Chapter 0013
last update2024-01-30 06:24:34

12

"CEO? But I've run this company for 20 years!" Randolph exclaimed with incredulity.

"And you will continue to provide your expertise, as sir Wettin's assistant." James's calm demeanor hid the satisfaction of stripping Randolph down a peg.

Randolph shot to his feet, face reddening. "Assistant?" he sputtered.

James remained calm but firm. "Yes, as sir Wettin's assistant. You should feel honored sir Wettin has allowed you to keep any position at all after your poor leadership."

Randolph's mind spun. His life's work, reduced to an underling role. The rage and humiliation threatened to overwhelm him.

Taking a moment to steady his breathing, Randolph met James's steady gaze. "I understand you feel I must be punished. But surely there is another way?"

James considered him coldly. "The decision has been made. You can accept the role of assistant, or we will consider your employment terminated."

Terminated? Randolph paled at the thought. After decades spent climbing the corporate ladder, it would all be for nothing. He had to make them understand.

"Please, just give me a chance to prove myself," Randolph begged, falling to his knees. "I am humble and willing to learn. Don't throw me out like yesterday's rubbish!"

He grasped James's hands desperately, but the butler remained impassive. Darwin watched quietly, intrigued to see how the man would react.

"Let me keep my position, even if only as...as an advisor. I will support young Darwin in any way needed," Randolph babbled, tears welling up.

James glanced at Darwin, one eyebrow raised in question. Darwin considered for a moment, then nodded once. Randolph collapsed in relief, face pressed to the carpet.

"Thank you, thank you!" he blubbered. Darwin hid a smile behind his hand. Perhaps this would be an entertaining change after all.

Randolph sat back in his chair, doing his best to compose himself after such a humiliating demotion. He straightened his tie and cleared his throat.

"You have my gratitude for allowing me to keep any role here at all, Sir Wettin," Randolph said humbly. "I pledge to serve you faithfully as an advisor and support your vision for this company. Please, tell me how I can be of assistance in this transition."

Darwin nodded thoughtfully. "I have big plans to modernize and expand our operations. But first we must address the toxic culture that was allowed to fester here. Employees should feel safe and supported in their work."

"You're quite right," Randolph agreed. "As CEO, I clearly failed in that duty. But with your leadership, I know this company will thrive."

After a few hours of discussing plans for the company's future, Darwin felt he had given Randolph enough direction to begin implementing the needed changes. He stood and put his t-shirt straight, ready to take his leave.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Randolph. I believe that will be all for now," Darwin said. "Please have the new organization plan on my desk by Friday for review."

Randolph nodded quickly. "Of course, Sir Wettin. You can count on me." He paused, then added hesitantly, "Will you...require anything else before you go?"

Darwin glanced at James, who gave a subtle shake of his head. Their business here was concluded. "No, that will be all. James, are you ready?"

"Whenever you are, sir," James replied smoothly. He rose and opened the office door, standing aside for Darwin to exit first.

Darwin and James entered the elevator and rode it down to the ground floor in silence. As the doors opened, they passed by the now empty reception desk. Darwin smiled as he thought of Rebecca, the former receptionist, who was no longer there after getting what she deserved for her mistakes.

****

Darwin sighed as he leaned back in the plush leather seats of his Rolls Royce, still processing the day's chaotic events. So much had changed in just a few short hours, he was now CEO.

As the car wended its way through the bustling city streets, Darwin's phone rang with an unknown number. He answered cautiously, "Hello?"

"Darwin, it's Nick! Glad I finally got a hold of you, mate." His old friend's cheery voice was a welcome comfort.

Darwin smiled, feeling a sense of nostalgia. It had been too long since he'd seen Nick. His friend had been so supportive during the dark time with his ex Lisa. "Nick, it's good to hear your voice. It seems ages since we last spoke."

"Much too long if you ask me! Listen, I know you've been going through it lately but a few of us are hitting up Purgatory tonight, the new club downtown. Come have a drink and let loose, yeah? It'll be good for you to get out and have some fun. We'll be meeting there around 8."

Darwin glanced at the clock - it was only 7 now. The invitation was tempting after such a stressful day. A night out with friends was just what he needed to relax.

"You know what, Nick? Purgatory sounds perfect. I'll see you there in an hour." Darwin said. Nick whooped in excitement. "Okay, i'll be waiting for you man."

After hunging up, Darwin decided to drive himself to the club to meet his friend. A night of leisure was well-deserved after such a productive day as CEO.

Related Chapters

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0014

    13 When Darwin arrived at Purgatory nightclub, he spotted Nick waving him. "Darwin, over here!" Nick called out with a grin. A group of their old friends were gathered around drinking and laughing. As he made his way over, one face in the crowd caused him to freeze in his tracks. It was Trevor M

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0015

    14 Trevor's face began to pale as the waiter caught the keys tossed so casually by Darwin. The girls seemed to notice this shift as well, their laughter trailing off uncertainly. "That's impossible!" sputtered Trevor. But doubt was creeping into his voice. The girls exchanged uneasy glances. "There must be some mistake," said Britney weakly. "No way..." breathed Trixie, her eyes moving between Darwin and the keys in the waiter's hand. "You really weren't lying?" Darwin simply smiled calmly. "No need to prove anything, as I said. But it seems the truth has revealed itself now, wouldn't you agree?" Nick, who had been watching with a shocked expression, let out a low whistle. "Blimey Darwin, when were you going to tell me you owned a Rolls?!" "It's a long story man," Darwin replied smoothly. The waiter walked away, leaving an uncomfortable silence. Trevor turned angrily to Darwin, he seemed to have found his voice again, though it shook slightly. "Alright.. alright, what

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0016

    15 The salesman continued to scoff at Darwin. "Come now boy, don't you have a little lemonade stand to get back to? This is no place for pretend." Darwin struggled to maintain his composure, though rage simmered just below the surface. "I have told you, I am perfectly able to purchase this vehicl

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0017

    16 Darwin's jaw clenched in irritation. This arrogant girl was trying his patience with her scornful assumptions. Taking a deep breath to calm his rising frustration, Darwin recognized this girl's arrogance knew no bounds. He owed her no explanation, yet she demanded proof like an entitled child. "I have nothing to prove to you," Darwin replied evenly, though simmering frustration remained. "I am the rightful owner of this vehicle, whether you believe it or not." This spoiled child knew nothing of his circumstances, yet insisted on mocking him for her own amusement. She tossed her hair dismissively. "Of course you don't, poor boy, pauper. We both know you're just a driver pretending. I'll believe it when I see paperwork." Her smug grin only fueled his irritation. Her followers tittered obediently at her livestream. Darwin suppressed an eye roll. Inside, he seethed. Who was this girl to insult and belittle him so without cause? Did she not see the disrespect in her tone and

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0018

    17 As Darwin strode towards the sleek facade of the Audi dealership, the sound of mocking laughter echoed behind him. Glancing back, he caught the infuriating girl, a beacon of smugness, relaying their encounter with glee to her online followers. Her perfect face was alight with amusement as she declared, "As you can see, babez, our poor boy here thinks he's fooling someone. Pretending to own a Rolls when he's slumming it in a Audi shop? Please." Her followers egged her on with comments like "Yeah right, as if! What a liar!" and "Typical poor trying to act rich." Darwin moved faster eager to escape the infuriating girl's presence. However, she followed close behind, livestreaming to her audience with her usual smug grin. "You see, guys? No way this loser could actually afford a Rolls, let alone a Audi too! He's clearly just a driver pretending to be important." Her audience's jeers, a chorus of disbelief and scorn, propelled Darwin forward, eager to escape the barrage of insu

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0019

    18 Darwin adjusted his posture, moving with a casual grace from the plush leather seat as he prepared to confront the girl. Just then, a figure approached, it was very professional looking saleswoman, once at their level, she spoke in a nice but strong way. "Excuse me, miss," she interjected, addressing the livestreaming girl with a courteous tone. "I couldn't help but overhear some confusion on your part. May I offer some clarification?" The girl, momentarily halting her broadcast, eyed the saleswoman with a mix of curiosity and residual arrogance. The saleswoman, for her part, offered a smile that managed to be warm despite the tension. "You see," she began, her gaze sweeping towards the car in question, "this isn't just any ordinary 3 series. What we have here is the limited edition Audi 8 series," she said, her hand gracefully highlighting the car's midnight blue elegance. Darwin observed the saleswoman closely—her auburn hair perfectly styled, her navy pantsuit tailored to

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0020

    19 Darwin took a moment to consider his response. On one hand, he was growing weary of this girl's baseless accusations and cruel assumptions. But, if he kept arguing, he would be no better than her He felt a mix of feelings inside: anger, shame, but also calmness and smarts He took a calm breath, reminding himself that dignified restraint often proves the most powerful response. A small smile touched his lips as an idea came to him. 'Let's see how you handle this arrogant girl!' he thought. "You're quite right to be skeptical, miss. One should never make expensive purchases on a whim," he said smoothly. "However, before rushing to judgment, perhaps we could have an honest discussion instead of wild speculation." Her smug look faltered slightly at his polite tone. Sensing weakness, he pressed on. "The salesman was simply doing her job by providing information. If money is your concern, you'll be relieved to know I can pay in full whenever I choose." Murmurs arose from the

  • From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise   Chapter 0021

    20 Wiping her eyes, she tried frantically to recall any detail that could redeem the situation. Darwin's estate...what was the address? She wracked her brain, going over their interaction line by line. "The saleswoman said she would deliver the car this evening..." she murmured. "But where? What was the address?!" After several more minutes of futile searching, a glimmer of hope emerged. "Wettin Estate...that was it! But what was the street?" She closed her eyes, visualizing Darwin's stoic expression as he spoke. Then it came to her - "1234 Wettin Lane!" Joy and relief surged through her as she pulled out her phone with trembling fingers. "I must make amends. I must apologize in person!" She typed the address eagerly into the maps app, praying it wasn't too far. But when the location loaded, her heart sank once more. A pop-up warning appeared - "Restricted Area. No Public Access." "No...it can't be!" She stared in dismay, rereading the message several times as if willing

Latest Chapter

  • Chapter 0688

    “Yes, you do,” he said firmly. “This isn’t about what you think you deserve. It’s about doing what’s right. And letting you waste away in this cell isn’t right.” Zoe’s hands trembled as she reached for the check, her fingers brushing against his. When she finally took it, she stared at it for a lo

  • Chapter 0687

    668 Final The quiet night air carried a chill as Darwin made his way toward the old estate where Zoe was being held. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the gravel path. Each step felt heavier than the last, his thoughts swirling with memories of Zoe—the laughter they once share

  • Chapter 0686

    667 The cool evening breeze swept over them as they exited the facility. The tension of the confrontation still lingered, though the small taste of justice had given everyone a fleeting sense of relief. Lady Margaret walked ahead of the group, her usual poise masking the storm brewing within her. D

  • Chapter 0685

    Julius’s lips parted, but no words came. "Answer me!" she snapped. "I—" he stammered, his voice trembling. "I didn’t mean to—" The slap came before he could finish, her gloved hand connecting with his cheek in a resounding crack. "You didn’t mean to?" she repeated, her tone dripping with dis

  • Chapter 0684

    666 The tension in the air was palpable as Lady Margaret, Darwin, William, James, Dencia, and Mia stepped into the observation chamber. Beyond the reinforced glass, Julius and Harrison Blackwood sat shackled to their chairs in the interrogation room. Blackwood, tall and imposing even in chains, l

  • Chapter 0683

    William flinched at her words but didn’t argue. Instead, he gave a small nod, his expression a mixture of guilt and regret. --- When they arrived at the facility, it loomed over them like a fortress. High walls surrounded the compound, and armed guards patrolled the perimeter. The air was cold an

  • Chapter 0682

    665 The following morning, Lady Margaret stood in the grand foyer of the Blackwood estate, her figure composed but radiating authority. She had summoned Darwin, William, and James for what was to be a defining day. The air in the room was heavy with tension, the weight of what lay ahead pressing do

  • Chapter 0681

    664 Darwin made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders. The halls were quiet, save for the faint crackling of a distant fire and the muted hum of wind outside. His thoughts churned as he approached the chambers he had prepared

  • Chapter 0680

    663 Lady Margaret sat in her private quarters, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to compose herself. The events of the day—William’s shocking return, Darwin’s desperate pleas, and the tidal wave of emotions that came with it—had left her drained. She stared out of the window at the darkened

Scan code to read on App