Chapter 3 THREE

ALEXANDER

I looked down at the city stretched before me, watching through the thick glass panes of my penthouse window as it unraveled beneath me in the hues of the early morning light. Beyond the jagged cityscape, Lake Michigan spread endlessly.

As the sun inched upward, it cast a pale golden sheen across the lake's surface, its light creeping up the facades of downtown skyscrapers. There was something about the calm of Chicago in the mornings and the inner peace it brings that felt intoxicating, unlike any high I've ever had.

I took in the view, sipping my protein shake as I took a breather from my morning run, taking in the calm and quiet before I began my day. The sharp clean lines of the streets cut across blocks of old and new, timeless architecture punctuated by modern skyscrapers.

My watch chimed, letting me know that my breather was up, and I sighed. Off to work.

I strode into the bathroom, shrugging off my workout clothes, and turned on the shower, letting the hot water seep into my pores as I massaged my aching muscles. Feeling refreshed after my shower, I donned my tailored navy blue suit, pairing it with a black button-down shirt, securing the sleeves with my silver diamond cuffs, and putting on my black Oxfords.

I looked in the mirror, examining my appearance. I took in the serious expression on my face- one that my father described as too serious for its own good. Which irked me because he was never one for humor; if anything, he despised it.

I shrugged it off, applying my cologne and grabbing the keys to my car, feeling like I needed a drive today.

The drive to the firm was a short one, and as soon as I stepped foot on the polished marble tiles of the reception, the familiar hum of energy rose around me. I could feel my employees hustling about, trying to look busy or get out of my way, and I enjoyed it, that feeling of control.

As I stepped out of the elevator onto the top floor and made my way to my office, Katie fell into stride with me, handing me a steaming cup of coffee. "Good morning Mr Pierce. Black, no sugar, just like your soul."

I smiled at her, letting out a light chuckle at her humor, "Thank you, Katie," she just grinned at me.

"The supermodel from hell called for you this morning. Five times. It's like she never sleeps." Katie said, and I chuckled at the name.

"That's a good one, it might be my new favorite one so far, right up there with The Wicked Bitch of The West," Katie chucked, "What's on the agenda for today?"

She handed me a tablet with today's schedule, "Board meeting in five about the Hong Kong project, and any other ongoing project. Then the call with the developer about the land acquisition near Lincoln Park." Her heels were clacking on the tiled floor as she tried to match my pace.

I hummed, nodding as I went over the itinerary for the day, "Then you have a call with Langston Realty about the Lakeside property. And a quick rundown with Jonathan before lunch on the Lincoln Park Project."

"Right," I said, mentally checking all I needed for the meeting this morning.

"Oh, your mother also called and said you should ring her when you're less busy. And you have a two o'clock with one of the tenants from a recent acquisition." I nodded my head, finishing off my coffee and throwing the paper cup in a nearby bin.

"What would I do without you, Katie?" I asked, smiling at her. She scoffed, smiling smugly, "Fall apart, that's for sure."

The boardroom was already filled when I entered, their conversations halting the moment I stepped into the room. I put my business face on as I walked towards the head of the table, all eyes following my every move, fixed on me.

There was a certain reverence they held for me, one which I basked in, one of fear and respect. Both, I had earned through years of hard work and perseverance. I was someone who didn't tolerate shortcuts or half-measures. I gave my best, and I expected the same from my workers.

Once I sat down, I gave my signal for the meeting to commence, listening intently as each department gave status updates and I gave notes on their presentations and pointers on things to change.

The discussion moved on, touching on other potential acquisitions, updates on other projects, challenges with zoning permits, and any other agenda of importance.

After the meeting, I caught sight of Jonathan, my business partner hovering near the doorway, his stance loose.

I nodded my head in the direction of my office, signaling for him to follow me. Once inside, he dropped into the leather chair opposite my desk, his legs spread out in front of him.

"Updates on the Lincoln Park project?" I asked. He nodded, scanning his phone.

"We've secured the land, just finalizing the permits now. But we've hit a snag with the residents-word's getting out that an old bakery in the area's about to be bulldozed, residents are upset."

I hummed, "Expected," I replied, rubbing my chin in thought, "We'll find a way to reassure them, maybe some donations?"

Jon raised an eyebrow, the thought of giving out money so foreign to him, "Or we just put up the usual statements on development bringing in more jobs and revenue"

I held his gaze. "That's fine, but not enough. If we want the people on our side, they have to feel like it's personal. Think about it from their perspective; people care about history and landmarks. That's what we're up against. We need to work with that, not bulldoze through it."

He smirked, hands up in mock surrender, "Hey, what do I know? That's why you're on top."

"Part of the job," I said, chuckling. "Speaking of which, anything else you want to discuss?"

He shook his head at me, his eyes fixed on his screen as he tapped away on his phone "No, that's all. Anyway, I have some things to attend to. Need me for anything?"

"Nah, it's all good. Just another meeting with another tenant regarding the Lincoln Park project." He nodded his head, too engrossed in whatever he was looking at on his phone,

"Great, because I have other engagements to attend to," he said, giving me a small salute and a cheeky wink before leaving the room. Not long after, Katie's head peaked in.

"Your two o'clock is here Mr. Pierce."

I gave her a nod, making a mental note to be polite but direct- if only to expedite what I assumed would be another simple negotiation. Katie leaned against the doorway, a stern expression on her face.

I looked up at her, "What?"

"Be nice, I like her," she said, pointing a warning finger at me, and I rolled my eyes.

"Yes Mom," I said sarcastically as I stood up. She turned to leave, but not before I caught the mischievous glint in her eye.

What was that about?

Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang and I glanced at the caller ID, groaning.

"Katie, could you tell her I'll be running a bit late?" she nodded, and I picked up the call.

Here goes nothing.