"Brother," Nathalie was elated to see Arthur at the funeral. She came close and hugged her brother.
Arthur wrapped his arms around Nathalie to comfort her little sister. It stings Arthur's heart to see his sister's eyelids swollen. She has clearly been crying.
"Come with me," he said, holding her sister's hand. "Let's attend the funeral service together."
Nathalie nodded in response.
Arthur exhaled slowly, trying to quiet the storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He took a moment to collect himself before following Nathalie to their seats. As he sat down, he couldn't help but replay the tense conversation with his mother, wondering if there would ever be a chance to mend their fractured relationship.
But ultimately doubts it after the truth he finds out about Nathan's addiction and the heroin that was forcefully injected into him the first time he saw Nathan in relapse. Alicia must face the consequences of her actions.
"Are you okay?" Nathalie whispered, laying a comforting hand on his arm.
"I'll be fine," Arthur replied, offering her a small smile. "Let's just get through today."
Arthur was the first to give his eulogy. Arthur felt a lump in his throat when it was his turn to speak. He had never been good at public speaking but knew he had to do this. He cleared his throat and began to talk.
"My father was a complicated man," he began. "He was demanding and had high expectations of those around him. He was tough, but he was also fair. He had the highest standards, and he expected the same from us. He molded us to be independent. For us to have the courage to achieve our goals and dreams in life."
Someone who knows their family closely will doubt if Robert was a fair man. But Arthur had to say those words to preserve his father's reputation in the eyes of the businessmen present at the funeral service.
"But he also had a softer side. He was generous and kind and always willing to help those in need. He was a great leader, and his vision and guidance helped shape the world we live in today," he continued.
"I know that he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a great man, and he will be missed."
In fair judgment, Robert was able to help other companies and people under the Hendricks Earthwise consortium but, of course, in return for profit. Arthur wished he could say he was proud to be Robert's son and would want to be like him but no. He vowed to make a different legacy far from what Robert had left in Hendricks Earthwise Consortium.
As Arthur finished speaking, there was a moment of silence. Then people, including the board members, applauded, and Arthur felt a sense of pride. Despite his complicated relationship with Robert, he is still his father.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur for Arthur. He remembered the speeches and shared memories, but it was all a distant hum. His thoughts were focused on what he had to do now.
He had to honor Robert's legacy and ensure his father's hard work was not forgotten. But he had to take the reins of the consortium and lead it in the good direction that Robert should have done. He had to ensure that the business remained successful and continued to be a force for good in the world in the different ways possible.
Robert used to bend the law for his profit and the company, which Arthur never wished to follow. It is one of their misunderstandings that Arthur can't swallow and leave the company.
Arthur's chest tightened as he watched Nathalie deliver a heartfelt eulogy, her voice wavering with emotion. He felt a pang of guilt for not being there to support her through their father's illness and passing. He clenched his jaw, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill over.
"Thank you, Nathalie," Arthur whispered once she returned to her seat beside him, offering her a reassuring smile.
"Thank you for being here, brother," she replied, squeezing his hand. "It means a lot."
As the funeral procession moved outside, Arthur took a deep breath, inhaling air. He couldn't change the past, but as he stood beside his sister, surrounded by people who believed in him, he felt a renewed determination to honor his father's memory and create a better future.
The interment occurred at a private cemetery on the outskirts of town, surrounded by lush greenery and manicured gardens. It was late afternoon, and the setting sun cast long shadows over the marble tombstones, painting the scene in hues of gold and amber. The sun was just setting, and the cemetery was eerily quiet.
After the burial, Arthur stood on the edge of the gathering, watching as family and friends made their way to their cars. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the cemetery. The warmth in Nathalie's eyes, the tension between him and his mother, and the encouraging words from the board members swirled in his mind, creating a confusing mix of emotions.
Arthur stood at the entrance of the elegant reception hall after his father's burial, the soft glow of chandeliers casting a warm light on the somber faces of the attendees. He hesitated momentarily, taking in the scene before facing his family and the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium board members.
"Ah, Mr. Hendricks," interrupted a voice, drawing Arthur's attention. It was Stephen Davies, one of the board members of the Earthwise Consortium. "We were just discussing the upcoming meeting. Your presence would be much appreciated."
"Of course," Arthur nodded. "I'll be there."
As he walked towards the group of board members, Arthur couldn't help but feel the weight of his father's absence. He clenched his fists, anger simmering beneath the surface as he thought about the years wasted in estrangement. But he couldn't blame himself. He chose to stay away from his family to survive and do what he loved. And he never regretted it, knowing it was the way he met the love of his life, Helena.
"Your father would be proud," remarked another board member, a silver-haired woman named Catherine. Her words felt hollow, but Arthur knew she meant well.
"Thank you," he replied tersely, trying not to betray his conflicting emotions.
"Shall we raise a toast to Robert?" suggested Stephen, lifting his champagne flute. The others followed suit, and Arthur reluctantly joined in.
"To Robert," they echoed, the clink of glasses punctuating the moment.
Arthur's mind wandered back to the funeral as they sipped their drinks. He remembered the eulogies, the heartfelt words that spoke of a man he barely recognized, who had remained elusive to him even in death.
"See you at the board meeting," Arthur said to one of the board members, Henry Smith.
"See you there, Mr. Hendricks," he nodded as he moved out of the way, seeing Alicia was approaching.
"Son, am I invited to the board member meeting?"
"Did you get an invitation? If you did, then come. It's not my business to stop you from going even if I don't want to see you there."
Unfortunately, Arthur has no choice as he would see Alicia as she is one of the shareholders. But she holds no significant power over Arthur, unlike when Robert was still the chairman of Hendricks Earthwise Consortium. The incoming meeting will be for the formality of proclaiming the next chairman, and that is Arthur Hendricks.
"And one more thing, after the meeting tomorrow. We need to talk," Arthur said as he got in his car. He barely stopped himself from spitting facts before Alicia, but he knew the right time would come. He will surely give justice to his brother and his little sister.
At the end of the day, Arthur felt a new resolve. Despite his complicated relationship with his father, he knew he had to take care of Hendricks Group of Companies. He had to ensure that the business remained successful and continued to be a force for good in the world. And never let the evil force succeed. It was time for him to start writing his own legacy.
"Arthur, would you let me live with you when this ends?" Nathalie asked.
At last, Arthur found alone time with his sister after the guests dispersed. He heaved a heavy breath, thinking of a better answer to Nathalie. "Is that what you want?" He asked, placing a hand on Nathalie's shoulder.
"Yes, I want to live with you instead of mom."
He responded with a broad smile to Nathalie, which spoke louder than words. How could he refuse his little sister's request? His little sister is a grown lady who can make her own decision, turning 18 in the coming year.