Empire of Deception (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 41

I follow my father into his study, bracing myself for his reaction. Although the ride to my childhood home was passed by in absolute silence, I fear that the beast is yet to be unleashed.

"So are you going to say something?" I ask him, wondering if the situation the Jarwin siblings were facing was in any way similar to mine.

"I don't even know where to begin," Des responds rather calmly. "The one time I trust you with something... God, do you have any idea what you have done? Did you not even give an ounce of consideration into what this does for the company?!" He isn't yelling but each individual word is enunciated with precise clarity, I think he is past the point of fury.

"I did this for the company," I reply defensively. "And why was it so bad? I managed to gain some support because people believe that there is hope for justice... And even then. Isn't this what is right? You can't honestly stand there and think that the salary difference can be justified, because it isn't! It's wrong, and I think that for once we need to stand up for what is right. Maybe it's time that we be decent fucking human beings, for once."

"You don't get it, do you, you foolish boy. This is so much bigger than anything you could possibly imagine. No one cares at all how the public views us, because no matter what, Bolton will always be in business. The worst catastrophe could happen, and we still could buy our way out of it. This is only a big deal because the Board depends on the funds and the support of the public, and there are easily ways around it. Whether or not the Bolton Building is inhabited, the structure still stands. We can still stand, even without a home base. It's not me you need to fear, boy. It's the Board, and once they hear of your stunt they aren't going to be happy. Those CEO's you just challenged? They make of the Board of Directors, and they hold a majority of the power in this company."

"Shouldn't that be changed, too? Shouldn't this whole system be changed?! Hasn't anyone thought of that?! Taking control of our own business since it is our efforts that are put in, and our lives that we sacrifice?! I gave my everything for this fucking job, and the one time I have an original thought, supported by something I believe in, I'm crucified for it. Aren't you proud of me, dad? Aren't you the one who told me to do what you want to do, and to not listen to others? To fight for what I want, whether it's wrong or right? To exert power and to display dominance and strength? That's what I did today, dad. I stood up for what I believed in. I don't care if the Board comes after me—let them—just as long as my dad is proud of the man he raised."

"Of course I'm proud of you," he whispers, taking a seat on the edge of his desk. He looks around the room and only now I realize just how many photos he has of me; photos of me at football practice, primary school, secondary school, me with every award I ever received, me with my diploma. It's all here, in the sanctuary of his home office. "Everyday you do things that amaze me, even if I don't agree with it. I wouldn't just give anyone the position you hold in this company... But what you did today... I don't know how it's going to turn out for you. Harry, we're in deep. What happens to Bolton doesn't just affect our company, but the other companies under question—Alexander's company. His children are brave to go against him.... When that Jarwin girl stood with you I... I couldn't believe it. The look on Alexander's face... I can't explain it. And Malik... and that... Girl," Des growls with disgust, "The audacity of them. They are dumb, too. They brought the Enterprise into this mess. I'm sure he will be getting calls from his Board of Directors as well."

"Both you and Zayn run massive companies, but do you know what the difference is between you and him?"

My father looks at me reluctantly.

"Zayn doesn't give a shit and he doesn't take shit from anyone. He isn't a puppet, run by a string of directors who calculate and regulate his every move. They are there as mere advisors because in the end, it's his word that makes the decisions around there. He runs his entire world, and I dare you to name a man greater and more deserving of respect than him. As for me? I did exactly what you ordered me to. I diffused the situation. I put Bolton back on the good sides of the public, and I am bringing awareness for a much needed change in the corporate system. And as much as you say that the Board calls the shot and how Bolton can survive on structure alone? We need consumers to buy our products, or buy from the people we manufacture to. Without the public, we are nothing."