LARISSA

Chapter 10

NICK SMITH

I'm Nick. The only son of Matilda and Jorge. I'm the male cousin of Larissa and Beatrice. I'm around the same age as they are.

I despise our way of life at times. I hate the fact that I come from a prominent family. I hate that I'm a Laurent.

Some of my friends and coworkers are envious of me because I am a Laurent. They said I couldn't ask for anything more out of life. I already had everything: money, a comfortable lifestyle, and power.

But what everyone doesn't realize is that being a Laurent requires a never-ending drama. I'm not sure why our family always seeks attention and validation from others. I believed my cousins Larissa and Beatrice weren't like that, but it appears I was mistaken. They all crave attention, including my father, who is not a Laurent, and Aunt Rafaela, Uncle Clint's wife.

I despise this way of life. I only wanted to be a successful painter and live a quiet life by myself. The fact is that I want to inform my parents that I want to live independently, but even though I have completed my degree, I still feel like a young kid who needs permission from his parents.

My parents are opposed to my decision. They claim that the mansion is too large for us. They informed me that we needed to keep our high-end lifestyle. They also made fun of my main source of income, which is painting. They told me I wouldn't be able to make a living here and that painting wouldn't make me wealthy.

I recall what my father said to me. "Remember, Nick. You're also a Laurent! A Laurent! If you pursue that shitty passion of yours, you will forfeit our ownership and control to the WIC Company. You're a part of the family. You must seize what is legally yours," My father told me.

I drew my brows furrowed. At the moment, I couldn't understand him.

"Dad, why are you controlling me and preventing me from pursuing my dreams?  I aspire to be a well-known painter.  I want to be known in this field,"

"Nick, you don't have a future there. Being a painter will not make you a billionaire," he pointed out.

I locked my gaze on him. "It's not just about money, Dad. Everything boils down to happiness. I'm not aiming to become a trillionaire, and our family is already wealthy. What more could I ask for? All I want to do is develop and improve my talent..." I was adamant.

"It's not just about money!  But, sweetheart, the truth of this world revolves entirely on money. You can't be happy if you don't have any money. Money can buy happiness. That is the truth, and you should remember it.  I can't believe we're arguing about this, Nick!"

"I'm not sure why you want me to learn about the WIC Company, dad. You're working there, right? As well as mom,"

My father looked at me as if I were a difficult person. "Your mother and I will not always be youthful, Nick. We shall eventually reach the age of retirement and be unable to work. We must face reality. That is why I need you to learn about the company and allow me to train you."

"For what?  Beatrice and Larissa are my cousins. They may be in charge of the WIC."

If looks alone could kill, I'm sure I'd be dead by now.

He slapped me hard, for he was furious. "Are you using your brain, Nick?  You're the only man among the young generation. I'm confident that once you've proven your worth, you'll be the WIC's next CEO. Who knows? You are eligible for the role of Chairman. They will give this position to a male candidate if you show them what you've got. They are women, Larissa and Beatrice. And in the corporate sphere, men predominate. But, of course, if you quit up without attempting, Larissa and Beatrice will lead the WIC. Not only that but what if they get married? What if Matilda and Franco arrange for their daughters to marry someone with excellent managerial skills? That is not inconceivable, Nick. That is how business-minded individuals are. And if that happens, and their husband takes over the company, I'm telling you, Nick, you'll be hopeless and poor doing your passion," he said.

My father's statements hurt me truly. At the same time, I can't help but wonder why my father considers Larissa and Beatrice a threat. They are cousins of mine. A family. Why would my father think such a thing? He should be relieved that the company is in good hands, right?

"T-They're family, dad..."

"They are, indeed. But, in business and finance, the adage "blood is thicker than water" does not apply. Sometimes, you have to cut other people down in order to be on top," his final words linger in my thoughts.

And it was then that I realized my father had grown insecure and envious of the real Laurents. I understand he wasn't a true Laurent. He belonged to the Smith family. That's why he's the way he is. My mother also told me that my father was born neither rich nor poor, just average.

That's why he's so ambitious. I felt sorry for him. Jealousy takes control of him. I'm attempting to save him from despair. I want to guide my father in the proper path. But he was always dismissive of me. He was furious at me for saying no to what he desired.

But I can't seem to agree on what he wants. My future is at stake. I don't want to grow old and die like my relatives. I doubt they'll be able to live a normal life. I avoid drama as much as possible. So even if my father doesn't talk to me for months, I'm not lowering my pride. Because I know that he will expect me to lead the WIC Company after I do that.

Yes, that corporation was built by my mother's grandparents. And I'm aware that I have rights there. I belong to a new generation of Laurents. But I simply cannot. I'm handing over control of the company to my cousins.

I believe they are capable of doing so. But just when I was getting ready to live on my own, we were hit with unexpected news. Larissa, my cousin, is... missing!