I.D.E.A. (International Diadem Elite Academy) [RECENTLY UPDATED!]

Chapter 9

Raleigh, with a cup of coffee in his hand, was sitting on his couch, looking at his TV screen. It was already around 30 minutes past 5 in the morning yet the urban lights that can be seen from her penthouse suite were still as lively as ever. The Krause Empire Hotel was after all located at the heart of the city where all the busiest and almost non-stop commercial activities can be seen—and the hotel is one of the grandest features that define the metropolis.

Every day, for the past 3 years, Raleigh would wake up around 5:30 early morning with a tray of breakfast already set on his coffee table. He'd grab a demitasse and head to the living area. Then he'd press the power button of a remote control device and a 51-inch flat screen monitor would slowly emerge from the floor across the white L-shaped sofa he was sitting at. And he'll spend the next 30 minutes watching a compilation of video clips he took when he was still young.

"You are still into that...routine of yours."

Raleigh turned and saw a man standing next to him. He didn't notice that someone already entered the room. He immediately turned off the TV and stood up to greet him.

"President. I didn't know you already arrived.", he said bowing his head to President Reginald Weinstein, founder and CEO of Weinstein Brewery, and his grandfather.

"I won't take long. I just came by to see you. I see that...you still haven't gotten over ...that.", he said as he sat down, placing his cane on his side and gesturing his secretary to leave the room. "That's the reason why you'll never get along with your cousin."

Raleigh sat down again with a serious expression on his face.

"I had given up on that thought a long time ago.", he said looking straight ahead.

"It's normal for families like ours to have certain conflicts but I'd very much rather see my grandchildren in good terms. After all, you should understand Jeremy's point of view. He only wants you to move on from the past. It had already been 3 years.", said Pres. Reginald.

"President. I'd very much appreciate it if we could just talk about something else.", said Raleigh suppressing a sudden rush of resentment. "And I bet Jeremy would be happier if you would stop worrying about trivial things concerning my personal life...it just piles on his insecurities."

His grandfather just let out a sigh as if seeing a hopeless case before him.

"Anyway, I was informed of how well you handled the Weinstein event recently. The venue and services were said to be very exquisite. I came here to personally congratulate you. Indeed, in that aspect, you've grown so much that in a few years time, you'd be ready to receive your rightful place in your father's company."

"Thank you but I only did what I was told. Nothing more.", said Raleigh with still a straight face as if he wasn't grateful at all.

President Weinstein stood up and Raleigh did the same. They started walking until they reached the door. Raleigh opened it and found the President's secretary waiting outside.

"You know I have always believed in you. And I'm glad you were able to prove yourself. How you are now, is undoubtedly leaps and bounds better than your cousin. I just hope that history won't repeat itself and you won't make the same mistake as that of your father.", said his grandfather and then left.

Raleigh closed the door, gasping for air, clenching his fist. He went back to the common area just in time to see the sun starting to rise from his glass wall. He stood up right next to it and put his hands on the glass as if enclosing the image of the sunrise in his grasp