The Cost Of Forever

eight of the silence that follows is greater than the costly chandelier above us. I continue to foc

clearing his throat, "we think the pr

is suit is flawless and his tie is perfectly straight, I notice sweat forming on his temples. Th

ove. I recline in my leather seat, observing the man in front of me, who is struggling to hide hi

ying his unease. This is no longer about business, it's about gaining control. And contro

prepared to... make adjustments." His voice

ve led with your best offer, not whatever this is." I fl

the room. He k

He is wise enough not to interrupt, and he is intelligent enough to underst

ething valuable to discuss." I wave

ome half-hearted excuse, and scurries out

e door clicks shut. ""Yet ano

ht away, allowing the quiet moment

scuss the art project you wanted finalization on," he says, h

as this taken so long, Nathaniel? It's the one part of th

hrough dozens of portfolios, sir. None of them meet the standard you're looking for. Fi

ord. Challenges should be

state with a frosty tone. "Find so

s expression uncha

concrete jungle where I've carved out my empire. Every building, every deal, every soul in this city moves to the r

t at the city. "What's the issue? Are these artists simply inc

ring over the tablet he always carries. "Most of the names that were

s crossed. "And what is

ist who understands precision, control, and exclusivity. Som

lightly. "Then keep look

. He's not one to waver unless there's something worth menti

n eyebrow

and arresting, fills the screen. Bold strokes, yet refined. Passion benea

ming artist. Not widely known, but her recent wor

nd in my mind, keeping my expres

elite commissions. Her focus seems to be on more... personal projects.

ision. There's something about her work. Something that speaks of precision wrapped in pas

," I finally say,

"I'll make the

ttling into my chair, my fingers drum

ur mother's been involved with," he says caref

r event, another obligation. All part of maintaining the Sterling image. The perfec

it," I respond,

ere's something about it that lingers-something unspoken. I've seen c

d, different c

e way I