The Billionaire's Nemesis

ONE

Marshall Duncan was pacing back and forth in his enormous office. He had a worried look on his face, he just got off the phone with his account manager. His mind was racing, the thought of failure and what ifs. He's always prided himself of being in control, but right now it feels like the universe was conspiring against him. Standing in front of the window, Marshall gazed down at the city below and sighed. What will happen to his legacy? He's come so far to blow everything up. Walking casually back into his office, he drew out his enormous rich leather chair and slumped down. His office is exquisite, its sleek glass walls glimmering. The ceiling, a vast expanse of polished white, seemed to float above the polished marble floor, creating an aura of elegance. The room was tastefully furnished, on his mahogany desk was a picture of Marshall Duncan and his family, smiling broadly at the camera.

Marshall knew his company was on the verge of hitting rock bottom, he had to do something, but he's tried everything in his power but there's been no positive outcome. He needs an investor, but who would be willing to invest so much money in his company at a time like this. In no time they'll be everywhere on the news and the thought of the humiliation and pity party that comes with such publicity is disheartening. Just then he hears the door to his office open.

“Dad, what is going on?” Pete enquired, he looked furious, his face a deep shade of crimson. “ What is it I'm hearing? Bankruptcy? How?” Looking up at his father, Pete needed answers. He couldn't believe his father kept such vital information away from him all this while.

Marshall Duncan had that sad look in his eyes. He couldn't bring himself to utter a word, falling back on his enormous chair, he looked away from his son.

Pete continued. “You took a loan for an investment that turned out to be a bad decision without telling me? I thought I was part of the company and we were a team. You really think I'm incompetent, not good enough?” Marshall could hear the hurt in Pete's voice.

“I know I made a mistake,” he said, feeling ashamed. “Trying to cover the company's financial bloodbath has been draining and I didn't want to drag you into the mess I made. The loan sharks have been on our neck for months now.”

“You mean we've been off the financial cliff for months now?” Pete couldn't believe it. His world is crumbling. “That explains why our clients have been dropping. What alternative options do we have?” He asked in a more relaxed voice. He had a glimmer of hope. “Mergers, acquisition, restructuring….there are people who specialize in turning drowning companies around.”

“We don't have the funds for all that. We're bleeding, we need money, we need an investor. I have made some calls, but nobody is willing to let go of huge amounts of money to help our company because returns are not guaranteed.”

Pete fell silent, feeling a sense of despair wash over him. They needed to do something, they could not afford to lose everything they own. What would become of him, his life. He sighed. He stood up and began walking towards the door, but he stopped. There was a loud thud, he turned around and to his surprise, he saw his father lying face down

on the ground.