A faint, knowing smile touched Jake's lips as he noticed Mark's brief hesitation. He walked forward, extending his hand.
"Mr. Thompson," Jake said calmly, his voice carrying the same unflappable weight Mark had heard through the receiver. "It's good to finally put a face to the voice."
Mark quickly caught himself, stepping forward to grip Jake's hand firmly. "Mr. Rivers. It is an absolute honor."
Jake gestured toward the glass conference table where the incorporation documents and legal ledgers were spread out. "I take it Joe Bright wasn't too pleased with your departure?"
Mark let out a short, quiet laugh, shaking his head as he pulled out a leather executive chair. "That would be an understatement, Mr. Rivers. He threatened to sue me, begged me to come back, and then offered to sell Royal Aviation to you outright."
"Sell me his bankrupt firm?" Jake asked, amused as he took a seat at the head of the table. "He really is desperate."
