Fractured Desires

Chapter 3

"What the actual fuck!" I slam my foot on the brakes as I pull up to the main entrance of the building.

A throng of reporters has converged in the front lobby, cameras clicking and flashing like an erratic light show. Their attention is undeniably focused on my car, capturing it from every angle as if I'm the latest celebrity to arrive on the red carpet.

I let out an exasperated sigh, realizing that driving the Aston Martin might not have been the wisest decision. Just as I'm mulling over the unwanted attention, my phone vibrates in my pocket.

I retrieve my phone and find a message from Veronica, my assistant. Her text advises me to be cautious on my way to work—an odd warning that sets my senses on high alert.

Something's wrong!

I dial Veronica's number, and she answers immediately, her tone laced with concern. "Where are you?"

Suppressing my growing frustration, I respond, "I'm right outside the building. What the fuck is going on?"

Veronica gets straight to the point, her voice tight with gravity. "The news has been leaked."

The weight of her words sinks in. "Leaked? What news?"

"The news of the merger."

My heart quickens as I absorb the implications. Our merger, a confidential and strategic move that was supposed to be shrouded in secrecy, has somehow found its way into the public eye. The consequences of this breach are incalculable. I run a hand through my hair, the frustration and concern mounting with each passing moment.

"How bad is it?"

"All I can say is-"

"Stop!" I yell before she can finish her sentence. "Don't say anything... I need a second..."

I stay quiet for a moment and shut my eyes, taking a moment to calm my nerves. I take a deep breath and slowly exhale, hoping to release the tension that's building on my shoulders.

"Okay, talk," I instruct.

"I was going to say that believe it or not, our stock prices have skyrocketed in the last seven hours."

"Have they?"

"Yes, they have... When you get to your office, David can give you a brief thorough run-through."

I nod in agreement. "Tell him to meet me in my office. I'm coming up right now."

"Will do..."

As the line goes silent, I take another deep breath, bracing myself for the imminent press ambush that awaits me outside.

Don't talk... Don't smile... And keep your eyes on the floor... Just keep walking until you're safe.

SILENCE.

"Let's get this over with..." I pocket my phone and swing open the car door. Immediately, I'm flanked by the ever-present security detail, a silent escort to the front doors of the monumental corporate fortress.

The reporters gathered outside the building seize the moment as I step out of the car, their cameras capturing every detail. A cacophony of questions and comments fills the air, like a swarm of relentless insects buzzing around.

"Mr. Pierce, can you confirm the merger rumors?"

"Are you here to address the leaks, Mr. Pierce?"

"Roman, how will this affect your company's future?"

Ignoring the barrage, I maintain my focus and stride confidently toward the front entrance. Security forms a protective barrier, their presence a constant reminder of the weight of my responsibilities.