The Royal Contract

"We want to know more about the situation of the company." Another of his major stockholder asked in the crowd. Many more questions circulated in the air, but he refused to answer them anymore.

Now, everybody gathered in the ballroom, intrigued with the turn of events. Nobody expected the announcement of Ethan's retirement and his declaration of his new heir to his empire. 

Was that the end of the surprise? Well, he doubted it. He might have started it, but it did not mean that he would end it. It was not his party anyway. He believed Alex still had something up his sleeves.

"I will hold my official press conference for the formal turnover of the company to Alex in a few days. I hope that all of you will continue to support my company under its new management." Ethan ended his speech with a big smile.

He was expecting that he would leave the stage after his big announcement with a heavy heart. But surprisingly, he felt the opposite. 

He was glad and relax, knowing that his company and his daughter would be in great hands. He believed that Alex would do right with his daughter and his company would thrive in his administration.

"Well, the floor is yours, Alex." He hugged his future son-in-law, giving him his blessing to continue what he had started.

He could die a happy man any time soon. But if fate would still give him a chance to live longer, then he could finally fulfill another of his promise. He would grab it and savor every minute of it.

It was a word he had spoken in his youth, which was to devote his life to his loving wife and his future grandkids for the rest of his life. And to create more happy memories that he could share with his family.

"Thanks, Ethan, for giving me your trust. I know that it would not have been easy." Alex responded with a genuine smile. "I will make sure to devote my life to continuing your legacy." 

He did not give empty promises. His honor was very significant to him. So, he had to prevent himself from deviating from his plans and make sure his priorities were straight.

"I know you will, but don't forget that you also have my daughter to take care of and not just my company." Ethan decided to remind him, not wanting him to follow his path.

He was obsessed with building this company that he almost lost his family. He was young and stupid, thinking the challenge of being on the top was the only thing that mattered.

Now, he realized that there was more to life than money and power. Luckily, he learned his lesson before it was too late for him. Now, he has a few days, or a week or more time for his family.

"Of course, Dani would always be my number one priority." Alex returned his attention to the woman beside him. 

"Dad, I am happy that you decided to retire and focus on getting better. You don't know how much this means to me and especially Mom." Dani expressed her happiness with her father's decision to quit.

But she could not say the same thing with the other announcement he just made. She was not exactly happy with Alex taking over his company. It felt like he only passed the curse that almost destroyed their family.

"I did it for us. I want to live a long life to spend with you and your mother. But especially to my future grandkids. So, better hurry up with the wedding." Ethan teased the couple before kissing his daughter again and finally leaving them on the stage.

He knew now that his daughter was in good hands. Alex was a good man. A man he could trust with his life. He was ten times the man that he was, so there was nothing he would ask more.

He glanced at the other end of the stage. It would seem that Nick and Edward's plans did not payout since his announcement overshadowed theirs.

After what he did, nobody would remember their stunt. Now, they sulked on the side, unaware of what hit them. It would take time for the two of them to regroup, and by that time, Alex would be ready for them.

"Since we are all already gathered in here, I think it is time to make some more statements." He looked at Dani, still seeing the slight confusion in her eyes.

He could not blame her. What happened tonight had been one roller coaster ride. But the ride was not yet over as there was one more to come.

He faced his parents, who looked like they were also in full support of his plans. Then, he turned to Ethan and Laura, who gave him the thumbs-up signal.

"I have accepted Ethan's wish for me to take his place." He started and continued to assure everyone concerned that he would do his best to fit in Ethan's shoes.

But that was not his only plan. If he could tackle the challenge, he wished to surpass what Ethan had accomplished in his reign. Now that he had entered Ethan's world, he had to be careful not to lose track of his priorities.

When he started building his company, the only priority he had was to be on top of the leader board. But things changed when Dani came to the picture.

"What are your intentions for the company?" A prominent gentleman in the oil industry asked him, shouting among the crowd.

"I think this is not the time for me to discuss my plans. But I assure you that I will be conducting a briefing as soon as can be arranged." He decided to follow the lead set by Ethan.

It was not the time and place for him to discuss what happened earlier. He only wished to address some issues and then moved on to his next plan for the night.

"Ms. Hamilton, what do you think of your father's actions? Is it ok with you that he passed the business that was supposed to be yours to your future husband?" It was a malicious question from a questionable woman, Cassie.

"You don't have to answer that if you don't want to," Alex whispered to her, but he would not stop her if she wanted to respond to her.

He already suspected that they would stoop to this low to ruin this night.

"I want to," Dani uttered to him. "If my father thinks that Alex was the better choice for the job, then there is no doubt that Alex will do a great job." She answered the question.

But before she turned her back to her old friend, she added a few more words to her. "I have complete faith in the man that is standing beside me. Can you say the same thing?"

After that, Dani saw her throwing daggers at her. Cassie was burning with rage, knowing she had once again outwitted her. Dani knew that her friend was intelligent.

She could not understand why Cassie was sticking with Nick. Why she allowed him to use her? Dani had been a good friend to her, but Cassie now treated her like she was her mortal enemy.

She had been the puzzle that still boggled her mind until now.. But it was a friendship that she would forever regret, not because Cassie hated her, but because there was a time, she loved her like a sister.