New Beginnings, Chapter 56
by SIPort

Veronica arrived at Chad’s office.

” Come in.”

Veronica came in to see a setup for a meal.

“ Having lunch?”

“ I thought we could have something to eat while we reviewed the files.”

“ A snack.”

” Glad you do.”

Veronica took out her files. “ Well, did you have time to go over my proposal?”

“ I did. Not completely, but a rough lookover. The proposition for China is fascinating. You really see that much potential in China?”

” With a billion and a half people? You bet. Of course, doing business in China is an absolute landmine, but I think it’s worth the risk.”

” Then, why didn’t you take the risk?”

” Solo? Come on, Chad. My father’s company is respected internationally, and we’re not exactly a small player in the field. But, my father’s concentration is just this one area. Hooking up with a true multi-national, with different divisions and products all around the world…”

” Helps you to pull from their powerbase, while not getting you in too deep.”

“ Exactly.”

” So, why Crane Industries.”

” Because Alistair actually called my father. My father doesn’t like going to anyone’s door, asking for help. That Alistair called him personally appealed to him.”

” And you know why Alistair did that.”

” Because my father’s company is very profitable?”

” Veronica, don’t be facetious.”

” I’m not. Why don’t you explain to me why Alistair called my father.”

” Because of me.”

” You? Why, you DO have a big opinion of yourself, Chad.”

” Not at all. My ‘grandfather’ believes that I can be ‘profitable’ for him now…if I have an alliance with you.”

” Alliance? I’ve never been called an ‘alliance’ before. Should I be insulted?”

” By me? No. I have nothing against you, Veronica.”

” But, Alistair does.”

” No. Alistair doesn’t give a shit about anyone but himself. He sees everyone else as pieces on his personal chessboard.”

” So then, why are you sitting here, having this conversation with me? Could it be that an  ‘ alliance’ with me doesn’t sound so bad after all to you?”

Just then, Theresa came through the door. “ Chad, your secretary….oh, hello Ms. Townsend.”

” Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald, nice to see you again.” Veronica gets up from the table. “ Chad, I’m going to give you a day or two to completely look over the file. Bye.”

Veronica left, and Theresa looked at the setup. “ Cozy lunch?”

“ No. Just a little something to eat. Nothing cozy about it. Just business.”

” I thought that you had no interest in Ms. Townsend’s business. Isn’t that what you said at the party?”

“ I had breakfast with Alistair this morning.”

” And?”

” And, he made it clear that he has no intentions of paving the way for me at Crane Industries. Considering that we know he hates my existence, I know that he’s got the knives out for me. That he’s just amusing himself by having me here.”

” But,you’re the heir. Julian said so.”

” And, you don’t think that Al spends a little time each day, trying to figure out how to invalidate that? Resa, I know he does. I have to prove myself. And, I know he’s not the only one.”

” What do you mean?”

” I hear what the rest of them say behind my back, Theresa. Julian’s Black Bastard, uneducated, walking into Crane Industries like he actually THINKS he belongs here, when he doesn’t.”

” Chad, you’re the HEIR! OF COURSE you belong here.”

” Accident of birth, Theresa. The folks around here, with their educations don’t much like the thought of taking orders from ME someday. I have to earn my stripes. “

” What does that have to do with Veronica Townsend?”

” However his purpose, Alistair has given me a project, that if I pull it off, will give me a lot of props around here.”

“ So, it’s just about the project?”

” Theresa, it’s about the project, and me. And, my mother.”

” Your mother wouldn’t want you to fall in line with Alistair.”

” It’s my choice. My decision. I’ve made myself clear, Theresa. I’m not doing anything to hurt my mother’s chances of delivering a healthy baby. Get it?”

” Got it.” Chad pulled Theresa into a hug, but why did she get an uneasy feeling about this?

Veronica was ushered into the private dining room at the Sea Scape.

“ Mr. Crane.”

” I told you, my dear. Call me Alistair.”

” Alistair. I was surprised to see your limo waiting for me after I finished my meeting with Chad.”

” I thought that we needed to discuss my grandson.”

” In a private dining room setting.”

” I thought that we could get some things settled.”

” I see.”

The waiter poured Veronica some champagne.

“ You approve?”

” It’s the best, Alistair.”

” Of him? I think he’s rough around the edges, but very determined. He wants to make a success of himself at Crane.”

” Ah, you see it too. I…well…it’s not exactly a secret that I didn’t want him in my family.”

” No, it’s not.”

” But, watching him. Observing him from afar. I see something in him.”

” What’s that?”

” I see the Crane in him. It’s rough around the edges, but I sense that he won’t exactly be an embarrassment to me.”

Veronica rolled her eyes and Alistair saw her. “ You think that’s pompous of me.”

” Among other things.”

Alistair laughed. “ It probably is. I like you, Veronica. You’re smart and direct, so I’ll be blunt – are you interested in Chad?”

Veronica nearly choked on her champagne. “ Don’t you think it’s quick to be talking romantic involvements?”

” Not at all. It’s a simple question – either he’s the kind of man you’re attracted to, or he’s not. Which one is it?”

“ I admit it. I do find him interesting and attractive.”

Alistair beamed. “ Good! Then, I give you my permission.”

” As if I needed it, but I’ll bite: permission to do what?”

” You and I both know that Chad can do much better than the housekeeper’s daughter. My grandson needs someone that can help him rise to his potential. Someone that sees his potential and can help mold it. Shape it. He needs the ‘right’ kind of relationship with the ‘ right’ kind of woman. A woman who knows her place.”

Veronica sipped her champagne and thought about Alistair’s offer.