landing it straight to his face, recalling every single moment that book had landed on my face, a sense of joy coursed through me. He definitely didn’t see that coming, I internally say to myself feeling self-fulfilled. “I am not your slave” I scream back at him matching his intensity. I have only tolerated you so far out of respect sir but not anymore! You are a condescending, annoying old geezer and I am don

    Last Updated : 2024-06-19
  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER TWO: Hard work down the drain

    Selene’s POV“You should try to be more careful next time” the young dashing man says with his alluring deep baritone voice that sounds akin to a distant thunder. Jesus Christ! Are you kidding me?! You literally just spilled hot coffee on me sir! I retorted back already forgetting how good looking I thought he was moments ago. The least you can do is apologize for almost sending me to the hospital in an ambulance rather than being all cocky with me. “I’ll take care of the dry cleaning and any medical expenses of course, just tell me how much you’ll need” he replies me in a rushed tone without even sparing me a glance, carelessly tapping away on his phone. Oh God I really have this urge to smack him through the face, I’ve always had a terrible temper. Exactly! all you rich men think you can get away with everything and anything just because you have money. I could sue you for this you know? Yes… I know, he says slowly finally looking up to me, poor people always look for every opportu

    Last Updated : 2024-06-19
  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER THREE: Stimulant

    Selene's POVI sneak out to a corner and call up Sonnia to come meet me quickly as I try my best not to panick. You won't believe who I just saw now, it's the rude jerk from the café and it turns out that he's the boss! What do you mean by he's the boss, Sonnia asks confused. I mean he's the Elias Vermontary, the CEO of Vermontary Enterprise, I whisper in fear. Oh my God Sel what have you done… Sonnia stares at me as though I had grown an extra nose, you'll have to find a way to fix this. How do I do that I'm confused and scared, I never in my life or my next thought that he'll be my boss or that I'll ever see him again, I reply with a quivering voice. Do you think he'll recognize me? Well, I guess we're yet to find out, your going to be called in ten minutes get your act together and good luck. I stand there watching her stride off hopelessly unsure whether I still want to go ahead with the interview.As the clock ticked closer to the scheduled time, fear and anxiety surged through e

    Last Updated : 2024-06-19
  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER FOUR: Tension

    Elias’s POVI've been searching for this very lady everywhere ever since our last unfortunate meeting, it wasn't the best of me and I needed to apologize to her. Striding into the company my heart skips a beat as my eyes spots her familiar face admist the crowd, a mixture of shock and gratitude surging through me, how could I forget those eyes, that dark wavy long hair and there she was, the very person I've been looking all over for. My breath catches and my pulse quickens but an invisible barrier holds me back, I maintain my composure as I walk pass her careful not to make eye contact, holding in my smirk as i see the obvious shock on her face. Uncertainty knots my stomach as a flood of memories and emotions washes over me. I walk into my office thinking of that very day and how sorry I felt as i am a silent spectator to the reunion l’m not quite ready to face. It was a rough day for me and I wasn't in my right state of mind, nonetheless I'll have to make it up to her. My secretary

    Last Updated : 2024-06-19

Latest chapter

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER FIVE: Fight or Flight

    Elias's POVI slowly walk into the conference room where the meeting is on going only to find every eligible businessman I had at some point worked with all seated with obvious satisfaction. My eye catches Mr Elijah, my father where he is casually sitting, leaning back in his chair with a smug smile on his face. I try my best to hide my anger and keep a straight face, I knew he had been after this contract for awhile but I never thought he would play so dirty.I help myself to a sit next to him as I drop a piece of paper in front of him. Quite unruffled, he glances at the paper and then meets my gaze with cold indifference. Business is business Elias, you should know that by now. If your unable to secure the contract someone else would so no hard feelings.“Well, I would check my email if I were you before rushing into any conclusion, I reply him with a faint smirk on my face.” The same goes to everyone here, please do check your emails. I never planned to go this far but if I ever fe

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER FOUR: Tension

    Elias’s POVI've been searching for this very lady everywhere ever since our last unfortunate meeting, it wasn't the best of me and I needed to apologize to her. Striding into the company my heart skips a beat as my eyes spots her familiar face admist the crowd, a mixture of shock and gratitude surging through me, how could I forget those eyes, that dark wavy long hair and there she was, the very person I've been looking all over for. My breath catches and my pulse quickens but an invisible barrier holds me back, I maintain my composure as I walk pass her careful not to make eye contact, holding in my smirk as i see the obvious shock on her face. Uncertainty knots my stomach as a flood of memories and emotions washes over me. I walk into my office thinking of that very day and how sorry I felt as i am a silent spectator to the reunion l’m not quite ready to face. It was a rough day for me and I wasn't in my right state of mind, nonetheless I'll have to make it up to her. My secretary

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER THREE: Stimulant

    Selene's POVI sneak out to a corner and call up Sonnia to come meet me quickly as I try my best not to panick. You won't believe who I just saw now, it's the rude jerk from the café and it turns out that he's the boss! What do you mean by he's the boss, Sonnia asks confused. I mean he's the Elias Vermontary, the CEO of Vermontary Enterprise, I whisper in fear. Oh my God Sel what have you done… Sonnia stares at me as though I had grown an extra nose, you'll have to find a way to fix this. How do I do that I'm confused and scared, I never in my life or my next thought that he'll be my boss or that I'll ever see him again, I reply with a quivering voice. Do you think he'll recognize me? Well, I guess we're yet to find out, your going to be called in ten minutes get your act together and good luck. I stand there watching her stride off hopelessly unsure whether I still want to go ahead with the interview.As the clock ticked closer to the scheduled time, fear and anxiety surged through e

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER TWO: Hard work down the drain

    Selene’s POV“You should try to be more careful next time” the young dashing man says with his alluring deep baritone voice that sounds akin to a distant thunder. Jesus Christ! Are you kidding me?! You literally just spilled hot coffee on me sir! I retorted back already forgetting how good looking I thought he was moments ago. The least you can do is apologize for almost sending me to the hospital in an ambulance rather than being all cocky with me. “I’ll take care of the dry cleaning and any medical expenses of course, just tell me how much you’ll need” he replies me in a rushed tone without even sparing me a glance, carelessly tapping away on his phone. Oh God I really have this urge to smack him through the face, I’ve always had a terrible temper. Exactly! all you rich men think you can get away with everything and anything just because you have money. I could sue you for this you know? Yes… I know, he says slowly finally looking up to me, poor people always look for every opportu

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHOICE    CHAPTER ONE: New York

    Selene’s POVYou really are unable to get anything right! How again did you get into this firm, let me guess, daddy paid for it? he says mockingly. Standing right there watching my boss rain all manner of insults on me, a deep rush of rage sweeps through my veins as I clench my fist biting down on my tongue, anything to suppress my anger. I just know that it’s only but a matter of seconds before I explode, honestly there’s just so much a person can take and as for me, I have had enough! I quickly grab the casebook on the table and without thinking twice swing it across the room landing it straight to his face, recalling every single moment that book had landed on my face, a sense of joy coursed through me. He definitely didn’t see that coming, I internally say to myself feeling self-fulfilled. “I am not your slave” I scream back at him matching his intensity. I have only tolerated you so far out of respect sir but not anymore! You are a condescending, annoying old geezer and I am don

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status