Nathan's POV
As the lawyer pronounces my name, a gasp escapes my father's and Harry's throat. I look at Mike trying to hide my excitement and he just smiles at me.
"... The family committee will have a maximum of six months and 28 days to choose the new vice president of Vandenn Industries. In the meantime and on a supplemental basis, it will be Elizabeth Vandenn who will fill the position..."
"Mr. Lawyer, are you reading the right will? This seems more like child's play" Groans Harry breaking into the reading, evidently annoyed by what the will contained: " We need a vice president now, not in six months."
Chris opens his mouth, surely to second Harry's motion but my mother interrupts: "Harry, it's your grandfather's will. Have the pants to shut up and listen."
Just like that Harry shuts up and takes a step back, feeling scolded by my mother just like in the old days.
"As I mentioned earlier, it is my will that the family committee is the one to freely choose the future vice president. However, as the head of this family, I take the liberty to establish some requirements that must be fulfilled by whoever is elected to occupy this position:
1) He/she must be over 21 years of age.
2) He must demonstrate to the committee that his conduct and aptitudes are the necessary ones to occupy the position.
3) Must have no legal problems of any kind.
4) Must be married, under the blessing of a church to a woman he truly loves.
Finally Blaz Vandenn signs." The lawyer closes the will folder and looks up at a bewildered audience. Starting with Harry, who looked crestfallen that he did not conclude as the rightful vice president of the company.
"Are we sure Blaz was in perfect condition when this will was made?" Questions my father to the lawyer, evidently unhappy with the outcome of the reading.
"Mr. Vandenn, as the family's attorney, I can assure you that the late Mr. Blaz was in his full capacity when we made this will" Answers the attorney, but neither Harry nor Chris seem to turn out to be satisfied.
"So now what? This has become a competition?" Harry raises his voice, obviously annoyed: "Dad, something has to be able to be done."
I just shut up, smiled, and watched happily as in an instant I became a pain in Harry's ass.
"Nothing has to be done, Harry. It is your grandfather's last will, and it will be carried out to the letter. Exactly in six months and 28 days, we will announce who will be the new vice president of the industry" Elizabeth sentences, giving us a look alternating between my brother and me: "Strive for that spot. Both of you."
Dad shakes his head refuting Elizabeth's words and then takes the attention, addressing the rest of the family present in the room: "I don't want to be unfortunate and much less belittle any of my sons, but for this place the most suitable is Harry. The one who could fully comply with the points required by Blaz."
I see most of the family nod, agreeing with what Dad said. Then anger overcomes me and I finally gather my courage to speak in front of the family.
"Why dad? Because Harry has the capabilities and I don't, according to you?" I question furiously making my hands into fists in an attempt to restrain myself. Otherwise, I would plant one in the face of my father, who was already earning it in spades.
"Because Harry has a good woman to betroth Nathan, you don't. You're on your own" He replies. "You're on your own" He says again to me raising his voice and stamping one of his hands heavily on the desk. The room falls silent and all attention is focused on the two of us: "A good woman by your side, and Harry is stable and responsible. Things you still lack son, so no. I don't think you're the best fit for the job. I don't want no slut carrying the Vandenn name."
I hold back my laughter as long as I can.
"Don't you think it's ridiculous to disqualify me because of a woman?" I asked sarcastically, but he remains cool, immovable in his position. "If what worries you, father, is that I have no one to marry before six months is up, then you are wrong."
The faces of everyone in the room changed to one of surprise and bewilderment, especially Harry and my mother. Then an awkward silence settles over the room, and everyone turns their heavy gazes on me.
I swallow dryly and continue.
"I've been dating someone for a few months now, and just so they're more baffled it's serious. So much so that I've asked her to move in with me" Hearing me, my mother puts her hand to her mouth in disorientation agreeing with the feeling of confusion that prevailed in everyone inside the room.
Disdainfully, Harry then walks over to me and rests his hand on my shoulder exerting pressure. Typical of him, he already wanted to take the spotlight.
"And why is it that we don't know that person yet, little brother?" He questions me, making sure to bring out all the incredulity in his tone. "It's very strange of you not to brag about what you have."
He tightens his grip on my shoulder, once again I feel nervous up to my eyelashes. I go over in my head what I'm saying and gather all the courage I had inside, I look him straight in the eyes sure to hide my insecurity.
"You won't believe this Harry, but I feel ashamed of some members of this family" I return the gesture and place my hand possessively on his shoulder. We hold each other's gaze for a few seconds, then I say: "Let the game begin Harry, just like when we were kids."
Predictably, Harry smiles and pats my shoulder before releasing me. Fed up with the family congestion, I vaguely excuse myself to my mother and turn around, ready to leave.
Shit Nathan, what the fuck have you gotten yourself into?