By noon the next day, Jan was a mess.

This was it. This was the one meeting that would determine how his stay in Hillford began. He lost this and Franc & Co would have won a battle they didn't even know they were fighting. He won this and he would be one metaphorical step closer to everything he wanted in life.

Jan took in a sharp breath, one that felt as though he had inhaled smoke, and forced himself to not give in to the anxiety welling up inside him. Not just because he had a meeting in minutes but because breaking down was never an option with him. Not then and definitely not now.

His intercom buzzed, jarring him back to reality. "Someone is here for you, sir. Should I bring him in?"

"Of course."

He rose casually from his desk as his secretary, Reese led the MD of The Gavin Group, Franc & CO's biggest client, into his office. They both exchanged handshakes and pleasantries as Jan offered him a seat.

Bryan Maxwell looked impressed as he took in the mosaic paintings hanging on a section of Jan's wall. They were a series of mundane, forgotten objects painted in such precise detail they looked like photographs.

"A local artist. Vancouver," said Jan when he caught Maxwell's gaze.

"They're lovely," Maxwell murmured. "Must have been one talented fellow."

"I couldn't agree more," Jan replied. "Would you like anything? A drink, perhaps?"

"Would be a bad idea to mix business with pleasure," he muttered.

Jan caught the undertone in his voice and offered a paper-thin smile. "Then let's get right down to it. I assume my email was self explanatory as well as satisfactory?"

"Yes, we got the what. I'm here to find out the why. Why should we do business with you?"

"With all due respect, Mr Maxwell, you would not be here if you did not know the answer to that question."

The man frowned. "Was that some sort of business pitch? I wasn't impressed."

"Our reputation precedes us, Mr. Maxwell and as you're well aware, our success rates are in high double digits."

"In your other branches, sure, but here in Hillford? This branch is relatively new."

Jan waved a hand in dismissal. "Minor detail. I intend to make this branch as successful as all the others. It's a matter of willpower and your help of course."

"We're not very familiar with your methods of doing business, though.

"You don't need to be," Jan replied. "They're legal, get the job done and that's all that matters."

Maxwell crossed and uncrossed his legs. "Just stating it plainly, Mr Manchester, we do not see ourselves changing hands anytime soon. We're quite satisfied with the current way things are run."

"Why settle for mediocrity, though?" Jan asked with a raised brow. "I assumed that a company as big as Gavin Group would be aiming for the best and that's exactly what Blue Sun is. We're the best and we're offering you the best."

"I like you," Maxwell stated.

"Of course."

"But that's not enough reason to cut our previous partners off. I'm sorry but—"

"I assumed your plummeting stock was enough reason to do so."

Maxwell looked uncomfortable. "We are actively working on rectifying that."

"Those are losses you cannot afford and shouldn't be rectifying in the first place. I understand that you've been in business with Franc & Co for a while but it seems like a foolish move to make business decisions based on sentiment."

"I doubt you'll convince me by insulting our company's hard work. Or by snooping around in our business."

"The truth has always been bitter, Mr Maxwell and I always do my research."

"Yes, but—"

"I also felt that these financial statements from Franc & CO's accounting department would help you make your final decision," Jan said as he handed him files from the top of his desk.

"How do you have this?" Maxwell's voice betrayed his surprise.

"I didn't mention my research is always extensive?"

|~|~|~|

Rhea's co-worker, Elliot was an annoying know-it-all and she really did not like him. He did not laugh at her jokes, refused to grab her more coffee and had a permanently blank face. It was just like working with Jan 2.0

"I'll be back," she told him as she made her way out of their shared space. "I want to grab another cup."

He ignored her like he'd been doing all day and she rolled her eyes as she slammed the door behind her. Muttering to herself about the unfairness of it all, she didn't notice the guy coming her way until it was too late.

"I'm so sorry," he apologized immediately. "I wasn't looking."

"I wasn't looking too," she said, matching his embarrassed smile. He wasn't wearing an employee ID or a visitor's tag so she had to ask, "Who are you?"

"Um..." he mumbled. His smile was nervous now. "I'm kind of lost. I think I pressed the wrong button on the elevator."

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked him.

"Not really, but I came to try my luck," he replied. "I'm Toni, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Toni. I'm Rhea."

"I own a diner, The Rusty Spoon. It's just at the center of town—"

Rhea beamed as she cut him off, "I went there yesterday with my friend, I loved your donuts so much."

His eyes lit up. "This makes my work easier. See, I was wondering if this company was willing to do business with us. We could deliver fresh pastries and coffee beans everyday."

"Oh my god, yes!" Rhea gushed in reply. "A thousand times yes. Obviously I can't make the final decision because it isn't my place but I'll talk to the person in charge."

"Oh? Thank you so much." His smile stretched across his face. "Here's my card, give me a call when you have their answer."

"Sure," she replied, tucking the card into the pocket of her suit jacket.

"This is a new company, right? I sort of grew up in this town so I notice when new businesses pop up."

"We're not new to the business scene," she told him. "This is just a new branch."

"Oh, great. Either way, Hillford appreciates the investment."

"Yeah. Let me see you downstairs, so you don't get lost."

"There's no need for that," he waved her off. "I'm sure you're busy."

"I insist," Rhea replied.

His smile tightened at the edges. "Okay. Thank you."

The elevator hummed lightly as it whisked them to the ground floor. Toni broke the silence when he asked, "And the owner? I'm sure he must be very proud of himself. This building is huge."

"I'm sure he is."

"Who is he?" Toni asked.

Rhea smile was cautious and she was glad that the elevator chose that moment to open up. "See you around, Toni."

"Don't forget to give me a call."

"I won't."