The Royal Contract

"Why are you retiring?"

"Speculations said that you are sick. Are you dying?"

"Who is taking your place?"

Several more questions echoed in the large room, waiting for some answers. Ethan listened to them all and waited for the crowd to calm down and for the noise to die down.

His announcement would certainly create chaos in the industry if the questions in people's minds remained unanswered. He had to be careful with his words to appease the business community and prevent the collapse of his empire. 

"Do you know anything about this?" Dani turned to Alex upon hearing her father's speech.

She was conflicted about how she should feel about it. She felt hurt that her father did not share this information with her, but what did she expect when she barely talked to him.

She looked at her mother, who was beaming with happiness. Her heart went to her mom, seeing the relief in her eyes. Her mom always wished that he would take it easy, but retiring was a gigantic leap.

"Yes, Ethan shared it with me during our meetings. But he made me promise not to tell you because he wanted it to be a grand surprise for you and your mom." Alex explained to her, hoping that she would not take it the wrong way that he kept it from her.

"Well, it was a bit shocking, and it did sting a bit that I was not informed about it, but I think I understand." Dani carefully analyzed her feelings about the situation.

But at the end of it all, she thought it was for the best. It would give her father time to take his surgery and recover. Live his life together with her mother for the rest of their lives.

"That is better. Try to understand what your father is going through. I am sure that this is not easy for him. To let go of the things he had worked hard all his life." He wanted Dani to see it the way he saw it.

He would have hesitated too, in the same way, Ethan did before he finally agreed to his suggestion. He would have fought tooth and nail to keep the company he had bled his entire life to build.

But like what he said to Ethan, there were things meant to end. Then, a new beginning awaiting to anyone who wished to try. Life did not end until the clock stopped ticking.

"I guess you are right." She voiced out her agreement. "How do you always know the right words to say?" She leaned her body into his, wanting the warmth and comfort that only he could provide.

It could not be easy for her father to come up with the decision. But in the end, she was proud of him for doing the right thing for himself and their family.

"Because of you. You always make me think of what is best for us." He whispered in her hair, resting his cheek on the side of her head. Then, he enveloped a portion of her body in his arm.

"Settle down, everyone." The host of the program shouted to catch everyone's attention. "Let us hear out Mr. Hamilton's explanation." 

Slowly, the crowd quieted down as all waited for Ethan to continue with his message. His reassuring words were the only thing that could calm down the alarming bells that rang in the business community.

Almost all businesses in the city and a large number around the world had a connection with Ethan's company. His successor would play a crucial part in the future of his company, shareholders, and its joint ventures, among other things.

"Do you know who he had in his mind to take over?" Dani asked, suddenly concerned that her father had gone insane and decided to leave the company to her, despite her refusal. 

But if it was not her, then who else would he have in mind? Who else would he trust with his company? She doubted he would choose the people who had served him all his life. 

Her father trusted them, but not enough to give them the key to the kingdom. She was still busy contemplating all the possibilities when her thoughts were interrupted by her father's voice.

She looked up at Alex, but he did not answer her question as he continued to look at the man on the stage who was about to make his declaration.

It clicked in her mind at the same time that she heard her father's words. "I am naming Alexander Princeton Blackstone as the new CEO of my companies."

Another uproar broke into the ballroom as loud whispers circulated the crowd. The host repeatedly requested the guests into silence for Ethan to continue.

As soon as the place settled down once again, Ethan decided to resume. "But rest assured that I will still be acting as his advisor as long as he would need me at his side."

It had been a long week for him, dealing with meetings with Laura's supervision. He had to convince his board to take a chance on Alex as their new head. 

There was some hesitation with his choice of a successor after his misjudgment with Nick, but fortunately, Alex's credentials and his word still spoke volumes. It had been enough for them to agree.

"Alex and Dani, my princess, would you like to join me on stage," Ethan spoke softly on the mike, his affection for his daughter evident in his voice as he said her name.

There was no way he could name her daughter as his replacement because the board would never be confident with her administration. Unlike Alex, he was born to lead and head a great company.

"Do you know anything about this?" Dani turned her head in his direction as they continued to walk towards the stage.

It was another news that just exploded in her face. She wondered if there was more Alex and her father were hiding from her. Those were two secrets that were very much should have involved her in the decision process, especially when it concerned Alex.

"Yes, it is another of his condition that I can't explain to you right now. But later, I will tell you about it." Alex assured her.

He knew that he could never keep a secret this big from her, so better give her some of the information, if not all. That would at least suffice her curiosity.

"Ok." She knew she had no other choice but to wait since they were in the middle of the event, and she did not want to make a scene.

"I think you all know Alexander Princeton." Ethan tapped Alex's shoulder as he reintroduced him in the crowd. "And my daughter." He proceeded as he kissed her on the cheek.

He could notice the approval in most of his friends in the business. Their nods were a sign that they had agreed with his choice. But there were still a few who had skepticism in their faces. 

But he was not concerned about that. There was still time to change their minds. Ethan had a strong faith in Alex's capability. He already had proven himself to him, time and time again.

He did not doubt that Alex would bring his company to the next century. To continue to domineer the market in the world.. Alex guaranteed to continue the legacy he was leaving in this world.