Wife On Paper

TENOR

"What is this?" I asked, frantically flipping through the pages of the document to make sense of it.

"Is this a joke to you? Even an amateur would have no use for this!" I snapped before he could find an answer, slamming the document on the desk as I reprimanded.

Jordan joined the company about 5 months ago as Head of Creative Design. His designs have been okay, but just "okay" didn't keep Stark Realty at the top of the game, and I think I have been patient enough.

Normally, I'd ask for a replacement after 3 months, but I could tell this one had some raw talent, although he lacked concentration and maybe the drive to put in actual work needed to harness his potential.

His designs lacked some creative juice, and at this point, I knew I had given him enough room to prove himself. Maybe these Gen Zs don't understand that a hefty pay cheque comes with hefty expectations.

"What's your role in this company again?" I tilted my ear in his direction.

"Cr – Creative designer, sir," he muttered, face down.

"Oh, I doubt that," I yelled. "Because there is nothing creative about this piece of shit," gesturing to the report in front of me.

"Listen to me Jordan, I have no room for incompetence." I thundered in annoyance. "I'll let this slide, but the next time this happens, we won't have this conversation. You'd be out! Did I make myself clear?"

"Ye – yes sir," he answered, fidgeting. I could see his clothes vibrate.

He should be scared for his job; I wasn't one to make empty threats, not after paying so much.

"Now, pick up this excuse of a design and get out of my office. I'm giving you till the end of the day to get back to me with something worth my time.

Get out!" He flinched at my brusque tone, "Yes, Mr. Stark." Just then, the door to my office flung open, and it was my Dad, but he wasn't alone.

It wasn't strange for my dad to pop into my office every once in a while, but with Attorney Christos our family lawyer, I could tell it wasn't a courtesy visit. My attention shifted to Jordan who was still standing there as if waiting for something.

"Leave!" He grabbed the design and quickly scurried away like prey let out of a trap.

"With all due respect, Mr. Jeffery Stark, this is someone's office, please knock."

"At least it's not your bedroom, boy, then you won't be worried about being naked." He responded with a smile as he approached the desk.

"Come on, Dad. It's bad manners."

"Oh, please, spare me the lecture son, I'm not your employee." They took a seat in front of me. "Have a seat, Christos is here to see you."

"You should have called, I'm quite busy with the new project, can't this wait?"

"It can, but there might be no project after this one if we decide to wait till you have the time." He tilted his neck and raised an eyebrow to meet my gaze." This had to be serious.

"So, what's it going to be?"

My mind wandered for a long second, trying to guess what this could be about, but nothing came to mind. So, I sat, and Dad gestured with a nod to Mr. Christos to begin.

He opened his briefcase and pulled out some documents. "Here is your grandfather's will," he tossed it towards me.

It's been barely 5 weeks since grandpa passed, I wasn't expecting his will to be read so soon.

"Why so early, grandpa passed barely a few weeks ago?"

"We should have done this about a week ago, but I was out of the country. The old man gave strict orders to do this one month after his passing."

"Okay. But why isn't grandma here? It's her husband's will. She deserves to hear his testament." I was curious.

"We are coming from hers, and she gave her permission." He responded.

"Please proceed Barrister," my dad cut in with a serious expression.

I leaned back in my chair and adjusted my tie.

"Mr. Stark, your grandfather stated in his will that you inherit Stark Realty Investments." He paused for a stretched second.