Chapter 2

As she guided them through the premises, they trailed closely behind her. With precision and thoroughness, she divulged every aspect of their company's operations to which they attentively paid heed- interjecting with minimal inquiries in-between.

Out of nowhere, Mr. Davis inquired: "Miss Fletcher, how is your father doing?"

Darcy was surprised by the sudden inquiry about his father, but still responded. "My dad is doing fine," he said. "Do you happen to know him?"

"Negative, however my father has spoken extensively about him. It appears that they were acquainted during their youth. He darted his gaze around with sharp attention to detail."

Her curiosity evident, she asked, "Is your father from around here? That's quite a surprise. If I may ask, what is his name? Perhaps he knows him."

"Miss Fletcher, you will soon meet him. Please don't be too curious. When he visits, I'll personally take him to your house so that you can see him. I hope it's alright with you."

Darcy smiled and expressed joyfully, "Why not? If they happen to be his old friends, it would do him good since he has been feeling quite isolated after my mother's passing last year. He rarely goes out anymore but meeting with familiar faces could have a therapeutic effect on him."

"I also desire for my father to reunite with his old friends. You must be well acquainted with the places around here, having been born and raised in this area?"

With a smile, Darcy stated that she was well-versed in every aspect of the city. With the exception of temporarily leaving to study abroad, she had resided there for her entire life. She went on to explain how her great-grandfather constructed and passed down his business as a heritage through three generations; however, it has now come to an end - before being auctioned off, she must sell it.

There was a period of quietness for some time.

"Is there nobody who could take over the company and continue its legacy?" he inquired.

Darcy spoke with a tinge of sadness in her voice as she explained, "My brother had his own dreams to follow and he was quite young when he left the country. As a result, there's nobody left to continue our family legacy."

"Curiously," Mr. Davis inquired, "if he's the only son in the family, then why wouldn't he care about it?"

Feeling embarrassed, Darcy averted his gaze from the scrutinizing stare. "My brother made no effort to contribute to our company. Despite his best efforts at learning everything from scratch, he ultimately failed miserably. Now we require a significant amount of funding in order to rebuild and pay off the substantial debt that we've accumulated thus far. In light of these circumstances, my father has decided that selling it is our only option."

"It's clear that you have no intention of selling it, Miss Fletcher," he stated bluntly.

"Despite not wanting to, I must consider my father's situation. Our ancestral home has already been sold to a wealthy stranger; therefore, it may not make much of a difference," she expressed with helplessness.

"Do you have any regrets about selling it?"

After a brief pause, Darcy expressed her disapproval of the man by stating that she believed he was excessively flaunting his wealth.

"Who is he?" He asked her with a slight smile on his face, while also expressing sympathy for the man.

Curiously, Darcy fixed her gaze on him. "That's Billionaire Gale Harris - the most talked-about man in town at present," she explained. "What makes you pity him?"

"Miss Fletcher, it appears that you are opposed to his relocation to Michigan," he said in a monotone voice.

"That's not how I see it. Actually, I believe his move to Michigan will lead to more job prospects which is a positive change. However, I dislike the way he flaunts his wealth and influence; at this rate, he'll take over all of Michigan someday," replied Darcy.

He asked Miss Fletcher if she was content with the fact that he is doing a lot for a dying city, which also indicates his generosity.

Reluctantly agreeing, Darcy stated that the individual in question is indeed capable. However, he expressed concern regarding how challenging it may be for them to collaborate with longstanding employees who remain loyal to traditional practices.

"I believe he'll come up with a solution. As the leader, it's his duty to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of your company," he stated while facing her challenging gaze. "Now that I've had a chance to observe your organization, I will make my choice shortly and let you know, Miss Fletcher. Please be patient as I finalize my decision." It's getting late now; therefore, please excuse me as I must return to my office," he concluded.

With his assistant remaining silent throughout their conversation, he declared and confidently returned to the exit.

Darcy trailed after them until they reached the exit.

"Farewell, Miss Fletcher. Our paths will cross again. And rest assured that Mr. Gale Harris is doing his best to contribute towards the betterment of the city that was once owned by his forefathers."

Recalling their conversation, Darcy stood there for a long time watching the car drive out of the company.

Just as she was about to retrieve her purse from inside the building before departing for home, a vehicle pulled into the company's parking lot. Strangely enough, it appeared quite recognizable and upon further approach towards her direction of sight, she caught a glimpse of Melvin Baker behind its wheel - confirming without doubt that he had returned.

As his car came to a stop in front of her, he emerged gracefully attired in a dark business suit that accentuated his handsome and well-groomed appearance. Darcy greeted him with an admiring smile as though they had known each other for ages; however, she sensed something lacking about him today. The feeling arose solely because she made the mistake of comparing him unfavorably to Mr. Davis who left moments ago. Darcy shook her head at herself trying not to be annoyed by such thoughts - after all, it was absurd comparing someone else whom just met briefly with Melvin! She must have lost it momentarily without even realizing how crazy this idea sounded inside her mind's echo chamber through hindsight bias or rose-tinting glasses effect on memory recall.