Finn showered after eating his breakfast, a meticulously designed meal by the family's elite nutritionist. His breakfast consisted of a nutrient-dense smoothie packed with spinach, kale, and a blend of berries, accompanied by a protein-packed omelet with a side of avocado. It was all part of his dedication to maintaining a healthy body, an investment in his martial arts training. He had even sacrificed the enjoyment of food to a certain extent, valuing performance over taste.
Fresh from his shower, Finn dressed in a tailored suit that had been custom-made for him just last month. The fit was perfect, hugging his lean, athletic frame like a glove. The fabric was soft yet sturdy, a blend of tradition and modernity, much like the Asper family itself.
As he walked down the long, opulent hallway, with its high ceilings and intricate moldings, Finn noticed his brother, Alexander, standing by a large window, seemingly waiting for something. Finn fell into step beside him, feeling a familiar tension in the air.
"Well, if it isn't the family's future black belt," Alexander said with a smirk, not even turning to look at Finn. "Still no real talents except punching things, I see."
Finn glanced at Alexander, who looked like an older version of himself. They shared the same brown hair and green-hazel eyes, though Alexander's features were more sharply defined, his presence more commanding.
"Good morning to you too, Alex," Finn replied evenly, refusing to rise to the bait.
Alexander turned to face him, his smirk widening. "Morning, little brother. Ready to impress the patriarch with your... martial prowess?"
Finn met his brother's gaze, his eyes steady. "I'm ready to prove myself in my own way."
Alexander chuckled, a low, mocking sound. "We'll see about that. Just remember, this family expects more than just brute force."
Finn clenched his fists, keeping his composure. "I know what's expected of me."
Alexander patted him on the shoulder, the gesture more condescending than affectionate. "Good luck, Finn. You'll need it."
With that, Alexander strode away, leaving Finn to gather his thoughts. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Today was crucial, and he needed to stay focused. As he continued down the hallway, he felt a renewed sense of determination. He would prove himself, not just to his family, but to himself as well.
---
The meeting was to be attended by all the important members of the family, including the youngest protégés of the family: his brother Alexander and his sister Amelia were among them. The Asper family ran like a corporation, each member punctual and ensuring they were present before the patriarch.
The room was a giant boardroom, with a long table at its center and plush chairs arranged around it. Finn walked in and took his seat next to Amelia. His mother, Evelyn, greeted him politely, while his father, Jonathan, gave him a cold, distant look.
Precisely five minutes after the scheduled start time, Finn's grandfather, Reginald Asper, walked in. Reginald, who bore a striking resemblance to Finn with his sharp features and penetrating eyes, had fathered his children at a young age. He was only twenty when Finn's father was born, followed soon after by two daughters. Reginald's wife had died when their children were teenagers, and he had never remarried.
As Reginald entered, everyone stood, including Finn. Once the patriarch had taken his seat, the others followed suit.
The meeting began with a discussion of analytics that went over Finn's head. His father, Jonathan, led the discussion, conversing with a few older elites in the family. Alexander and Amelia were there to learn and observe as proteges, speaking only when addressed.
The meeting droned on, but Finn was perfectly content, finding peace in simply being present. Digital distractions like phones or computers held little allure for him; instead, he thrived on physical activities, martial arts, and adventurous escapades. Every quarter, he eagerly exhausted his "field trip budget," embarking on journeys to explore the world's wonders, both natural and man-made, with Eddy by his side. During these travels, if Finn wasn't absorbed in a martial arts book, he found joy in watching the world unfold through the window or engaging in deep, meaningful conversations with Eddy, soaking in every moment.
Then, his grandfather changed the subject.
"I would like to now address the report brought to me by Alexander and Amelia," Reginald began, his voice commanding attention. "Specifically highlighting efficiencies and inefficiencies within our younger generation. A few individuals have already been addressed," he continued, pausing as if reading from a list. "Now we shall address Finn Asper."
Reginald then resumed his reading from the report, delving into the specifics of Finn's martial arts pursuits, his lackluster academic performance, and what was perceived as his antisocial behavior—rooted in his family's disapproval and their consideration of him as a waste. The most troubling aspect, however, was Eddy's significant influence on Finn's training. Finn felt a surge of concern as Eddy's name was mentioned, a knot tightening in his stomach.
Reginald looked up from the report, his piercing gaze locking onto Finn. "Finn, the contents of this report are quite troubling. While your dedication to martial arts is acknowledged, it appears to be at the detriment of other crucial areas. Your academic performance is merely average—far below the standards expected in our family. Additionally, your social interactions are sorely lacking, reflecting poorly on our expectations and values."
Finn met his grandfather's eyes, remaining cold and composed, waiting for him to continue.
Reginald continued, "This focus on martial arts is concerning. It appears you are investing too much time into this pursuit at the cost of other vital aspects of your development. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Finn responded straightforwardly, "I believe in the importance of physical and mental discipline. Martial arts teach me focus, perseverance, and resilience. I am striving to balance all areas, but I find value in this training."
His parents' lack of defense was evident, their silence heavy in the room.
Reginald then brought up Eddy. "And this bodyguard, Eddy. The report states he has been teaching you martial arts. Is this true?"
Finn nodded. "Yes, it is."
Reginald's frown deepened, his gaze turning steely. "Effective immediately, Eddy's employment is terminated, and he is blacklisted. Ensure he finds no opportunities, short-term or long-term. This serves as a clear warning to everyone: our family must remain on the right path, free from undue influences. Let this action be a reminder to all to stay within their designated roles and responsibilities."
"No!" Finn yelled, unable to contain himself.
His Grandfather glared disapprovingly at Finn for his outburst.
Without hesitation, Jonathan, Finn's father, stood and delivered a harsh slap across Finn's face. To Jonathan, this was discipline—Finn's outburst at the patriarch was a mark of disrespect and an embarrassment to the family.
Finn was stunned, not by the pain—pain was a familiar companion from his rigorous training with Eddy—but by the sheer force and suddenness of the blow. He stood there, reeling, as the room plunged into a suffocating silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present.
His grandfather went to continue, but Finn had had enough.
"No," Finn interrupted, his voice unwavering and defiant. "It wasn't Eddy's fault. It was all me. I told Eddy that if he didn't train me, I'd make his life a living hell. I threatened to ruin him, to leave him destitute if he didn't comply. I forced Eddy to train me." Even as he spoke, Finn knew he was lying through his teeth, desperately trying to protect his mentor and friend from the family's wrath.
The room fell into a stunned silence. Finn's heart pounded in his chest as he faced his grandfather, unflinching. Reginald's eyes narrowed, studying his grandson with a mix of surprise and skepticism.
"Is that so?" Reginald said slowly, his voice dangerously calm. "You expect me to believe that you, a mere child, coerced an experienced bodyguard and military veteran into training you against his will?"
Finn stood his ground. "Yes. Eddy didn't want to do it. He was just following my orders."
Reginald's eyes swept the room, noting the varied reactions from the family members. Jonathan's face twisted with a mix of anger and disbelief, while Evelyn looked upset. Alexander and Amelia exchanged a quick, unreadable look. No one supported Finn.
"You are either very brave or very foolish, Finn," Reginald finally said. "Regardless, this changes nothing. Eddy's employment is terminated effective immediately, and he is blacklisted. This family does not tolerate insubordination or threats, even from within."
"No!" Finn shouted again, his voice echoing in the grand boardroom. "This is wrong. Eddy was only helping me because I forced him. Punish me if you must, but don't take it out on him."
Jonathan, incensed by Finn's continued outburst, stood up and delivered another harsh slap across Finn's face. The blow was swift and brutal, leaving a stinging imprint on Finn's cheek.
Finn stumbled back, but he remained standing, his eyes locked on his grandfather. The pain was a familiar friend, but the resolve in his heart was new and fierce. He wouldn't back down, not this time.
Reginald regarded Finn with a cold, calculating gaze. "Enough. You will learn to respect the decisions made for the good of this family. Eddy is gone, and you will adjust your focus to more appropriate endeavors. This meeting is adjourned."
As the family began to disperse, Finn stood there, feeling a mix of anger, defiance, and helplessness. His mother gave him a lingering look, her eyes showing a hint of something—perhaps respect, perhaps pity. Jonathan ignored him completely, while Alexander and Amelia left without a word.
Finn's world had just been upended, but he knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't give up. He would find a way to honor Eddy's teachings and prove himself, no matter the obstacles.