Crimson Inheritance

Chapter 5: Riding the Storm's Edge

Nicholas Beaumont sat in the opulent confines of his office, the soft clinking of fine china the only sound as he delicately sipped his tea. The world outside seemed distant, muffled by the thick, velvet curtains that framed the tall windows, casting the room in a warm, amber glow. His thoughts were momentarily interrupted by a gentle, yet firm knock on the pristine translucent glass door of his cabin."

"Come in, Ben," Nicholas commanded with his usual air of quiet authority, placing the delicate teacup on its saucer with the precision of a man accustomed to control.

Ben, his assistant, entered with a look of unease etched on his face. "Sir, Ms. Beaumont called today, but not from her usual number. I tried to converse, but the connection was poor. The network seemed to distort our voices, and I couldn't quite discern her words before the line went dead," he reported, his tone laced with a sincere apology.

Nicholas's brow furrowed slightly as he listened. "Yes, she called me as well, from different numbers. I suspect she may have left her phone behind at home. I tried to reach her, but each time the call disconnected almost immediately. I just hope she's safe. The mountains can be unpredictable," he mused, a hint of concern creeping into his otherwise composed demeanor. Then, with a swift shift in focus, he straightened and asked, "What's the update on Mindsmith?" His sharp gaze fixed on Ben, the brief worry about Evelyn now tucked away as business demanded his attention.

"We got it, Sir. We closed the deal successfully. Mindsmith is officially ours," Ben announced, his eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and relief.

Nicholas's face lit up with triumphant satisfaction. "I knew it," he exclaimed, slapping the polished surface of his desk with a force that reverberated through the room. "I knew it, Ben! My offer was the best they could have hoped for. This is a momentous day." His elation was palpable, his usual composed demeanor giving way to unbridled joy. "Go and announce that drinks are on the company, Ben. Let everyone celebrate."

But Ben, ever the voice of reason, hesitated. "But Sir... Arthur Remington?" he interjected cautiously.

Nicholas, caught up in his victory, almost missed the name. "What?" he asked, the echo of his excitement still ringing in his ears.

"Forgive me, but do you really think the Remington Group—or more specifically, Arthur Remington—will let this slide? He's... a menace," Ben continued, with his not-so-good choice of words.

The room's jubilant atmosphere seemed to freeze as Nicholas's eyes narrowed. "Ben, are you questioning my—"

"No, sir. Most definitely not," Ben quickly interrupted, his voice steady. "I just meant to say... Arthur isn't the type to accept defeat easily."

"Neither am I, Ben," Nicholas responded sharply, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination. "I know Remington has been circling Mindsmith for a long time, like an eagle poised above the ocean, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But he let his confidence turn into arrogance. He's so intoxicated by his power and prestige that he believed no one would dare challenge him for a company he coveted. But he was wrong. Power and influence can certainly give you an edge in business, but securing the right opportunity is what truly defines your success. Mindsmith isn't just a win—it's a strategic move that opens countless doors for us, both nationally and internationally. Just think about the immense groundbreaking opportunities this acquisition brings," Nicholas explained, his voice firm yet laced with the wisdom of experience.

Ben stood quietly, absorbing every word, the weight of Nicholas's insight sinking in. Sensing that his assistant understood the gravity of the situation, Nicholas continued.

"And as for Remington being a menace—yes, I won't argue with that. He's a formidable force, a very big name indeed, but does that mean we should cower in his shadow?  Nicholas's voice grew more intense as he pressed on. "His group may be the shark of the ocean, devouring everything in its path, but that doesn't mean we should live in fear of him. Business is a competition, Ben. To survive, we must compete. And when survival is on the line, there is no room for fear. Do you understand?"