Fractured Desires

Chapter 5

David places a folder on the table, the leather cover thumping softly against the polished wood. He nudges it across the surface, his tone light but firm, "Take a look at the folder, Jason. I don't usually give out lifeboats, but I'm feeling rather generous today."

I shift in my chair, casting a sidelong glance at Jason, who remains unflinchingly composed. If what I've heard is true, Jason Brooks, the current CEO of StellarTalent, isn't one to back down easily.

Even though I can tell he's trying his best to remain calm, I can tell Jason's on the verge of breaking. His heavy breathing and laser-like focus on David hint at the boiling turmoil beneath his cold exterior.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with," Jason finally speaks, the threat in his voice unmistakable. "I'm not someone you want to piss off... I have friends in very high places..."

Ignoring his threats, David redirects his gaze to the man seated beside Jason, a middle-aged bald man who exudes an air of weary professionalism. "I'm going to guess you're his lawyer... I think at the very least, you should check out what I'm offering. Let's not allow your client's ego to stand in the way of opportunity."

The bald lawyer hesitates for a moment, his hand quivering inches above the folder's clasp. He clears his throat nervously and glances at Jason. "Mr. Brooks, it might be prudent to see what's inside. We owe it to ourselves, wouldn't you say?"

"..."

There's a palpable reluctance in the air as the lawyer tentatively moves to reach for the folder, but his progress is abruptly halted. Jason seizes him by the collar, pulling him close. "If you touch that fucking folder, I'll personally make sure you lose your job..."

My own tension rises as I watch the scene unfold. The dynamics at play are clear. Loyalty clashes with practicality. Trust collides with ambition.

After a minute or so of silence, the lawyer relents and leans back into his chair. "If my client doesn't want to settle, then there's nothing I can do about it..."

David sighs and shakes his head. "Why are you being a pain in the ass, Jason... Just open the damn folder!"

"I'm not giving up that easily," Jason snaps back, his defiance unwavering as he turns his attention back on David. "If you think I'm going to let you morons steal my company, you got something else coming your way..."

"Just... Just please take a look!"

"Nope... No fucking way, mate..."

Impatience bubbles within me as the conversation meanders on, far past its expiration date. With an exasperated snort, I decide it's high time to cut through the endless deliberations.

"Jason," I interject, my voice steady but tinged with impatience, "stop acting like there's more to this fight when it's already over."

"What did you just say?!"

"I'm telling you that it's over... You fucking lost!"

"Fuck y-"

"Sign these papers," I say, cutting him off, my tone leaving no room for negotiation, "or you'll be bankrupt by the end of this week!"

Jason's immediate response is visceral, his fist striking the table with a force that reverberates through the room. He leans forward, his anger palpable as he hurls accusations my way. "Who do you think you are!? How dare you talk to me like that?!"

My chuckle, born of both amusement and an air of irritation, cuts through his tirade. With a casual, almost careless tone, I lay bare the trump card I wasn't planning to use. "I know that you took out a loan a few months ago when your agency was on the brink of bankruptcy... Do your lawyers know about that? What about the members of your board? What about the press? Do they know about the loan?"