Present (The year 2022)
"Sir, you have a courier from the head office," A woman in her early twenties approached a man who was smoking on his office balcony. The man was Asher, and the woman was his personal assistant, Jeny Karl, who was a beta.
"From the head office? From the director?" Oliver asked, crushing the used cigar butt with his thumb and disposing of it in the ashtray.
"Yes, sir. It says urgent," She replied by placing the courier on his desk.
"I think my aunt loves me. She's sending migraines in a courier now," he smiled.
"I will bring your coffee now, sir," Jeny walked out as if those words were her usual song.
"Good thought, Jeny,"
Asher's smile vanished as he fixed a hostile gaze on the courier. A burning desire to rip the package to shreds and reduce it to ashes coursed through him. However, he exercised restraint and proceeded to open it. Inside, he found a proposal for establishing a new resort hotel on the private island recently acquired by the King's group.
"Hmm... she wants me to do another proposal? Guess she is not impressed by my father's work. Huh! he is gonna get mad. Well, at least she loves my skills, I can make some editing on this," He laughed wickedly.
That night, he went to have dinner with his family in a five-star restaurant owned by the Kings. He arrived last. His father, Antony, mother Rhea and sister Eline were waiting for him.
"Sorry, guys, I am late," he said
"You look awful, darling, are you eating well?" asked Rhea, concerned.
"I just overworked today, Mom. I am fine. Look at my muscles," he showed his biceps to his mother, grinning like a toddler.
"Bro, you are not even as muscular as brother Jeon," sneered Elina
"What did you say? He is a bodybuilder idiot! I am just a regular man,"
"Still not impressive,"
"Mom, Elina is bullying me," he pouted
"Ok, kids, that's enough. We are here for our monthly happy family time," she scolded both. All this time, Antony was silent. Asher understood he fought with Siva as usual.
"Dad, I only made a few changes and adjustments in your work. The plan you prepared for the new resort is still the same as you wanted," he smiled
"I know you will fix it, yet it's not the first time. She doesn't listen to my suggestions at all. She treats me like an outsider. In today's council meeting, too, I felt I was insignificant. My stupid father," he let out his frustration at a glass filled with chilled whisky.
"Dad, I understand. All our plans were fruitless in the past years. This time, we will succeed. I will make you the head of Kings," he smirked confidently. Seeing his son's unwavering will, Antony felt contented.
"Ok, boys, that's enough talk of unpleasant things at the dinner table. Let's eat," Rhea stated.
"That's right, don't gross me before eating," Elina started cutting her steak.
"Then, to our amazing family," Asher raised his glass, and so did others. They enjoyed a beautiful family moment.
Meanwhile, at the same restaurant, another group was having dinner. It was a business meeting.
"Miss King, this is our proposal. We know our small company can't survive the next Kings, so please buy us," an old man politely told the person sitting in front of him. He poured her glass with the finest wine. His face tried hard to hide his worry with an awkward smile.
"It is true that the kings bought many small companies in the past and the present. However, everyone had a value that would become a pride to kings. What is the value of your company that is useful to us, Mr Turner?" A quiet yet strong female voice started to speak. She is Siva King, the current director of the King family as well as the owner and manager of all the properties, estates and resources. She had neatly and efficiently brushed her short white hair. In the low light, her amber eyes shone brilliantly. She was donning a crimson tie and a beautiful ash suit. Without responding, she fixed her piercing stare on Mr Turner, who was visibly perspiring.
TBC