Norman at their usual spot, then stop by the office to check on how things had been faring since morning.
His plans, however, had been completely upended by the message he had received from Mr.
Norman.
Mr.
Clyde has already pulled out the funds he invested in the business.
He says he has no plans of waiting until the business finally crumbles to the ground.
Also, Mr.
Smith is on his way to your place to discuss some issues.
He probably wants to pull out his funds as well.
I asked him to wait so I could set an appointment, but he says that’s irrelevant because the issue at hand involves his money as well.
And I hope you have found another place for the woman and her kids.
That was the message that had drained the colour from Dorian’s face.
‘What happened?’ Brielle asked, her concern evident.
‘Well, I… apparently have an appointment,’ he struggled to say.
‘Now?’ she asked.
‘Didn’t you just say we were going out?’ ‘I was planning on it, but Mr.
Norman just informed me that one of our investors is headed here.
I believe he’ll be here in a few minutes.’ ‘That’s okay.
But why do you seem so worried?
You can have your meeting.
Going out later won’t be a bother to me.’ ‘You don’t understand, Brielle.’ Dorian rose to his feet, standing directly in front of her.
‘Mr.
Smith is a stern and uncompromising businessman.
Once he sets his mind on something, he never rescinds his decision, no matter what.
And I’m certain he’s coming here to tell me he’s no longer investing in the company.’ He paused, his expression darkening.
‘One of them has already pulled out his funds.
That alone has left a dent we haven’t been able to fill.
If Mr.
Smith pulls his investment as well, it will leave a yawning chasm that will take more than a few investors to fill.’ Although Brielle had little knowledge of the business world, she could clearly see the dire predicament the company would face if everything Dorian feared became a reality.
‘I know I don’t understand much about these things,’ she said gently, ‘but I’ll try to help in any way I can.’ Dorian’s expression softened slightly.
He couldn’t explain what it was, but the trust in Brielle’s voice gave him something he desperately needed at that moment—a small sense of hope.
Their brief moment was interrupted when one of the workers appeared at the entrance.
‘Sir, Mr.
Smith has arrived.’ Dorian’s expression hardened.
‘I’ll go and see him.’ He moved toward the entrance, leaving Brielle behind.
She had no idea how to help.
Back home, she had helped resolve countless problems in the town without ever needing anyone to tell her what to do.
But here, she felt lost in a world she barely understood.
Still, curiosity got the better of her.
Instead of returning to her room, she decided to find out more about the company, its investors, and the problems Dorian was facing.
By the time she reached the hallway, Dorian had already met with Mr.
Smith.
He escorted the older man into his office and sent for refreshments before taking his seat.
He barely had time to settle before Mr.
Smith spoke.
‘I’m not interested in pleasantries.’ Dorian looked up.
‘I’m considering withdrawing my funds from the company.’ The words struck Dorian like a physical blow.
He had hoped the few minutes before Mr.
Smith arrived would give him enough time to think of a convincing proposal—something strong enough to make the man reconsider.
But Mr.
Smith, as usual, had no time for such formalities.
‘The company is failing terribly,’ he continued.
‘The charts clearly show that each day’s loss is greater than the previous one.
I cannot afford to keep losing money on something that offers me no benefit.’ ‘But, Mr.
Smith—’ ‘No.’ Mr.
Smith raised a hand, cutting him off.
‘I should have withdrawn my funds long ago, but I decided to give you time to prove that you could turn things around.
I have given you enough time, Mr.
Wolfe, and you have done nothing to convince me that things will improve.’ Dorian swallowed hard.
‘I heard Mr.
Clyde has already withdrawn his investment.
I decided it was only proper to make my decision known to you in person.
My assistant will be at your office tomorrow morning to complete the necessary paperwork.’ He rose from his seat.
‘Good day, Mr.
Wolfe.’ Dorian remained frozen as Mr.
Smith turned toward the door.
It was over.
At least, that was what Dorian believed.
He could already feel everything he had worked for slipping through his fingers.
One investor had already abandoned the company, and now another was following.
He had no idea how he would survive the blow.
What he hadn’t realized was that he already had a trump card in his own house.
‘What if we promise you that you won’t lose your money, but instead gain far more than you invested?’ The voice came from the doorway, carrying an unwavering conviction that brought Mr.
Smith to an abrupt halt.
Dorian’s eyes widened.
Slowly, he turned toward the door.