"Ohh holy God, my son Chris—"
A woman in her 40s hugged Chris tightly as they sat in the grand ROWON family mansion, the place where he had grown up, now feeling like an empty shell without his father. The woman's arms were warm, but Chris remained stiff, unable to return the embrace.
"Aunt Carla."
That woman was Carla Rowon, his father's only sister. A woman of strength and resilience, who had been like a second mother to him since childhood.
"Come, let's sit, my dear," Carla said, her voice filled with unwavering love and deep concern.
They settled on the plush couch, but the moment Chris sat, his emotions shattered. Tears cascaded down his face, his breath shuddering. He leaned his head onto Carla's chest, just as he did when he was a boy.
"What am I going to do?" His voice broke. "I don't know anything—I don't know how to run a company—please tell me."
Carla tightened her embrace, her heart aching at the sight of her nephew crumbling. She felt his pain as deeply as her own. Yet, she had to be strong.
"Shh, shh. Don't worry, we're going to overcome this," she whispered. "You're not alone, my son."
Chris sobbed silently, his mind consumed by doubt. Could he truly step into his father's shoes?
The next morning, Chris dressed in a black suit, staring at his reflection. He had never imagined that he would one day walk into ROWON Enterprises, not as the son of the CEO, but as the man expected to lead. He sighed, feeling an overwhelming pressure suffocating him.
Carla placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have your father's strength, Chris. Don't let fear dictate your path."
Chris nodded slowly, then turned to her. "Come with me. I need you there."
Carla smiled warmly. "Of course, my son."
They arrived at ROWON Enterprises, the massive glass structure gleaming under the morning sun. As they entered, all eyes fell on Chris. Employees whispered, some sympathetic, others doubtful.
"Young master Chris…"
"He's so young… can he really handle this?"
"I heard Mr. Eric Rowon might take over instead."
Chris swallowed hard at the mention of his uncle's name. Eric Rowon, his father's younger brother, had never been close to him. A man known for his ruthless business tactics. Chris clenched his fists. He knew Eric wouldn't let him take over easily.
As if on cue, Eric Rowon stepped out of the boardroom. A tall, well-groomed man in his late 40s, with piercing eyes and a calculating smirk.
"Chris," he said smoothly, extending a hand. "It's good to see you here. We need to talk."
Chris hesitated but took his hand firmly. "Uncle Eric."
Eric's smirk deepened. "Let's go inside, shall we?"
Carla gave Chris an assuring nod before they walked into the boardroom. The air was thick with tension. Eric leaned forward, his fingers intertwined.
"Chris, let's be realistic. You're young, inexperienced. The company needs a strong leader, someone who understands the business. I suggest you leave this to me."
Chris's jaw tightened. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm my father's son. I will do what he would have wanted."
Eric chuckled, shaking his head. "Bold words. Let's see if you can back them up."
Carla leaned forward, her expression firm. "Chris is not alone, Eric. Don't forget, I have shares in the company too. This is still a family business."
Eric's smirk faltered for a moment before he leaned back. "Shares aren't everything, dear sister. Power and knowledge are. And I intend to have them."
Chris clenched his fists. The fight for ROWON Enterprises had begun.
Later that day, Chris stood in his office, taking in the large space that once belonged to his father. The scent of coffee and fresh paperwork filled the air. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. He had to prove himself.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Two people entered, a young man and a young woman, both in their early 20s.
The man had sharp eyes and a confident demeanor. He was stylishly dressed, exuding charisma.
"Chris, right? I'm Leo Evans. Your father hired me before… before everything happened." His voice was smooth, carrying a hint of arrogance. "I was supposed to work under him, but now, I guess I'll be working under you."
Chris nodded, studying him. "Nice to meet you, Leo."
Then, his eyes shifted to the young woman. She had deep brown eyes, soft yet strong. There was something familiar about her.
She smiled gently. "Chris… it's been a long time."
His eyes widened. "Emily?"
She nodded. "I'm Emily Rowon. Carla's daughter."
Chris's mind reeled. Carla's child? How had he not recognized her?
Emily continued, "I studied business abroad, and now, I want to be part of the company. Just like my mother."
Carla placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Emily is as smart as she is determined. She'll be a great asset."
Chris looked between Leo and Emily. Two new figures in his life, two people who could either help him… or complicate things.
Over the next few weeks, Chris, Leo, and Emily worked closely together. Chris found himself drawn to Emily's warmth and intelligence. She understood him, supported him. But then there was Leo—charming, unpredictable, challenging Chris at every turn.
Leo and Emily were both exceptional at their jobs, and their interactions with Chris often felt like a game of chess—subtle, strategic, yet filled with an unspoken tension.
Carla watched over them, amused yet concerned. She had noticed the way Emily looked at Chris, the admiration in her eyes. But she had also noticed Leo's glances, the way he positioned himself close to Chris, always testing, always pushing boundaries.
One evening, Carla found Chris alone in the office, staring out the window.
"You're thinking about your father, aren't you?" she asked gently.
Chris sighed. "Every day. But also… this company. Uncle Eric isn't backing down. I can feel it."
Carla nodded. "He's ruthless. But you have something he doesn't. People who believe in you."
Chris turned to her. "You mean you?"
Carla smiled. "Me, and two others who seem quite invested in you."
Chris frowned. "Leo and Emily?"
Carla chuckled. "You're smart, Chris. You'll figure it out. Just don't let emotions cloud your judgment."
As she left, Chris leaned back, exhaling.
"Emotions?!" Chris asked himself as he rubbed his hair with his hand.
"Maybe she's telling me not to overdo myself or crying alone"
THE ROWON'S FIGHT HAD OFFICIALLY BEGAN.
End of Chapter 2.