Nine

Andrey.

The plan was unfolding exactly as I had expected. Today was going to be a straightforward win, and I didn't need to fight hard for it; in fact, I could execute it right from the comforts of my office.

I've held the position of CEO at Sandro's Industries for seven years, and never before had I felt so confident in a negotiation. It was about Hazel, and Chris. In a way, it felt like buying her, even though we had an unspoken agreement with her.

"So, you're willing to let go of Hazel for fifteen grand?" I questioned him, savoring the sound of him agreeing to my offer. I couldn't help but feel a slight pang of guilt on Hazel's behalf. She didn't deserve someone like Chris, and making this deal almost felt like I was buying her freedom.

Chris shrugged indifferently, which irked me. The way he treated Hazel infuriated me. The way he diminished her value made me want to take drastic measures.

I swallowed my resentment and nodded, gesturing for one of my associates to fetch the agree