"Now, I am pretty sure something is definitely wrong with Dante," I grumbled for the umpteenth time and was frustrated at the situation where I was not able to do anything. "He is Morris; give me a break," Davis replied with annoyance. I really don't know what beef he has with Dante. "It's been five months, and he kind of vanished. He has changed his phone number and his address, too, and has not even contacted me. I tried to contact him on social media, but no use; everything was deactivated." Davis smiled for no reason. "You are in a relationship; can you please concentrate on Isabella rather than Dante?" I rolled my eyes at that. "Hey, I am worried about him. We were talking every day or every other day. We used to exchange the usual things, but now I am worried sick of him." He grumbled something underneath, and I was annoyed. "Rowan, he is Morris, for fuck's sake. Pardon my damn language, but he will be damn ok." His annoyance is reeking for no reason. "I know, but I am not getting what happened to him all of a sudden. Blocking me like I am some kind of nuisance—that's not right. I even once visited where he lived, but he had already shifted from that place. From all this, I could conclude that this was a planned, purposeful act. I don't know whether he was forced or not." Davis chuckled at that, and I glared. "Do you think that someone could force Dante?" I hummed at that. Of course, no one could. "But he could be forced indirectly, too." I don't know why Davis went stiff at my words. "I even visited his dad a few times; that man sealed his tongue well. From the beginning, he wanted this, and at last he got it." I started to scratch my head, finding a way to contact Dante. This is not right. He can't just vanish like damn air without explanation. I was always present; I was there. These months, there was a distraction because of Isabella, but somehow, I was finding time for him, too. How can he do this to me? For the past five months, I have been worried sick.
Davis sighed while watching me, and I leaned back on my chair in thought. "Rowan, you are under pressure to prove yourself. For now, everything looks ok, but as time passes, things will get difficult. The directors won't let you take the seat until you prove yourself." A few curses left by hearing that. This is one more headache that has recently been added to my life. The constant pressure to prove myself. It feels like stepping into 18 is taking a damn toll on me. "Your dad has high hopes for you. He doesn't want to see anyone else other than you as CEO of this company. Being his son doesn't make things easy for you, and no one over here hands over the position that easily for you. They are patiently waiting for your fall. Please don't give them whatever they are craving for." I nodded at that, already exhausted for the day. I am damn trying and persistent about taking this seat, but sometimes, everything just pisses me off and is overwhelming. Where I feel like I want to run from everything.
"You are too good, and they know it." That's another thing; everyone from the time I entered the company has kept saying it, and I don't know the hidden meaning. Now, being good is considered a crime. "You need to change." I don't know what that is supposed to mean. "You need to be cunning, act smart, and act less impulsive," I huffed. "These days, you are getting on my nerves with these lectures." "Because we are worried." "Every failure is a stepping stone, not the damn end of it." He chuckled at that, amused. "Of course, what I am trying to say is learn from it and shape yourselves accordingly." "Yeah, whatever," I grumbled. "Rowan." "Oh, you have not finished yet?" He sighed at that. "You know I will be there, right? In your every success and failure." I went silent at that. I nodded my head, not able to open my mouth. He chuckled at that. "You are getting late for your date." I chuckled at that. "Damn, thanks, man. I'd better get going." He nodded his head, giving a hug to him. I was at the door, and by turning toward Davis, I spoke. "Davis, thanks for everything. I am blessed to have you in my life." "Shut up and get out." He shouted, with a goofy smile, and I was out the door.
I had taken care of the date and arranged everything before heading. After picking Isabella, we went to the high-end restaurant. The date went well, with paparazzi clicking us. This shit happens every time. I took extra measures to avoid them, and somehow, they will be present wherever we go. In a few months, I will be stepping into the CEO position, which is making everything go wild, and we are everywhere, literally everywhere. My sisters and my parents were constantly everywhere but never me; my presence was kept minimal. Now, I feel like I am everywhere, which is putting me under more pressure.
I can't act or behave normally when paparazzi are around, knowing that they are watching my every move. The car stopped in front of Isabella's mansion, and by grabbing me, she gave me a strong kiss, a great distraction. I kissed her back with the same passion and more hunger. When we were out of breath, we broke the kiss and smiled at each other. At least, this one thing is going well with me, and I can always dream about my future with her. She got out of the car, and I followed her up to the door. I stood still while she got inside.
In a happy mood, I sat in the car. At least, for her, I should be better and work harder. Being a CEO is not an easy task; it will suck everything from me, but she is with me, so I can endure and overcome everything.
It was the day when I would be officially announced as CEO of Desmond Co. The directors and my dad have discussed among themselves and decided on a date, and that was today. The discussion went on for hours. I was only 19 years old, so they were hesitant. They tried their best to push the date further, but this time, my dad's argument was stronger. Reluctantly, they agreed.
Isabella was the first one to call and cheered over the phone. She had planned to accompany me, but she was on a foreign trip with her family. So, she couldn't. Davis secured a high position in our company; after that, he was going to take over his father's company. Till then, he needs to enjoy freedom and gain experience. I couldn't ask for more.
As I got ready, I walked downstairs, and I was taken aback when I saw my family. Everyone was present, including my sisters. The first two were married, and their husbands also accompanied them. As they saw me, they cheered at once and started to congratulate me. It's not official, but I still thanked them. My dad hugged me tightly, along with my mom. My sisters were beaming with pride, and at last, Davis patted me, wishing me luck.
Davis and I were in one car, and my dad was in another, making our way to the company. I was giddy with excitement and also worried about the coming days. This is a big burden; I hope I carry it well. My dad will always be on my back; still, I can't help being frightened a little. There will be ups and downs for sure, and I should never lose hope or give up, especially for my dad. He has grilled me about this day from my childhood. Oh boy, I love to watch his face today. The pride that he feels is because of me. A tiny smile formed as I pictured everything. I am ready for this; I am ready for this new journey of my life. I am going to embrace everything with open arms, success and failure, both equally. I won't be dejected or threatened by anything. I took an oath while I was in the car, silently, within me.
The car stopped in front of the company, and I stepped out. The paparazzi were already in front of the company, and I don't know whether to glare at them or smile. My dad informed me about no media interference, and he also made sure that nothing was spread. How the hell do they manage to get the information, and they are on time? Reluctantly, I smiled and waved at them. The press conference was held tomorrow, and so no interview was given.
This is it. I firmly made up my mind and started walking with my dad and Davis. When we entered, the conference was full of directors and other top executives. My dad took his seat on the main one, and we occupied the usual ones.
The hall was eerily silent; if a needle were dropped, we could hear the sound, but it was silent and scary. Anxiety started to build up in me, and I crossed my fingers. My dad stood and started to give a brief description of his journey in this company. He took 10 minutes, tried to cover as much as possible, wished me luck, and then he sat down. He announced to cast the vote, and I held my breath tightly at that. My heart was hammering, and my lungs would give out. Davis patted my back, making me flinch a little, and spoke in my ear. "It's already decided, don't worry." I nodded at that, but I don't know why this anxiety was killing me.
There was a slow murmur among the directors; they had been doing this for the past 20 minutes, and I was not getting why. They were judging, pondering, and prolonging for no reason. Everyone agreed before that they should cast a vote, and I don't understand why they are taking so much time. This should be a red flag, but I know my dad; he wouldn't just say something just for my sake. That doesn't mean he has bribed the directors; no, we both convinced them, and they were satisfied with me. They genuinely want to give me a chance, but I don't know why they are dragging this out.
Finally, they cast the vote, and the votes were in front of my dad. My dad's assistant did the rest and handed over the final result to my dad. I held my breath when my dad saw the result, and he immediately closed his eyes. I do not like this a bit. He should be happy and hug me tightly, wishing me luck, but none of that happened. Slowly, my dad opened his eyes, met mine, and spoke. "It's negative." That's all that left his mouth, and I leaned back on the seat with a thud.
My dad's eyes met the directors, and they started to grumble and murmur within themselves. "I don't get it." My dad tried to continue, but he couldn't. Clearly, he didn't expect this result, and he was out of words. "He is a kid." One of the directors slowly opened his mouth. "This is a billion-worth company," another quipped. "He needs experience," said another with a little bit of a hostile voice. "He needs to prove more to us." Another with a sly smirk on his face. "Till then, you can continue, Mr Richard; we have no problem with that because we completely trust you."
I know what they are doing, riling me up and trying their best to discourage me. My dad's eyes met mine, and I slowly nodded to him. "Of course, I am making sure the next person who is taking over this seat will be only my son and no one else." My dad spoke with determination, and the hall went silent. "Play all you want; I am not letting anyone other than my son be the CEO of this company." He met everyone's gaze in the hall, who went speechless all of a sudden. "I hope I am loud and clear." He continued with a smirk on his face. I chuckled at seeing him. Suddenly, my dad turned toward me and spoke, "It's not the end of the world, you know that, right?" I smiled and nodded at that. "That's my boy, and fuck everyone else. I am proud of you, and I will always be. As a current CEO, I am relieving you for the day. Please go and enjoy the day." I nodded at my dad.
I slowly got up from my seat. I made sure to say goodbye to everyone by thanking them. Well, whether I am successful or not, my family will stay with me all the time; that's enough for me. I am going to prove my worth to these assholes.
Davis walked out along with me and gave a concerning look. I was frustrated, literally fuming at the stunt the directors pulled today. It will surely be headlines for tomorrow, and I don't know how I am going to take everything.
'You are the base.' Dante's words sound like a mockery to me. I didn't think that much at that time, but now I am getting what he meant. 'You should shake them, not the way around.' Like hell, I could now, but one day, I will. I think I would have crawled to him if I knew where the hell he was.
Where the hell was he?