Daddy James

Prologue : Picture of James

Prologue: Picture of James

Daniel Whilkes, barely out of his teens and already notorious for his ambitions, found himself stepping into the opulent headquarters of James Anderson, the American supermodel turned business mogul. The lobby buzzed with a vibrant energy, its atmosphere lightened by the sound of lively chatter and laughter that seemed to bounce off the maroon leather sofas and violet walls, reaching up to the high ceilings adorned with dazzling chandeliers. Magazines, their covers graced with impossibly perfect women, lay scattered on sleek glass coffee tables, while the walls boasted a gallery of seductive photographs, each encased in professional frames, adding a touch of elegance to the provocative.

As Daniel made his way through this testament to luxury, his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the architectural marvel in the center of the hall—a colossal aquarium that stretched from floor to ceiling. It was a living kaleidoscope, with hundreds of fish darting through the water, their vibrant hues adding a mesmerizing dynamism to the already stunning space.

The young man's forehead bore the marks of his anxiety, wrinkles forming as he navigated the lavish surroundings. Approaching the reception, he found himself face to face with a middle-aged woman, her presence commanding yet approachable. "Uh, hello," Daniel managed to utter, his voice betraying his nervousness as he glanced at his watch, as if time could excuse his tardiness.

The receptionist met his gaze, sizing him up with a swift, practiced look. "How can I serve you, sir?" she asked, her tone professional yet devoid of warmth.

"I'm Daniel, Daniel Whilkes..." he introduced himself, his voice trailing off slightly as he awaited her recognition.

"Oh, Mr. Wilkes," she replied, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise mixed with disapproval. "The boss has been waiting for you for the last fifteen minutes." Her words carried a hint of reprimand, making Daniel all the more aware of his misplaced confidence.

Daniel couldn't help but feel the weight of her gaze, judgmental and questioning. It was clear that the news of a special guest had conjured images far removed from the reality of an 18-year-old boy standing awkwardly before her. "The traffic on Dawson Street was awful," he offered weakly, his smile small and embarrassed, hoping to invoke some sympathy.

"Take the elevator straight to the third floor, once you're there, go straight, and the fifth door on the right is Mr. Anderson's office," she instructed, her interest visibly waning as she returned to her tasks.

Daniel nodded, a mix of gratitude and apprehension taking hold as he made his way to the elevator. Each step brought him closer to a meeting that would undoubtedly alter the course of his life, yet his heart raced for reasons far removed from the excitement of planning a birthday party for Sarah. Unbeknownst to him, the encounter with James Anderson would be anything but celebratory.

 As Daniel stepped into the opulent office, the rich blend of stunningly beautiful interiors and the warm glow of old wood furniture immediately captured his attention, leaving him momentarily awestruck. The elegance of the space contrasted sharply with the turmoil of unanswerable questions swirling in his mind about James Anderson. With a push of a button, he summoned the elevator, and as the doors snapped shut in the blink of an eye, his thoughts raced.

How had James climbed to such dizzying heights of success? Merely five years ago, James was universally recognized as a failed model, his career seemingly doomed after a highly publicized outburst against the winner of the "Super Model" contest on national television. Yet, here he was, a mere half-decade later, at the helm of America's premier advertising agency and counted among the country's top supermodels. Daniel's mind, which he ruefully acknowledged might not be the sharpest, struggled to piece together the puzzle of James's meteoric rise. Surely, luck alone couldn't account for such a transformation.