Hourglass

-3:00- suddenly aware of the other's existence

"So as you can see, Mr. Donatelli, this merger is beneficial for both our companies. What do you say?" Tristen finished his powerpoint presentation and looked over at his client, an old man with a contemplative gaze on the numbers being displayed on the screen. 

Tristen knew he'd bagged it. He was confident. His company's statistics were far too tempting for Mr. Donatelli to want to refuse. 

Since Tristen wanted expansion, he was going to conquer Donatelli's company, then Delta Panama would move on to greater quests. It would reach new heights. All he needed was the...

"No." 

Tristen's inviting smile dropped. He fisted his anger and cleared his throat. "Sorry, what was that?" he asked in the most calm voice he could muster. He was burning. How dare this old geezer refuse such an offer. That too, with Delta Panama. The leading company in the manufacturing industry. 

Mr. Donatelli shook his head. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Phillips, I cannot sign this merger." 

"Why not?" 

"It is true that you're a leading manufacturer—" 

"The leading manufacturer," Tristen said, gritting his teeth. 

"Yes. The leading manufacturer. But, it's actually unfortunate. I've been approached by another company, and their numbers look far more promising to me. And, you know how this industry is. I've a need to maintain this image of a company willing to let others grow. Collaborating with this company would not only be beneficial to my company's financial situation, but also to my company's reputation. It is not that working with you would not be a pleasure. It would most definitely be my honor to do that sometime in the future. I just need to give this merger to the other company," finished Mr. Donatelli, standing up to leave. His associates also gathered their files. 

"Wait," Tristen said. Mr. Donatelli turned expectantly. "Which company is this?" Tristen asked, searing in anger. 

"A-Space. The rising manufacturing company," Mr. Donatelli smiled and left the conference room. 

"A-Space," Tristen repeated under his breath. 

☙ ❧ 

"Aspen!" Cora shrieked, barging into Aspen's office. "What the hell, Cora?" Aspen asked angrily, getting up from her desk.

Cora was far too excited to pay any heed. She just pulled Aspen into a tight hug. "Cora, will you tell me what happened?" Aspen asked, breaking apart and stepping a few feet back. 

Cora smiled brightly and took a deep breath. "Donatelli called," she said, opening her eyes to look at Aspen expectantly. 

"So?" Aspen asked after a few seconds. 

"We bagged it, Aspen!" Cora smiled, raising her arms up in victory. 

A smile fell on Aspen's lips. "That's great!" 

"He wants to meet next week to further discuss the terms and conditions, also to sign and get the legal stuff done," Cora informed. 

Aspen nodded. "Book me for Tuesday, 4:00 PM." 

With a huge smile, Cora nodded excitedly. Aspen was excited, too. Not as much as Cora. But she was happy. She was now a step closer to completing her mission. Unbeknownst to herself, she hummed a few notes of the unfamiliar melody as she had done when she needed to feel peace. 

Aspen straightened her suit and sat back down in her chair, opening her laptop and continuing to check email. 

☙ ❧