From Vows to Desire

Chapter 9: Deals, Disappointments, and New Beginnings

Scene 1: A Stolen Deal

Ben could barely contain his excitement as he looked over the final details of what he thought would be the breakthrough for Palmer Retails in Japan. Landing a deal with Yuta Watanabe's label was a dream - one that would propel his division into East Asian markets. He imagined the doors it would open for future partnerships, but that euphoria was short-lived.

Just as he was wrapping up for the day, his phone rang. It was Bradley.

Bradley: (hesitant) "Ben, I've got some bad news. Douglas swooped in and got the deal."

Ben froze, the words hitting him like a punch in the gut. His mind raced, and before he could stop himself, he cursed loudly, his voice filled with frustration.

Ben: "What the hell? How could this happen? I had everything lined up!"

Bradley could only offer an apologetic sigh.

Bradley: "The details are still unclear, but the deal was switched overnight. Yuta Watanabe's team signed with Douglas early this morning."

Helpless and seething, Ben clenched his jaw and stared at the papers on his desk, feeling as if all the work he had done had been thrown away in a matter of hours. After a long pause, he made the decision to call Arthur. If anyone knew how to navigate these kinds of setbacks, it was his uncle.

Ben: (gritting his teeth) "Thanks, Bradley. I'll handle it."

Ben dialed Arthur's number, pacing around his office as the phone rang.

Arthur: (picking up) "Ben, how's everything going?"

Ben: (sighing) "Not great. Douglas stole the Watanabe deal. I don't know how, but he undercut us, and it's gone. I'm at a loss for what to do next."

Arthur listened intently, and after a few moments, his voice was calm and reassuring.

Arthur: "Ben, I understand how disappointing this is, but it's not the end. Deals can slip, but there's always a way forward. I'll make a few calls and see if we can turn this around. In the meantime, don't lose your cool. Stay focused, and we'll figure it out."

Ben felt a surge of relief. Even with the setback, Arthur's confidence was enough to steady him.

Ben: "Thanks, Uncle Arthur. I appreciate it."

Arthur: "Keep your chin up. We'll talk soon."

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Scene 2: A Visit with Churros and Family Time

By evening, Ben received the confirmation he had hoped for. Arthur had worked his magic, making a few calls, and managed to smooth things over. Though they hadn't reclaimed the Watanabe deal, new opportunities were already on the horizon.

Wanting to show his gratitude, Ben stopped by a small pastry shop and picked up churros - Arthur's favorite treat, though it had been cut from his diet after the heart attack. Still, Ben figured a little indulgence wouldn't hurt.

When Ben arrived at the Palmer residence, Arthur greeted him with a wide smile, clearly happy to see him.

Arthur: (grinning) "You brought churros, didn't you? You know I can't resist those."

The two sat down in the living room, catching up on business and life. Victoria soon joined them, her keen eyes immediately sensing something had happened.

Victoria: "Everything alright, Ben? You look like you've been through the wringer."

Ben laughed softly, shaking his head.

Ben: "It's been a day, but everything's back on track. We're good."

Victoria smiled, pleased with his response, before turning to another topic.

Victoria: "And how's Julianne? I heard her bridal label got a huge deal to design a wedding dress for that popular actress. She must be over the moon with excitement."

Ben: (nodding) "She is. Things are hectic for her right now, but she's handling it."

Victoria then raised an eyebrow, teasing him lightly.

Victoria: "And what about you? I hear you've finally got Maisie in your arms. Took you long enough!"

Ben blushed slightly, but the grin on his face gave him away. It was clear that things between him and Maisie were going well. Despite the ups and downs of his day, he felt grounded here, in the company of his family.

(Although Arthur and Patrick's relationship had become strained over the years, Arthur and Victoria always treated Ben like their own son, and moments like this made him feel the warmth of that bond.)

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Scene 3: Theo's New Routine

Meanwhile, Theo was settling into his new role as CEO. The weight of responsibility was immense, but he was handling it well. His disagreements with Arthur still lingered in the background, but like many parent-child conflicts, they had quietly moved past it, allowing life to return to its usual rhythm.

One of Theo's smartest moves had been hiring Oliver, his new assistant. They were of similar age, and Oliver understood Theo's introverted nature better than anyone. He scheduled meetings and events with a careful balance, ensuring Theo wasn't overwhelmed.

What started as a professional relationship soon turned into a friendship. Oliver made Theo miss his carefree days in New York, where he could enjoy life without the constant weight of his family's legacy. On weekends, Oliver often visited Theo's house in Wimbledon, where they'd play Xbox, watch football, and share a few beers. It was a welcome escape from the pressures of running Palmer Industries.

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Scene 4: Eight Months Later

Eight months passed without much fuss. Palmer Industries and Palmer Retails both flourished, becoming leaders in their respective sectors. Arthur was thoroughly enjoying his retirement, free from the demands of the business world. Victoria, with her newfound free time, painted beautiful works that she often donated to charity. Life had settled into a comfortable rhythm for the Palmers.

But one Friday morning, Arthur received an unexpected phone call from Henri Beaumont.

Henri: (on the phone) "Arthur, I need to speak with you. Privately. It's important."

Arthur's curiosity was piqued. Henri wasn't the type to request meetings without reason, especially not in such a serious tone.

Arthur: "Of course, Henri. What's this about?"

Henri: (pausing) "I'd rather discuss it in person. Can we meet at your residence this Friday?"

Arthur agreed, though his mind raced with possibilities. What could Henri Beaumont, one of the world's richest and most powerful businessmen, want to discuss in private?

The call left Arthur unsettled, and as he hung up, he felt the weight of something looming on the horizon. He had a feeling that whatever Henri wanted to discuss, it would change everything.