'Even Redmond Redington would have been proud of me'Rob thought to himself as he went back to his apartment. It was indeed a typical Rob move, taking action immediately wasn't really his strength. He do like to take his time to devise a plan that will crush and crumble anyone that needed to be tamed.
As he was about to open his laptop he saw a red notice notification icon on his phone. He immediately paused as he thought of what could be the reason for the notification. The notification was only used by the Maniks during time of distress or urgency hence the receiver should treat with urgency.
He was perturbed and curious at the same time so he called his uncle Lois but he couldn't reach out to him. He also called his step brother Javier and yet nothing. He immediately dashed into his bathroom and took off for his home,the Royale castle.
The Royal castle,The Maniks castle is situated in Napes city a three hours ride from Lontor University.It was a long journey but still was even made longer due to his curiosity and anxiety. This was the second time of receiving such message as a Manik. The first one did not leave the best memory for him.
He was barely twenty and was still a newbie in Lontor University,he was still adapting to life alone,far from home. He was with his friend Domenico in a quadrangle when he saw the same notification that he just received now. The red notification do not really mean danger but it can mean a lot of things but one thing was certain about the notification and that's urgent action by the receiver.
He could recall how curious and how much of anxiety he felt on seeing the message. He immediately left for home and indeed it was a pressing issue.
The whole Manik family gathered including his uncle Lois and Aunt Jane. The last time everyone was around like this was five years ago during the death of his father Diego. It was like all received the same notification at exact time but actually that's the fact. It was a strong signal that always bring the whole family together.
He could recall seeing all his step siblings,they were all grown up,it was barely two years since he left them for school. Family can be a very uncomfortable place to thrive, surely Rob was a victim of this. His admission into the University of Lontor was one of the best thing that ever happened to him. He was after a long time felt free,free from preying and monitoring eyes of his step mothers.
He barely get along with them,they didn't really like him especially Alejandra. They saw him as one who came to reap where he didn't sow but still in a way he found a way to love them. Among his siblings,he was cherished and liked by mostly the younger ones as compared to the older ones. The one that seemed to hate him much was Robben,a boy who used to be very kind and loving to him.
He could recall vividly that his first tour around the Royale castle was by Robben,he was such a graceful kid. They fall out was largely due to his mother Clara who saw him as a threat to his son inheritance. With time they bond and friendship soared and till now there behave like strangers to each other. The one person that was very fond of him irrespective of everything was Javier the first son of Alejandra. He was the only one who Rob really do enjoy his moment with anytime that he was home infact Javier absence at home always makes him bored and sober. He was indeed his favorite.
After the day family pleasantries, the night was a different story,it was an exact opposite of the day. The late arrival of their family lawyer was enough to tell everyone that this was not really a family social gathering. Before then no one actually knew why they were called, throughout the whole day,they merried and enjoyed themselves while forgetting the very main purpose that brought them together,the red notice notification.
But on the arrival of the Lawyer,the very joyful mood was then changed to anxiety and curiosity,the tension can be sensed by everyone,the 'Will', Diego's last command and wish will for the first time be read.
Rob though sensed the situation was not bothered,he was just a boy lucky enough to to be among the most powerful and important people in the country. He had never deemed himself worthy of managing the Manik empire,he was nothing but an illegitimate son born outside wedlock.
It was a close door meeting headed by the interim leader of the family, Uncle Lois, Diego's brother. After some wise words from him,the 'Will' was then read by the lawyer and the rest was history.
From that day,the hate from Robben was magnified,he was very furious,to him it was like being rejected and called unfit for the position by his dear father. Rob felt for him and at one instance wanted to reject this position as the heir but his uncle Lois abruptly turn it down"this is the last and candid wish of your father,my brother"he confronted. Rob's guidance and protection is largely for his uncle and aunt especially Uncle Lois.
He foresaw the burden and challenges poised for Rob and in his own way aid to ease the tension and responsibility,he was very young and heard no serious backing. He stood in for Rob,acting as the interim leader with the notion that he will start leading when he is done with the University hence Rob was able to live a simple and normal life but the cruel question was for how long will this last?.
His premonitions engulfed him as he travels all the way from Lontor city to Napes city. He couldn't help but think about the sudden urgency. He was perturbed and he prayed that it won't be a serious matter.