Loving You, Always

Chapter 2. James Hardin

Music by Rousseau - Billie Eilish - Bad Guy (Piano Cover)

*****

Mr. Rushford had been yelling at his employees several times this morning. He checked everything in the office to look nicer. He even commented at the receptionist about the flower arrangement that he thought it didn't look so good.

"Hurry! Tidy up your outfit! You're a receptionist, so you have to look nice. Smile, smile!" he barked to the young receptionist who looked frustrated with his unusual behavior since last week, and more severe this morning.

"Yes, sir," she replied, a bit of fright at him.

That day, the CEO of Hardin Oil & Construction would come to their office. Mr. Rushford heard that he was the son of Mr. Robert Hardin and not so easy-to-pleased person. So, he would like to give a good impression to the CEO of the company he was working for.

Mr. Rushford and his staff went downstairs to the lobby, picking up their guests. Their office occupied the whole eight floor of the building. To get on a certain floor, they had to exchange their ID at the reception. They didn't want their guests to have any trouble, so they had to escort them upstairs.

They were waiting for their guests at the drop-off area, looked restless and stood uncomfortably. Once in a while, Mr. Rushford glanced at his watch. It was almost the time their guests should have arrived.

After a few minutes passed, a black fancy car approached the drop off area. Mr. Rushford straightened his body to look sturdier. As soon as the car completely stopped, the assistant opened the rear passenger door. A young man, in a tailored suit, stepped out. He had slick black hair and a stern look.

Mr. Rushford, who recognized his guest from the picture sent by his secretary, greeted exaggeratedly.

"Welcome to our office, Mr. Hardin." he smiled widely as he extended his hand to him. He felt his teeth would be so dry and his mouth torn apart.

The young man gave him an arrogant smirk and shook Mr. Rushford's hand.

"James Hardin."

*****

2 hours earlier that morning...

James at his hotel, preparing to visit his branch office that was doing business in the oil & gas industry. He visited to check and review its performance. Since the oil price was decreasing, a lot of oil companies would have to restructure or tighten their expenses.

James officially joined the corporation five years ago when he finished his MBA. He once joined in the investment company of the Hardin Corporation as the Operational Director, then his father trusted him to handle the holding company that manages in construction, property, and natural resources business. Hardin Resources & Construction.

James was the third generation of Hardin Corporation. His grandfather built the corporation from just an ordinary investment company. During that time, his grandfather not only did the business legally, but also most of them were illegal. However, because they had so many networking with the officers from the lowest to the highest position, they always freed from law enforcement. Although his grandfather built the corporation with cold-hearted, by his brilliant way to cover it, he had a good reputation among the country. They covered their sins by doing a lot of donation, they even had a fundraising company to hide their money laundering business.

James wore his favorite outfit, the three pieces suite, made by a well-known tailor that fit with his sturdy posture. His dark hair neatly trimmed. He checked his jawline, ensuring it already clean-shaven. Those dark eyes looked like a stormy night stared at him, observing if there any imperfection on his boldface. He chose a watch from the box. A cold breeze of the stainless steel stung her wrist. He had a lot of watches that the price tag made you wanted to cry. He checked the time, his car must be ready in a few minutes.