As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold, Stephen Xerx woke up to a world that felt strangely different. Stephen woke up with a throbbing headache, his surroundings still fuzzy from the remnants of alcohol. The room was familiar, and the luxurious furnishings slowly came into focus. He tried to piece together the events of the previous night when his sister, Lydia, burst into the room with a mix of relief and concern on her face.
"Stephen! You're finally awake. I thought you were... you know," Lydia hesitated, unable to articulate her fear.She embraced him, expressing joy at his recovery, as she had feared the worst when he arrived home in such a state.
"Yeah, I'm alive. I just had a bit too much to drink," Stephen replied after the embrace, rubbing his temples to alleviate the pounding headache.
Lydia sighed in relief. "Mom and I were so worried. You haven't been yourself lately, and then last night..."
"Last night?" Stephen interrupted, his memories gradually coming back. "How did I get home? And who dropped me off?"
Lydia explained, "Some lady brought you back. She left you with the security team and told them where they could find your car. She seemed worried about you."
Stephen's eyes widened. "A lady? Did she say anything about herself?"
Lydia shook her head. "Not much. She just wanted to make sure you got home safe. Why? Do you know her?"
A small smile played on Stephen's lips. "No, but I think I need to find out who she is."
Lydia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why? Did something happen between you two?"
Stephen hesitated for a moment, then confessed, "She made me realize something." He could pick up the hint of determination I'm his words "I need to take responsibility for the leadership, not for myself, but for someone else. She made me realize that."
Lydia looked puzzled but smiled. "Well, whoever she is, she must have left an impression. If she helps you see things differently, then maybe she's a good influence."
Stephen nodded. "I'll find her and thank her properly. It's time for me to step up."
"Anyways, you need to apologize to both Mom and Dad."
"Apologize to Dad? Seriously? After the way he erupted last night? He won't even care. Hasn't bothered to call me in six years."
"Your actions yesterday were harsh, Stephen. Mom was really worried, and Dad might was a bit worried too for you. Your anger blinds you to the possibility of change."
"Never in a million years will I ever believe Dad getting worried about me…and Change? Dad's set in his ways. A night won't matter."
"Your heart's become hardened, Stephen. Give it a chance. Apologize, not just for them, but for yourself. It's time to heal."
Stephen paused and sighed. He couldn't win against her. "Fine, I'll talk to them. But don't expect miracles."
" Miracles aside, sometimes, opening up can be its own kind of transformation." She gave a meek smile and moved closer to him. She gave him a warm hug. "I'm glad to have you back, big brother. Now, go freshen up. Sam is on his way."
Stephen's smile faded at the mention of Sam. "Sam's here? What for?"
Lydia sighed. "Business, I suppose. He said he wanted to talk with Dad, but you know how Sam is."
Stephen's disdain for Sam was evident. "I hate dealing with him. But I guess it's time to face the music. Let's see what he wants."
Lydia patted his shoulder. "Just be yourself, Stephen. And remember, you're not alone in this."
After freshening up, Stephen reluctantly met with Sam. The exchange of pleasantries was superficial, and Stephen could sense Sam's ulterior motives. Cutting to the chase, Stephen asked, "What are you really doing here, Sam?"
Sam chuckled, attempting to appear friendly. "Just paying a visit, brother. And, of course, handling some business with your father since you're not around."
Stephen didn't buy into the act. "I'm not your brother. Cut the charade, Sam. What's your real game?"
Sam's grin faded, and he adopted a more serious tone. "Alright, Stephen. I heard you're back, and I thought we should discuss the future of the Xerx Corporation. If you're not interested in leading, I'm more than willing to step up."
Stephen's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "You're just here to grab power, Sam. You can't be trusted with the family legacy."
Sam's response was smug. "At least I am here trying to make it work the more and you left taking an expedition for 6 years. Well, if you don't want it, someone has to step in. The stakeholders are getting impatient. You know how it works."
Stephen's father joined them, sensing the tension. Sam greeted him, making it clear he was ready for their business discussion. Before leaving, Sam couldn't resist taking a dig at Stephen.
"I'll be around if you change your mind, Stephen. But I doubt that'll happen."
Stephen gazed at his father, a question burning in his eyes. "Why are you working with Sam?" he asked, a tinge of disbelief in his voice.
His father looked up from his work, meeting Stephen's eyes with a disappointed nod. "Sam is next in line, Stephen. He's ready. You're not. It's time you face that reality."
Stephen, defensive, retorted, "I never said I didn't want it."
His father sighed, "Your actions speak louder than words. I can't keep chasing you, Stephen. If you're not willing to step up, I won't force it on you."
As his father turned to walk away, Stephen's voice halted him. "I'll do it. I'm ready to take on the responsibility of leadership. I will lead the Xerx Clan Corporation ."
His father paused, surprised but pleased. "You mean it, Stephen?"
Stephen nodded. "I do. It's time for me to stop running away. I'll lead the Xerx Corporation."
His father smiled, a mixture of relief and pride. "I knew you had it in you, son. I'm glad I'm your decision. But that's not all. Meet me at the garden in an hour."
As Stephen prepared for the challenges ahead, he couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of the mysterious lady at the bar. Somehow, her words had set him on a new course, one that he was now determined to follow.