Chapter 2: The Man They Thought Was Worthless
"What's that supposed to mean?"" Adrian demanded.
Marcus didn't answer immediately.
He turned the first page, checking the signature at the bottom.
His assistant, Daniel Hayes, stood beside him with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Mr. Reed, would you prefer to discuss this privately?""
Marcus glanced at Sophia and Adrian.
"No. I think everyone should hear it.""
Sophia folded her arms.
"Marcus, whatever little business deal you've got going on, I really don't care.""
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"Little business deal?""
Adrian laughed again, although his eyes had become noticeably more cautious.
"Look, man, if you want to impress people, maybe start by buying a decent suit.""
Daniel's expression tightened.
"Sir, would you like me to explain who Mr. Reed is?""
Marcus lifted one hand.
"Not yet.""
He looked at Sophia.
"Do you remember the last time we visited your mother's apartment?""
Sophia frowned.
"Why are you bringing up my mother?""
"Because you told me you wanted to give her a better life. You said you wanted to buy her a house someday.""
Sophia sighed impatiently.
"That was before I graduated. People change.""
"I remember.""
Marcus looked down at the folder.
"After I sold my father's business, I didn't just walk away from the construction industry.""
Sophia shrugged.
"Congratulations.""
"I used part of the money to invest in a small equipment rental company.""
Adrian snorted.
"An equipment rental company? That's supposed to impress us?""
Marcus continued as if he hadn't heard him.
"At first, we had three trucks, six machines, and four employees. I worked every position myself. I repaired equipment, delivered materials, negotiated contracts, and drove trucks.""
He paused.
"Within two years, we had expanded into commercial construction supply and equipment leasing.""
Daniel nodded.
"Reed Industrial Holdings now operates in six states, Mr. Reed.""
Sophia's eyes briefly shifted toward him.
Marcus continued.
"Three years ago, I acquired two struggling regional suppliers. Last year, we purchased a commercial construction contractor that had been operating for almost forty years.""
Adrian smirked.
"Good for you. Still doesn't make you a billionaire.""
Daniel opened his mouth, but Marcus gestured for him to wait.
"No, it doesn't.""
He turned another page.
"But it does mean I own more than you might imagine.""
Sophia gave a dismissive laugh.
"Marcus, please. You spent seven years wearing those same ugly boots. Don't expect me to believe you secretly became some kind of millionaire.""
Marcus looked at her.
"Why would I tell you?""
Her expression changed.
"What?""
"You never asked about my work. Whenever I tried talking about business, you told me it was boring.""
Sophia opened her mouth but said nothing.
The truth was uncomfortable.
During the last year of their relationship, Sophia had stopped asking Marcus about his day. She was too busy attending networking events, visiting upscale restaurants, and cultivating friendships with people she believed could help her career.
Whenever Marcus called, she often let the phone ring.
When he visited, she complained that his work clothes smelled.
She had gradually begun introducing him as an old friend rather than her boyfriend.
And Marcus had noticed every change.
But he had continued hoping she would eventually remember the person who stood beside her before the degree, the designer clothes, and the expensive invitations.
Adrian stepped forward.
"Whatever you're trying to prove, it doesn't change anything. Sophia doesn't love you.""
Marcus nodded.
"That much is becoming clear.""
"Good. Then leave us alone.""
Marcus glanced at Daniel.
"Show him the second document.""
Daniel carefully opened the folder and removed a printed corporate agreement.
Adrian's eyebrows drew together.
"What is this?""
"An acquisition agreement," Daniel answered.
"Between whom?""
Daniel looked at Marcus.
"Reed Industrial Holdings and Mitchell Development Group.""
Adrian's face changed.
For the first time, he stopped smiling.
"Mitchell Development?""
"Yes.""
Adrian snatched the document.
His eyes moved quickly across the first page.
Then he turned to the signature page.
His father's name appeared beneath the company's seal.
Adrian looked up.
"That's impossible.""
Marcus remained calm.
"Is it?""
"My father would have told me.""
"Perhaps he hasn't had time.""
"You're lying.""
Daniel spoke carefully.
"The transaction was approved by the board yesterday. The final ownership transfer was executed this morning.""
Adrian stared at the paper.
Sophia looked between the two men.
"Adrian? What's happening?""
He ignored her.
"How much did you pay?""
Marcus adjusted his sleeve.
"That's a conversation for your father.""
"You can't buy my father's company!""
"Apparently, I can.""
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"You think you're clever because you bought a company? My father built that business from nothing!""
Marcus nodded.
"Then perhaps you should ask him why he was willing to sell it.""
Sophia stepped closer.
"Marcus, wait. Are you saying you own Adrian's father's company?""
"Part of a much larger group, yes.""
Her voice became softer.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
Marcus looked at her for a long moment.
"Would it have changed anything?""
She hesitated.
"Of course it would.""
"Really?""
Sophia forced a smile.
"Marcus, you know I always wanted you to succeed.""
He almost laughed.
"You told me I was embarrassing because I worked with my hands.""
"I was upset.""
"You said I wasn't good enough for you.""
"I didn't mean it like that.""
Adrian suddenly grabbed her wrist.
"Stop talking to him.""
Sophia pulled her hand away.
"Don't grab me.""
Adrian turned back toward Marcus.
"Listen carefully. Whatever happened with the acquisition, you stay away from my family.""
Marcus closed the folder.
"Your family is no longer my concern beyond the business transaction.""
He began to walk away.
But Adrian wasn't finished.
"You think this makes you better than me?""
Marcus stopped.
"No. I never needed to.""
Then he continued toward the parking lot.
Sophia watched him go, her expression shifting from irritation to uncertainty.
She had expected Marcus to beg.
She had expected tears, arguments, maybe even an embarrassing scene.
She hadn't expected him to walk away without asking for another chance.
Daniel followed him.
Behind them, Adrian pulled out his phone.
He dialed a number and pressed it against his ear.
"Dad, you need to explain something to me.""
There was a brief silence.
Then Adrian's face went pale.
"What do you mean he owns controlling shares?""
Sophia turned toward him.
"What did your father say?""
Adrian lowered his voice.
"He said the new owner wants to meet with me.""
"Why?""
Adrian looked toward the black sedan.
"Because apparently, I'm still listed as an executive candidate in the company restructuring.""
Sophia blinked.
"Isn't that good?""
Adrian swallowed.
"No.""
He looked at her.
"He's the man who decides whether I keep my position.""
May you like
And for the first time since the proposal, Sophia began to wonder whether rejecting Marcus had been the biggest mistake of her life.
But she had no idea that the acquisition was only the beginning.
