The air in the Wellington software design company was thick with an uneasy tension. Damien, punctual as always, found himself in an unexpected reunion. After signing the contract with Sam and answering all the questions from the reporters present, he headed back to his company. But as he stepped out of the elevator, he saw Sam Wellington's father, Thomas, a man usually known for his stern demeanour, laughing heartily with his daughter, Penelope.
"Ah, Damien! Just the man I wanted to see," Thomas boomed, his smile wide. "Congratulations on joining hands with our company in building a brighter future in AI."
Damien shook his hand. "Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of it. My newly founded company and I have a lot to learn from a veteran like you."
"Who else would I give this opportunity to if not you?" said Thomas, as if he were the man in charge of the project and not his son, Sam. It was clear that Thomas was the one who liked to brag and take other people's merit. "Besides, your grandfather created an empire, and you lifted it up by founding several companies in different sectors; you have my admiration," Thomas continued.
Damien: "I didn't know you've paid attention to what I've been doing over the years."
Thomas: "You left me no choice. I'll pay even more attention in the future. After all, our families' futures are intertwined now."
Thinking that Thomas was referring to the collaboration between their two companies, Damien simply smiled and nodded. But Thomas was transparently pushing his daughter Penelope onto Damien, his real goal being to secure an ally for a future power move against his son, Sam.
Thomas: "Penelope and I were just heading to lunch. You must join us. Let's celebrate this grand achievement," Thomas then added.
Sam appeared behind Damien and said, "That's such a wonderful idea, and since I have nothing better to do at the moment, I might as well join you." Thomas rolled his eyes at his son subtly, and Sam, clearly entertained by the situation, smugly led the way.
Damien wanted to decline, but Penelope, with a graceful but firm grip, took his arm and guided him toward a restaurant across the street. He had no choice but to comply.
During the meal, Penelope's smiles were constant, while Thomas's questions probed Damien's personal life, steering the conversation toward marriage. Sam felt awkward on Damien's behalf and picked at his food, having only come for the show and to observe his father's scheme.
"I want to retire and enjoy my grandchildren," Thomas said, looking pointedly at Penelope. "It would be wonderful to see our families joined, securing a prosperous future for generations."
"You shouldn't be in such a hurry, Father," Penelope interjected smoothly. "What's destined will come sooner or later. Isn't that right, Damien?" she then asked sweetly. Damien just nodded.
"Have you thought about marriage, Damien?" Thomas asked, his tone unwavering.
"No," Damien stated firmly. "I don't have such plans just yet."
The words had barely left his mouth when a voice from behind them said, "Of course, my grandson is thinking about marriage." It was Don, his grandfather, the once-feared patriarch of the industry, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere. "And your Penelope," he continued, "looks like a perfect candidate for his wife. These two kids look like a match made in heaven."
Penelope looked at Damien with a smug satisfaction, but Damien felt annoyed and taken aback. Sam pushed his chair back. "I apologize for leaving this wonderful reunion," he said sarcastically. "But I have other things pending." He then turned to Damien and ducked down to whisper, "It's true that I don't like you, but I wish you no harm. Good luck with the father-daughter duo."
Sam walked away. Damien realized Sam's warning was sincere. He looked at Thomas and Penelope, seeing the ambition hidden beneath their polished facades, and didn't like it one bit.
As Don and Thomas spoke about business and old times, Damien sat there, utterly exhausted, his mind drifting back to Sarah Walker. Just then, his phone rang. It was Marco.
"Sir, I've spent some time talking to Detective Martin this morning," Marco said urgently. "The police have some suspicious findings on the case."
"Suspicious findings?" Damien repeated. He immediately seized the opportunity to leave.
"I apologize, gentlemen, Penelope, but I've just received urgent news. My business demands my immediate attention."
He stood up and left the restaurant. From a distance, Don watched him go and subtly signalled his trusted butler, Lee, to follow Damien.
As he got into his car, Damien continued his conversation with Marco.
"The experts have discovered it wasn't an accident," Marco explained. "They found evidence that the car's brakes were tampered with. Miss Walker is lucky to have survived the crash. Somebody set out to kill either Ethan alone or both of them."
Damien let out a long, heavy sigh. The pieces were starting to fall into place. He instructed Marco to follow the case closely.
"I need you to work with your police contact and find out everything you can about Ethan and Sarah. I want full details on their lives, jobs, and recent activities. And ensure your contact offers any resources Detective Martin needs to move the investigation forward."
Marco understood the assessment.