The Royal Contract

With the help of her talented daughter, they had created one of the most successful business empires in the world. They had dominated the construction and design industry among their other business.

Haley Rosley, the sole heir of her father’s business empire, was one of the most sought bachelorettes in the world. Now, she stood beside him, entangled in his arms.

“Hi! Dad.” She called out, capturing her father’s attention, who was already entertaining some guests.

Her father quickly excused himself from the group and walked to them, meeting them halfway in the grand hallway. He was a big man in an expensive suit. A man who looked like he did not take crap from anyone.

“Haley, my sweetheart.” The man of the hour greeted them as soon as they entered the grand hallway. He hugged and kissed his daughter before turning to him. “I am glad that you can make it, Mr. Brown.” He directed his attention to him this time.

He noticed his eyes, scanning him from head to toe as if he was studying him. But he did not expect less from the man. He knew he had run several background checks on his identity.

.....

However, he doubted this old gentleman would find anything he had not intentionally given his investigators. He had been careful in his movements. No one would know about his involvement in the underground until he declared it was time.

“I would not miss it, Mr. Rosley.” He responded with a big smile. Dealing with wealthy and influential people was part of his job. Charming them was one of his skills. “Thank you for inviting me.”

He knew how he would deal with this man and win him over. And this was his perfect opportunity. It was the moment he had been waiting for since he had embarked on a relationship with his daughter.

He had been in many of his extravagant parties but not in this close social private event. It meant Haley’s father was starting to trust him, giving him the chance to prove himself.

“I think dating my daughter had earned you the right to call me Alfred.” The other man tapped him on the shoulder, which was a sign that he approved of his relationship with his daughter. Exactly what he wanted.

“If that is the case, then call me Gerald.” He genuinely smiled this time, happy that his plans were in place. “You have a very nice place.” He told him, complimenting his home, hoping to get more involved in this family.

“You have to commend Haley here. She designed it.” Alfred put his hand on his daughter, praising her for her accomplishment.

He could see the close relationship between father and daughter, meaning that one wrong move against Haley and he would face this man’s wrath.

Not that he was afraid of the man, but he preferred not to piss him off until he had what he wanted from him. So, if he had to play as the perfect boyfriend, he would.

“You taught me everything I know,” Haley responded, not wanting to take all the credit.

Her father might not be the perfect father, remembering her brother, Marcus. But for her, he had been the best. He had always been there for her in all her ups and downs.

“As you might have noticed, she never likes taking the glory.” Her father teased her, gripping her hands firmer before letting her go. “But she is the jewel of this family.”

He would always be proud of his daughter. He loved her more than anything in this world because she was his most prize possession. He would protect her with his life, even if it meant losing everything he owned.

So, if this man standing before him hurt her daughter, he would bury him alive until he realized who he was dealing with was not just any man. He would be the devil, passing judgment for his crimes.

“Dad is very excited to get to know you more. Isn’t that right, Dad?” Haley changed the topic, not wanting to talk about her. She draped her arms around both men and guided them inside the massive living area.

“Yes, of course, my sweetheart.” Her father answered her before directing his statement at him. “We would be dining with some of my close friends and family. I want you to meet some of them.”

“I would love to meet them all,” Gerald responded enthusiastically as his eyes roamed around the spacious room.

A few guests were already waiting in the room. Gerald knew some of them, but his eyes stayed glued on one person he was not expecting to see. Soon, he was also looking in his direction.

“But I guess you might know some of them since I heard you are gaining popularity nowadays,” Alfred moved along the first group, introducing him to some of their family members, especially Haley’s mother, Patricia.

“Please forgive my husband if he thinks family gatherings are the same as business meetings.” Patricia interrupted their conversation. “Anyway, dinner is about to start. Will you all please follow me to the other room?”

Soon, they were all seated and enjoying a bountiful, delicious feast. Of course, the Rosley family hosted a beautiful dinner, as everyone enjoyed the meal and the conversation.

“I heard from my good friend here, Governor Stanley, that he is recommending you as his successor.” Alfred opened up one of their conversations while they had coffee at the parlor.

He was busy conversing with Haley and her cousins that he did not notice the Governor and Alfred had approached him from behind. Although, he was not surprised by what he said.

He had already expected that the Governor might have mentioned it to him when he saw him earlier. He was only waiting for Alfred to broach the subject.

“Well, he had asked me about it, but as I said, I still have to think about it.” Since the Governor told him about it, he had decided to weigh the pros and cons of accepting the position before committing to anything.

So far, he had an even match between whether he should accept the endorsement or not. But now that even Alfred seemed interested in it, he wondered what the other man had in mind.

Was Haley’s father interested in the position? Or was he thinking of supporting him in the candidacy?

“What is there to think about?” Alfred wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “Stanley vouched that you will be a good candidate for the office. I think you should consider it.” He could hear the double meaning in his words.

The man was not just giving him his support in his running for office. He was also blessing his relationship with his daughter. Meaning he wanted him in office and their lives.

Maybe he was wrong about him. He seemed not to be the man he thought he was. Could he be dealing with another devil in disguise?