Fortnight

Chapter - 4

Paris

Two years ago,

The grand hall is abuzz with conversations and laughter, filled with businessmen from all around the world. The conference, an award event hosted in Paris for businesses and entrepreneurs, is in full swing. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly dressed attendees, and the air is filled with the clinking of glasses and the soft hum of music.

At one corner of the hall, Theo stands, engaging in casual conversation with a few fellow businessmen. His smile is polite and practiced, masking the growing boredom inside him. As they discuss market trends and recent investments, Theo nods and responds appropriately, though his mind is elsewhere.

"Yes, diversification is key in today's market," Theo says with a smile, inwardly counting down the minutes until he can leave.

One of the businessmen chuckles, "Absolutely, Mr. Martin. It's always a pleasure to hear your insights."

Theo excuses himself with a polite nod, "If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I need to get some fresh air."

Moving away from the group, he finds a quieter spot near a window. He takes a deep breath, savoring the brief moment of peace. As much as he loves the business work, he despises these parties and events. They always feel like a tedious obligation rather than an opportunity.

Taking a sip of the champagne in his hand, Theo glances around the room with a bored expression. The opulence, the conversations, the superficial smiles-all of it feels incredibly tedious.

"Why can't there be someone else to attend these on behalf of those who hate them?" he mutters to himself, swirling the champagne in his glass.

As Theo stands in the quiet corner, savoring his brief respite, he feels a tap on his shoulder. He turns around, a little baffled by the sight that greets him.

The man standing before him is a stark contrast to the polished businessmen surrounding them. With tattoos snaking up his neck and hands, the guy exudes an aura that seems more suited to the racing streets than a staid business conference. His fierce, intense eyes lock onto Theo's, and a twisted smile plays on his lips.

"Are you Mr. James Martin's son?" the man asks.

Theo, still reeling from the shock of the unexpected sight, nods in a daze. "Yes, I am."

The man extends his hand in introduction. "Hello, I am Kwang." "Okay... and?" Theo replies, his confusion evident.

Kwang's smile widens. "I'm a reporter, here to study this conference." He quickly flashes an ID before Theo can read the details and then tucks it away.

Kwang looks around the room. "I was trying to find your father, but I can't see him anywhere."

Theo shakes his head, clearing the fog from his mind. "He left early. He had a meeting with one of his business partners."

Kwang furrows his eyebrows. "You mean Mr. Mark Johnson?"

Theo nods, still trying to process this unconventional reporter. "Yes, that's right."

Kwang smirks. "Then, in his place, would you be able to answer some of my questions?"

Theo finds it hard to believe the person in front of him is a reporter. Kwang looks too edgy and rowdy to fit the part. But authorized personnel are the only ones allowed at this conference, so he must be legit. Reluctantly, Theo nods.

Kwang smiles, his intense gaze not wavering. "Cool. My first question is, why did Martin Enterprises decide to partner with Mr. Johnson?"

Theo clears his throat. "Well, I don't know all the details, but Mark approached my father with an offer."