Beneath The Orange Sunset ✔️

20

~20~

Antoine Lacroix rested his back uneasily on the swivel chair. He tapped his fingers on the desk as he looked around the richly furnished office. It was his first time visiting and everything seemed awkward to him.

A Dell laptop laid open on the desk, two tall bookshelves stacked with books and newspapers leaned on the opposite wall and a soft furry sofa edged to the right side of the room.

The office desk and bookshelf was made of mahogany. The desk was occupied with books, files, papers and photographs of LaPointe.

Antoine inhaled the cold air circulating the room through the functioning air conditioner. He was still in doubt if he had come to the actual home of Fabien LaPointe because the man he met at the door was all smiles and had  welcomed him happily.

He never thought the man could smile let alone laugh with him. It wasn't funny at all but he had his fingers crossed and hoped for the worst.

Antoine adjusted his suit and took a deep calming breath as he heard the door open.

Fabien walked in holding a bottle of champagne and two glass cups in his hands.

    "Did I take so long?" he asked grinning.

Antoine stood to his feet, watching the man skeptically. "No sir."

Fabien cocked an eyebrow and smiled revealing a set of white dentition.

    "Feel free. This is my home, not the four walls of the company." He handed Antoine a half filled glass.

Antoine opened his mouth to speak but he let out a short laugh instead. "Thank you, sir." He collected the cup and took a sip quickly.

Fabien walked round the desk and plopped his weight on his executive chair.
    "I called you here for two reasons," Fabien picked a thick blue file from his desk and handed it to Antoine.

He gave Antoine a few minutes to scan through file while he sipped from his cup.

    "A proposal?" Antoine inquired.

    "Yes. To take over the affairs of the Lacroix company. That is one. Two, there will be a change of name from Lacroix to LaPointe." Fabien said bluntly eyeing the young man.

    "How...? I mean how is that going to work?"

The dark lines on the older man's eyes resurfaced. He anticipated this reaction. Antoine was so predictable and he hated that.

    "Not to worry about that. I have spoken with the board and more than half them are in support."

Antoine stared at the man sitting opposite him like he was mad. He could be twice his age and he didn't want to sound rash if he allowed himself speak his mind.

    "Sir, I understand you taking over the company but changing the name is a little sensitive, don't you think?"

Fabien laughed.
    "Don't I think..." He let the smile on his face linger for a while.

Antoine was the name of his grandfather. He had been so close to the old man. He was always there to tell old men jokes and everyone laughed at his wit. Before he died he had requested to put a bottle of his favorite beer by his bedside, saying that he might come by and pick it.

Antoine had a striking resemblance to the late old man. His wits and easy going nature was unmistaken. Not surprising how he knew nothing about business or how money is made.

That's why he plans to use this lifetime opportunity to create a lasting niche for his son. He wouldn't understand because he never met LaPointe. A drunkard and a failure. How he loathed his father. He swore never to be like him. He swore never to live in poverty.

Antoine would never understand.

    "I think I am on the right track. All I want is your support," Fabien paused. "You have no other options."

Antoine blinked several times. What is going on with this old man? How can he just come take over his father's company? He can never be friends with such a man.

    "What is mom saying about this?" Antoine questioned.

    "I have her full support," Fabien tapped his finger tips together.

Antoine shook his head and inhaled.
    "That is not possible! I have to think about this. I can't take a decision yet."

    "Why?" Fabien picked a ball pen from the desk. He took out his cheque book and began to write. "What would make you not to support me, Antoine?"

You have to support your father.

Antoine was taken aback by the soft tone in his speech.

    "Sir, this..."

Fabien tore out a sheet after signing it and handed it to the young man.
    "Here, have this."

Antoine bit his lower lips. He reached his left hand across the table and collected the paper. His eyes widened when he saw it was a cheque. He suddenly regretted his action.

    "Is there anything else that will make you not to support me?" Fabien breathed and relaxed his back fully on the chair.

Antoine stared at the piece of paper in his hands. One million dollars ... He looked away.

One million dollars Antoine, his mind screamed. You can live the life you've always wanted. No work, no company problems, just you and Olga enjoying life...

    "No!" Antoine said abruptly. He stood to his feet and placed the cheque on the desk. The sweat of the man he once called father will not be in vain. He reacted.

    "I will not be part of this. I am going to tell mom to back off. If anyone is going to take over from where dad left, that person is Maxime, not you Mr LaPointe."

Fabien chuckled. He thought as much. Antoine will always want to disappoint him. Always. He stood to his feet and walked round the table till he faced his son.

    "Antoine, my boy, there's still so much for you to learn. it will do you more good if you do as I say."

Antoine rolled his eyes.
    "Sir..."

    "I heard Olga is in town. How is she doing?"

Antoine raised his eyebrows suspiciously.
    "What are you getting at, sir?"

    "If you still love her, you will do as I say," Fabien said coldly.

Antoine suddenly felt a sharp pain in his neck. He couldn't believe this man. He knew something was wrong when Fabien was all smiles towards him.

    "There is no point bringing Olga into this..."

    "No. You choose," Fabien picked up the cheque from the desk and waved it in the face of the young man. "Olga or... one million dollars."

    "Don't threaten me, sir." Antoine's nose flared. He was getting a little impatient. After all he had come prepared for war.

Fabien let out a dry smile again.    
    "You have until Monday to make a decision."
He patted the young man on his shoulder and walked out of the room.

Antoine stormed out of the house his temper rising to a dangerous level. He took out his phone and dialled a number. He sighed when he heard the voicemail beep.

    "Mom, please call me as soon as you get this. It is important. Please."

His nose flared at intervals. He tried to hold himself back from  slamming his phone on the hard pavement.

He unbuttoned his suit and walked towards the car park where Basil had been waiting patiently. He kicked the trunk of the car before he hurriedly got into the backseat.

From the small window of the master bedroom, located in the second floor of LaPointe's home, Emile watched the poor enraged young man. Her face lined with uncertainty and doubt. Her arms were crossed over her chest. She was still wearing her silky peach colored night gown, her boyfriend's favorite.

She watched Antoine, her only child with LaPointe, get into the car and in a matter of seconds, it zoomed off.

Of course I will call you son and we will have a long talk.