A Dangerous Affair

Chapter Three

"Vale Co., a global conglomerate, has surprised the business world by introducing an undisclosed CEO after months of speculation. The mysterious executive, who has maintained a low profile, is expected to lead the company through its next phase of growth." The female reporter hastened to gather more information about the newly appointed CEO, eager to uncover any details about her background and experience. Rumors began circulating that she might bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to Vale Co., potentially shaking up the industry and solidifying the conglomerate's position as a market leader.

"The move has generated widespread intrigue, with stakeholders and analysts eagerly awaiting more details about the enigmatic leader's vision and strategy. Stock prices experienced a brief surge post-announcement, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding this unconventional leadership transition. The unfolding scenario has sparked heightened interest and speculation within the corporate community."

"Unknown CEO, huh?" Louis mumbled as he scanned the items in his grocery cart. "I wonder what this means for the future of Vale Co." He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as he contemplated the potential impact of the new CEO's strategies on the industry.

"It must be nice to have such money." His voice was tinged with a hint of envy as he glanced at the tabloid headline featuring the new CEO's extravagant lifestyle. As he checked out at the cashier, he couldn't help but remember the debt of his late father.

Perhaps I should go back now. My mother must have been waiting for me.

He took the grocery bag and called for a taxi to take him back home. As he sat in the taxi, he couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts about his financial situation and the contrasting wealth of the new CEO. "I wonder if I can be like that unknown CEO," he mumbled to himself.

A few moments later, the taxi stopped, and he got out with his grocery bags. He made his way to his small apartment, lost in thought.

"Mom, I'm home," he called out as he entered the apartment. His mother appeared from the kitchen, drinking a bottle of alcohol again. "Oh, you're home." She didn't even look up from her drink.

Louis sighed, placed the grocery bags on the kitchen counter, and glanced at his mother.

She's drinking again..

He started arranging the groceries he bought earlier and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest. As he put away the last item, he couldn't help but wonder if there was anything he could do to help his mother break free from her addiction.

RING, RING

Suddenly, his phone rang. He quickly took it out of his pocket. "A random number?" he mumbled to himself and answered the call.

Louis: "Hello? Who is this?"

"Mr. Carter? Are you free?"

Louis: "Mr. Smith? Yes, I'm free today. Is something going on with the company right now?" I asked.

Smith: "Well, I would like to meet you at the company," he said with a sense of urgency in his voice. Louis's heart skipped a beat, fearing that something had gone wrong. He quickly agreed to meet Mr. Smith at the company.

"Mom, I'll be out for a while," I said as I grabbed my coat and headed towards the door. The thought of a potential crisis at the company made my stomach churn with anxiety.

I finally arrived at the company and waited for Mr. Smith.

A few moments later, I saw Mr. Smith approaching me. He was holding a white envelope in his hand, which made me curious.

"Mr. Smith, is there something you need me to do?" I asked politely.

He slightly shook his head and gave me a forced smile. "As you can see, my company is not earning that much." He continued, "We've been facing some financial difficulties lately, and unfortunately, we have to let go of a few employees." My heart sank as I realized the gravity of the situation.

"How am I going to be able to pay my father's debt now? It's been 2 months and I haven't earned that much money," I thought to myself, feeling a wave of panic wash over me. I had been relying on this job to support my family, and now it seemed like everything was falling apart.

"I see. Thank you, Mr. Smith," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Is there any possibility of finding another position within the company?" I asked, desperately hoping for a glimmer of hope in this dire situation.

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry, but there's none," he said, leaving me feeling even more defeated. The reality of my situation hit me like a ton of bricks—I was out of options and running out of time. As I walked away from the conversation, my mind raced with thoughts of how I would provide for my family and dig myself out of this overwhelming debt.

I went back to my small apartment and sat down at my desk, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I knew that I had to come up with a plan, and fast. As I stared at the living room, where mostly my mother would rest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness wash over me.

"Hey, I need more alcohol!" My mother called out from the other room, interrupting my thoughts. I sighed and reluctantly got up to fetch her a glass of water.

"Mom, please stop drinking." I pleaded with her, knowing that her addiction was only making things worse.

She suddenly threw the empty bottle of vodka across the room, shattering it against the wall. Glass shards scattered across the floor, reflecting the brokenness of our situation. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the extent of her desperation and my own powerlessness to save her.

"I said I wanted alcohol, not some stupid water!" Her words cut through the air like a knife, leaving a heavy silence in the room. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before responding. "Mom, I love you and I want to help you, but this isn't the way. We need to find another solution together."

She frowned and turned her head at me. "Why can't you just let me die like your father?" I was taken aback by her words, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration.

It was clear that she was feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, but I couldn't give up on her. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I softly replied, "Mom, I can't lose you too." I reached out and gently took her hand in mine, hoping to convey my love and support. "We can find a way to make things better, Mom. Let's explore different options and seek professional help together. You don't have to face this alone."

She kept pushing me away and insisting that she didn't need any help or support. However, I refused to let her push me away. I knew that being by her side and persistently offering my help was the only way to break through the walls she had built around herself.