The Counterattack.

Richard's Pov.

Mr. Clifford slammed down the phone and glared at me, his face filled with anger.

My smirks widened. "Is that so? You mean you won't grant my request, What do you want from me?". I was taunted.

Mr. Clifford stood up, his hands clenched into fist. "I will not be blackmailed by you". He said, his voice low and dangerous.

"You think you can use this document to control us, but you're mistaken".

"Not really, sir, I don't want anyone to come in between me and Emily".

"Nothing will happen between you and your fiance".

"Then why force me into a contract marriage with your daughter?".

He glanced at Olivia and I. "We have enough evidence to discredit you and expose your true motives".

My expression faltered for a moment in which I truly gained composure not minding his threat.

"I remembered how I picked you up from the trenches and made you where you are today, just a favor from you is now an offense, turning me down and ready to face me in a battle".

"With due respect sir I'm not fighting or going against your demand, but…"

"But what?..He swiftly interrupted. "You think you can win this game?". He sneered. You have no idea of what you're up against".

"It hasn't gotten to these sir".

Mr. Clifford stepped closer to me, his eyes blazing with determination.

"I know exactly what I'm up against". He said. "A man who is desperate and willing to do anything to get what he wants. But you underestimate us".

He turned to Olivia. "Show him". Olivia nodded and handed Mr. Clifford another folder.

He opened it and pulled out several documents, spreading them across the desk.

"Where did you get those documents and folder sir?". I curiously asked.

"These are records of your dealings, Richard,". He said. "Your attempts to undermine our company, your backdoor negotiations, we have enough to bring you down".

My face pale as I scanned the documents. "You …you can't do this…this is not true". I stammered.

"I'm only fighting for the safety of my life and my fiance, she only gathered this evidence to protect her man".

"That's a smart move with a foolish decision". Mr. Clifford's voice was calm, but there was a steely edge to it".

"Your fiance has just landed you in a mess; she might bear the consequences if care is not taken". He said lighting his cigarettes.

"Please, don't hurt her, she's more important to me". I pleaded.

"We can and we will". He said. "Unless you back down and withdraw your threats. If you continue this path both of you will be the one facing these consequences".

My defiance wavered and crumbled. "What have I done to deserve this, what exactly do you want from me?". I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Clifford leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"I want you to leave your fiance and marry my daughter Olivia so as to secure a company with a billionaire dollar, is that a big deal for you".

"Yes it is, sir, because I will never leave my Emily for the sake of marrying your daughter. There are different men out there she can pick as her husband".

"You aren't getting the plan, you man".

"What plan? Do you mean everything is planned?".

"This is a business deal and a big opportunity for you and I. Richard, you're the only one suitable for this Job because you've been the one representing this company positively, that's why you're chosen".

"So you mean, this opportunity wasn't from you directly, and you want me to accept this offer so you can benefit from it?".

"Yes! Now you're getting the deal".

"Now, I understand, but it is a no for me!".

"If you let this opportunity pass us by I will make sure you regret this choice you made and you will have no place here anymore, Richard".

My eyes widened in shock. "This can't be sir, I've worked too hard to be cast aside like this".

Mr. Clifford's gaze was unwavering. "This is your only chance, consider the deal or face the consequences". He said.

I sat in silence for a moment, my mind clearly racing. Finally, I stood up, my shoulder slumping in defeat.

"Fine". I said with a resigned voice. "I'll go". I turned to leave, but Mr. Clifford stopped me.

"One more thing". He said. "If you try to

threaten my family again, I will destroy you, do you understand?".

I nodded with a pale face. "I understand". I muttered, and with that I walked out of his office.

The room was silent. I could Imagine how Mr. Clifford would have assured his daughter that everything had been settled.

As I left Mr. Clifford's office, the weight of the word seemed to settle on my shoulders.

The tension inside had been unbearable, and now that I was outside it was only slightly less suffocating.

I needed to clear my head. The betrayal, the threats and the looming uncertainty about what Mr. Clifford might do the next swirl in my mind.

I walked down the busy street, the sounds of the city a distant hum as I tried to make sense of my thoughts.

I felt a pang of guilt for dragging Emily into this mess.

She didn't deserve any of it. As I walked, I decided to head to a bar. I needed to drink something to dull the edge of my anxiety.

I pushed open the small door, dimly lit bar and made my way to the stool at the counter.

The bartender, a middle-aged man with a kind face, looked up and nodded.

"What'll it be?". He asked.

"Whiskey neat". I replied, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears.

As I waited for my drink, I glanced around the bar. It was mostly empty, a few patrons scattered at the table, lost in their own worlds.

The bartender placed the glass in front of me, and I took a long sip, feeling the warmth spread through my chest.

It was as if the world was against me, every step forward met with another obstacle.