"Well, well, well. If it isn't the prodigal son, and Mr. Billonaire" Gregory sneered, his eyes sizing up the room.
Harris's eyes narrowed, sensing trouble. "What brings you here, Uncle?"
Gregory's smile widened. "Just checking in on my nephew's well-being. Or am I not allowed to do so?" He questioned, feigning a pitiful look. Your father asked me to ensure everything runs smoothly in his absence, and I'm starting with your well-being." He lightly shoved Zeke aside and forced himself in.
Ezekiel, trying to understand what was going on, attempted to read his brother's expression. Uncle Gregory, a man in his mid-fifties, tall and dark-haired, always envied his brother's success and was jealous of the progress his children were making. Although the properties Gideon had handed over to him, he still tried every possible means to steal more from him.
"You still haven't answered my question," Harris's voice was fierce as he stood from his seat and proceeded to the living room.
"Mind your tone, boy," Greg threatened, his eyes still capturing every object in the living room. "You know you're dealing with the newest CEO of the family's business. I did come to greet you, but it seems I'm not welcomed here."
Ezekiel still stood speechless by the door, watching them both as the tension grew.
"You're not wrong. Leave my house immediately!" He commanded, gritting his teeth, showing him the way out.
"What nerve you've got, kiddo!" He chuckled slightly and headed towards the door. "I'll see you soon," he concluded with sly confidence and exited.
Zeke heaved a sigh of relief, then turning his head, his eyes met his brother's stern gaze.
"What the hell is going on?" He asked, his tone firm but light.
His gaze still fixed on Ezekiel, he ignored him.
"Are you not going to respond to my question?" Zeke raised his voice a little.
"I don't know what to say."
Ezekiel began fuming with confusion and frustration, pressed Harris for answers. "You won't tell me? I need to know what's going on," he coaxed, his eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and anger.
Harris sighed. "We have a new CEO in our company, Uncle Greg," he said sadly.
"What! How? When?" Ezekiel exclaimed, the news hitting him like a storm.
"Father appointed him as a temporary CEO during his illness. If Uncle Greg performs well, and if I don't marry by the time Father fully recovers, he'll take over permanently," Harris explained, a tinge of sadness in his voice.
Ezekiel, shocked, was suddenly dazed. Why would his father go to such an extent to teach his son a lesson? "Why? That's not fair," his expression changed. "You know what---" he paused, "I'll be back," he concluded and picked his car keys and stormed out.
Harris pursued him. "Zeke! Where are you going?"
Ezekiel, fueled by anger, revved the engine and sped away, leaving Harris behind in the dust.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the hospital, Ezekiel burst into the room, where his mother was feeding his father. Gideon, weakened by illness, looked up as Ezekiel greeted them.
"It's a good thing you're awake, Father. Hope your health is stabilizing?" Without waiting for a reply, he continued. "Uncle Gregory is in town. I suppose you know why he paid Harris a visit, yeah? But why would you do that? Why did you choose to hurt Harris and neglect his feelings, despite how long he has worked for you?" Ezekiel laced his words as he fixed a stern gaze on the older man.
"Gregory will ensure the stability of the company during my absence, and Harris needs to fulfill his responsibilities."
"Of all people, you choose Uncle Gregory. The same conniving man that stole from you."
"Zeke, you're talking about your uncle. Watch your tone," Beth cautioned him.
Ezekiel, sensing the tension, cautiously spoke, "Father, you can't expect Harris to find a wife on a deadline. And Gregory handling the company—"
Gideon's gaze turned stern, "I expect results, not excuses."
"Harris threw away his dreams for you, gave up a lot for our family. Yet you repay him by finding a replacement and threatening to take everything from him. This is absurd! I won't let Uncle Gregory—"
Gideon's voice cut through like a knife, "Enough! I've made my decision. The future of Lancaster Enterprises depends on his actions in the coming months."
Beth, trying to mediate, implored, "Gideon, please consider the strain you're putting on Harris. It's not just about the company; it's about his life."
Gideon, unmoved, turned his attention to Ezekiel, "Ezekiel, you've always been a burden to everyone. So I don't expect your opinion on this."
His words were like a dagger to his heart. His heart was torn to shreds. He tried to hold it in and continued. "And if he can't find a wife?"
"Tell him Veronica Peters is back in town," Beth quickly added, grinning a little.
"Just ensure your brother understands the gravity of this situation, and his actions. And as for you," he stuck out a finger at him. "We'll deal with you when I get back."
Ezekiel nodded reluctantly. The room fell into a stifling silence. He stood for some minutes, as if to digest what just happened, before regaining himself.
"Well, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now." He bowed his head and left them.
Frustrated and hurt, Ezekiel stormed out, leaving his family behind. Harris arrived just in time. Zeke, looking weary, explained his decision, unaware of the storm he had unleashed in his family.
"Well? What happened?" Harris asked, trying to catch his breath.
"The old man's mind is made up. So fierce about you getting an wife."
"I'll go talk to him myself." Harris turned to leave, but Ezekiel stopped him. "Hold on, hold on. I don't think now's the time. We should give it some time." He persuaded, looking helplessly at his brother.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, neither of us is in a good mood," Ezekiel sensed his brother's turmoil. "You know, let's go somewhere and chill."
"I'll rather head home." Harris concluded and made to leave.
"C'mon bro, you need to loosen up a bit." Ezekiel persuaded and dragged him towards the parking lot.
Back inside the room, Gideon's stern gaze softened as he watched his wife. "Beth, you know how important this is. We can't afford to let the company suffer. It's been our family's for ages."
Beth's eyes filled with concern, "But Gideon, pushing Harris like this won't lead to a solution. We need to give him the space to make his own choices."
Gideon, grappling with his fears and ambitions, sighed, "I just want what's best for our family, for the legacy we've built. Only a Lancaster can run it. If Harris doesn't, Greg can."
Beth reached out, holding his hand,
"Sometimes, what's best is not what we expect. We can find a way without putting so much pressure on Harris."
Beth stared at her husband's face, silently praying he was making the right choice.
~~~~~~~~~~~
In the heart of the city, Harris and Zeke strolled into a dimly lit bar. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the gloom. The place was noisy, with four bored-looking blondes, one bearing a striking resemblance to Jennifer Lopez, dancing around a pole with surprising agility.
A gray curtain of smoke hovered over a small group of men seated at a bar next to the runway. Ezekiel glanced at the beautiful women then looked away. Loud music blared from speakers hanging on the wall. He recognized the men seated close to the stage then pulled Harris, and they both walked towards them. Pulling a seat for his brother and himself, he sat down.
"Do you guys always have to sit so damn close to the view?" he asked, smiling a little.
"Well, well if it isn't Zeke Lancaster," a lanky blonde with green eyes greeted him.
"Yoo! Felix what's good?" he shook his hand. "Guys, this is my brother Harris. Harris, this is Kingsley, Brian, and Felix."
Harris politely nodded at them, feeling a bit uneasy.
"The big boss himself," Felix shook his hand. "So glad I'm sharing a table with a billionaire," he grinned widely.
"But don't you guys have a drink with me almost every time?" Harris asked, shouting at the top of his voice so he could be heard.
"And you are?" Kingsley asked, making a face.
"A brother to the billionaire," he answered playfully, and they all laughed.
"Okay. Why don't the brother to the billionaire order us some shots tonight?" Brian suggested, and they all agreed.
"Oh no. Since we all have the honor of sitting with a billionaire. Let's make use of that," he said and raised an eyebrow at Harris.
Harris gave him a stern look, then nodded in agreement. Excitement rose as they motioned the waitress and ordered two rounds of shots. Zeke placed a shot in front of his brother. They all cheered and gulped down the first round.
Harris didn't touch his. "C'mon bro, loosen up a bit," Zeke coaxed, a bit irritated with him.
Harris ignored him and shifted uncomfortably on his stool. "This would help you forget your worries." Zeke moved the shot closer to him. Everyone's gaze was fixed on Harris. Grabbing the shot, he emptied the content and made a face. It was bitter. They all cheered at him.
Taking the second shot, they cheered and gulped down. Motioning the waitress, they ordered more.
Third shot.
Fourth shot.
Fifth shot.
At about the sixth shot, Zeke left the table and went to the dance floor. Brian headed to the restroom. Kingsley and Harris still perched on the barstool.
As the night unfolded in the dimly lit bar, Harris, too drunk to leave, was drowning in frustration, slouched on their table. The atmosphere vibrated with the loud music.
A vivacious girl stood by a corner and admired Harris's features — his sharply curved beautiful face, dark eyes, soft succulent lips for kissing, and broad shoulders. Sensing his distress, she approached him at the bar. "Hey there, what's going on? You seem like you could use some company," she said, her voice cutting through the noise.
Harris, drenched in alcohol and frustration, stared at her. She was a skinny blonde with a perfect body and green eyes. She had a beautiful face. He welcomed her immediately.
They clinked glasses and began conversing.
"Hi, I'm Anabelle," the blonde began.
"Am... I don't even know who I am," he burst into laughter, and she joined him.
As the night unfolded, he found himself opening up to her. Amid the loud music, he shared the layers of his troubles, the weight of family expectations, and the revelation about Uncle Greg.
The girl, empathetic to Harris's plight, listened intently. They shared a moment of connection amidst the chaos, and she sobered up along with him.
More drinks were brought, and Harris became totally wasted.
In a mix of alcohol-fueled courage and desperation, Harris reached into his pocket, revealing a family ring passed down through generations. Harris, still drunk, with a crooked smile, threw a silly question to the girl.
"Will you marry me?" To his surprise, she met his gaze, shocked and, with a hint of mischief, she replied.
"Sure, why not?" he slipped the ring into her fingers, and fell down unconscious.