A Condition

As his grandfather's words reached his ears, a mix of anger, grief, and remorse flooded over Melvin. The weight of the past, the betrayal and murder he saw in that old man's actions, bore down on him. It was a struggle to reconcile the memories of the man he once revered with the reality of his sinister deeds. The room felt suffocating, emotions crashing against the walls of his heart, as he grappled with the tangled web of feelings that threatened to consume him.

Tears welled up in the old man's eyes as he continued to speak, his voice quivering with emotion. "Melvin, please understand. I know I've made mistakes in the past, mistakes that have hurt you deeply. But I've regretted those decisions every day since. I can't change the past, but I can promise you that I've learned from it."

His gaze was pleading, his expression a mix of remorse and desperation. "The company is not the same without you. We need your vision, your dedication. You're the rightful owner, and it's suffering without your leadership."

He wiped a tear from his wrinkled cheek, his vulnerability on full display. "I'm sorry, Melvin. I'm sorry for what I did to your father, for the pain I've caused you. If there's any chance for redemption, it's in rebuilding what was broken."

His voice cracked as he concluded, "Please, consider coming back. Not just for the company, but for the chance to heal the wounds between us."

Melvin's gaze remained fixed on his grandfather's face, his resolve being tested by the sight of those tear-filled eyes. It was a challenge to maintain his rigid stance in the face of such an emotional display. 

He allowed the old man's words to linger in the air as he contemplated the offer once again. He recalled the interactions he had today - Naira's demeanor in the morning, the dismissive attitude from Mrs. Edward, and Bella's subtle but clear disregard. The weight of those experiences pressed on him, the hurt of being treated as an outsider still fresh.

As he pondered, his heart heavy with a mix of sadness and calculation, he thought about the potential benefits this offer could bring. The company's revival under his leadership, the chance to regain his rightful place, it all held a certain allure. But beneath the surface, a nagging doubt lingered, a caution born from the wounds of the past.

Finally, after moments that seemed to stretch into eternity, he spoke. His voice held a measured tone, a touch of acceptance, yet veiled with a hint of mystery. "Grandfather, I'm willing to give this a chance. I'll agree to rejoin the company." Upon hearing this, a wave of relief washed over the old man's face, a visible sign that his plea had been answered. He almost appeared to jump in his seat, the prospect of Melvin's return bringing a long-awaited respite. The company, in genuine dire need of revival, was on the brink of finding its savior.

Yet, despite his elation, he concealed the depths of his emotions carefully. The emotions he was truly harboring, his unspoken intentions, were hidden beneath a practiced facade. He had mastered the art of revealing just enough, while shrouding his true motivations in mystery. A veil of uncertainty surrounded his intentions, and he made sure that Melvin couldn't easily decipher the layers beneath.

His relief was tinged with a measured restraint, the mask he wore safeguarding the secrets he held close. And he was thankful that, so far, Melvin hadn't ventured to question or probe deeper into the details. The carefully constructed narrative remained intact, and he intended to keep it that way.

But then he added, "However, I have a condition."

His gaze was steady, his expression inscrutable as he let the words settle between them. In that moment, an aura of mystery and suspense enveloped the scene, the promise of an undisclosed condition adding an element of uncertainty to the air. 

A sense of uncertainty washed over the old man, his expression shifting as if a prized possession had been snatched away from a child.

"What's that?" He managed to say, his voice betraying a hint of wavering.

Melvin's gaze remained steady as he addressed his condition. "I'll come back to the company, Grandfather," he began, his words carefully measured, "but only under one condition."

The old man leaned in, his curiosity piqued, though he attempted to maintain a composed exterior.

Melvin's voice held a touch of authority as he continued, "I want to be the CEO of the company. I want the authority to make decisions without any interference, without being questioned by anyone, including you."

The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the request hanging in the air. The old man's expression shifted from uncertainty to a mixture of surprise and consideration. The proposition, though unexpected, held a certain logic. It was a moment of decision, a crossroads where the past met the potential for a new beginning.

Melvin's eyes locked onto his grandfather's, waiting for his response. It was a gamble, a high-stakes play in the intricate dance of family, business, and secrets.

The old man leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face as he considered the weight of Melvin's condition.

"But..." he began, his voice trailing off as he attempted to weigh the implications.

Before he could continue, Melvin's firm voice cut through, leaving no room for doubt. "If you have reservations, that's okay. I can walk away, and I won't come back," his words rang out, carrying an air of businesslike determination.

The old man's lips moved as he seemed to contemplate his response, the shifting of the wrinkles on his face reflecting the internal struggle.

Finally, he leaned forward and spoke, the words carrying a blend of acceptance and resolution. "Alright. The deal is close."

Standing up from his chair, he extended a hand in Melvin's direction, a symbolic gesture sealing the agreement.

"You're the new CEO of the company," he announced, a smile that held a hint of artifice appearing on his lips.