The Perfect Gentleman ✔

16: The proposal

Monday was a refreshing start. After the hot and steamy Saturday night he had, Lucas welcomed the busy stressful day of work with open arms. To think he was gullible enough to believe Sara would let sleeping dogs lie irked him. She was never one to do things for the sake of it. She wouldn't have seduced him just because she missed him or their passionate love making. She wanted something from him and he would be damned if he didn't find out what it was before the weekend.

Pushing back his swivel chair, he grabbed his pad and his jacket, and strolled out of his office. His PA was at his feet, rattling off his business schedule for the day. He had a conference meeting with some investors from Russia by 10 and a business meeting with their Chinese oil drilling corporation later in the day. His plan for a revolutionary eco-friendly petrochemicals was drawing clients like moths to a flame and the Russian delegates was currently their highest bidder so far.

James, his right hand man, met him at the door of the conference room, telling him the investors were already sitting inside. Lucas nodded and inquired about the slide for the presentation which was confirmed by his PA. James pushed open the double doors of the conference room and Lucas strode in with a practiced smile on his face.

"Gentlemen, please welcome. I trust your flight to Nigeria was pleasant." He greeted warmly as he shook hands with all six men present. The only female in the room was Mr. Luchtein assistant, Elsa who was pretty and Lucas winked suggestively at her before moving to stand in front of the room.

"I welcome you all to the headquarters of the Caspian-Asiegbu Petrochemicals and Petroleum Explorations Limited, C.A.P.P.E.L. I am the C.E.O of the Petrochemical arm, Lucas Caspian-Asiegbu and I would love to say it's an honor to be doing business with you, Mr. Luchtein." He gave the man a bow which he acknowledged.

"We at CAPPEL are impressed with your interest in our new range of motor oils and lubricants, which is 100% chemically tested and proven, and is also eco-friendly. Our goal here is to be the sole distributor of world-class motor oils and your contribution to make this project a success is very much appreciated."

"In front of you is the prototype of the various models and brands we are planning to launch into the global market at the beginning of May. The delay is mainly because we await approval from the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). Please go through them and ask your questions, Mr. Luchtein. Thank you," he concluded, moving to take his seat.

Soon enough ideas were thrown to the table and Mr. Luchtein couldn't help voicing out his concerns about the new product. Lucas was more than pleased with the questions and proceeded to squash his fears with the slide presentation.

He tapped the button of his pad and realized the PowerPoint slide was missing. Frowning, he glanced at his PA, who scrambled quickly to his side to check also. Then a minute later, she apologized about not sending the revised copy to his pad.

After a quick apology to the delegates, Lucas moved to the side to allow his PA setup the system. James walked up to him to mumble in his ear.

"It's not her fault, despite what you think. I'm responsible for this error." He pleaded while casting a glance at Lucas PA, Stacy, who was working with the system.

Lucas scoffed. "I hardly care about your office romance, James, but Stacy had just one job. This mistake cannot go unpunished."

"And I'm saying you should take it out on me. Punish me instead. If I hadn't been too busy distracting her at work," he stated in a placatory tone.

"There must be a penalty for dereliction of work in the office, don't you think?"

"I'll bear it all is what I'm saying."