Andrew asked, "I take it you've got everything worked out?"

"Yes, Mr. Baker," Mr. Charles said as he passed the packet of documents over to Mr. Baker.

It's encouraging to hear. Andrew leafed through the pages, "It's encouraging to know you take your work seriously. Any ideas on a solution?"

"Well sir, I do not believe the Smith family can pay us back anytime soon, with their sales versus their spending with personal matters, I don't believe that we can get even a reasonable fraction of our money back any time in the near, or distant future."

What precisely are you saying, Mr. Charles? That we just dropped ten million dollars to our most advanced rivals? What might you be thinking about?"

"Well since money isn't currently available, we'll have to go with non-price factors." Mr. Charles trailed off, feeling suddenly uncertain about his proposal.

Andrew, suddenly interested in what might be worth 10 million dollars, pushed, "Yes, Mr. Charles, go on."

As you can see, Mr. Smith is a father of two girls. When kingdoms have financial difficulties, they will typically agree to work together to strengthen their bonds. Specifically, they would get married, wealth would rule, and their problems would be resolved. Mr Charles remembered.

"Are you suggesting a marriage between me and one of Smith's daughters?" Andrew inquired calmly, quickly understanding.

While his eldest is a press darling, the youngest is still a high school student. Not only will this present our company in a better light than before, but you will share in the inheritance upon her father's passing. This can extend beyond just the amount of debt they owe and involve a portion of their company. After that, you are free to do as you please with the business and you can avoid going through the arduous legal process to obtain your money back." Mr. Charles let out a sigh at the end. There were no other possibilities, and it was a last-minute suggestion. Is this a helpful fix? Was the layer of questions hidden beneath Andrew's mask? Even so, is it a workable solution?

"You're suggesting that a couple should settle their debt to benefit us financially, partially control a business, and inherit property? What guarantees do we have that they'll accept such an offer?" Andrew enquired.

"Well sir, if we bring in the facts, this is Mr. Smith's best option." With confidence, Mr. Charles answered. Andrew looked at Mr. Charles for a long moment before inhaling deeply.

Make an appointment by giving a call. Well done, Mr. Charles. I believe this could be beneficial to us.

*******

"I'd assume you are well aware of the topic for today's meeting, correct Mr. Smith?" Andrew aimed his query at the middle-aged man who was a hair shorter. His face was oval-shaped, framed by his frosted hair. His mustache rested beneath his slim, long nose, and his hazel eyes rested atop it. In a boardroom meant for at least thirty people, it was just the two men.

"Mr. Baker, I'm not exactly sure what you speak of." Through gritted teeth, Mr. Smith lied. Andrew handed the man a file containing the day's issues after growing weary of the pointless small talk.

It appears that a sizeable amount of money is owed to my company by both you and your business. Even after years, not a single penny has been reimbursed. You also owe interest on the ten million dollars that are in your possession. With a signed legal document tying you to this, do you realize how much money that is?" Andrew avoided letting sentimental overtones and spoke professionally. Though, inside, he was boiling. How dare this jerk attempt to profit from his father's kindness?

"Mr. Baker, my company remains in a critical condition... We won't be able to generate that much cash, in my opinion, either now or soon." Mr. Smith shouted.

How in the world are you managing to grow as a business and still be unable to pay back a loan in full? Playing repossession doesn't frighten me. Andrew threatened, "I am prepared to take legal action on this matter, Mr. Smith. I am well aware that I have the opportunity to take your company for all it's worth." One thing he was certain of was that their success would not result from his failure.

More defense was offered by Mr. Smith, saying, "Mr. Baker, I'm not sure what I have to offer you, my company has no financial room to pay you back at this point."

"Are you sure you read the contract? You have legally committed your name to the terms of the agreement, which were made very clear." Andrew continued, determined to prove him incorrect.

"Your father was still in command when I consented to that! He was understanding and kind. He recognized our desperation and understood the situation completely."

"So you took advantage of him!" Andrew exploded.

"Well, things are different now. You'll figure out a way to reimburse us since he's not with us."

By that, what do you mean? That's practically impossible, as I've explained." Hey, Mr. Smith spoke in an irate tone. The atmosphere was oppressive as Mr. Smith peered at Andrew, trying to decipher the avaricious businessman's intentions, but it was difficult to read his expression because he was not showing emotion. In contrast, his eyes were icy.

"I shall take your eldest hand in marriage." When Andrew finally blurted out, he waited for the old man to respond. Mr. Smith's surprised eyes widened gradually. This new proposal caused his pulse to gradually quicken.

Not taking place! I will never, ever entrust my daughter's life to a heartless, egotistical man like you." Gave Mr. Smith a spit.

"Mr. Smith, stop talking nice to yourself. I'm not personally interested in your daughter. Other than the business advantages that come with the union, I don't know anything about her. But Mr. Smith, you have this chance to save yourself and your business from this heartless, egotistical man. Either give her to me or keep your business," Andrew thought to himself.

"You have a choice. This week's end is the deadline." He stood up and gathered his belongings. Andrew extended his hand for a brief but professional handshake, but Mr. Smith turned his head away from him completely after looking at his hand. He detested his newfound status.

Conversely, Andrew couldn't have cared less about the old man's feelings or thoughts about him. For him, this was all about business, and he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals.

Pretty good, Mr. Smith. Until our next encounter." With a hand withdrawal, Andrew turned to leave the room, his assistant trailing behind him.

Mr. Smith was incredibly fond of his daughter as well as his company. He was unwilling to surrender either of them to the Devil- Me.. He had no desire to.