Others Like It Ruthless

I: Rightful Heir

Though my feet were killing me, I jogged up the last remaining steps to reach my grandfather's office. Today, our elevators were under maintenance which so happens to also be the day I decided to wear the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I've ever owned. Honestly, I have no idea what possessed me to purchase such disagreeable shoes, but they sure look pretty on the eyes.

Back to the matter at hand, my grandfather suddenly announced during the board meeting his upcoming retirement. Afterwards, he summoned me, his one and only granddaughter, to come on up his tower to discuss important matters. This could only mean one thing and that is to talk about my smooth take over as CEO of Monty&Co. Trading Enterprise.

I deserve it. I told myself. After all the years of hard work and stress, its finally my turn to handle the business and thrive in the trading industry. Once I reached my grandfather's office, I paused outside the door to give myself a few seconds to catch my breath before I step in.

"Margaret," he greeted upon hearing me enter, slowly turning around to face me. "Have a seat," he motioned for me to do so at one of his empty chairs.

"Sir, what is the important matter you wanted to discuss with me so urgently?" I asked unable to contain my excitement to be the boss of my own empire. To view the same view he was looking at before I came in. To sit on the same seat that he is sitting at. This is it, I can feel it.

"Ah, ma cherie always so straight to the point." He replied pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "Well, as you know I'm not getting any younger and I wish to retire and I can't think of a better successor-"

Here it is.

"-than Mr. Noir's son, Cole Noir." He finished and I felt my jaw literally drop slowly as my brain slowly register in what my dear, old grandfather said.

"Excuse me, what?" I asked, dumbfounded. "You plan on giving your company to a-a stranger?!"

"Non ma petite, a merger is what I'm proposing." He calmly replied. His eyes have the same glint that tells me this negotiation is a done deal and I have no say about the matter at all. And why do I get the feeling I'm being conned into agreeing to something I'm going to regret for the rest of my life?

"I can see you're confuse," he observed as I continue to stare at him trying to guess what he's up to. "Allow your old man to explain."

"Yes, please do." I eagerly replied.

"Well, Cole's father, James, is a dear friend of mine. I presume you know Cole," he proceeded on explaining.

"Yes," I briefly replied

"Since James and I's most profitable business are in the same industry, we decided to merge the two and venture out to a different market." Grandpa looked at me with an intense gaze while a question forms in my mind and it goes a little something like this; if Cole will manage the trading business of the now merged companies, where do I fit in?

"You're probably thinking where would you go after the merge." He said. "My dear, if you haven't guessed yet then let me spell it our for you."

Uh-oh, this can't be good. My heart throbbed painfully knowing exactly what his next words were gonna be. "Marriage, there's no better contract signed to seal this merger other than marriage. You and Cole will manage the Monty&Co. Trading Enterprise and as you know the Noirs buy out sinking businesses and turn it to a profitable industry."

"No, grandpa." I said defiantly. " You can't force me to marry a practical stranger. Sure, he moves around the same business community but that's all I know about Cole. His name, their successful business escapades, and the fact that I'm being compelled to marry him."