A Billion Dollar Bet:Love and Loss

Amidst the flickering bursts of camera flashes, the room was a swirling tempest of anticipation, and Ethan, found himself perched at the podium, gazing upon a relentless tide of journalists. As he stood before the sea of reporters, he couldn’t help asking himself why he had agreed to represent the company. “Mr. Sullivan!” One reporter called, “Could you please provide an overview of Opulence Realtors' recent achievements?” “Thank you for the question,” Ethan replied, pushing down his rising angst. “Opulence Realtors has experienced significant growth over the past year. Our portfolio expanded by 20%, and we successfully completed several high-profile projects, including the luxury condominium complex downtown and the waterfront development on Lakeview Avenue.” “With the current economic climate, how has Opulence Realtors managed to thrive?” another reporter asked, not giving him the chance to breathe. Knowing that his fellow stakeholders would be watching the briefing, Ethan mustered up his best smile and answered. “It's a great question. In the face of economic challenges, we focused on innovation and adaptation. By leveraging advanced technology and market research, we identified emerging trends and tailored our strategies accordingly. We also fostered strong relationships with our clients, providing them with exceptional service and personalized solutions.” “There have been concerns about affordable housing. How does Opulence Realtors address this issue?” “Affordable housing is an important aspect of our company's vision. We have collaborated with local authorities and community organizations to develop affordable housing initiatives. We allocate a portion of our resources to construct and maintain affordable units, ensuring that everyone has access to quality housing options.” Ethan was bombarded with a flurry of questions, and he carefully answered each one, until a certain reporter in a red vest and round glasses began to question him. Then everything started going south. “Excuse me, sir,” the reporter raised a hand. “Go on,” Ethan replied, a cheerful smile on his face. “Is it true that you are the sole inheritor of your father’s assets, save for his company- Opulence Realtors?” Ethan’s brow creased in confusion as he hadn’t expected such an odd question. Regardless, Ethan mustered up his smile and replied. “Um, I’m sorry, but I’m only answering the questions regarding the company.” “The question is within the scope sir, kindly answer,” the red vest reporter answered. “Yes, it’s true,” Ethan replied, his smile becoming stiff. “And do you think he didn’t will the company to you because of the incident that occurred four years ago?” At that moment, Ethan’s heart sank, his smile faltered and his breath quickened as he recalled the event that happened four years ago. The reporter continued his questioning. “Do you think your father knew about your tendencies, that’s why he didn’t give you his company to inherit?” “Are you fit to be a stakeholder in the company sir? How do you plan on taking Opulence Realtors to the next level sir” The flurry of questions continued, but Ethan had zoned out. His senses dulled, as his consciousness drifted back to that pivotal moment four years prior—a seismic event that had reshaped the very course of his existence. “We’re here sir!!” Ethan was jolted back to reality as the car came to a halt. William his trusty chauffeur stepped out of the car and helped him with the door. “Thank you, William,” Ethan said, adjusting his suit as he stepped out of his black Sedan. The gentle Sarasota breeze grazed his skin and the cacophony of car horns and chatter filled the air. The city was alive, yet Ethan felt a tinge of anxiety rush through him. Up ahead, the building of his father’s company loomed with the name ‘Opulence Realtors’ written in bold at the top of the building, several stories high. Ethan made his way towards the grand entrance of the building, walking by the cascading fountains, their crystal-clear waters cascading gracefully from sculpted marble figures. The rhythmic sound of splashing water created an ambiance of serenity, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that surrounded it. Yet, his heart was unsettled. The press briefing that had just concluded a few hours ago had not gone as planned, and he would have to report to his fellow stakeholders. Hopefully, they don’t ask about that last question, Ethan thought as he rode up the elevator. The elevator doors opened up, revealing the lone door to the conference room at the end of a brightly lit, empty hallway. He could hear his footfalls echoing on the tiled floor as he walked up the hallway. Standing before the door, Ethan took a deep breath and walked in. The room was large and at the center was a round conference table surrounded by men and women in suits who turned around and fixed his gaze on him the moment he stepped in. “Mr. Sullivan! Welcome,” said John Donovan, a dark-skinned man standing at the head of the table, next to the LED screen . “We were just talking about you.” Ethan’s heart sank as he gazed at the screen. It was a recording of the press briefing he had just concluded a few hours ago, showing how he had stormed out of the hall without answering the last question. “Ethan,” a familiar voice chuckled. “You give us a bad name with such behavior. I thought I taught you better than that.” His gaze was drawn to the last person in the world that he wanted to see at that moment- his mother- Lily Sullivan. The person whom his father had willed the company to. Taking a deep sigh, Ethan began. “I do apologize for my behavior, but I believe personal subjects should stay personal. I was not obligated to answer that silly reporter.” John shook his head and clicked his tongue in disapproval. “Mr. Sullivan, you need to understand that you’re a representative of a world-class company, and should comport yourself as such.” “My son was never one to pay attention to such things even if his life depended on it,” Lily interjected her gaze fixed on Ethan. Ethan decided to ignore her, placing his gaze on John. “I apologize once again for my behavior,” Ethan said, bowing slightly to everyone in the room. “Now, let’s get to the matter at hand…” “Oh, we’re not done addressing the elephant in the room…” said another stakeholder, a middle-aged man who had been a part of his father’s company since he remembered. “Of course, he runs away. As he does with every other thing in his life,” Lily muttered under her breath and Ethan clenched his fists in annoyance, but kept his cool. “Tell us, Ethan, what is your purpose here, because so far you have only been a nuisance to this company. We try to give you a chance but you blow it like always.” Lily’s onslaughts continue. “If I am such a bother to you Lily, I might as well take my leave,” Ethan snapped back as he prepared to take his leave, grateful for the opportunity to escape. “Right, run away like you always do” Lily attacks again. “At least I hope you have the decency to face your responsibilities to this company.” “I’m very much aware of my responsibilities!” Ethan snapped. “I’m very capable of handling things on my own.” “Handle things? You never even built anything from scratch, how are you going to ‘handle things’? You'd be nothing if it weren’t for your father’s fortune. You are evidently not a worthy inheritor Ethan, you are a failure of a son and a father, that’s what you are!” “That’s about enough Lily.” another fellow stakeholder interjected. “No need to bring family squabbles here.” “Back to the matter at hand,” John continued. “You don’t seem to understand the issue here, Ethan. Your behavior at the press conference today is enough to bring this company to ruins.” Ethan raised his brows in surprise. That was a rather excessive way to put things. “Everyone knows of your father’s reputation,” John said, pacing back to the LED screen. “Michael Sullivan was a business genius, and with your mother here, they brought this company to where it stands today. But as you know, your father had certain…tendencies, which affected the company.” Ethan winced inwardly as he knew where this discussion was going. “That reporter,” John continued, “was only addressing the elephant in the room by asking about what happened four years ago, hoping the same event that happened with your father wouldn’t repeat itself.” Ethan's heart sank. He had hoped they wouldn’t bring that up. “I am NOT my father!” Ethan growled. “That is what we hope as well.” said another stakeholder. “Ethan!” John called “Tell us what happened four years ago, so we would know how to deal with the situation.” “There is no situation to deal with,” Ethan said stubbornly. “You don’t seem to understand the position where you currently stand,” Lily said “Over half of the stakeholders here have voted you out of the company,” said John. “What…?” Ethan’s eyes widened in bewilderment “You are essentially the face of this company, yet you see no reason to rubbish your image, knowing very well that your image is the image of the company. The only reason why you are still a stakeholder is that a few of us who hold the major shares have decided to give you another chance, your mother inclusive.” Ethan looked at Lily in shock, a smug smile tugging at the corners of her lips. But Ethan knew that his mother would do anything to humiliate him, hence this whole idea of giving him another chance must be a facade. “You need to tell us what happened four years ago, so we would know how to save you some face, and also protect the image of this company.” John continued, “Otherwise, we would find out ourselves, which wouldn’t go well for you.” “Oh, my dear Ethan,” Lily chuckled. “You must know that the company already has a way of finding out the truth, We just want to hear from the horse's mouth first.” “H-how?” Ethan’s heart raced. They mustn't find out what happened. He would not walk down the same path his father did. Did they get in touch with Penelope? He wouldn’t put it past her, always looking for a way to drag his name in the mud. “How you ask,” John interjected as he stretched the TV remote toward the LED screen. The screen changed to reveal a blog post made by Penelope- his ex-wife. Ethan’s heart practically stopped, seeing his life ending at that moment as he stared at the screen. On it was a blog update from his ex-wife’s blog titled: ‘The Truth Behind our Divorce- What Happened Four Years Ago.’