CHAPTER 1
Absolutely not....
Alexander Knox's voice echoed through the spacious executive office of Knox Corporation, followed by a silence that seemed to stretch endlessly between him and his father
Richard Knox, the chairman and founder of one of the most powerful business empires in the country, sat calmly behind his mahogany desk, Unlike his son, he didn't appear surprised by the rejection.
In fact, he looked almost amused.
Alexander stood in front of the desk with his arms crossed over his chest.... His black suit was perfectly tailored, his dark hair neatly styled, and his expression as cold as the winter rain falling against the floor to ceiling windows behind him.
He had just returned from an important business meeting when his father summoned him to the office.
He expected another discussion about company investments, or perhaps an international partnership.
He never expected this.
You're rejecting the proposal without even hearing me out?Richard asked with his manly voice
Alexander scoffed....
I know you,dad,whenever you call me into this office with that expression, it's never something I actually want to do
Richard chuckled softly
You're getting to know me too well,my dear son
Then you should know my answer already...
His father leaned back in his chair
You're going to become a professor Alexander
For a moment,Alexander simply stared at him....Then he laughed
A professor?Who suggested that?is it mom?
Not your mom,it was definitely me who made the choice
arghhh....In what school?
At Knox International Academy
Alexander rubbed his forehead, clearly trying to process the conversation
You're serious,Dad, I run Knox Corporation
I know his ater replied shortly
I have meetings every day,i manage hundreds of employees, investors, and international contracts
Richard nodded.
And now you'll manage a classroom
Alexander slowly turned his head toward the window.For the first time in years, he felt completely speechless
Knox International Academy was not just any school. It was one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country, known for accepting only the brightest and wealthiest students.
The academy had been established by the Knox family decades ago
His grandfather built it
His father expanded it
And one day, it would belong to him
Find someone else Dad Alexander finally said.
Richard raised an eyebrow,Why someone else,if youre there
"Yes find someone who is qualified to be a professor,someone who actually enjoys teaching....
You are qualified,yourr genius enough to teach students
Alexander looked at his father
Qualified to teach what?Business? Economics?How to intimidate people during negotiations?
His father smiled faintly
You'd be surprised how useful those skills can be in a classroom Alexander
This isn't funny dad,tell me if youre just doing some pranks on me...
I wasn't joking or doing on pranks on you,im serious
Alexander's jaw tightened
He had spent most of his life being prepared to inherit the Knox empire... Every lesson, every business trip, every decision had been carefully planned around one thing,becoming the next head of the family....
Why me,nasaan ba kase si mommy he asked, his voice quieter this time....
Richard's expression became more serious.
Because you're the only person I trust to handle the situation nd your my only son
Alexander rolled his eyes, where's mom i need to talk to her
Just agree with your dad Alexander or you have no choice ipapadala kita sa hacienda,mamili ka
Mom,naman ataw ko maging professor,i donr have experience
Elizabeth Knox stood near the office door, her arms gracefully crossed over her chest.. .Unlike Richard,who remained completely serious, she was clearly enjoying watching her son struggle to argue with Richard
huwag mo akong matawag-tawag na mommy...You heard your father right,either you agree,or you're going back to the hacienda
You're siding with him mommy?
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow....i'm siding with whoever can finally teach you some humility
anong humility I'm running a corporation mom
Richard looked between the two of them, confused.What are you saying?
Elizabeth immediately turned toward him and smiled.
Nothing, darling...
anong nothing?You literally just threatened to send me to the hacienda
Hacienda?Richard ask
yes, darling Elizabeth replied casually,I told him he should spend some time there hshahs
Richard looked at Alexander for a moment
That might actually be a good idea."
Don't encourage her, Dad,arghhhh this might sound crazy idea for me.....okay fine ill agree eith you dad,i dont want to go to the hacienda
Alexander, listen carefully i am not asking you to abandon Knox Corporation....the academy needs temporary leadership, and you are the only person I trust to handle the responsibility,
Alexander's expression remained cold....Temporary leadership? You said professor
You will be both...CEO and professor
You've lost your mind dad
meanwhile Elizabeth covered her mouth, hiding a smile
You have an excellent education. You graduated with honors, completed your master's degree, and have spent years managing businesses larger than most people will ever see in their lifetime
That's exactly why I shouldn't be teaching,i deal with businessmen who understand contracts and consequences....Students are different
Richard leaned back.
Then learn how to deal with them
Alexander's jaw tightened.....Yeah i had no choice,sooo when should i start
you'll start on monday
Monday?
Richard nodded.
Alexander stared at his father in disbelief without another word, he walked out of the office....
The moment the door closed behind him, Elizabeth looked at her husband.
Do you think he'll survive?i mean hell stsy for the first semester
Richard smiled....He's a Knox,my son he'll definitely survive
Elizabeth shook her head,amused
"That's not what I'm worried about.
Richard finally looked up....What do you mean?
Elizabeth's smile turned knowing...
Wait until he meets the students, you'll see the progress
