The Chairman's Proposal PT.2

"So let me get this straight," Travis began between bites of his lunch, his voice filled with disbelief. "I risked my life for a test that I thought was going to be on paper, and the woman I saved wasn't even in any real danger?"

"Pretty much," Fred said, casually stuffing his mouth with scrambled eggs. "It was all a setup."

Travis stared at him, still trying to wrap his head around what had happened the night before. The adrenaline from the fire, the intruders, the fight—all of it had felt so real. But now, in the calm light of day, he realized it had been nothing more than an elaborate test orchestrated by the estate's security team.

"You know," Jeremy added, "your test might be the most intense one I've ever heard of for a guard here. Setting a whole building on fire? Fighting off intruders? Yeah, that's next level."

Travis, mid-bite, choked slightly on his rice. "Wait, seriously?"

"Yep," Jeremy replied, nodding sagely. "Most of us had tests that were more about endurance and strategy, not actual combat."

"Yeah," Fred chimed in, gesturing with his chopsticks. "For our tests, we had to run about fifty laps around the compound while answering questions. It was hell on earth, I tell you. Pure hell."

"But you?" Tim said with a grin. "You fought off three intruders, rescued someone from a fire, and came out of it looking like a damn hero. We should start calling you 'Hero Travis.'"

The guys laughed, and despite himself, Travis cracked a smile. It was absurd, the whole thing. Yet somehow, it made sense in the context of everything he'd experienced since joining the Harrington estate.

Still, there was one thing weighing heavily on Travis's mind—the Chairman's offer. He'd been thinking about it since their conversation the day before, and though he hadn't made up his mind, the weight of the decision pressed on him. If he agreed to mentor and reform Amanda, the chairman had promised to grant him any wish he desired. It was a tempting offer, but the challenge of reforming Amanda seemed almost impossible.

"Hey guys," Travis said, breaking the banter. "What would you ask for if the Chairman offered you anything you wanted?"

Jeremy's eyes narrowed, ever perceptive. "That's a pretty specific question, rookie. Did the Chairman make you that kind of offer?"

Travis quickly shook his head, trying to cover his tracks. "No, no, I was just thinking… After everything last night, maybe I deserve a reward. I did save someone, after all."

"You overthink things, Jeremy," Fred said, grinning. "We know the Chairman likes Travis, but I doubt he'd offer him something that extreme. What if Travis asked for the entire company? The old man would be in trouble."

Travis felt a wave of relief as Fred took the conversation in a more humorous direction. He didn't want to reveal the truth of the Chairman's offer just yet. He was still trying to figure out how he felt about it himself.

"I guess you're right," Jeremy said, dropping the subject. "But if I had to ask for something, I'd ask the Chairman to buy me an Island. Somewhere peaceful, far away from all this. I'd live out the rest of my days in luxury with no worries."

"Wow," Tim said, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Who knew you had such wild dreams, Jeremy? I always thought you were so serious."

"It's not a dream," Jeremy replied with a straight face. "It's a goal."

"Well," Fred said, cutting in, "if it were me, I'd ask the Chairman to buy out a small company in my hometown. I'd move back to Louisiana, marry a nice girl, and live a nice, quiet life."

Tim burst into laughter. "Man, you guys are boring. If it were me, I'd ask for a condo in New York or London, maybe a huge penthouse. I'd get enough money to invest in some hot startups, then party all night and live the high life."

"You're still young," Fred said, shaking his head. "One day you'll realize there's more to life than partying. Enjoy it while you can, though."

Jeremy nodded. "Yeah, you won't stay young forever, Tim. You should set more realistic goals."

"But mine is realistic!" Tim protested. "I'm just planning to enjoy my youth."

Their playful argument filled the dining hall, and Travis found himself smiling despite his own internal conflict. Watching them banter reminded him of his brothers back at Monetary. They would have similar debates about their futures, each of them dreaming of the day they would leave the mountains and see the world. Those memories kept him grounded, especially in moments like this when everything felt so uncertain.

Still, their conversation had sparked something in him. He realized that everyone had their own desires—something that drove them, something they were willing to work toward. For Jeremy, it was peace and solitude on a distant Amandand. For Fred, it was family and stability. For Tim, it was the thrill of youth and success.

But what did he want? What was the one thing that would make this journey worth it?

As the thought weighed on him, Penelope appeared at the table, carrying her lunch tray. "What are you guys talking about?"

"We were just discussing what we'd ask for if the Chairman offered us anything we wanted," Tim explained.

Penelope arched an eyebrow and turned her gaze to Travis, who immediately pretended to be focused on his food. "Is that so?" she asked, her tone teasing. "And who started this conversation, hmm?"

"Not me!" Tim said quickly. "Travis just thought he deserved a reward for surviving his test last night."

Penelope smiled, though her eyes lingered on Travis, clearly not buying his attempt to avoid the subject. "Well," she said, turning back to Tim, "if I could ask for anything, I'd definitely go the 'Crazy Rich Asians' route. Money looks good on me."

The table erupted into laughter, and the conversation continued. Travis, however, was grateful for the momentary distraction. He knew Penelope would press him for answers later, but for now, he could focus on the decision ahead.

As if on cue, a guard approached the table, looking for Travis. "The Chairman wants to see you," the guard said, his tone formal. Travis nodded and stood, excusing himself from the table. He could feel Penelope's eyes on him as he walked away, and he knew he'd have to tell her everything eventually.

The walk to the chairman's office felt longer than usual. The weight of the impending conversation made every step feel heavier, and though he still hadn't made up his mind, Travis knew that today, he would have to give the Chairman an answer.

When he arrived at the office, the guards outside nodded in acknowledgment and opened the door. Gregory sat behind his large desk, looking as composed as ever. His expression brightened when he saw Travis enter.

"Ah, Travis!" Gregory greeted warmly. "Come in, come in. Have a seat."

Travis bowed and sat down, his nerves still on edge. The Chairman's office was always kept dim, with thick curtains drawn over the windows, creating a dark and almost oppressive atmosphere. The air felt warmer than usual, and Travis could feel the tension mounting as Gregory watched him closely.

"How are you feeling?" Gregory asked, leaning forward slightly. "I heard about your test this morning. I have to admit, I was a bit worried when I woke up and learned about the fire. I didn't want you ending up in the hospital again."

Travis gave a small smile, though it felt more like a grimace. "I'm fine, sir. Just a little tired."

"Good, good," Gregory said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm glad to hear it." He gestured to the black box on the table between them. "Now, about this… Since you turned down my apology gift last time, I thought I'd offer it to you again, but this time as a congratulation for passing your test."

Travis's eyes flicked to the box. He recognized it immediately—the same watch Gregory had tried to give him before. This time, however, Travis knew there was no avoiding it. The Chairman was determined, and after everything that had happened, Travis had no choice but to accept.

He stood and bowed deeply before picking up the box. "Thank you, sir," he said, his voice sincere.

Gregory's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "That's a good boy," he said, his tone almost paternal. "Now, down to business."

Travis's pulse quickened as Gregory's expression turned serious. This was the moment he'd been dreading. The Chairman wanted his answer.

"I gave you an offer yesterday," Gregory said, his voice low and deliberate. "And although I understand you didn't have much time to think it over, I need an answer today."

Travis nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He had spent the last day dragging with his decision, trying to weigh the pros and cons. Working with Amanda would be difficult—perhaps the most challenging task he'd ever undertaken. But the reward… the reward could change his life.

"I…" Travis hesitated, his mind racing. Then, slowly, he looked up and met Gregory's gaze. "I will do as you ask, sir. But I have one condition."

Gregory's eyebrows rose, intrigued. "Go on."

"I need the freedom to handle your daughter however I see fit," Travis said carefully. "That means, no matter what happens, I need to be able to discipline her if necessary."

Gregory's expression darkened for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he considered the request. But then, after a long pause, he nodded. "Agreed. As long as you don't cross any lines, I'll give you full authority over Amanda's behaviour."

Travis stood, relieved that the Chairman had understood his intentions. But then, Gregory reached for a pair of documents on his desk, placing them in front of Travis along with two pens.

"Let's put it in writing," Gregory said, his voice almost too calm. "And to make things interesting, why not add consequences? If either of us breaks our part of the deal, there will be penalties."

Travis stared at the papers in shock. Did Gregory really want to formalize this agreement? It seemed excessive, but then again, everything about this estate was larger than life.

In silence, they drafted their terms. Travis's hands trembled slightly as he wrote, but he kept his focus. After they had both finished, they exchanged documents and read them aloud. Satisfied with the terms, they signed and stamped the papers.

Gregory called for one of the guards to take the documents and make official copies. "You'll receive your copy later today," Gregory said, smiling again as he extended his hand to Travis.

Travis took it, shaking firmly.

"Deal."