As soon as Daniel said the words, Gray’s heart skipped a beat.
"They’re already waiting for you at the company now."
Gray’s brows twitched. He checked the time. 11:40. And their company? It was a solid thirty-minute drive away, even without traffic.
’Damn...’ why was it too sudden?
"Let’s go," Gray said quickly, already pulling open the car door and sliding into the seat. "And Daniel?"
"Yes, Sir?"
"Drive fast but not reckless."
Daniel nodded once and pulled into the road without hesitation.
The moment they went onto the main street, Gray leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the road but his mind was spinning. His fingers tapped restlessly on the armrest.
This was it.
John had made his decision.
And now they were waiting for him to hear it.
Gray let out a slow breath, trying to keep his thoughts in check. The meeting with John yesterday went well. It was better than he expected. But still, deals like this?
They weren’t over until papers were signed. He knew better than to count anything as a win too early.
Gray didn’t want to look too eager but he didn’t want to look too tense either.
’Keep it cool,’ he told himself. Just act calm.’ He repeatedly reminded himself.
More than 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at the company. Fortunately, there weren’t any traffic.
As Daniel pulled into the building’s main entrance, Gray sat up straighter and adjusted his blazer. He gave himself one last glance in the car mirror and nodded.
"Thanks, Daniel. I’ll message you once I’m going home."
"Yes, Sir."
Gray stepped out of the car and made his way into the lobby. His footsteps echoed slightly against the polished floors. The front desk staff gave him a nod, and without needing to ask, one of them called the elevator for him.
Gray was rushing. His steps were quicker than they used to be. And after a few more minutes, he arrived at their floor. The doors of the elevator opened with a soft ding and he walked again to his main office.
When he arrived, Gray immediately spotted them.
Marcus was waiting just inside his office. The two were talking over the side, seated at the small lounge set up that he had. Mugs were laid out on the table in front of them.
The moment Gray stepped inside, he immediately approached them with a polite nod.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said as he reached them. "I had a prior meeting this morning that ran longer than expected."
John chuckled lightly, brushing it off.
"No need to apologize, Gray. I understand that my presence was sudden. I was nearby for another appointment and figured I’d drop in rather than send an email for my decision."
"No problem, John. I appreciate your visit." Gray smiled at him. He gave Marcus a quick nod as he sat on his chair.
"Shall we?" He smiled at them as he gestured to the two seat in front of his table.
The three of them took their seats. John at one end and Marcus on the other side.
Gray kept his face calm as the two made themselves comfortable.
But inside?
His heart was beating out loud. Every breath he had felt heavier than usual.
John leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on the folder in front of him.
"Well," he began, "I’ll get straight to the point."
"Sure," Gray watched him closely.
"We reviewed everything. Cross-checked the numbers, projections, and service reports. My team had questions, but your proposal held up."
Gray didn’t speak. He just nodded slowly, listening to every word that John was saying.
"And so," John continued, "we’re moving forward with the revised agreement."
Gray’s jaw tensed briefly. For a moment, his breathing hitched, but he quickly recovered from it.
’I got it!’ He exclaimed loudly in his mind.
The corner of Gray’s lips slowly rose to the side.
"I’m glad to hear that." He uttered, showing that he was happy, but making it not that obvious.
John pulled out a folder from his briefcase and opened it.
"Here’s the updated contract. It was just like what we agreed upon. The price adjustments are already reflected there. The bundled product changes are also included. Logistics team will be updated to match your next cycle."
"Thank you," Gray quickly took the contract. He read the clauses that he needed to. John gave him enough time to finish.
’It seemed like everything was there,’ Gray uttered in his mind as the smile on his lips widened even more.
"Everything is clear." Gray eyed John quickly. "I think we can move forward with the signing of this.
John smiled at his response.
"Great. Let’s proceed with the signing then."
Gray gave a small nod. "Perfect."
He quickly reached for the pen on his desk, uncapped it, and signed his name neatly across the bottom of the agreement. There was a small but satisfying sound as the pen glided over the paper.
Finally, their deal was done.
On the side, Marcus, who had remained silent for most of the exchange, leaned slightly forward to glance at the page. There was no expression on his face, but Gray knew Marcus was paying close attention to them.
After Gray, John signed his side next, his pen looping over the line with practiced ease. Afterward, he flipped the folder closed and slid one copy over to Marcus.
"That’s done, then," John said, sitting back with a relaxed breath. "We’ll send a digital copy to your office by the end of the day, and you should expect the updated shipment schedule by early next week."
"Sounds good," Gray replied. "We’ll be ready."
John glanced toward Marcus, then back at Gray.
"I look forward to this partnership," he said with a nod. "I think we’re off to a strong start."
Gray’s expression eased just a little more. "Yes," he replied. "So do I."
For the first time since stepping into the room, the tension in Gray’s chest finally eased.
’Now, the only thing left to do for today is get that condo.’