It was a new day, and Charles was in the dining room, eating. Vera had asked that he visit his own founded tech company as they had just launched the first main prototype. He had planned that he was going to go on a vacation, but he didn’t want to miss a very important day to the company. He was going to push his vacation, a day further, which means he would be going on his vacation, the next day. Charles rose to his feet, and pushed back the chair with his legs. Then he wiped his lips with a napkin, and drank some water. “Thanks for the food, Martha.” Charles appreciated her, with a smile on his face. He really enjoyed the food, and especially as he was having a good day. He had conquered all his major enemies, so even if the sky was dull, it would seem bright to him. If the birds were chirping, it would sound so much like music to him. “It was really great.” He complimented her. “Thank you, sir.” Martha smiled brightly, happy that he had really enjoyed the food. Even if he hadn’t complimented her, it was obvious that he was pleased with the food. Then Charles walked out of the dining room, and picked up his briefcase. He looked at his watch to know what the time was. “She ought to be here, by now.” He muttered under his breath. As he looked towards the door, the doorbell rang, and Martha went to get the door. As Charles discovered it was Vera, he walked towards her as there was no need for her to walk in again. He was done, preparing to go to work. “Good morning.” Vera greeted him as she stood firm. “Good morning, Vera. How was your night?” “It was great. Congratulations again, on winning the case.” “It’s all thanks to you and James who made it possible. You both deserve some reward. You can both text to me what you’ve always wished to do or have. I’ll make that happen.” Vera smiled. “You’re too kind.” She uttered as she walked by his side, to the car. They got into the car, and Charles sat, then leaned his back on the car’s back seat, shutting his eyes to feel the peace.“So, what do you think about the main prototype? Have you set your eyes on it?” Charles asked, out of curiosity. “No, I haven’t.” “Alright, then how well do you think they can do. You have been supervising and monitoring how they’ve been doing at the company. What do you think? Do they worth their salaries, or even being employed here?” Charles questioned, trying to be certain of how progressive his company could be. “Well, with how far they’ve come, I feel they’re worth all the nice treatment we give them as our employees. They are innovative, and the best workers I’ve seen so far. They’re always trying their best.” “That’s nice. It shows how serious they take their work.” Silence reigned between Charles and Vera after that, until they got to the company. Charles was escorted to the office, and he sat comfortably on his chair. “Good morning, sir. We are sorry for the delay. We had a bit of an issue, so we’re trying to figure it out, and work on it.” The team leader informed, respectfully. “Alright, it’s fine. You can take your time. I’ll be waiting.” Charles said, making them feel at rest. For now, they hadn’t publicized their company, so there was nothing like closing deals, or offer on partnerships with an investor, or sort. Charles wanted them to create something first, especially something remarkable, before he starts publicizing his company for buyers to patronize. But he didn’t have it in mind to accept those who were going to be interested in partnerships. He just wanted this company to stand alone, and strong. Vera walked in not long after the team leader walked out. She came with some paper works, and held a baffled look. “And what’s going on?” Charles questioned, out of curiosity. “Well, I really don’t understand. But it seems an information about this place, got leaked out to an investor.” “An investor? Who’s that?” “Mr. Longman. He is crazy about tech companies, but is also very picky. He has rejected a lot of companies who want him to invest in their companies, but it seems as he heard that this is your company, he’s offering a partnership.” Vera informed him, and that left Charles surprised.“I’ve heard a bit about him, and I’m impressed with some of the tech products he brought out to the market. But I don’t plan on being partners with him, if possible, I plan on being a competitor.” “A competitor?” Vera exclaimed, out of surprise. She knew that as Charles had eliminated the stubborn mules in his way, he would look for other things which would keep him interested. There was this competition which was going to come up soon, although, the date wasn’t certain yet, but all tech companies, especially big ones, were going to participate. “You know I told you that I’m not interested in long term partnerships. I don’t care how influential that person is, and that’s final, Vera. Don’t make the mistake of making him feel he would be accepted here.” Charles warned Vera, and looked away. Vera nodded her head, then walked out of his office to make the proper arrangements to politely decline his offer. As soon as the employees were done with correcting what they had to, Charles was invited to the conference hall where they wanted to show him what they had created. Everyone seemed quite excited, and it made Charles feel that they had done a pretty good job. Vera walked in, and then bent to Charles’ ear. “I have politely declined his offer as you wanted.” “Good.” Charles complimented, then he faced the employees waiting for him. “Now, let’s begin.” But as he said that, he heard a scrambled sound in his head, and he looked sharply to the left and right, but no one seemed to notice anything.