Dynasty and Desire

“Dad, you need to make a decision.” Donna said, coming down the stairs as she approached her father sitting on a couch, crossed-legs and scanning through a magazine. “Not again”, Richard groaned inwardly, dreading what was coming. “I hope Claire isn't home?” He asked Donna, closing the magazine and setting it on the table. His daughters had taken up the habit of ambushing him whenever he was alone and trying to pry out information from him about who would inherit the company. This all started few weeks ago when he mentioned the possibility of retiring early, now he regrets ever doing that, there have been no peace since he declared his intentions. “Did I hear my name?” Claire asked, closing the front door behind her as she strolled towards them. She completely ignored Donna and bent towards the couch to give her father a hug, “I hope you didn’t miss me much dad” she added . Donna rolled her eyes at the scene before her, Claire was a good actress, she’ll give her that. “Dad? Please, you have to make a decision, I’m clearly the better choice for CEO,” Donna mentioned again, ignoring Claire’s presence and the fact that she was stirring trouble. “Oh, please!” Claire said as she straightened up and faced Donna, “I’ve been doing most of the work in this company and deserve that position more than anyone else.” “You've been riding my coattails for years Claire. I built this company from the ground up.” Donna countered. “Built it? You mean you watched while I did all the hard work. I'm the one who secured our biggest clients!” Claire said with an increasing tone. “Those clients only came on board because of the foundation I laid. You're all flash, no substance.” Donna fired back. “Dad, tell her! I'm more qualified!” Claire shrieked, turning to face him. “I have real-world experience Dad and the respect of our employees too." Donna said said more calmly. Richard sighed “Girls, please…” “Don't 'girls' us Dad,” Claire shrieked again and Donna winced, becoming irritated by her outburst. “This is serious, The board will make their decision soon, and you need to endorse one of us.” Claire continued. “Yeah, and it should be me. I've been here longer, I know every aspect of this business inside and out.” Donna added. “Longevity doesn't equal competence. I've brought fresh ideas and modernized our approach.” Claire said becoming hysterical ones again. “I understand you're both passionate, but…” Richard started saying. “Passionate? I'm fighting for my life's work here Dad! Claire swooped in because she was bored and thinks she can take over.” Donna said cutting him off. “Take over? I'm trying to save this company from becoming obsolete!” “Enough! You're both acting like children. Is this how you plan to lead the company?” Richard stood up enraged. “Maybe neither of you is ready for this responsibility.” he went on to say. “What? You can't be serious, I’m more than ready Dad.” Donna said softly. “Dad, you can't do this!” Claire added. “Watch me. Now, if you two can't find a way to work together, I'll be forced to resort to a different means.” Richard gave his final warnings as he grabbed his magazine from the table and headed to his room, leaving them standing and staring after him. As Richard walked up the stairs, he couldn’t help but wish things were a little different, maybe if Donna and Claire had both come from same mothers, things wouldn’t be this difficult. Donna was only a year old when he lost his fiancee Marie to a fatal car accident. He knew he couldn’t let Donna grow up without a mother so when his personal secretary Angie took up the responsibility of caring for Donna during the period he was mourning, he thought it’ll be a good idea to marry her. Few months after getting married to Angie, she took in and gave birth to Claire. Claire brought joy into Richard’s life, not that Donna didn’t make him feel the same way but whenever he looked at Donna he saw her mother in her and it hurts terribly. He needed to come up with a plan to resolve this issue without being biased. I need to confide in Angie. He thought as he turned and walked towards the room opposite from his and peered through the open doorway, “ Angie, are you awake? we need to have a serious talk.” Angie stopped in the act of turning down the lamp and leaned against the pillows. “Oh honey, don't tell me it's the girls again.” she called out, her arms wide open, ready to receive him. Richard walked in as he leaned into his wife's embrace. “Precisely that honey. they're are it again, about who's to inherit the company.” “What are we going to do about them? This is really getting out of hand.” she replied as she patted the head laying on her bosom. “I’ve thought long and hard about it, they’re both very good in what they do and they bring in fresh ideas and innovation, I’ll be very comfortable leaving the company to both their hands.” He hesitated and then added “Right now the only thing missing in their lives is a man. A strong man that’ll support and stand by them as they lead this company.” Richard said as he straightened up and stared at his wife. “What are you trying to say honey,” Angie asked. “They need to get married.” Richard said with finality. “Marriage!? Richard darling, that’s too sudden.” she said softly “ I know. the girls are always working and trying to prove themselves to me. They’ve not brought home a guy in a long time, especially Donna.” He shifted as he continued.“ I am a business man and I know what it’s like to run a company, you put in your all and everything without giving yourself a break, and next thing you’re growing old and alone.” “I get what you’re saying dear, so what’s the plan here? I know it’s not just about marriage.” she asked. “ Well the ultimate plan is this,” he leaned forward and said in a whisper “whoever falls in love and get married first automatically becomes my heir.” “What!? this is a terrible idea.” Angie said reaching out to hold his hands. “You know how competitive these girls are, they will do anything for that company including marrying someone they don’t love. What if they bring home a random guy from the streets ones you tell them about this?” Richard smiled as he stood up and headed for the door “that is why we are not letting them know about it honey, and I trust you to keep this a secret?” he turned to confirm her response. She nodded as she said, “I just hope this plan of yours works out.” “I hope so too” he said to himself as the crossed the hallway to his bedroom.