CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

Archive description

CHAPTER 6: THE DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT

♥ 0

At nine in the morning on Tuesday, the main conference room was filled with cameras, legal advisors, and members of the board of directors. The murmur of the journalists suddenly ceased when the double doors opened in unison.
Smart and Boom entered together.
Smart wore a tailored black double-breasted suit, with a serene expression and that innate authority that required no grand gestures. Beside him, Boom looked impeccable in a pearl-gray suit, his eyes bright and his composure radiating absolute confidence. They walked in synchronized steps toward the main table, taking their seats next to each other in front of the array of microphones and the leather-bound copies of the final contract.
The chairman of the conglomerate spoke:
—After an intense day of deliberation, the Chisanupong and Raveewit firms have presented a comprehensive co-executive management structure. Today we formalize the most important strategic alliance in the industry for the next three years.
The camera flashes began firing in continuous bursts.
Smart took the black-ink fountain pen and signed the master document with a firm and decisive stroke. Then, he smoothly slid the folder across the polished wood toward his right.
Boom took the same pen, holding Smart’s gaze for a fraction of a second before signing his own name right beside his.
Applause echoed throughout the forty-second floor. Both stood up for the usual press protocol. Smart extended his right hand with impeccable formality, and Boom shook it with calculated firmness.
In front of the cameras and business headlines, they looked like two corporate titans closing a purely professional pact. But beneath the table, the pressure of Smart’s fingers on Boom’s hand lasted barely a second longer than strictly necessary, and the imperceptible half-smile on Boom’s lips sealed their mutual understanding.
Hours later, when the building fell silent and the executive hallways were left in darkness, the light in the main office remained on.
Smart was sitting behind the desk, reviewing the first production schedules on his tablet. He heard the soft sound of the door latch locking, but he did not look up.
Boom crossed the carpet unhurriedly, throwing his jacket over one of the armchairs. With a fluid movement, he pulled at the knot of his tie to loosen it completely and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt. He stopped beside the desk, placed both hands on the edge, and leaned forward until he was at Smart’s eye level.
—Three years, Chisanupong —Boom said in a low voice, drawing out the words with a dangerous warmth—. I hope you’re ready to share the power every day.
Smart turned off the tablet screen, leaned back in his leather chair, and slowly raised his dark eyes toward him, no longer hiding the possessiveness burning beneath his executive facade.
—I’m not worried about sharing power in the office, Raveewit —Smart replied, extending one hand to catch Boom by his loosened tie and pull him down with implacable calm—. What interests me is seeing who’s going to be in charge in here when night falls.
Boom let out a low laugh, willingly surrendering to the pull as his lips almost brushed against Smart’s.
—Prove it, partner.