novelraw Chapter 162: Come To Collect his debt
Chapter 162: Come To Collect his debt
Chapter 162: Come To Collect his debt
Since Levi’s bombshell, Brett wanted to hold unto the belief that Levi was clutching unto straws to keep the Van Doren Group all to himself. But he knew instinctively that it was the truth, Brandon was his. He did not need Sutton’s revelation to confirm it. Her words just pressed down on Brett like a physical burden, confirming his worst fears.
The acceptance that he was Brandon’s father, a truth concealed for so long, left him feeling strangely hollowed out. The anger that had propelled him to Sutton’s apartment had dissipated, replaced by a dull ache of disappointment and a profound sense of weariness.
He sat in home in a daze in the back seat as he was driven, the city lights blurring into an indistinguishable stream of color. He had lost. He had been so close to seizing control of Sterling Enterprises, to finally escaping Levi’s shadow, but it had all crumbled to dust. The carefully laid plans, the years of scheming, all for nothing.
It irked him to remember Levi’s smug face, he must have felt so satisfied to have shot down his ambition. As he pulled into the driveway of his secluded mansion, he noticed a familiar car parked near the entrance. A cold dread settled in his stomach. He recognized the sleek, dark sedan; it belonged to Marcus Thorne, there was a sinking feeling knowing what was waiting for him on the other side of the door.
Brett entered the house, his troubled mind expecting the worst knowing what he had done. But he was propelled forward by the force of defeat. He found Marcus Thorne waiting for him at the bar, his expression jovial. Brett did not relax because he knew under the cheerful face was a madman. Marcus sat in one of the leather armchairs, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his eyes fixed on Brett.
"Brett," Marcus greeted him, his voice smooth and deceptively charming. "I was wondering when you would show up, I always knew you were a man of great taste." He said as he raised the tumbler in his hand.
Brett forced a weak smile, trying to mask his anxiety.
"Marcus," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "I was not expecting you, not today at least."
"Really?" Marcus raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "I would have thought you would be expecting me. After... recent events, no?"
Brett’s heart pounded in his chest. He knew that Marcus was referring to the failed takeover attempt.
Brett had approached Marcus with the promise of delivering Van Doren Group into his hands. In exchange for a substantial sum of money and a promise of future business ventures, Brett had agreed to use his position as interim CEO to manipulate the company’s finances and pave the way for a takeover.
Now, with Levi’s unexpected return and his own exposure as a fraud, the deal was in jeopardy. Brett knew that Marcus was a dangerous man with under world connections and he would not take lightly to being stiffed. He was a man who demanded results, a man who didn’t tolerate failure.
His presence meant only one thing, he had come to collect his debt. And Brett was found seriously lacking. He was prey, bleeding in the water and Marcus could smell the blood.
"It was an unexpected bump in the road," Brett said calmly, intent as he was to mask the worry he was feeling.
"That is why i don’t take on partnership opportunities unless my partners understand the dangers of not delivering as I expect." Marcus sighed as he continued in the same charming tone.
"It was a mistake, I can still make it." Brett pleaded, a hint of desperation in his voice.
"Explain what, Brett?" Marcus interrupted, his voice and face hardening. "Explain how you managed to lose control of the company? Explain how you made me look like a fool?"
Brett remained silent, his gaze dropping to the floor. He knew there was no way to sugarcoat the situation. He had failed, and he had put Marcus’s investment at risk.
"I understand that things did not go as we planned," Brett said, his voice low. "But I can assure you, I can still make this work. I just need a little more time, a little more belief in me."
Marcus chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Time?" he repeated, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You have had your time, Brett. And what do you have to show for it? Nothing."
He stood up, his imposing figure towering over Brett. "I made a deal with you," Marcus continued, his voice hardening. "I invested a significant amount of money based on your promises. And now, you are telling me that you need more time? You’re telling me you can’t deliver? Do you know how many people would kill to be in your shoes?"
Brett’s anxiety intensified. He knew that he had to convince Marcus that he could still salvage the situation, he could not imaging going this way and letting Levi and his family not feel even a bit of his wrath?
"I know I messed up," Brett said, his voice laced with a desperate plea. "But I can fix this. I just need a little more time to regroup, to find a new strategy."
He paused, his eyes meeting Marcus’s. "Levi is back and controlling the company, yes, but that is only for now" he continued. "He does not know how important it is for me to get a hold of the company. There are still ways to get what we want. We just need to be a little more patient, to be strategic."
Marcus remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Brett’s face. He was assessing him, trying to determine if he was telling the truth, if he was still a valuable asset.
"What kind of strategy do you have in mind?" Marcus asked as he stroked his beard, his voice low and suspicious.
Brett took a deep breath, trying to formulate a plan. He knew he had to offer Marcus something concrete, something that would convince him to stay on board and not do something stupid like take out a hit on him.
"I am not sure yet," Brett admitted. "But I am working hard on it. I am going to find a way to undermine Levi, to regain control of the company. I just need a little time to figure things out. This is more important to me than anything else."
He paused, his eyes pleading with Marcus. "Please," he said. "Just give me another chance. I won’t let you down this time."
Marcus remained silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Brett’s heart pounded in his chest, waiting for his response. He knew that his future, his very survival, depended on Marcus’s decision and it could go either way.
Finally, Marcus spoke, his voice low and measured. "I will give you just this one more chance, Brett," he said. "But this is your last. If you fail me again, there will be consequences. Severe consequences, I hate to let people off, it is bad for business."
Brett breathed a sigh of relief, a wave of gratitude washing over him as he felt the cold sweat on his brow. He had managed to buy himself some time and this time he had to prepare for any attacks Levi might try to use this time.
"Thank you, Marcus," he said, his voice sincere. "I won’t let you down again. I promise."
Marcus nodded, his expression remaining grim. "I hope so, all I expect expect results, Brett, no more excuses." he said, his voice laced with warning. "Don’t disappoint me."
With that, Marcus turned and walked out of the living room, drink in hand and leaving Brett alone with his thoughts. He had been given a reprieve, a second chance to salvage his plans. But he knew that time was running out. He had to act quickly, to find a way to regain control of the situation before it got too late. The weight of his failure, the looming threat of Marcus’s wrath, pressed down on him, fueling his desperation. He had to succeed. He had no other choice.
As he took a seat tiredly, Damien came in and stood some distance away while he stared at Brett who had his head in his hands.
"What do we do now boss?" Damien asked quietly.
Brett got up and flung the throw pillow beside him across the room in frustration.
"Fix me a drink!" Brett demanded and sat back down while Damien walked in the direction of the bar. Brett picked up the television remote and sat down on the fluffy couch and switched on the television.
He was certain that nothing good was being spoken about him, Levi probably looked like the hero who had conquered his monster.
As the screen came on, his jaw dropped as he read the letters running across his screen.
"Embattled Socialite Sutton Marlowe Found Murdered In Apartment"