A whistle sounded, and many jumped, cheering and shouting.
"It was a tough match, Mason," likewise, Alex remarked.
I couldn't beat you after all; two young men shook each other's hands, praising their effort.
"Hey, slow down, Kiara," Alex said, trying to get his sprinting friend to slow down.
"Yeeeeh, you did it, Alex! I knew you'd win!" Kiara said excitedly, hugging Alex tightly.
The crowd of students kept chanting Alex's name.
The final netball match had just ended.
It's dedicated to the third years graduating today.
Alexander walked off the field, waving at the crowd as per Kiara's instructions.
"Alex, good match there," Mr. James said in his deep voice.
"Never expected Mason to put up such a fight out there," Alex said.
"Yeah, Mason really surprised me too; it's like he changed on the field," Kiara said in agreement.
All the graduation ceremonies went by smoothly, and Alex finally graduated. Now he's in his second obstacle, which is handling his family business and getting married; that's the obstacle his mother, Mrs. Frederick, placed in his way.
A woman sat on a couch, sobbing softly with a picture in hand. "Hey, honey, our little boy graduated; he's now a man.
But he will be handling our family business, getting married, and settling down.
Sorry, but he won't be following the path you wanted for him.
You've saved enough people already.
He doesn't have to go saving more.
He also has a life to protect; I'll make sure...
"Hey, Mum, you talking to Dad's picture again?"
He walked over and sat right next to his mum, hugging her.
"It's fine, Mum; Dad died a hero. He will always be in the hearts of every citizen out there."
"You are right, son; I just can't help missing him sometimes.
Son, Mr. Charles will take you to the company and introduce you as the new CEO of the Frederick business empire.
Now go prepare...
"Mrs. Frederick, sorry for the interruption; I'll come back later."
"No, it's fine, Butler Charles; what is it?"
"I came to report that the paperwork has been taken care of and everything is in young master's name, as you requested."
"Good," she replied. "Alex, now go get ready; you need to start your career now."
"I don't have a problem owning the business, Mum, but I won't let it tie me down; I have a dream to fulfill, the same dream as Dad's...
"Not while I'm alive, son; you will take over the business and focus fully on it. No objections allowed, understand?
"But Mum, it's my dream to join the Beast Regiment."
"I warned you not to bring that up again, didn't I?" she said, sobbing in anger.
The regiment is already in capable hands. The captain was trained by your dad, son; they need no help getting by. They have already eliminated the organization responsible for your dad's fall.
Let them protect the country, Alex; you can also save people by maintaining the economy. You mustn't throw punches or pull triggers to save the citizens.
"Yeah, Mum, I understand."
And just like that, Alex gave up his dream of leading the Beast Regiment, a military faction that became so famous because of their former fearless captain, Captain John Frederick, Alexander Frederick's dad.
Alex sat in the car with Butler Charles on their way to the Frederick's main business branch.
"Uncle Charles, what's it like in the business world?" Alex asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
"Young master... To some people, it feels like the world is in their hands. To others, as Mrs. Frederick already said, it feels like they must do it to ensure the economy is not affected, and to some, it's for fame and wealth.
"Thanks, Uncle Charles."
"No, it's my job to guide you, young master."
"We're here, sir," the chauffeur said from the front.
Two burly men dressed in black suits with sunglasses stood on each side of the entrance door. They saw Butler Charles approaching and bent slightly in respect. "Good morning, sir; welcome," they said in unison, in a trained manner.
"Young master, what do you think of the main branch?"
"The building is huge; it's even bigger than the last time I visited.
"Well, the company has undergone a lot of development, not only in the building but also with the staff, and the methods of operation have developed as well," Butler Charles explained to Alex as they headed for the chairman's office. They drew attention from both the employees and the guests.
They whispered to each other... "Wow, isn't that young master Alex?"
"Better watch your mouth; you're loud; he's Mr. Frederick now."
"Wow, he's so handsome and cool."
Butler Charles led Alex to the elevator leading to the chairman's office floor.
Upon arrival, the employees greeted them and continued their work.
Butler Charles opened the door and saw a young lady sitting inside with a cup of coffee in hand.
"Good morning, young lady Kiara," Butler Charles greeted respectfully.
"Good morning, Uncle Charles," she replied cheerfully.
"Kiara, do you want to laugh at me while I work or what?" Alex asked suspiciously.
"Good morning to you too, Alex; I mean chairman," she said, teasingly, and laughed out loud.
"Umm, young master, I'll leave you two for now; I have something urgent to take care of," Butler Charles said and professionally exited the office.
"I don't want to disturb the two famous lovebirds in the city," he said to himself while walking away into his own office.
"You look like a prince from every girl's dreams, Alex," Kiara said teasingly, playfully poking Alex in the nose.
"Kiara, if I'm right, your family should also be introducing you into their business empire by now, or is this another setup by Auntie?
"No, Alex, my mum is innocent this time. The Ben villa was under attack last night by four assassins. Good thing Head Guard Hawks was around.
He got injured pretty badly, but he managed to kill three of them while one escaped. You probably haven't heard it yet; the Ben family decided to keep it a secret for now. Detective Kevin later found out they were actually after me.