Chapter 3 The ultimatum

Chapter 3

Elliot Remington's office was a testament to wealth, power, and precision. Located on the top floor of Remington Enterprises, the suite was designed with modern elegance. Floor to ceiling window offered an uninterrupted view of the Manhattan skyline, casting golden light across the space as the sun dipped below the horizon.

The room itself was massive, yet every inch was carefully organized. A custom made ebony desk, polished to perfection, sat at the center of the space. It was a symbol of authority. The deep leather chair behind it was tailored to his frame, commanding in its presence. To the side, a fully stocked bar gleamed under recessed lightning. It's glass shelves displaying only the finest selection of whiskey, scotch and wine

Abstract art adorned the walls, each piece hand-selected to reflect power and sophistication. The dark marble flooring contrasted with the rich wood paneling, and an intricate chandelier hung overhead, a reminder that everything in this space was meant to impress.

Yet, none of it mattered.

Not right now.

Elliott leaned back in his chair, his fingers pressed against his temple. He had spent years turning this company into an empire, yet here he was, being summoned like a child to answer for things that had nothing to do with business.

The sound of polished leather shoes against the Mable floor signaled his father's arrival. Richard Remington never needed to announce himself. His presence alone commanded attention. Dressed in an impeccable navy suit, his silver hair was neatly combed back, his face unreadable as always.

Elliot didn't look up. "To what do I owe the pleasure, father?" He said, his voice smooth but void of warmth

Richard took a seat across him, moving with the controlled precision of a man who had never wasted a single step in his life.

"This won't take long, There's a problem that needs to be addressed." His father said, his tone calm but firm.

Elliott finally met his gaze, his jaw tightening. He already knew where this was going.

Richard adjusted the cuff of his sleeve. "The Hawthorne deal is on thin ice."

Elliott exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his dark hair. "If this is about my personal life again–"

"It's not just your personal life." Richard cut him off smoothly. "It's the image of this company. The future of our legacy."

Elliot clenched his fists under the desk. The word legacy had been drilled into him since childhood. Everything had always been about the family name, the empire his father had built, and the expectations placed on his shoulders.

Richard continued, his voice steady. "Hawthorne doesn't just invest in companies. He invest In people. He values stability. And a bachelor CEO? That doesn't scream stability, Elliott."

Elliot let out a sharp, humorless chuckle. "So, what? You want me to find some woman, put a ring on her finger, and parade her around like a trophy?"

"If that's what it takes." Richard replied.

Elliott's expression hardened, "That's absurd."

"No." Richard said smoothly, "it's business".

Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.

Elliot could feel the weight of his father's expectations pressing down on him like a vice. He had spent his entire life proving himself, taking Remington Enterprises to new heights, yet none of it seemed to be enough.

His father leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlacing. "You have one month."

Elliott's jaw clenched. "One month for what?"

"To find a suitable woman, make it official or I would have to choose for you." Richard said simply

The words landed like a blow, but Elliott refused to show any reaction.

Richard continued as if he was discussing a business deal rather than his son's future. "If you don't, I'll make the decision for you."

Elliot scoffed, shaking his head. "You can't be serious."

"I am." His father said.

Elliot stood abruptly, pushing his chair back. He turned toward the window, staring out at the city. He had built his own empire, expanded the company beyond what his father had imagined, yet here he was being treated like a pawn.

"This is ridiculous."

"What's ridiculous is you thinking you can ignore this and expect no consequences." Richard countered

Elliot turned back to him, his eyes turned cold.

"And what if I don't, what exactly are those consequences?"

Richard didn't hesitate. "You step down as CEO."

Elliott's chest tightened.

He had expected his father to be ruthless but this, this was another level.

"You're threatening me to strip me of everything i built?" Elliot said.

"No," Richard corrected. "I'm ensuring that you understand the stakes. This isn't just about you, It's about the company, the family name, and the empire we've spent generations cultivating. One man's pride isn't worth risking it all."

"This is bigger than you, Elliot." Richard said, his tone unwavering. It's about securing the company's future. If you can't handle that responsibility, then maybe you're not the right person to lead.

Elliott's stomach twisted, but he masked it with a smirk. "And let me guess, If I step down, you already have someone in mind to replace me?"

Richard didn't answer but the silence spoke volumes.

Elliot let out a slow breath. "So, that's it? One month to find a wife or I lose everything?"

Richard stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "You always claim to be strategic. Prove it."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door, his footstep echoing against the marble floor.

Just before leaving, he paused. "And Elliott, make the right choice, this company cannot afford mistakes."

Then he was gone.

The moment the door clicked shut, Elliot slammed his fist against the desk, sending papers flying. His jaw tightened, his mind racing.

One month.

Find a wife, Secure a deal, Or lose everything he had built.

He had faced impossible negotiations, ruthless competitors, and market crashes, but this,

This is personal.