Chapter 5: As Sly as a Fox
The business dinner with Mr Randolph was draining. It seems the man wanted to have a family dinner instead of a business dinner since he foolishly brought along not only his ill-mannered daughter but also his brash wife. What, in the name of blazes, did he get himself into?
Okay, you can't be cussing now, Xavier. Did their lack of self-image rob off on you? You couldn't have fallen this low just after spending only twelve minutes in their company, could you? He berated himself in his head.
He needed this man's resources for his new side business. That's the only thing keeping him in his seat, otherwise, he'd have cut the proposal into tiny bits and stuff this noisy family with it just so they'd shut up and let him have his dinner in peace. Since they arrived, it's been from one chitchat to another that's got nothing to do with why he's here. How did he descend so low as to associate himself with people who obviously lacked propriety, huh? People often say deck a pig with pearls and fine linens, and it'll still remain a pig. This description is quite apt for the Randolph's. This man may have the means, but obviously have no sense of shame. Mr Randolph is lucky to have come from old money, otherwise how then could this man have made it in the business world? This family now ranked number three on his list of annoying meddling old folks.
Xavier felt a headache coming as he watched the Randolph's make subtle moves of trying to pitch their daughter to him. The young lady's perfume was suffocating him. Did she bath herself in it? Plus the fact that she can't keep her hands to herself. She keeps brushing up against him every now and then, and it's irking him to his guts. He regretted asking Peter, his PA, to leave earlier. At least he'd have made sure he sat between him and this annoying young lady.
Xavier picked up his phone and sent a text to his head of Security, Dmitri.
Get me out of here in 10 minutes.
He dropped his phone back and picked up his wine glass.
"Xavier, have more of dinner. You hardly ate anything," Francisca Randolph tried to butter up to him. "Sophia, why don't you serve Xavier the Shrimp Fajitas. It tastes heavenly," she hinted to her daughter.
"Thank you Mrs Randolph, but I'm full," he said, stopping the lady. "I had a late lunch earlier and I over ate a bit. Why don't we go straight to why we are here Mr Randolph? I have another meet up to catch up to after here." he added, turning to Mr Randolph.
"Yes, yes, yes of course," the man cackled in his loud voice. He has a way of repeating words and it grates on the nerves.
"I've read through the documents and everything looks good. So, of course, I'm willing to invest in this business idea."
"That's great to know, Mr Randolph"
Mr Randolph laughed and waved his hand "Let's not stand on ceremony, Xavier. Call me Eugene. I think it is appropriate since we are going into a partnership, don't you think so?"
"Of course Eugene," Xavier agreed, but added, "Let's not also forgot that this is strictly a business partnership mutually beneficial to our business growth. Business is relaxing and enjoyable when each party understand their boundaries, don't you think so?" Xavier also asked, a slight grin playing on his lips. The dimples on his cheeks adding more allure to his handsome features.
His dark eyes glittered deeply in the soft light of the fancy high-end restaurant. His last statement sounded more like a warning. The wide smile on Mr Randolph's face faltered. This young man is too blunt. But he is also one of the top rich eligible bachelors in Dayton. How nice it would be to marry off Sophia to him. That way his influence and status will increase the more. He looked at his beautiful daughter who keeps stealing looks at Xavier with something akin to adoration in her eyes. If this was a cartoon strip, one may even see red heart shapes popping from her brown eyes. Maybe they came on too strongly for Xavier, but he has never denied his daughter anything. And she desires this young man. Now that there is an opportunity to work closely with him, shouldn't they make use of it?
"Of course, Xavier. Business comes first," he coughed slightly to hide the awkwardness that has come to settle around them. "What's the next step?"
"My PA will send you the contract tomorrow. You can have your lawyers look at it too before signing and sending it back to me. This is the last week of July. If we can get the paperwork all sorted out by month end, then the project can take off fully by Mid August."
Whilst they discuss on the last minute details, Dimitri walked in and stood at a respectable distance from the table, but within sight of his boss so he'll know it's time to go as he requested. He wore the signature white shirt and dark suit of the bodyguards' attire that fit snugly over his muscular 6ft 5" frame. The dark goggles he wore, which actually has a cam recorder, covered his piercing, deep-set eyes making him appear more mysterious and intimidating.
Glancing over at him, Xavier strengthened.
"I need to run. Thank you for the lovely dinner, Eugene. I hope we have a successful partnership," he said, standing up and stretching his hands to shake Mr Randolph's hands.
"Yes, it was a lovely dinner," Francisca Randolph breathed, standing with her husband as Xavier courteously bent to kiss her on the cheeks. As he turned to give same to their daughter, the young lady slyly pushed into his body, hugging him slightly. From a distance, one would think they were intimate. At that exact time, a paparazzo who was hiding behind a potted plant at the corner of the restaurant a little distance behind Xavier caught the moment on camera. Xavier's tall back was captured. Sophia Randolph's face showed delight whilst hugging a tall handsome man.
Xavier pushed her off immediately, Using his handkerchief, he flicked his dinner jacket as if some pesky fly had perched on it. This young lady may look innocent but Xavier has a feeling she may be as sly as a fox. Not sparing her a single glance, he walked away leaving Sophia flushing in embarrassment.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
iamStephanie
iamStephanie Here you go - The second chapter as promised.
Don't forget to add the story to your collections, vote and even more, leave a review for me.
Thank you, and Stay Safe!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone