ISOLATED

c h a p t e r 2 0

Chapter 20

Gael's thankful for a lot of things, one of them is having the balls to transform that deal she made into one a little more relieving. For some reason, he's finally been able to focus on his work again. As if not having her was the issue that needed to be fixed and figuring out how to do it was glued on his mind.

His phone rings and he answers. "Johnathan Mayfield," he announces himself like he always does. "Mr. Mayfield, your father is on his way up," Sam's voice sounds through the phone. "Is he already on his way up or can you still call security?" Gael whines and he takes a deep breath.

He looks up through the glass door and he already sees his father stomping through the hallway towards him. "Nevermind," Gael says and he hangs up before he says something he regrets to someone who doesn't even know half the things going on.

"Gael," Johnathan greets him. His eyes eagerly find the seat Gael's sitting in, wishing that his son would stand up so that he can sit down at the spot he claims he belongs. But Gael stays exactly where he is. "What is this about a food festival?" Johnathan asks, "Are you out of your mind? That's costing you a fortune."

"And I have a fortune."

Gael picks up some papers and he puts them together before he leans back in his seat to look over at his father. "Is there a reason you're here?" It's taking him everything not to smirk. "I know you're trying to get them to like you, but food won't get you there," Johnathan says, his voice sounding desperate. Anyone else wouldn't figure out that the man was desperate, but Gael knows his every expression.

Every little detail that exposes how Johnathan really feels. Little details only Gael knows about. "Why can't I host a fun event for my employees?" Gael furrows his eyebrows together, but his eyes still beam with that boyish joy. "Gael, you're being irresponsible with your money," Johnathan says and he crosses his arms, finally realizing that Gael's not going to get up from his seat.

"You raised me at galas, fancy parties, and –" he pauses and he narrows his eyes, "What did you call them? Soirees?"

Johnathan knows that his son is right. "I won't allow you to manipulate my employees just so you can get the power back you gave up when you assigned me as CEO, enjoy your retirement, Dad." Gael makes sure to emphasize the word dad, just to spite the man. Johnathan puts his hands in his side. "Do I have to call security or will you let me run my company on my own?"

Gael's expression shifts to a more serious one to alert his father that he's not afraid to call security on him. Johnathan hasn't been a dad to him so obviously Gael's not going to sit back and let the man prey on his downfall.

Johnathan finally gives up the discussion and he leaves. Gael can finally continue to get to his work. The only frustration he has is the fact that the people working here don't see how manipulative this man can be, but then again, he's manipulative: they might not even be considering replacing Gael back with his dad. It might be one big bluff.

With Johnathan, you never know what's real and what's a bluff.

Gael watches him walk through the hallway, it's obvious that he's upset because of the gazes of everyone in the building that follow him towards the elevator. Johnathan doesn't turn around until he's in the elevator and his eyes find Gael. No matter how much hate those eyes carry, Gael's not afraid of Johnathan anymore.

"Gael, a chance to talk?" Nate leans into the doorway and he knocks on the door that's slowly swaying open. Gael looks up, and he relaxes when he sees the man. Nate is someone within this company that he trusts. "Yeah come in," Gael says and he gestures to the seats in front of his office. Nate sits down and he looks at Gael.