The Royal Contract

On the other side of the city, in one of the tallest buildings in the center of the business district, seated on his chair was the self-proclaimed King of his business empire.

All-day, he had made millions from one meeting to another, but that did not concern him. He did not feel any satisfaction with it. It was not what had him excited about his next meeting. At this moment, his mind was more preoccupied with something more important and far more intriguing.

He had sent his topnotch investigators to provide him with substantial information about the man he wanted to be investigated, but all of them failed, except for this one.

"Sir, Mr. Stockholm is here." His secretary informed him.

"Send him in." He instructed as he set aside the papers in front of him and waited for the man who was providing him with valuable information.

"Good morning, Mr. Hamilton." The man who just entered greeted him, standing straight in front of his desk.

"Do sit down? Did you have what I asked for?" He probed with his no-nonsense attitude.

He was a man who valued every second of his time. Every decision he made was not done lightly but was carefully formulated with the necessary information and well-thought plans.

He was a man who took everything that he needed and never apologized for it. He did what he thought was necessary to get the job done with no exception and no excuses.

"Yes, of course. As I promised earlier over the phone, I uncovered something very valuable." Mr. Stockholm said proudly.

He knew this discovery would be worth a big amount. Dealing with a ruthless man like Mr. Hamilton was difficult but providing him with precious information was quite rewarding. He had worked under the man for ten years now and he never failed to repay his well-done job.

He handed him the folder containing all the data he had collected about the subject Mr. Hamilton had him investigated.

"Is this all the information you gathered?" Mr. Hamilton opened the file when the man nodded.

He started skimming on each page, gathering the initial facts he needed to analyze. He could review it later, but he sought something that would spike his interest. Something that would make this mysterious man valuable to him.

Then, as he skimmed through the rest of the page, he knew he found what he was seeking. He gave the man a satisfied smile that, in return, also brought a huge grin to his face. The detective already knew that he was getting paid with a huge bonus.

"This is good. Are you sure all of this is accurate?" He verified but knowing the man in front of him, he was always had been reliable. He never let him down before.

If all this data were true, then he might have just stumbled on a pot of gold. If he played his cards right, he might just have found the answer to his problem. The future of his legacy would be secured.

"I am. I already made a thorough background check on this information. It was not easy because they made sure to bury or erase all the things that could lead to his real identity." Mr. Stockholm assured him.

He placed the folder inside his drawer and faced his best investigator. "As always, you never failed to provide what I required of you."

He took a check and wrote what he thought he deserved for his hard work. He handed the piece of paper to the man. "I think you deserve this."

The man took the check with a wide smile. When he looked at the check, he knew it was all worth what he went through to get those data. Because his effort was well rewarded.

When his investigator had left, he called his most trusted friend and assistant who handled almost all of his personal affairs.

"Ethan, you had called for me." The man who just entered his office inquired.

"Vincent, I have a new assignment for you." He started instructing him of what he wanted to be done. "But I want this done quietly."

"No problem. What is this about?" He asked curiously as to what the secrecy was all about.

"You will soon find out." He told him as he held his chin in his hands. "Get me a meeting with the Duke of Blackstone House as soon as can be arranged." He ordered him as he sat comfortably on his seat. Already planning what was soon to happen.

If all the information that his investigator provided him was correct, then this would be a very interesting week for him. Now, he could not wait to get to know more about this man his daughter was dating. Should he welcome him to the family? That would be quite interesting.

Going back to the other two who had no clue of what was already going underway behind their back. They just got out of the elevator and were on their way to his car.

"Where are you taking me?" She asked but the only answer she got was a boyish smile as he assisted her inside his car.

When he was seated in the driver's seat, he finally answered her. "I learned that this place used to be your favorite."

"How can you possibly know what I want and my favorites?" She questioned him, not believing his words.

"I have my sources." He simply said as he started driving to the busy street towards the restaurant where they would be discussing his proposal.

"Jacky and her big mouth." She muttered to herself. She made a mental note to remind her friend to stop giving information about her to strangers.

They stayed in silence until they reached their destination. Both were anxious about what would happen next. He wanted badly to know if she would agree to him, while she was still debating whether to accept the contract or abandon him completely.

While they were having their internal dilemma, both of them never had a clue that their future was already set. Somebody else was already planning the wedding of the century.