The C.E.O'S shattered heart (MxM, C.E.O X C.E.O)

Chapter 9. Happy holidays

I scowled at Chance, then replied to him with, "He can meet them when they start asking me questions about their relatives, Chance. You already know that my answer will remain the same, no matter how many times your lover asks me to see the kids." Chance groaned then yelled, "It's not his fault that your father never showed you love, Alexei. Briac has been trying to mend ties with you for years now. Don't you realize that you are acting just like your father? Briac wants to be in your life. He desperately wants to support you, but you refuse to pay attention to him. You can hire as many nannies or maids as you like Alexei, but keep in mind that they can never be your family."

I sighed while leaning back into my chair. Chance and I had this conversation many times before. I was getting tired of it now. I contemplated the consequences of letting my brother Briac meet the kids, then said, "Tell Briac that I'm in the middle of something at the moment. I'll let him meet the kids after I have concluded my business." Chance cheered up immediately. My best friend nodded at me, then asked me, "So what are you and the kids doing for Christmas this year, Alexei?" I smiled at Chance, then replied to him with, "I don't know yet, Chance. The kids were still babies last year, so I didn't do much. They are aware of everything now, so I have to organize something grand."

Chance chuckled then uttered, "Make us proud, dad. You only have a few days to go. Briac and I could have helped you, but we are sadly not allowed to interfere." I scowled then yelled, "You better stop before I change my mind, Chance." Chance smirked when he realized that I was getting angry. I was just about to throw Chance out of my office when someone knocked on my door. I immediately uttered, "Come in," when I realized that it was already time for James to give me the daily reports. James greeted Chance and me, then said, "The preparations for all the Christmas parties have ended, Mr. Marquis. Gifts and bonuses are also ready. The employees of all the companies have already received an invitation. I will go to the venues myself to check if everything is in place before all the parties start."

I nodded at James, then asked him, "And how about the children's day, James?" James smiled at me, then answered me with, "The parties for the kids were on the fifth of December in the same venues, sir. You were in France at that time. Mr. Madden made sure that all the kids enjoyed themselves. The children were satisfied with their gifts. We have also donated money to orphanages, soup kitchens, animal shelters, and asylums. There is still a lot of money left in our fund, sir." I suddenly came up with an idea and said, "See if you can donate some of it to schools and colleges, James." James nodded, then replied to me with, "As you wish, sir."

James then looked at Chance and asked him, "Isn't it time for your meeting with the marketing department, Mr. Madden. Zachariel is going to deliver his sales pitch for the wine today, remember?" Chance's eyes widened in shock. He quickly uttered, "I'll see you later, Alexei," then walked out of my office. I wanted to see what Zachariel was capable of, so I joined Chance. "Are you sure that you want to do this, Alexei?" Chance asked me in concern. I chuckled, then replied to him with, "Yes, I'm dying to see the man in action." Everyone, except for Zachariel, was surprised to see me walk into the conference room with Chance. Zachariel was too busy setting up his display to notice me. The department chief, Tristan Miller, quickly got up to greet me. I chuckled when I heard him say, "What a pleasant surprise, Alexei. You hardly ever visit this floor."

I smiled at Tristan, then responded to him with, "Times have changed, Tristan. It's great to see from time to time what our people are capable of." Tristan nodded at me, then led me to the conference table. My eyes fell on Briac the moment I took a seat at the head of the table. My brother smiled broadly at me. Chance subtly motioned him not to bother me. I nodded at Briac, then gazed at Zachariel. The man was once again wearing a cheap suit, but he still managed to look good in it. "Where is all the money that he made?" I asked myself while staring at Zachariel. Tristan smiled at Zachariel, then uttered, "You can start your presentation whenever you are ready, Zach." Zachariel grinned at Tristan then responded to him with, "Thank you, Mr. Miller." Zachariel looked in my direction after making sure that everyone had a handout regarding his presentation. It seemed like he had finally realized that I was also in the room. Zachariel smiled, then continued with, "Welcome to my presentation, Mr. Marquis and Mr. Madden. I hope that my sales pitch will be to your liking."