Billionaire's Secret

No one has ever seen Max Krane emotional except perhaps when he was a child. Charles in shock and there is noticeable silence within the arena,leaving everyone speechless. Krane gets a hold of himself… he had lost his son exactly 23 years ago in a rivalry that led to the death of his wife and two daughters. His enemies clearly wanted to wipe all that concerns him away from the face of the earth. His nanny Maria who had custody of his son was found dead few blocks away from the border with a cloth soaked in blood… he assumed his son was gone with her. But some part of him didn't seem to come to terms with that fact Ever since, he had made several attempts to find his son, his life though beautiful was empty. A man in his early 60s had spent the past decade thinking of how to let go of his wealth which include several oil wells and his multi-million dollar company. Finally, he can now die in peace. He stands gently and gives Karl a warm hug Karl, not sure about how to react is trying to process what just played out before him. This scenario had played out with only few witnesses while other guests were quite busy Charles and Emily,Emelda and of course two guards Max quite aware that revealing his son's true identity could be dangerous Suddenly takes a turn which shocks everyone even more "Young lad, I'm sorry for the embarrassment! I lost my only son and he was roughly your age. So sorry for the misunderstanding " He lets go of Karl and heads to the ballroom Well, everyone but Emelda bought the story. Something was just not right. She tried to understand the meaning of the Krane image on Karl's bracelet and Max's last name which also happens to be Krane. But who would dare ask or question him? The much they could all do was accept that it was a mix up. "So sorry, loser! your magical bracelet couldn't secure you a spot in the circle of influence. What a shame " Charles laughs alongside Emily who clearly is now a stranger "Oh my good friend!what a pleasant surprise" Hector finally shows up Max and Hector had never been good friends, everyone knows they just pull off a show in public but are sworn enemies behind closed doors. "Let's gather together, a toast to the newest couple… Soon, I will finally fulfill the promise I made to my late brother.,who is the actual owner of 60% of PRIME INDUSTRIES GLOBAL." "Today, I am delighted to announce to the engagement of my beautiful niece and her new found rib" The crowd cheers as the confused couple makes it to the stage… The disappointment in the eyes of everyone was loud with shameful rhythm. What on earth would Hector's niece be doing with such a pauper? Their regard for Hector was not enough to shield the thoughts lurking within as gentle murmurs fill the entire room "I would like our new in law to address the crowd"… Gentle clapping ensues as Karl is handed the microphone to address the expectant crowd This time all forms of fear and low self-esteem was gone. What just happened? Did his dad just deny him in front of a few? That was even a bigger blow. All he wanted was to prove to the world once and for all that he was something… he had no tears left to cry with a heart that has bled all it's blood He took the stage and said a few words "I would unsheath the sword of my personality And pierce your souls with with awe steming from my originality But I'll reserve that for the right time For the eagle does not fly until it knows the direction of the wind" Karl was indeed poetic by nature, a first class graduate of business and linguistics from Wells University (well on scholarship) He had a good command of English, his words were more polished than his worn out shoes commanding the respect of all and sundry He was careful not to reveal his weakness nor embarrass his new found in-laws by revealing his poor identity which an interactive session would clearly have triggered. Having played a good role, he gives Emelda a gentle kiss on her cheek and leaves the venue ignoring all attempts to call him back Evidently, he wasn't in for any of that. He clearly needed to clear his head. It's 11:48pm and Karl had still not slept Still trying to process what had happened at the party Thoughts of Emily who he obviously still loves and more importantly for a second he thought he had finally found a father. No man had ever given him such a warm hug not even his adopted dad, there was really a connection although short-lived. While still in thoughts Three heavy knocks land on his almost broken wooden door "Who could it be at this ungodly hour? " Karl moves to open the door reluctantly, and boom talk of the devil It's Max Krane, in the midst of four well armed men His hoodie was long but not enough to cover his charisma "Can I come in?" He inquires Sure… Karl moves away from the door Max comes in alone leaving all four guards outside. "I'm sure you must be wondering why I'm here considering what happened at the party. I am Max Krane and I'm from the age-long Krane family, the most influential family in all America. That bracelet you have on your wrist was a gift from my father and I to you. No doubt you are my son. I didn't want to make it public because since your birth there has always been a threat to your life by virtue of the name you bear… our name, our legacy" Before he says another word, Karl jumps on his knees and hugs him with every strength he has got with hot tears escaping the corridors of his eyes. "Dad!!! The world has been so mean to me. I had no one to talk to. No true family to share my pain" Max pats him gently and tries to hold back his own tears… "My son, I lost you once I'm not losing you again" he responds gently An hour later… they are both seated on his old fashioned couch For now my son, we need to keep your identity secret. "There is an age-long rivalry that has been going on. For some time now the world has known you to be dead, your sudden return now would mean a very huge threat to not just the business but other rival groups. For now you must lie low, we will rarely be seen together" "Marcel will always be around and he has all the information you need about me. Meet me up in my private abode. He will bring you there tomorrow" He hands Karl a cheque of $50,000,000 and bids him farewell. "You should get some new clothes" They both smile Karl, even more confused, meeting his dad was supposed to be the best thing to ever happen to him and now that he does, his life is in danger. What's the point of having a dad you can't proudly proclaim? What's the point of having so much money and yet living in so much fear?