The forgotten groom

Chapter 20

After a much needed break, I'm slowly easing back into updating...thank you for being patient.

Nik(mostly unedited)

I left in a daze after last night. Kissing Max was everything. I couldn't stop thinking about him this morning. I wanted to see his face this morning but I had to content myself with a glimpse of him this morning. He was sleeping peacefully and I couldn't summon the courage to wake him up. I wrote him on a note and left it on his pillow.

I headed to my office to meet the lawyer. I had given him full access to call in all favors he could that people owed me. Going against Harold Demakide was a tricky business. On top of his vast business empire, his interests extended to shipping and the banking industry. He owned and was partner in many of the major banks here and internationally. It meant many companies relied on them for loans, bailouts, cash and many things. Few would risk going against the seasoned business man and business magnate.

But for Max's sake, I was going to. I had to find a way to get that farm away from him either face to face or shrewdly. That's what my lawyer was handling. A plan B.

I hurry to my desk and find him already waiting for me. I have to admit I was anxious. If this didn't go through, Max would be very hurt and I didn't want that to happen.
Looking at my lawyer's grim face. It couldn't be good news.

"What's on ground?" I sigh

"We underestimated the man. He didn't fall for any of the fake buyers we put up or ghost companies! He anticipated all our moves and even worse, the price of the farm has skyrocketed" he says apologetically.

"Put me through to him" I say burning with barely contained rage.

"Sir, I don't think..." The lawyer tries to protest

"Just do it!" I say as he quickly dials on his phone and hands it to me.

It only rings for a minute and then he picks it up.

"Nikolas Starlinksy, I've been expecting your call, nice maneuvers you tried but give me some credit" he says sounding pleased with himself

"Let's cut to the chase! You know why I'm calling" I say trying to control my temper

"Of course, How is Maxmillian Starlinksy or should I say Demakide?" He drowls

"Its none of your business what name Max goes by, What do you want? I won't let you take his house from him! I won't let you Harold! " I say heatedly

"What do I want? The money I've put on that house of course!" He replies

"What do you need more money for? Max is your grandson! Why would you do this?" I ask

"I have my reasons, you have twelve  hours!" he replies smugly

"I'll give you half of what you're asking for straight up!" I try to negotiate

"No! The full price !" He Says and hangs up

"Damn it!" I say tossing the phone on the couch

What to do? How can he ask for all those millions for that property? Twenty five million? That property was worth six hundred thousand!

"Check on my liquidation assets" I tell the lawyer

"Sir, I don't advise it, it won't look good to your investors if you start liquidating your assets out of nowhere! You know the repercussions! The investors smell any whiff of financial trouble and they will jump ship! You cant afford to slack Nik, not right now when you are on the brink of dominating the market..."He says