Chapter 122: Date Derrick.
Derrick sauntered over to the kitchen island, settling onto the dinning chair with an exaggerated sigh before reaching for the bag he had placed there earlier.
With deliberate slowness, he unzipped it, his fingers dancing over the edges as he pulled out takeout containers one by one.
The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, a mix of spices and flavors teasing the senses.
Derricksmirked to himself, lining up the containers like prized trophies. "Now, this is what I call a proper breakfast," he mused, popping open the first lid with a satisfied hum.
Derrick had brought more than seven takeout containers, arranging them neatly on the kitchen island as if he were about to host a feast.
"I don’t like the way you’re staring at me," Derrick muttered, shooting Augustine a wary glance before turning on his heel.
Without waiting for a response, Derrick made his way to the kitchen, rummaging through the drawers for a set of cutlery.
His movements were casual, but there was a flicker of something mischievous in his eyes—like a man with a hidden agenda.
Augustine scoffed. "The whole point of my cold gaze is to make you feel even more uncomfortable." He sneered, striding over to take his seat.
As Augustine settled into the chair, he watched Derrick approach with the cutlery in hand. "Did you and your lover have a little fun last night? You look exhausted," Derrick purred, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.
Augustine rolled his eyes at Derrick’s ridiculous question. "I seriously need to change my house passcode," he muttered, completely ignoring Derrick’s remark.
Derrick scoffed, unfazed, as he popped open a takeout container, the rich aroma of freshly fried chicken filling the air. "Go ahead," he smirked, picking up a piece. "But that won’t stop me from finding a way in."
Derrick slid his thumb and index finger into his mouth, coating them with saliva before pulling them out and grabbing a chicken lap.
"I didn’t mean to barge into your mansion unannounced," he mumbled, his words muffled as he sank his teeth into the chicken, tearing off a chunk with casual ease. "But I wanted to check on you... and I forgot that you now have a lover," he added, his words slow and drawn out as he chewed, savoring the taste of the chicken.
Augustine’s frown deepened, his gaze locked onto Derrick with clear irritation, but Derrick, unfazed, simply smirked and took another bite.
Although Derrick wasn’t making too much noise while eating, the way he chewed with his mouth open and spoke at the same time irritated Augustine.
"Since when did you start eating like this?" Augustine asked, his brows arching in mild disgust.
Derrick smirked, pouting his lips as he playfully blew an imaginary kiss toward Augustine.
"I’m starving, okay?" he said before casually tossing the chicken bone onto the kitchen island table.
Without hesitation, he plunged his fingers into the takeout container, this time pulling out a chicken wing.
"I heard your company’s launching event is tomorrow. Have you picked out what you’re wearing yet? Also... have you found a makeup artist to enhance that flawless skin of yours?" Derrick teased, wiggling his brows as he took a bite.
Augustine sighed, pushing himself up from the dining chair as he ran a hand over his face.
"Derrick, I don’t have the luxury of time to sit here and watch you eat like a madman, nor do I have the patience to entertain your ridiculous questions," he muttered, exhaustion lacing his tone.
Augustine strolled over to the couch and dropped onto it, rubbing his temples as he exhaled sharply.
"By the way, why are you really here?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at Derrick. "I know damn well you didn’t wake up just to help me find a makeup artist—you suck at that. So what’s your real reason for barging in and ruining my morning?"
Derrick swirled his tongue around his mouth, trying to dislodge a stubborn piece of chicken stuck between his teeth.
With a sigh, he pushed himself up from the dining chair, shoving his left hand deep into his trouser pocket.
Meanwhile, his right hand went straight into his mouth, fingers fishing out the last bit of chicken that refused to let go.
As Derrick carried on with his distasteful act, he strolled into the sitting room at an unbothered pace.
"I need to talk to you about our last business discussion," he stated, flicking his finger free of any remnants before casually smearing it against his trousers.
Augustine intensely glare at Derrick, his brows arched and his face twisted into a frown.
"Look, I know you’re still mad at me over what happened at the hospital, but you do realize I never meant to make you cry, right?"
Derrick voice dipped, almost as if he wanted to sound sincere—but with Derrick, sincerity always came with a price.
Augustine scoffed as he entwined his hands together while shifting his gaze over to the cold tiles of the sitting room.
"I..."
Augustine parted his lips to speak, but the words never came.
Once more he raised his gaze locked it with that of Derrick, watching in disbelief as the man shamelessly wiped the dirt from his mouth onto his trousers.
Whatever he had planned to say was momentarily forgotten, replaced by a mix of irritation and sheer exasperation.
"Why are you so disgusting?" Augustine sneered, his nose scrunching in distaste. "And honestly, at this rate, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive you for what you did at the hospital. That day, you made me lose control of myself." His voice hardened, laced with the lingering sting of betrayal.
Augustine shook his head as he let out a bitter exhale, the memory of that day resurfaced, unwanted and all too vivid.
"Hey! I already said I didn’t mean to, okay." Derrick spat before wrapping his hands across his chest. "Also, the investment in Ghotu Corporation seems to be going smoothly," Derrick began, pausing to catch his breath. "Now that I own fifteen percent of their shares, I’m planning to target the other board members—at least the ones willing to sell." He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.
"If I pull this off, I’ll have significant influence over the company," he continued, his tone brimming with confidence. "And if I can secure even more shares..." He stopped for a moment, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I’ll own the whole damn thing before they even realize what’s happening."
Derrick had smoothly shifted the conversation, steering it toward his real agenda—his business pitch.
He hadn’t come to Augustine’s house just to chat or tease him about Charles. No, he had a goal in mind, and that goal was Ghotu Corporation.
Derrick sat down on the couch, crossing his legs as he studied Augustine’s expression. "Speaking of shares," he continued casually, "I know you own twenty-five percent of Ghotu Corporation. That’s a pretty solid stake." He let the words hang for a moment, then leaned closer to Augustine’s ear. "I want to buy it."
There it was—his real reason for showing up unannounced.
Derrick’s gaze was unwavering, his usual playful smirk replaced by something far more serious.
Augustine scoffed.
They both delved into business talk, analyzing how their purchased shares would soon skyrocket in value.
Numbers, projections, and strategies filled the air between them.
But minutes later, Augustine leaned back against the couch, exhaling sharply. "I... I think we should end this discussion here." His voice was firm, unwavering. He met Derrick’s gaze head-on. "I’m not selling my shares to you. Business doesn’t work like that."
Derrick sneered, leaning forward with an air of confidence. "I’m your friend, Augustine. Can’t you at least sell me ten per cent? I’ve already contacted my lawyer—if you agree, we can sign the contract before the day ends."
The tone of Derrick was smooth, almost coaxing.
Augustine, however, merely smirked. "In business, I don’t know any friends," he spat, his voice sharp and unyielding.
The fire in Augustine gaze made it clear—this wasn’t up for debate.
Nevertheless, Derrick persisted, trying every possible angle to persuade him.
Yet, no matter how much he pushed, Augustine’s answer remained the same. No.
With no other options left, Derrick let out a loud sigh, sniffing as he rose from the couch. "Umm... I should grab my things and leave," he muttered, his tone laced with disappointment.
Without another word, he turned on his heel.
Derrick barely took a step before he halted, turned around, and fixed his gaze on Augustine. "I almost forgot... Just yesterday, I was searching for a good restaurant for breakfast when I saw your mom with your lover."
"Wh... What?" Augustine’s eyes widened instantly, his brows arching in alarm. "Are you serious?" His tone sharpened, laced with urgency.
Derrick nodded. "Your mom and your lover seemed to be in a heated argument. I watched them from afar, so I couldn’t catch what they were saying, but..."
He paused, taking a breath before continuing. "I’d advise you to talk to your mom—tell her to stop treating your lover like trash."
"Charles didn’t made mention of..."
Before Augustine could complete his phrase, Derrick chipped me. "Come on Augustine, and beside while we were dating, your mom threatened my life and made it a living hell, so—"
"Augustine."
Derrick’s words were cut short as Charles, who had just stepped down from the staircase, spoke up.
His brows furrowed, and his eyes held a sharp glint of curiosity. "Did you and Derrick date?"