Prologue
Ethan kept his cool.
Long legs spread apart on the executive cushion. The room was dim and heavily decorated with imported gold at its finest. Every surface glided like a replica of the Don’s office in the Al Capone movie.
His father had always been someone who loved the Mafia. It had driven him to achieve a great name among his contemporaries. They revered him like their king. Forbes pegged Richard Kingsley as the second wealthiest man in the Amac community.
He sipped his wine as he gazed on the man standing by his father's chair. Or should he call it, throne. Samuel Brooks was his father's loyal partner over three decades. Samuel had his back at him but Ethan could still feel the power and affluence that radiated from him.
“Congratulations, Ethan.” Samuel’s aged baritone filled the room, heavy with disappointment, “You have successfully made your
Father and I made a public ridicule. Something we fought to keep at bay.”
“Oh, please! Thousand men can't wreck my father even though they eat him up for generations. Let alone one humble man like myself.” Ethan scoffed.
Samuel slowly turned. The pain in his eyes wasn't for Ethan but his dear friend, Richard. Samuel felt like he had failed in many ways. How did he let this happen? Richard entrusted Ethan to him. And he failed. Ethan doesn't do anything to reinforce his place in the company other than to party all around. Samuel felt his chest twisted in pain.
But Richard had always been very wise. He had built everything on hardwork and integrity and his own son wasn't exempted. He had given Samuel a plan to sustain Cleopatra.
“When your mother died-” Samuel began walking towards Ethan.
“Don't you dare-” Ethan spat while sitting up, “Speak her name.”
“We named this company after her name, Cleopatra.” Samuel said, towering over Ethan. Despite everything, Ethan knew this man wasn't to be toyed with. He looked away with tight jaws.
Samuel looked at the young man below him. A very handsome man he had become, Samuel noted. “Your father died of a broken heart. I can't let you break him twice.”
Samuel walked away to fetch himself a drink. His steps were muffled by the thick furry rugs. He went on, “You see, your father's shares are not yours. In fact you don't have any penny tied to your name. If you are in doubt, see the file on the desk.”
Ethan rushed to the desk and snatched the file and tore through the pages in sudden panic. He read the pages as Samuel went on, “All your frivolous lifestyle with your lame excuses for them were condoned because your father wanted you to at least finish your studies. The tabloids call you the Abuja number one club rat. Or should I worry about the Lambo you wrapped around the streets last month. That can be your assets. Your hands can work to sustain yourself, I reckon.”
“Why are you telling me this now?” Ethan yelled.
“You weren't listening.” Samuel drank his wine.
“I mean why didn't you let me know before I finished school. I wouldn't have depended on whatever you both had to give me!” Ethan said, obviously defeated.
Where is he going to start from? He felt that once he is done with his post-grad, he will get into the board of directors right away in his father's company. If not taking over immediately. He combed his hands through his hair. Thank God he made plans for himself.
“The true character of a person is not dependent on what he knows. It is dependent on what is right.” Samuel said and added, “However, the market is still within your reach. You can be easily employed in our company. But to claim your part of the empire, you have to read the last page of your father's will.”
Ethan paused as he read through the lines. He laughed silently and wiped his brows. These old folks just made it easy for him. “The shares are in a trust. Beneficiary must be married and produce an heir within five years to prevent an hostile takeover.”
Samuel tried to hide his amusement too. It is quite obvious Ethan doesn't know half of what he was getting himself into.
“Fine. I’ll do it.” Ethan said
“Good. You have six months!” Samuel said, walking away.
“Wait!” Ethan called. Samuel stopped at the door, “Does she know?”
“If she does, the deal is off.” Samuel said, shutting the door behind him. He wasn't also a proud father. But he really hoped his late friend Richard knew what he was doing.
Ethan looked at the file in his hand and sighed. He opened the drawer and placed the file there. He started loosening his tie as he wondered, what does Victoria Cole look like? And why must it be this way?
