Love M

Love Unspoken

Within the confines of The Cube, Oliver sat across from Alexander. The room was devoid of any other presence, their solitude accentuated by the stark contrast of the raucous sounds that seeped in from the outside world.The table between them was strewn with unopened bottles, a silent testament to past

gatherings.

A large screen flickered in the background, casting a muted glow over the room as it played music videos in silence. The serenity of their private space was a stark contrast to the cacophony beyond its walls. Without uttering a word, Oliver reached for a bottle, pouring himself a drink. He downed it in one swift motion, the liquid burning a trail down his throat. He repeated the action twice more, each gulp.

Alexander, on the other hand, remained silent. His legs crossed in a casual display of nonchalance, he lounged lazily on the sofa. One hand rested on the back of the couch while the other toyed idly with a lighter. His gaze was fixed on Oliver, observing his companion’s drinking with a detached interest.

The rapid succession of Oliver’s shots almost triggered a cough. He fought it back, his cheeks flushing from the effort. The silence stretched on, punctuated only by the clink of glass against the table.

Finally, Oliver broke the silence, his gaze meeting Alexander’s. “Let’s talk, Alexander,” he proposed.Alexander responded with a casual inquiry, “Talk about what?” “About Abigail.”A smirk tugged at the corners of Alexander’s mouth as he regarded Oliver. “She’s your sister.

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Coming to me about her, that seems like you’re barking up the wrong tree, doesn’t it?”With no one else to witness their conversation, Oliver decided to cut to the chase. “Abigail’s learned her lesson this time. She won’t get involved in Quinn’s business anymore. Whatever she did before, I’m here to apologize on her behalf. I hope you won’t let this incident escalate.

Alexander merely stared at him, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. He let the silence stretch before finally breaking it. “Do you really think that me backing off will put an end to it?”Confusion flickered across Oliver’s face. “What do you mean?”Alexander’s response was laced with a hint of condescension. “You’ve been in the business world long enough, Oliver. People tend to kick someone when they’re down. Don’t you understand that?”Oliver’s expression darkened. Of course, he understood. “There are no friends in the world of business. Sometimes, it’s the ones called you ‘brother who are- ready to stab you in the back when the opportunity arises.”His mind wandered to the barsh realities of their world. ‘When you’re stronger than them, they can’t wait to see you fall.

When you’re weaker, they fear you might catch up to them. If you are in distress, everyone’s ready to t**ple you and laugh at you. That’s human nature, he mused. Alexander tilted his head and lit a cigarette. The flame briefly illuminated his impassive face. His voice, when he spoke, was devoid of any warmth. “I just lit a spark, Oliver. It caught fire all on its own. You’re blaming the wrong person here.”Oliver’s expression darkened further, but he chose to remain silent.

As the music video on the screen came to an end and the room was plunged into a brief moment of darkness before the next one began, Oliver found his voice again. It’s exactly because you lit that fre

that the others felt brave enough to add fuel to it. I’m right to come to you, the one who started this.”Alexander countered his argument effortlessly. “Ever heard of the snowball effect? Once the snowball gets rolling and grows bigger, it’s out of control from the person who starit.”His stance was clear. He had no intentions of stopping.

Alexander was not one to make frequent moves, but when he did, he never held back. Oliver had known him long enough to be almost certain about that.”Look, Alexander, we’re both businessmen here. Businessmen don’t turn down money. Name your price,” Oliver sighed. With sentimental appeals off the table, it was time to talk business.

A wisp of smoke curled around Alexander’s fingertips as he pondered for a moment before responding in a low voice, “The Vanderbilt family is pretty well-established in Africa, right?” “Yeah, that’s one of our major markets,” Oliver confirmed, a frown creasing his forehead, “What are you getting at?”Alexander laid out his demand. “A few countries over there are making it tough for my company’s shipments to get through customs. I need you to handle it.”Kennedy Enterprises, Alexander’s company, had a large global shipping subsidiary with an extensive network.

However, there were always areas that lay out of their reach. Having Oliver deal with it would be so much easier since the Vanderbilt family wielded considerable influence over there.

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Oliver conceded, then added, “Is that all?”

Alexander’s mouth curved into a slight smile, “Get that sorted first, then we’ll talk.”

S

Catching Alexander’s smile, a chill ran down Oliver’s spine. This was clearly more than a few trade restrictions. There must be something else going on.

“You haven’t been smuggling contraband, have you?” Oliver asked tentatively.

Alexander dismissed his concern with a wave of his hand. “You just focus on sorting this out. What I’m shipping is none of your concern.”

Oliver fell silent for a moment, then finally conceded, Understood.”

Chapter C