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1037 Words
James picked up the document, scanning the words carefully. Each line detailed the terms of his takeover of XY Corps, including his rights and responsibilities and a few clauses that pointed at the immense power that came with the position. His fingers brushed against the crisp pages as he read the final clause.
"You’ll have full control starting tomorrow," Robert said, leaning back in his chair. "But I have to warn you. The board, media, and even my rivals will watch your every move. Do you think you can handle that?"
Before retiring and passing the reins to James, Robert eliminated Rowan Amber, his most influential rival from the Rowan family. Rowan was the one who caused Robert so much grief, and it took Robert 30 years to eliminate them from the business world. Now they were nothing more than lowly rats without influence, a stark contrast to the influence and wealth they had years ago. Even though Robert had gotten rid of them, he knew James would face further opposition in the upcoming days. With the recent wealth and position James had inherited, countless enemies would surge, trying to bring him down and become number one.
James set the document down, locking eyes with Robert. "I’ve handled worse, Robert. If I could survive what I’ve been through, I could handle this."
Robert’s face broke into a broad smile, pride radiating from him. "That’s my boy."
The server interrupted, placing a complicated plated dish in front of James—a smoked salmon tartare with edible gold flakes. James hesitated for a moment before picking up his fork and taking a bite. James' eyes widened after he took a bite. In his whole life, he had never tasted anything so delicious and rich.
Robert sipped his wine, watching James. "You’ll need to make some changes in your life to fit into this role. For one, your living conditions. That little house of yours won’t serve anymore."
"I’m fine where I am," James said firmly.
Robert chuckled softly. "Stubborn, just like your mother. You can’t run a billion-dollar empire from a neighborhood most of our employees wouldn’t even drive through."
James was about to argue when Robert raised a hand. "I’m not forcing you, but think about it."
James thought over the advice as they continued their meal.
Outside Celestial Bites
Lilian sat stiffly in the passenger seat of Bill’s car as they drove to Elysian. Her mind raced with frustration. How could James, a man she had always belittled, suddenly have connections with someone as powerful as Robert Williams?
She couldn't get it!
"It doesn’t make sense," she muttered under her breath.
Bill, sensing her agitation, glanced at her. "Let it go, Lilian. We have more important things to focus on. Our wedding is in a week."
Lilian felt unease and anger gnawing at her deep down. The car soon pulled over at the entrance of Elysian. Lilian stared at the interior design of the restaurant, feeling unimpressed. Though it was second to Celestia bites, she still felt that Elysian was lacking compared to the number one restaurant her ex-husband had just gotten easy access to. It pissed her off so much, but she put on a fake smile and walked in.
Back in the Suite
After signing the final page of the agreement, James leaned back in his chair.
"So, that’s it," he said, exhaling deeply.
"That’s it," Robert confirmed. "You’re now the CEO of XY Corps. Congratulations."
"I'll make an official announcement confirming the transfer of ownership of XY Corps. You may choose any date to reveal your identity and assert your rightful place as the true owner of XY Corps." Robert said with a broad smile. Robert
"Okay, I will think of that later," James said, standing up to leave, but then paused, sitting back down. "You said that I was stubborn, just like my mother and you only mentioned my elder brother's death. That means my mother is still alive. Where is she? I would like to meet her."
At the end of his last sentence, James' voice thickened with emotions that he had done well in hiding for years.
"Yes, Theresa is alive, but she has been bedridden for up to a year now. She had a severe stroke. If you want to meet her, I can book an appointment with Doctor Mary, and we can go visit her tomorrow." Robert said.
James stared at the feast in front of him absentmindedly, completely lost in thought. Then he nodded, "Okay".
.....
A few hours after James got home, he turned on the TV he had purchased a day ago. He quickly turned his attention back to the TV. The evening news flashed a breaking headline:
"World's Richest Man, Billionaire Robert, Names Secret Son as Heir to XY Corps!"
The reporter's voice blared over the dramatic music. “In a shocking turn of events, billionaire Robert, the wealthiest man in the world, has transferred ownership of his global company, XY Corps, to a person he referred to as his son. Questions are swirling—who is this son, and how did he remain hidden all these years?”
James stares at the screen. The screen cuts to footage of reporters swarming Robert’s estate, followed by interviews deliberating on the impact of the sudden transfer.
"Does this mean that you're retiring, Mr Robert?" A reporter asked, holding the microphone to Robert's mouth.
"Yes, I'm getting older, so I felt it was time to transfer the rights to my company to someone capable while I spend the rest of my life going on numerous vacations with my beloved wife," Robert said while laughing "I've been to countless countries, like the Maldives for a business meeting, and I've never had the chance to chill in a beach for more than two hours but from today henceforth, I can do that. How amazing!"
The reporters and financial analysts surrounding him fought the urge to smack their faces in disbelief. Bro, your actions could affect the economy and many other countries and all you did was laugh it off as if it was nothing. While others thought, "Us, poor people are praying for the problem you're complaining about, alright?"
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