Ricky was moving out of the apartment he rented with his secretary,Chang Ping. He had to make things right so that the landlady won't spill anything paradventure he was investigated somehow by Maxwell. The landlady was furious as to how he'll be moving out so soon when he only rented for a month plus.
"Youths these days moving in and out like stray cats. You young folks. Only someone like me would put up with this,anyone else would have kicked you out" The elderly woman lamented but Ricky's eyes were glued to his phone,he paid her no attention.
He sent a voice note to Maxwell."I shouldn't let Mr Kant drive out of his way to pick me up. I'll take the subway back. See you soon" He smiled.
The landlady got angry, he was making voice notes when she was talking to him. "Your neighbor said you come back at odd hours and several rich Alphas drop you off and pick you up"
Ricky sighed getting tired of the nagging.
"Listen Ricky, you're young. Don't go down the wrong path. Physical attractiveness doesn't justify repeatedly enticing Alphas"
"Excuse me. Is the handover done?" Ricky asked nonchalantly.
"Hey, what's with the attitude?" The landlady said.
Ricky moved away from her and said. "Noisy"
The woman moved over to him in anger but was stopped by Chang who had been quietly watching the drama. "Huh? Who are you calling noisy. Your grandmother? You are ignoring me while playing on your phone"
Chang held her in place and brought a cheque and a fountain pen. "Input the number and shut your mouth" She accepted it from him. "If you take the money and can't still keep quiet,I'll make sure you disappear for good" Chang Ping threatened.
*********
Maxwell led Ricky into the apartment. Ricky almost tripped at the door making Maxwell shake his head at such clumsiness. He patted Ricky's back lovingly. He then helped him with his luggage as he showed him around the house. Ricky walked slowly as he admired the interior decorations. Maxwell sat down and watched him look around.
"Well,its late. I gotta go" Maxwell said.
"Mr Kant" Ricky called softly. "Isn't this place too big?"
Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "Most people complain about small places. Don't tell me you're complaining the room's too big"
"I think, the monthly rent is more than thirty thousand" Ricky said.
"Don't worry about it. Its vacant anyway" Maxwell assured him.
Ricky nodded. "Thank you Mr Kant"
"Stop saying that,I get tired of hearing it. Maxwell said reaching over to touch Ricky's head but he dodged Maxwell's hand. Maxwell dropped his hand slowly by his side "Well, get some rest. I'm leaving"
Ricky nodded smiling faintly. "Goodnight Mr Kant"
Maxwell left the apartment.
Ricky looked around and saw a picture of Maxwell which he had a copy of. He carried the frame smiling softly at the picture.
Late that night Peem gave him a call.
"What? Why should I go to that banquet? The new country P Chamber of Commerce chairman. What has that got to do with me?"
He listened for a while. "Fine,make sure to seat me,you and Maxwell at the same table. Understood"
*********
The next night at the said banquet. Maxwell was present with Edwin and Abby. They were received by the host of the banquet.
"Mr Kant"
"Chairman Kyle"
They shook hands.
"You're welcome" Chairman Kyle who was the new chairman of the chamber of commerce said. "You're the most successful second generation successor in Country P"
Maxwell looked down smiling at been flattered so easily.
"I've wanted to acquaint with you for ages" The man continued.
"You flatter me,Chairman Kyle" Maxwell said. "You are a legend in Country P business circle. My father often spoke of learning from your expertise. No force could prevent my attendance at your ascension ceremony" Maxwell said
"Thank you,thank you" The chairman beamed.
At the far end of the conference room sat Raymond,Maxwell's friend,the owner of Pentagon. Peem and Ricky. It was funny how the three had to sit together but then Ricky had commanded Peem to arrange that.
"Secretary Brown. I didn't expect to see you here" Raymond said but Ricky gave no response,he was back to acting timid.
Peem looked between Ricky and Raymond. "Oh?,you know each other?" Peem asked mockingly.
"Yeah, Maxwell brought Secretary Brown to a friends party before. That's how I know him" Raymond replied.
Peem also commenced his acting mood by sounding as arrogant as possible. "Secretary Brown has a busy social life"
Ricky looked at him innocently.
"Your social calendar" Peem continued. "Accommodates our rivals remarkably well.
"No,Mr Ronalds. I didn't say anything to Mr Kant especially about our work" Ricky explained his voice quietly low. "Its-its because he helped me the last time--"
"No need to explain" Peem interrupted raising his hand and pretending to be annoyed.
"Oops. Its my mistake. Allow me to toast to my oversight" Raymond said and then drank his glass of wine as punishment.
Maxwell who had watched what happened from afar walked over with Abby to sit."Don't worry Mr Ronald" He dropped his glass of wine on the table. "Its our private time.We met privately,it had nothing to do with your business. However,if you're still concerned" He leaned forward. "Feel free to fire Secretary Brown"
Ricky looked at Maxwell worriedly.
"My company is always hiring" Maxwell smirked.
"Mr Kant" Ricky's voice shook.
"You flatter me" Peem said. You're already surrounded by such capable people like your efficient Secretary Nicolas and a beautiful Omega companion like this young lady" He nodded at Abby. I'm sure you don't need someone like Ricky Brown around. I suppose Secretary Brown would be more useful stay at KB"
Abby looked at Ricky thinking; so that's the Ricky Brown,he looks even better in person than in photos. No wonder Maxwell's always checking his moments.
"Hello everyone" Chairman Kyle joined them. "Mr Ronald,thank you for coming tonight"
Peem nodded at him.
"Let's have a drink"
"Apologies Chairman Kyle. I've caught a bit of cold,so I can't drink" Peem glanced menacingly at Ricky. "This is my Secretary,Ricky Brown,he'll drink on my behalf tonight"
Maxwell's face darkened.
Ricky immediately stood up. "I'm sorry Chairman Kyle,Mr Ronald isn't feeling well today"
"Its alright" Chairman Kyle said. "Though as the junior and subordinate,your two drinks shall count as one of my mine"
Ricky picked up the wine clicking the glass to Kyle's while Maxwell watched with concern as he drank. After a few cups,Ricky was drunk. Peem rubbed at Ricky's back making Maxwell click his tongue on his teeth.
"I have something else to take care of,you can head back on your own" Maxwell whispered to Abby beside him.
Just then Fadel walked over whispering to Peem. "Mr Ronald do you need me to take you home later?"
"No need,you go ahead" Peem replied."I'll take Secretary Brown home myself"
Fadel nodded hiding his displeasure.
Peem held the drunk Ricky and said. "Guys. I have something else to attend to so I'll head out now. Let's meet some other times" He held up Ricky whose face was red from the wine,holding him by the waist he lifted him up carrying him away.
That gesture pissed Maxwell off. Shouldn't he be the one carrying Ricky like this. He was unreasonablely jealous his eyes red with rage as he stood up wanting to collect Ricky from Peem. He was stopped by Kyle who brought Chang Ping over to them.
"Secretary Chang,this is Maxwell Kant from Kant Pharmaceutical and Mr Kant this is the well known Chang Ping. He is a rare guest in the social circle in the state. Secretary Chang here manages the Chairman's office at X holdings. He is second to none. Eh,he just told me he wanted to meet you. So of course,I brought him over immediately. You two are in the same field so there's a lot to discuss" The chairman explained.
Maxwell's eyes still followed the direction where Peem had taken Ricky. He forced himself to look away. Then stretched his hand to shake Chang Ping. "Nice to meet you Secretary Chang"
"Nice to meet you too,Mr Kant"
After the exchange Maxwell went out dialing Ricky's number,he was sick with worry. The number wasn't going through. He then remembered the position he had met Ricky with Peem in his office, his mind raced through countless thoughts of what Peem might do to Ricky in his drunken state.