CHAPTER 74: ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR.
“Who is the establishment? What is going on?” Micheal yelled at his assistant in the conference room. They were currently holding a meeting with a few people around. The room was as chill as a home for kept stock fish. Raphael folded his arms as he watched everyone.
“I…I don’t know, sir. Many of our investors are withdrawing from us. If care isn’t taken, we might lose them all to the new company.” He replied.
That was true. Even though Raphael and the rest had been trying their best for the growth of the family business, there was this particular business that had risen from nowhere in the last four months and was already taking the lead as it was solely based on what Theo’s group of industries had to offer.
They were making more gains than them and what was even more frustrating was that the owner was unknown. It felt as if the person was in darkness, shooting an arrow of victory toward their opponents.
“What should we do? I am confused. Send an invitation to the owner to have a meeting with me.”
“Sir, we don’t even know who the person is so how can we send a message?”
“Do.. do some diggings…”
“Mr. Theophilus, I sincerely hope that you can do something about this because as investors, we care about profits a lot and this situation is not in any way beneficial. You are a businessman yourself so you know how things work, don’t you? Please, find a solution. We will take our leave now.” A man spoke on behalf of the others and they left the meeting.
Micheal sighed and rubbed his fingers against each other. He did not want to run out of business, not when he was about to be one with Shaft. He needed to have the capability and this wasn’t helping.
“Father…” Vegas called but got shot at.
“Why are you this useless, Vegas?! This is your job! This is literally what you should have focused on but you didn’t. What exactly have you been doing with those long free hours that you had? Nothing? Do you know how worried I am right now? You are not even bringing any profit to the table at all, you are only out there to have beautiful pictures taken of you but your brain is empty. I am sincerely disappointed that you are my son.
Can’t you learn from Raphael? He isn’t dumb. He is the reason why this company is profiting as much as it is but you…damn it, I need you to find me a solution…oh yeah, you won’t be able to. Run to your babies to do that for you too. Nonsense.” Micheal stood up furiously and left the office with his assistant.
Vegas bit his lips with his chest heaving up and down in rising anger. Raphael who was sitting at the other end of the chair smiled and snapped his fingers to get Vegas’s attention which he successfully did.
“Are you enjoying the strange emotions? I feel so blessed being in this position, now I understand what it feels like wearing your shoes so your experiencing my experience must be pretty exhausting but enjoyable and educational.”
“Don’t be so proud of yourself, Raphael. You are a loser and you will forever remain one.”
“In the eyes of who? Because Father can clearly tell who the loser is so I am satisfied.”
Vegas chuckled, “This company…his whole business is going down the drain, I would love to see how your reaction would be when you have no choice but to become the slave and loser that you are.”
“If that happens, then call me a bastard.”
“Wow, you are becoming fierce. Why do I suspect you?”
“Have you ever heard the saying EVERYTHING IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR? Well, if you haven’t, this situation is a way for you to learn something new. Maybe it might reduce your disgrace and humiliation. Have a nice day…bro.” Raphael was still having the crazy smirk on his face while Vegas pushed the chair aggressively and left.
“My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone…swearing this would be the last but it probably won’t…I’ve got nothing much to lose or use…or do,” Raphael whispered before walking out of the conference Hall.
He met Jeremy on his way to the office and the latter decided to follow him.
“How are things going?” Raphael asked as he threw away his jacket and sat on the office chair.
“Fine. Perfect and secretive.” Jeremy replied happily. Raphael looked at him and chuckled.
“I don’t have much time to waste. My engagement with Erica is this weekend so we have to make everything fast.”
“Yes, boss. Just give me the orders and I will do it.”
“Alright. I have a feeling that Vegas might do something crazy eventually so I am less concerned because my victory will be in double fold. Make sure that you get your hands on every similar product with this company and even better than it, offer affordable and pulling prices to the customers. I will tell you what to do after you have completed this.”
“Of course, sir.” Jeremy walked hurriedly out of the office and Raphael placed a video call to Zeke. The call was answered and Don’s face appeared.
“What are you doing there?” Raphael’s first question was thrown.
“Having a sleepover,” Don replied.
“Where is Zeke?”
“He is out with his girlfriend.” Don rolled his eyes but then Zeke spoke from the corner.
“I will punch your mouth.” And he sat on the bed before looking at the screen. Raphael frowned and folded his arms. He was about to say something…
“Save it.” Zeke interrupted coldly and Raphael laughed.
“So, what’s up?” Don asked.
“I need that thing.”
“Thing?” Don raised his eyebrows.
“Don’t think dirty, Don. If you don’t understand, I believe Zeke does.”
“Wait, didn’t you say that it might take a while before you can use it?”
“My engagement with Erica is this weekend. I can’t wait, I need to put things on hold. I assure you that there will be no mistake so just bring it over, okay?”
“Sure. I will stop by your penthouse to drop it.”
“Thanks. Now back to the two of…” The screen switched off, signaling disconnection. Raphael shook his head and drank the half bottle of water that was left.
*_*_*_*_*
“Haaaaaaaaa,” Vegas screamed for the second time as he scattered things all around. He was breathing harshly and his whole face was red due to anger. His mouth and nostrils were breathing in and out the stilled air.
Mandarin was scared of her son’s reaction so she stayed behind with imposed reluctance to help him.
“I can’t believe that this is happening, mum. Can you see what is happening? You are not blind, are you? You haven’t been helping me as you promised to. You are not being a good mother. You assured me that no matter what, that bastard will remain a slave to me…you said no matter what, the father wouldn’t prefer him to me but the opposite is happening.
I was humiliated in front of Raphael. It felt as if I was a stranger. Raphael was elevated while I was downgraded. I am not getting anything from this, mother. I had always held myself from killing that foolish man because I had in my mind that no matter what, he was getting nowhere.
But Father’s business is about to go down the drain and I have no means of survival. Have you heard about the new company taking over our family business? It is so strong that almost all our profits are gone.”
“Ye…yes, I heard about it but be patient, Vegas. You should have known your father’s behavior by now. He is only in support of those that bring him profit…”
“Absolute NONSENSE! What type of father is he then? How can he treat me in a discriminatory manner like this?”
“You seem to forget that Raphael was treated the same way that you are…” The rest of her words got stuck in her throat when Vegas glared furiously at her.
“What did you just say? Are you comparing me to that fool? How can you, mother? You and father are changing towards me and I doubt if I am your son.”
“You are my son…”
“Then prove it, support me.”
“I love your father, Vegas. I can’t bear it if something happens to him.”
Vegas slammed his hand against the door and it frightened Mandarin.
“What the f*ck are you saying, mum? What do you mean by love? Don’t you like living an expensive life, flaunting all the riches and money to the world? You got married to dad because of this, right? You were brought up with riches but it seems like you want to die in poverty. The business is turning red and I doubt if it will even survive by the end of this week.“
“What do you want to do, Vegas?” Mandarin asked as she looked at her son suspiciously.