Nathan's POV
After the bad news that night at Michael's house, all family matters had become at the top of my list. The death of my grandfather Blaz meant only one thing: The chair of the company's presidency would be vacant.
Vandenn Industries was a family company, something of a monarchy. Upon Grandpa's death, the next in line to fill the president position was Dad, so Dad would leave the vice president's chair empty. As much as I wanted to be able to rejoice and say that the position was already mine, I knew I had someone else on the side yearning for that title as much as I did. My brother Harry.
For the entire family, Harry was the one who should hold that position. Because he was the oldest brother, and in ambiguous terms the most responsible. But I wouldn't let him off that easy, legally we were both entitled to that position and unless Grandpa Blaz's will said otherwise, I would fight with blood and tears to get to the vice presidency.
As I get out of the shower I see that Michael has left one of my suits laid out on the bed. Without much time to look for another option, I quickly get dressed and take a look in the mirror.
Yes, sir, I'm worn. I think I need some sunglasses.
Without spending much time I grab some Hawker Black glasses from my closet and walk out into the living room completely ready. Michael looks me up and down and nods his head to leave.
- Where are you? – From: Mom Elizabeth.
Just seven minutes past ten o'clock and I already have my mother texting me. I look out the window of Michael's car and realize I'm not too far from Dad's house.
- Ten minutes and I'm there mom – I answer as fast as I can.
As I said, only ten minutes later I found myself getting out of Mike's red car. Facing the huge doors of the Vandenn mansion, my parents' house that I had decided to leave two years ago. After only two knocks on the door, someone opens the door, and to my surprise that someone is different from the service people.
"You're late" Harry muses frustrated, annoyed, and ready to lecture me.
For as long as I could remember Harry, my dear older brother had always been considered the jewel of this family. With six foot two inches of pure seriousness, and just the necessary amount of charisma, Harry had become the role model for the younger members of this dynasty and the favorite son of Chris, my father.
"But I am here now" I shrug my shoulders, detracting from the authority of his words. This seems to annoy him so he reaches his hand up to my face and snatches the glasses off the bridge of my nose. "Hey!"
"You're hungover, aren't you Nathan?" He questions haughtily, just like my father would: "Are you sure you're not an alcoholic?"
I take a step closer to him and mutter in annoyance, making sure he understands that he's not the one in charge here: "I'm warning you, Harry, don't touch me."
Before he could respond I reach out my hand and snatch my glasses from his grasp, he crosses the threshold of the door and starts off towards Dad's office, leaving Michael behind, who greets Harry pleasantly as if he's not his enemy but mine. Or something like that.
As I walk through the doors of Dad's offices, I am met with a whole family reunion. From uncles, I haven't seen since my fifth birthday, to cousins I've never met. All hungry for a piece of the fortune inside the will.
I cough for them to notice my presence and upon seeing me I receive the expected reaction: reproachful looks from everyone but Mom.
"Nathan, my boy" Mom Elizabeth says full of joy, as her unlike the vast numerical majority on this room, appreciated and loved me as I was. Besides that, she seemed to be really the only one affected by the old man's death.
She leaves the side of the lawyer, who is holding the will in his hands, and walks over to me hugging my torso in her thin arms under the critical gaze of Chris.
"How are you doing?" I whisper to her lowering my gaze so I can see those beautiful brown eyes my mother had. She just nods and smiles weakly at me.
Then Harry crosses the doorway, with Mike following him and interrupts our beautiful moment.
"Let's start" As if he were the patriarch, he gives the order to start the reading of the will, and to top it all off, everyone obeys his order and the office doors are closed.
The lawyer stands up, with the folder on the desk, and begins the speech.
"I Blaz Vandenn, do hereby make public my last will. In full control of my faculties, and understanding the extent of my estate and disposition thereof..." The entire legal term concludes, and the reading of the distribution of the assets begins, giving them for the most part equally among his children.
"Finally, concerning the family business, which was founded by our ancestors. I embody here as my unequivocal will that my eldest son, Chris Vandenn occupy the presidency of the company..." Although it was predictable that it would be my father who would replace my grandfather, I always questioned myself why none of my relatives claimed their right to opt for the position. I always saw them as cowards.
"In his promotion and for the good functioning of the company, the position for vice president should be equally filled..." Evokes the lawyer and my blood freezes. I glance slyly at Harry and see that he has a discreet smile plastered on his face as he exudes confidence. The man is adamant that his name will be mentioned in the will as the elected vice president. I turn around and see Mike with nerves in my eyes, he shakes his head and assures me that Harry will not be in the will "... Being consistent, I allow myself to give the freedom to the family committee to choose the future vice-president of the company. I propose as ideal candidates my grandsons Harry Vandenn and Nathan Vandenn."