Friends

"Harris, how did it go with the Hudsons?" Concern was evident in Mallory's voice. "It was tough, but we're prepared. I've got a plan, Mallory. We're going to weather this storm." "Harris, what's the plan? How are you going to get through this?" Mallory asked curiously. "I will secure support from the Steele Group. When Anthony Steele approves my proposal, Steele Enterprises will be with me. From then, I'll fight for my father's legacy, for our family and our future." Harris had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure a plan with the help of the Steele Group, David, and his father, Anthony Steele, who was the Chairman of the Steele Group. Harris believed that with their support and strategic maneuvers, they could weather the storm and come out of this situation stronger than before. "Good luck, Harris. I'm confident you'll make it and come out stronger from all of this," Mallory said proudly. Harris's heart melted, hearing Mallory's encouragement. He thought Mallory had been extra caring and thoughtful for him for the past weeks. "Thank you, Mallory. Your words give me so much motivation," he said, a smirk crept out of his lips. "Of course," Mallory smiled shyly. "You are Harriet's father, so I don't want anything bad to happen to you, whether in business or personal life." "Is that all you have to say?" Harris looked at Mallory intently. Slowly, he moved close to Mallory until he cornered her to the wall. Mallory panicked, her cheeks warming. Meeting Harris's gaze sent butterflies in her stomach. The gap between them was so close, making it hard to breathe. "You know, there are so many things I want to do with you right now," Harris said, tracing a finger on Mallory's cheek. His voice husky and was seductive in Mallory's ear. "Harris, what are you doing?" Mallory tried hard not to stammer. "We're not doing anything, okay" Harris sighed. "Can I have just a kiss, please?" He showed puppy eyes to convince Mallory. "Harris, don't be childish. I thought you were serious about solving the Thompson Group's problem. Yet, here you are flirting." "I'm not just flirting, okay. I'm trying to win you back." "Harris, we've talked about this," Mallory pleaded. Harris sighed as he pulled away. "Hey! Don't you want a kiss? Close your eyes." She felt like a teenager who was about to give her first kiss to her boyfriend. Harris closed his eyes and moved his face close to Mallory. Just when Mallory was about to place a kiss on Harris's cheek, his one eye opened. He was quick to move and meet Mallory's lips with his. "You are such a cheater. I told you to close..." Mallory's words muffled as Harris owned her lips. She was too weak to protest so she gave in to your heart's desire. She moaned as Harris fully owned her lips and deepened his kiss. Mallory responded hungrily, their tongues intertwined, responding to each other paced. Both of them were lost in their own fantasy as if the world was top. It was Mallory who broke the kiss, both of them panting. Mallory's cheeks were as red as they could be. "I'll have to go and win the merger with the Steele Enterprises," Harris said, planting a kiss on Mallory's forehead. He wiped Mallory's lips, leaving her in shock. "Harris, I've gone through the details, and I've decided to support you in this merger. You have my word, and we'll make it work," Anthony Steele said. Relief washed over Harris' face. "Thank you, Uncle Anthony. This means everything to me and my father's legacy." All his hard work for months, sleepless nights, and brain-wracking strategies to achieve his goal have paid off. "You deserve it, Harris." "Dad, how about me? Did you look at my proposal?" David asked anxiously. "Of course, I did," Anthony said finally. "And honestly, I was impressed. You'll get my support too. Son, you've grown up so much as a man and a businessman. I am proud of you," he said sincerely. "Dad, you don't know how much this means to me. I promise I won't let you down," David said excitedly. "David, we did it! We're going to get through this together," Harris said ecstatically. "Thanks, Harris. You've been like a brother to me." David couldn't be more grateful for his journey with his best friend. "I'm proud of both of you. Now, let's go celebrate." The three of them had a few drinks at home until Anthony excused himself. Harris then invited David to his mansion to continue their celebration with Mallory. "Why are you guys so cheerful tonight?" Mallory asked as she welcomed them. "We've got some great news, Mallory," Harris rejoiced, smiling ear to ear. "And it calls for a celebration." David raised the champagne he brought. With them was Amanda, looking lovely in his little black dress. "It's nice to be back, Mallory," kissing Mallory on the cheek. She was as sweet as they first met on Harriet's birthday. "It's so nice to have you again." Mallory was a little relief, there wouldn't be an awkward moment with Harris after what happened between the two of them before Harris left. "Let's have a toast," Harris proposed, raising his glass, as they gathered at his mansion's bar. "To family, friends, and a brighter future!" Everyone raised their glass. "To a brighter future!" Mallory said. "Cheers!" They said in unison. "I'm so glad things are looking up for us," Mallory said. "Me too, Mallory," David agreed. "You know, guys, despite the tough times, I've never felt this close to my family," he added, pondering his difficult past without Amanda by his side. Mallory noticed how David looked at Amanda, it was the same way Harris looked at her. She couldn't be happier for her newfound friends. "It's funny how adversity can bring people together," Mallory said, appreciating the good side of things. "I'm also happy you're with Amanda again, David," Harris interrupted. "You deserve every happiness in the world," he said, eyeing Amanda and David. He knew his best friend was desperate to be with Amanda during their breakup but his hands were tied because of his business obligations. Now, they are free just like him and Mallory. "Thank you, Harris," Amanda said. "You've been such a good friend to David especially when I was not by his side to take care of him." "We've been on the same path so we understand each other very well. We will stick together until we grow old," Harris said. David raised his glass," cheers to that." Amanda shared she didn't really have a boyfriend after breaking up with David, she forced her brother, Pete to lie, so David would stop stalking her. It was hard but she knew David had obligations to his family and she didn't want to be a hindrance. David looked at Amanda with adoration the whole time she talked. "How about you guys? Is everything back to where it should be?" Amanda asked. The two of them fell silent, giving the awkward atmosphere around them. "Oh, guys, I apologize. I shouldn't have asked such a question." "No, no, no," Mallory was quick to let Amanda calm down. "It's not a big deal, it's okay." "We've talked about it and I'll wait until I have announced the breaking of my engagement with Nicole formally and bring back the glory of the Thompson's Group with the support of the Hudsons," Harris answered. "Despite everything happening we are doing our best to prioritize our daughter. Mallory was glad Harris chose to answer on her behalf and was patient in explaining everything. David and Amanda nodded and understood the situation. Everything turned out fine that night except Harris's doubt about Dominic. As he looked at Mallory, he couldn't help but worry about his potential rival. Although he trusts Mallory, Dominic is someone he doesn't know personally and his first impression of him isn't good which calls for an investigation.