"Simple terms? You are asking for authority over mine and Dad's actions with the contractors and organizations we deal with, and moreover, you want 3% equity with a 20% discount. What the hell are you thinking!?"
Alex slammed the paper on the table as his anger flared toward Salvar.
Salvar remained thoughtful about the terms he had presented. Although they sounded childish, having known the future, he mostly knew what should be done in certain situations.
The organization had a few betrayers who were quite close to their family. He needed to eliminate many of them to give his family a peaceful life.
"You own 8% of the shares. Why act miserable when I am asking for just 3%?" he said nonchalantly.
"I do not own them because I demanded them. I own them because I earned them."
"And I cannot earn them because I am not given a chance, so I am obliged to this."
Before Alex could argue further, Erek's stern voice cut through both of them.
"Since it is a negotiation, can I change a few terms that benefits both of us?"
Salvar looked at him and nodded before patting the seat beside him.
"Yes, you can. But can you come and sit here? It is uncomfortable to turn my head in every direction."
The seat beside Salvar sank as Erek took his place.
"I will allow you to have 3% shares in exchange for a loan provided by me, and you will not be given any discount. The loan, along with the principal, will be deducted from your expenses. You will not receive extra money, only your pocket money."
Salvar was fine with the terms. He knew that handing him 3% equity would cause turmoil in the higher management.
And he could not keep living off his parents' wealth at the age of twenty two. But he also could not refuse their pocket money.
Even to start something, he needed some money, and the pocket money would do.
"And I want to know how you and Alex handle the business," Salvar added. "As your son, I want transparency and for my opinions to be considered. Or as your shareholder, I want both of you to heed my words. I just want to be included in decision making. I do not know why Alex is making a fuss about this."
Erek and Alex exchanged glances before Erek said in a calm tone, "Both of us have been handling the business for years, Salvar."
It sounded innocent when Salvar explained it, but as experts, Erek and Alex could immediately see through his plan to infiltrate the business in a passive manner.
"Fine, you will be included in decision making," Alex finally said, surrendering as he shifted Milo from his to Derek.
After negotiating the official terms, it was time to discuss the unofficial terms set for Milo and Derek.
As for Milo, the conditions were that Salvar would get the right to choose his schooling, his nutrition, and more.
In other words, he was asking for a father's authority.
Alex clicked his tongue in disagreement as he said, "I cannot risk my son's future."
"He will be living with me. Quit acting. You all know I will do the best for my nephew. Right, Milo?"
"Yes…" Milo said, scratching the leather cover with his small nails as he grew bored of the adults' conversation.
"And I will hire my own steward, and I am taking Alex's motorbike with me. And most importantly, none of you are allowed to track me or control my actions."
Derek nodded to Salvar and was the first to sign the paper.
Next came Milo, who gave a thumbprint.
Salvar was visibly happy as he sat on the couch, looking at the signatures of the Beladores.
But his peace was disturbed when the doorbell rang, and the most unwanted person he expected came in and hugged him.
"Salvar, I heard that you are leaving for Thornvale! How will I live without you?"
The other person whined as he pressed his face against Salvar's chest.
With difficulty, Salvar removed him and glanced at him with a bittersweet smile.
"Destiny cannot be helped."
The person standing before him was Damon, the one he believed to be his best friend. Behind him stood George, Alex's friend, who was also close to both Damon and Salvar.
"Why are you here though?" Salvar asked, scratching the back of his neck, already knowing their intention.
George looked around and whispered, "Let's go to your room. We can talk peacefully there."
The two of them immediately sat on Salvar's bed, acting as if it were their private property.
Salvar shook his head, sat on the ottoman, and waited for them to speak.
"Salvar, we thought of a plan to save you," Damon said first.
"And what is it?"
Salvar rested his arms on the bed and raised his brows, looking innocently pretentious. But George and Damon were too busy to notice as they skimmed through their phones.
Salvar took a good look at their faces and smiled faintly.
George.
Salvar could not believe he was the one he had shared his first kiss with. He had thought George truly loved him and would stay with him for life.
But he knew how it ended.
And Damon. He was the same person who had convinced him that Thornvale would be the worst decision of his life.
Salvar had been foolish enough to believe them.
"I think going to Thornvale will not be very bad."
The two of them, who were discussing plans among themselves, turned their heads at the same time with shocked expressions.
"Hey, did your family feed you something wrong? You will lose your youth while raising a child, and while your brother thrives with his friends, attends parties, and travels the world, you will be stuck with this child," Damon argued.
"And it is the parents' or grandparents' duty to look after a kid. You are young but old enough to take part in the business. Why do they not trust you? Have you ever questioned them?" George added.
"Or maybe I do not have enough talent to run a business or the energy to lead a gang," Salvar replied.
"Salvar, trust yourself. Do not let your family suppress your value. You deserve better. How about we go to a party tonight? We can enjoy the night at a club, and you can rethink your decision."
Salvar smiled. "Okay."
All they needed were free things from him. He was sure they expected him to pay the bill tonight.
His smile grew brighter as he stepped out of his room and went along with them.