A Place in His Future

By midday, the news had traveled across the corporate hierarchy.

Hollen Vane strode into the executive suite shortly after one o'clock, leaning heavily on his ash walking stick. He kicked the door shut behind him, taking the leather armchair without an invitation.

"You snubbed the Minister of Commerce?" Hollen grunted, fixing Ernest with a piercing gaze.

Ernest sighed, setting his pen aside. "Arthur possesses an exceptionally loud voice."

"Is it for the Valemont girl?"

Ernest rubbed his temple. "Yes, Hollen."

A wide, weathered grin broke across the old founder's scarred face. "Good."

"Why does every member of my inner circle treat the delegation of an administrative meal as a monumental moral triumph?" Ernest asked.