The History of an Evil CEO

Chapter VII The Beginning of a CEO Part 1

This week has been overwhelming. With the Playtime Train about to end, Ludwin has made a surprising decision - I still think he said it to get us out of here quickly - that he will officially appoint me CEO of Playtime Co. For 3 years, I have been working at the company and, (although I often question Ludwin's motives,) this appointment seemed very surreal to me, almost like what my older self said was true. Just the same thing he told me last night. How could that be possible?

The announcement was brief. Ludwin, standing before the core team at the factory, made the statement with his usual calm authority. "Elliot is the future of this company," he said. I'm still trying to process the weight of those words. I don't understand the coincidence, nor did he offer much explanation, but he handed me a thick folder with company policies and future projects before escorting me to his office.

"You will do great things," he said as he closed the door behind me. The weight of his trust, and the underlying implications of his plans, weigh on my shoulders. But there is no time to think. As if this were not enough, for some strange reason Ludwin has entrusted me, Matteo and Xavier with a business trip to Europe. He sees it as an opportunity to broaden our horizons and secure alliances for the future of Playtime Co. (yes, I still think it was just to get rid of us) Well we begin this journey in the most surreal place of all: Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is everything I imagined and more: loud, flashy and full of energy. We checked into an imposing hotel called Caesars Palace and it really was a palace of lights. Matteo and Xavier seemed excited, joking about trying our luck at the slot machines, but I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. Ludwin's influence extends far and I wouldn't be surprised if he was watching our every move.

Our first meeting was with a toy distributor who wanted to introduce Playtime products into casinos as novelty items that "kids can have fun with while adults gamble." The idea struck me as odd at first, but Matteo saw the potential. -Think of it as entering a new market,- Then he said. -I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the idea-, But after five hours  the deal was signed."

That night, we walked down the Strip. Bright lights and loud music surrounded us, but I couldn't escape my thoughts and just remembered what my other self said. So I called Wilson to share the news about my appointment as CEO, but he seemed more interested in the progress of Playtime Train. -Whatever Ludwin wants to do next is suspicious-, he said. -Why now?- He didn't have an answerthen just hung up. Despite this, our next stop was France, so we flew out rather hastily.

We arrived in Paris in the morning after an overnight flight. The contrast with Las Vegas was striking: where Las Vegas was loud and brash, Paris was chic and serene. The living city felt in a completely different way.Our business here was simple: we are establishing a new branch of Playtime Co. to serve the European market. Ludwin's reach is expanding rapidly and it is clear that he has big plans for the company. The contract signing took place in a large old building that looked more like a museum than an office.

After the meeting, we explored the city. Matteo was in love with the architecture and maybe some other girl, just snapping photos of every cathedral and cobblestone street. Xavier, ever the pragmatist, reminded us not to lose sight of our mission. But for a brief moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the city.

Over dinner at a small café near the Seine River, I shared my concerns with Matteo and Xavier. "Doesn't it seem like Ludwin is planning something bigger while we're gone?" he asked. Matteo shrugged and said. -Of course he is. That's how visionaries work. - Xavier, however, looked worried. -Visionaries or not, we must be careful, the train is only the door to something else, - he said. Anyway, I didn't have time again since our next flight was at 6:00 so we hurried. and flew to our next stop: London.

The flight from Paris was uneventful, but the moment we landed, I felt a wave of nostalgia. It's been years since I've been here and although the city has changed, I still feel at home. Ludwin has arranged a meeting with a major British retailer to discuss distribution channels. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, but tonight we have a special moment for ourselves. I walked through the streets of London, taking in the sights and sounds. The red double-decker buses, the sound of Big Ben, the hustle and bustle of people in Piccadilly Circus – everything felt familiar and strange at the same time. Matteo and Xavier stayed at the hotel, but I needed this walk to clear my head.

Tomorrow is another work day, but tonight I allowed myself to remember why I started this journey. Playtime Co. is growing faster than I ever imagined, and as CEO, I have the responsibility to steer it in the right direction. But Ludwin's shadow looms over me, and I can't shake the feeling that this journey is part of a bigger plan.

Now I'll just walk through the streets of Natal England.