Chapter 1

 

Karen took a deep breath, trying to compose herself as she was lead into a huge white office.

'Mr Fisher, Ms Karen Miller is now here to see you,' the PA said, and then left, closing the door behind her.

'Hello, Karen. What brings you to see me at my offices today?'

Karen turned to her right, where Joshua Fisher sat at his large glass desk. He moved away from his computer screen, where he had been browsing just moments beforehand, to stand up to greet her.

Karen had to will herself not be intimated by her surroundings and Joshua's presence, so she could let him know in very clear terms why she had come to see him.

It would be hard, she knew! Joshua was a well-known, wealthy businessman and if the news were to be believed, he was rich enough to be classed as a billionaire, and a very handsome and charming one at that! Karen saw herself as just a humble girl, born and bred in the big city, and now she had come to serve a complaint to Joshua, the big fish. Would he even listen to her? Well, she would soon find out!

'I have come to discuss an important matter-well, an important matter to me.' She tried not to stumble through her words.

'Please take a seat, Karen.' Joshua pointed to one of the leather sofas at the side of the room, next to his desk.

'Thanks.' She sat down, relieved to be able to rest against the sofa seats.

'So, Karen, what is troubling you?'

'My father, he is very upset right now. He received a letter from you. Inside was an offer to buy our café business.'

'Yes, I made a few offers to some of the residents who are renting out property on your street. It is my right as the new landlord.'

'Yes, I understand that...but-'

'Was the offer not to your father's and your liking?'

'No, that's not the problem. The offer was generous.' Karen spoke honestly, knowing that she herself had felt tempted to tell her father to count his losses and take the money, but she knew when it came down to it, her father would not have been happy if he had made that decision.

'I don't quite understand then, if you are saying that you were not offended by the offer amount.' He looked at her directly with his dark penetrating eyes.

She had to shake herself to stay focussed. 'Mr Fisher, this is got nothing to do with money. And my father was offended, not with the offer amount, but by the fact that you made an offer in the first place.'

'I see.' Joshua went quiet.