Bernard stood before him, the weight of silence hanging between them. It was a long while before he finally asked, "What if one day, Eric starts acting out of character, showing signs that something's seriously off? What then?"
Without hesitation, Ian replied, "I'd take him down."
"Even if it meant the real Eric might never come back? From what I remember, Eric used to be quite fond of you."
Ian remained silent, prompting Bernard to squat down slowly, umbrella in hand.
"Eric's become unpredictable, refusing to give up the chip, and his temper has turned sour. Brotherly love won't bring him back. Hell, he's even got it out for you now. He has no attachment to the Raymonds, let alone any patriotic feelings. Ian, it's time to head back. A promise won't be enough for my support."
Ian, kneeling, looked up with a gaze sharp and resolute.
"Grandpa Bernard, do you recall when I was fourteen? You sent me off to North America, saying no one had ever made it out of those underground fight clubs alive, let alone climbed to the top of the heap. You thought I'd die there. But I survived. I fought men built like mountains and beasts that could tear a man apart. And I made it. I took the biggest risks and came out on top. You said I could work miracles. For all the intel I've brought you from those pits over the years, I'm asking you, give me another chance like when I was fourteen."
Bernard didn't reply. The relentless rain pounded on the umbrella, the sound echoing amidst the misty surroundings, as if the world had been turned into a swirling landscape painting.
Fog rose from the ground, visibility dropping all around them.
With a sigh, Bernard patted Ian's shoulder.
"I have a way you could take Eric, but it's risky. Are you willing to take that chance?"
"Absolutely."
Ian's eyes were razor-sharp.
Bernard clenched his hand into a fist, tapping it against Ian's shoulder.
"We'll discuss the details inside."
The storm raged on, the content of their conversation known to no one.
Until two days later.
The Raymond Corporation made a sudden announcement: President Ian had transferred all his shares to a trust, and his assistant Jeff would hold these shares for three years, which meant no trading, but enough clout for Jeff.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja)
Author, would you story about Ryan settling down and another story on Eric regaining his body and memories back from Patrick, and Eric also settling down as I find it so disheartening for him to have gone through what he went through at the research institute, and I'll like for him to get his "golden boy" life back though, not at the detriment of Ian....
When will the author update to finish Beck's story? What about Dylan and Tyler's love lives? Also, I'll like the author to write on Wilma and Elvis ending up together as she was quite persistent in pursuing him. And Shawn's story, Cornelia Sullivan and Omar Casson. Also, a little write-up on Jeff (Ian's assistant) love life, too. Thanks, author for updating....
When will get update?...
What is wrong that the author has not updated this novel in over a month or is there somewhere else that I can continue reading the novel from chapter 1951 upwards? Do tell, please. Thanks....
Is everything alright with writer?...
Author, why are there no updates after almost 2 weeks? What's going on with the updates,Author? Do update soon....
Will any update make for us?...
Is author ok...
Playing too much with my emotions. It’s been 9 days and no updates. What is going on with Fitch and Zoey?...
Is author playing with our emotions?...