Ellis stood still, wondering what it was with the murmurs as he mentioned his age. He waited for the board members to finish their discussion. "Young man, you said you're in your early twenties?" Another board member asked."Yes, sir," Ellis answered. "Well, what help do you think you can give to the Royale company? At this age, I'm sure you can barely even make decisions for yourself as young as you are! You have no valid work experience to even speak of." A board member put in, looking around for support. "I believe that I have been able to gain Mr Cyrus's trust, and to be named his heir. He thinks that I am ready to take over from him despite my age. He has never led this company astray, so his judgement should be trusted." Ellis said calmly. "Young and bold, eh?" The chief board member asked, smiling derisively. Then he turned to Mr Cyrus. "This is exactly what I am talking about, Cyrus. This boy is too young to handle the matters of the company. Look at him trading words with
Mr Clark's attitude towards Ellis was only a result of what had transpired between him and Marcus. Marcus had gone and bribed the old man into doing his bidding on the day before Ellis would be introduced to the board of directors as the heir to the Royale company.***The blade of the letter opener glinted in the morning sunlight filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the corner office. Marcus ran his fingertip along the razor-sharp edge, drawing a thin line of blood that beaded on his skin. A cruel smile played across his lips as he set the letter opener down on the polished mahogany desk.This was his version of a friendly reminder — one he often employed when dealing with those who needed a gentle nudge in the right direction. The metallic tang of blood hung in the air, mingling with the rich aroma of Cuban cigars and whiskey that perpetually clung to the newly acquired luxurious office. Yes, Marcus had rented out an office for his ordeals. The abandoned building had
Marcus stared after him for several long moments before producing another razor-edged smile that could pass for an evil smirk. Good to have such brutal power, thought as he looked to the blade he had kept close by. A vivid crimson droplet was still beaded along its wicked edge. His smile widened as he walked over and traced the outline of the blade with one fingertip, savoring the sting as it nicked his calloused skin.And that was why Mr Clark was a big thorn in Ellis's flesh on that day. He wanted to carry out the job given to him, effectively. But Mr Clark was not the only person that Marcus had bribed. He had gone as far as bribing other board members, just in case Mr Clark changed his mind or failed to do his duty. This was business. There had to be a plan B. Marcus stared at the crimson stain blooming across the monogrammed handkerchief after a while of Mr Clark's exit. Why he was cutting himself, one could not tell. But at least it had helped him get Mr Clark to accept his br
At the end of the day, no matter how Mr Clark and some of the other persons that Marcus had bribed tried to discredit him, Ellis was able to prevail.“Clark, we know you have your doubts about the boy’s capability to take over from his father, but we’ll never know if he can truly deliver until we give him a chance to prove himself. Don’t be so harsh on him, you’re more reasonable than that. We just have to have faith that Mr Cyrus made the right choice. I do agree with you that the responsibility of a company as big as this seems like too much for a young man, but most of us here started out like Ellis too. I wasn’t much older than the boy when I first started handling my father’s company. My oldest daughter who is currently running my company now, was just twenty four when I handed the company over to her.” Mr Rogers paused to let his point sink into their minds.He had been the one rooting for Ellis from the very beginning. Everytime Clark or anyone else tried to back Ellis into a c
Some of the board members still congregated to have a discussion after leaving Ellis and Mr Cyrus alone. Their small gathering was almost exploding with tension, as voices rose and fell like the tides of a turbulent sea. Mr Clark started an argument with Mr Rogers again on the basis of Ellis's age. He was angry because Mr Rogers had stood up for Ellis repeatedly."You know, Rogers, children should be allowed to be children, right? That boy only just recently came into wealth. You’re allowing Mr Royale to give him too much responsibility too fast. A leopard doesn’t change his spots at all. He was born poor. What’s stopping him from squandering all the money from the company for himself?""Just because I call him a boy, it doesn’t mean he’s a child. A boy that’s more than twenty years old is not a child, Mr Clark." Mr Rogers hissed. "And what is a twenty year old in comparison to Marcus who is more mature? Marcus has more experience in the company. He would have been a better choice th
Marcus stared at his phone in disbelief after ending the call with Mr Clark. How could his father have endorsed Ellis even after he had made sure that his opponents were more than enough to get him out of that place? What even was so special about Ellis? Nothing Marcus ever did worked against him. Mauve because Ellis had their father’s support, but could he possibly try to take his father out of the picture? He didn’t want his father to die, but what other solution could there possibly be? He paced around his office, his thoughts racing. He had to think of another plan. He was genuinely tired of making up these plans that just failed, if he was being honest with himself. But what good would it be if he gave up at this point? Giving up meant leaving Ellis to take over the whole company and Marcus refused to accept that. He was the first son, the empire was his by birthright. As Marcus stewed in despair and indignation, there was a soft rap at the study door. "Come in," he barked au
Days later, Ellis's internship at the Royale Company kicked off. He straightened his simple button-down shirt and ran a hand through his hair as he pulled into the parking lot of the Royale Company. It was his first day working at the prestigious company and he wanted to make a good impression. Which was why he had decided to go there before Mr Cyrus, and in a small car that would not betray his status. It was not only his car that was simple. Ellis's attire was a simple one of a t-shirt, dress pants and a pair of not-so-expensive sneakers, and glasses though he didn’t need them to see. He just wore the glasses because they made him look more smart. Ellis had woken up that morning, determined to look casual because this was not one of those days when he wanted to show off. He much preferred a simple look. Classy but simple. He was going to start his training from a low position as proposed by the board members, so he saw no need to dress flashy. He wasn’t here to impress anyone with
For the next couple of long hours, Paulina walked Ellis through training modules and got him up to speed on Royale's marketing objectives, initiatives, brand guidelines and more. She patiently answered all his questions and made him feel right at home. He knew he was going to enjoy working with her.As they wrapped up the training just before noon, Derek strode over with another sharply-dressed man in tow – a towering, broad-shouldered man in an impeccably tailored grey pinstriped suit. His slightly long grey hair was slicked back, giving him the look of a polished senior executive."Ellis, I'd like you to meet Mr Dennis Kingsley, the chief director of the marketing department. He holds an important place in this company and is responsible for the genius that the marketing department is" Derek said in a tone that somehow managed to be both obsequious and smug simultaneously.Ellis nodded. Straightening his shirt, Ellis stood up quickly and leaned across his cubicle desk to shake Mr. D