CHAPTER ONE
The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense and awkward as the board members stared at the huge screen on the wall. the silence was loud enough to spread the sound of beating hearts across the room. A handsome man sat in the seat attributed to the CEO. His heart even raced faster than any of them. Cold sweat trickled down his face to his collar as his fingers twitched. "For years, Alpha's Glory has been the top leading cosmetic products manufacturers in Massylin City." the voice from the screen began. it was a news show. "...But rumors circulating around leaves the public consumers in doubts about their products and services. House of Owens takes over the market with their latest release of Clair'O face mask upgraded with natural, effective cleansing ingredients. Alpha's Glory seem to fall into more and more debts considering their latest case with House of Owens which cost them twenty-five million dollars. The result of this eternal feud of both families is unknown. Stay tuned to MCTV news. We'll be right back." The screen went off. The young man rose to his feet and began to pace around the room. "How are we going to solve the problem at hand. We are losing millions!" he exclaimed. "We need to be on our feet before the face flair festival" he hinted. He wore a blue alpaca suit with dark grey trousers and black shiny shoes. He wore a golden wristwatch which dangled on his wrist as he moved his hands. "Carmen please set a meeting with the Gray-Falcone's" he said looking at a middle-aged woman sitting in the corner. she quickly scribbled down in her little notepad. "I think we should sell our shares to save the company or change our products to something else" his uncle Raymond suggested. "How and what are we going to do it?" devon asked clearly agitated. the rest of the board looked on with anticipation. "With all due respect sir, I think we should go with Mr. Raymond's idea. I mean if you look at the statistics we have low chances of survival in the markets. we literally lost twenty-five million dollars. doing anything costly will land us in even way more debt." Andre said. Devon shot him a dirty look and he shuddered. " I am not going with that. find a way to solve the problem before our next meeting. " "I agree with your uncle, Devon. besides you are in no position to order us about." Aunt Eva protested. "You're right. but as the C.E.O of my father's company I will not let that happen." "Well Jonathan should see what you have become, a disrespectful brat. such insolence from a boy who barely took part in the company's affairs. now you stand here and preach to us about keeping the family's heritage" Aunt Eva yelled angrily. Devon remained calm and unperturbed. "Do not cuss me woman." devon said clenching his fist obviously trying to suppress his anger. André noticed and smiled secretly with delight. he seemed to enjoy the show. Eder noticed his secret jubilation and sighed. he walked up to devon and whispered something into his ear. devon glared at André making him shudder even more. somehow, he managed to regain his calm and walked out of the room with Eder and his sister Kira following behind. "I just don't know what to do with that hag. she just puts me off." Devon said letting go of his fist as soon as they were in the hallway he rubbed his face in despair. "I think you should come down. you shouldn't get so worked up on this. I think they are just trying to..." Kira tried to say. "Trying to what? huh? tell me! this just keeps getting worse day by day. it is choking me. what do you want me to do especially when I know for a fact that they are related to me. don't tell me to calm down." devon said angrily eventually yelling at his sister in the process. she was visibly frightened with tear welling up in her eyes, but she managed to control herself. "Devon, I think you need to call the fuck down. you are literally making everyone tensed." Eder said gently pushing him away. devon lifted his arm as if to throw a punch but he stopped halfway as soon as he saw Kira's frightened state. "I'm sorry little sis, I didn't mean to yell at you" Devon said apologizing. she stared at him and walked away leaving the two men. Eder glared at him and followed suit. He stood there for a while debating on what to do but eventually gave up and followed the duo.