CHAPTER 1
Alexander
My fingers tracethe cool surface of the floor-to-ceiling window in my office, a barrier between me and the bustling world below. The pulse of New York City reverberates through the glass, and I revel in the commanding view from my skyscraper perch. Tiny figures dart about like ants, their lives unfolding on the streets far beneath. The city sprawls before me, a patchwork of dreams and aspirations.
As the sunlight casts elongated shadows of neighboring buildings, a silent reminder of my journey emerges. I make a conscious effort not to linger in anyone's shadow. This office, my sanctuary in the sky, was designed to exist boldly, never yielding to the overshadowing presence of its counterparts. Wealth has given me a chance to mold reality according to my desires, and I made it clear that I would not be eclipsed.
The architects danced to the tune of my vision, crafting a space that embodies the essence of my ambitions. Here, amidst the clouds and steel, I stand untethered, a testament to the audacity that comes with wealth. There's satisfaction in knowing that theworld may scurry at my whims, but in this towering realm, I am the architect of my own destiny. It has always been that way.
I've faced my fair share of challenges in life, but I've never given up on striving for success. It took a lot of hard work to climb the ladder of success, and I'm determined to hold onto my position at the top.
My first acquisition came right after college. A friend's father was about to lose his small garage due to local thugs trying to sabotage his business. I had to sell some personal belongings, including my beloved motorbike, to afford buying the business from him. Dealing with the thugs wasn't easy, but growing up on the rough side of town gave me some street smarts. Looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I ever made; within a year, I sold the business for four times what I paid for it. That's when I caught the "acquisitions and mergers" bug, and now people come to me for help with their business deals. But they also shake in fear when they see me coming.
The phone on my desk beeps incessantly, interrupting my concentration. With an exasperated sigh, I push away from the window and walk over to press the button. "Yes?" I answer gruffly.
"Mr. Hartfield, I have Sereny Fletcher on the line," Bianca's frazzled voice tells me. "She wants to confirm the details for the art project you're hosting."
I roll my eyes. Sereny can be difficult to deal with, and it seems like she has already chewed up poor Bianca on the phone. I don't have much patience for her antics at the moment.
"Can you not confirm those details with her, Bianca?" I ask, trying to keep my tone calm.
Bianca is a great assistant—she's been with me for years and knows how I operate. I trust her to handle these situations, especially when dealing with someone like Sereny.
Bianca's voice crackles through the intercom, her tone urgent and slightly exasperated. "Mr. Hartfield, I've already given her all the necessary information, but she insists on speaking with you," she said. "Just a warning though, I heard she's on the hunt for husband number four."
My lips twitch in a small smile as I reply, "Thank you for the warning, Bianca. Please put her through." I reply politely before picking up the phone to address Sereny Fletcher.
The phone clicks and lets me know that Sereny is on the line. "Ms. Fletcher, how can I help you? I believe Bianca has already confirmed everything with you."
"Alexander..."
"Mr. Hartfield." I take a seat; I feel like I’ll need to be sitting for this conversation.
"Sorry, Mr. Hartfield. I need to confirm your attendance at the art project's opening night. Some of the artists are anxious to meet you," she says with a hint of panic in her voice.
"I'll be there, but make sure those artists know that I won't be buying anything out of obligation. I only purchase pieces that truly speak to me, and unfortunately, that's not often found at these types of events," I reply coolly. "The building where we're holding this event is my newest acquisition, and displaying local artwork is the perfect way to showcase its beauty. And just to confirm, all the artists are local, correct?"
She takes a shaky breath before responding. Before she can say anything else, I cut in with a sharp tone. "Let's not forget our agreement—only local, undiscovered artists are allowed. No big names stealing the spotlight. It's non-negotiable." My eyes scan the stunning view from the sixty-third floor, trying to calm my nerves. It's absurd how being so high up makes me feel grounded.
"Yes, of course, Mr. Hartfield," she stammers. "I did receive an inquiry from a well-known artist wanting to exhibit at our event, but I turned them down immediately."
My jaw tightens as I force a smile onto my face.
I know that she is now scrambling to find that artist's number so that she can call them right after our call and tell them there is no space, or whatever bullshit excuse she wants to come up with.
"I expect you've got everything prepared and that I'm not needed for anything until the night, right?" I press her again. I like to hear her squirm.
"Absolutely, we just want to make the exhibit a success and we look forward to seeing you again at the event."
"Perfect, then I will see you in a couple of days and I hope that everything runs smoothly, Ms. Fletcher. This could be the beginning of a great business relationship, or it could be the end of one too. Good day." I hang up. I don't have anything else to say to her. It has all been arranged and I don't need to do anything except turn up. That’s why I hired Ms. Fletcher.
Bianca needs to do things for the event, like send out invites to our business contacts because even though it's an art exhibition for local artists, it is also a chance for me to sell the office building it is being held in.
I press the button to call Bianca. "Mr. Hartfield," she says.
"Bianca, make sure you've invited the Treaswells to the art exhibition. I heard they are looking for new office premises."
"Already done. They are looking forward to attending. Everyone who needs to be there has been invited. Did Ms. Fletcher have anything else she needed to add that I couldn't help her with?" I know Bianca gets pissed off when people try to go over her head.
