A Plaything
The soft fabric clung to his lean frame, accentuating his athletic build. His well-worn jeans hugged his legs comfortably, the hem slightly frayed from countless wears screamed 'out of place' against the corporate backdrop.
He ran a hand through his tousled silver-grey hair, a mischievous glint in his light grey eyes as he thought,
'Heh, who would've thought, I'd one day become the corporate conglomerate I used to hate…'
The morning sun caught his features, highlighting his sharp jawline and casting shadows that only enhanced his already striking appearance.
As he approached the entrance, Brandon spotted a familiar figure.
'Arthur? What's he doing here?' he thought.
But upon closer inspection, he realized his mistake.
The man standing there, while similar in stature and bearing, was not the Blackstone family's trusted butler.
"Young Master Brandon," the man greeted, his voice a perfect blend of deference and authority.
He executed a slight bow, the movement so precise it seemed almost military.
"I am Gordon Graves, of the Blackstone Vanguards"
Brandon's brow furrowed.
"Blackstone Vanguard? What's that?"
Gordon's lips quirked in a small smile.
"There is much about the Blackstone empire the young master has yet to learn. For now, you may consider me a professional personal assistant, an usher into Blackstone adulthood, as I have been for both your father and your elder sister."
Brandon's mind raced as he processed Gordon's words.
'The Blackstone Vanguard? A professional personal assistant? This family... It's like peeling back layers of an onion, only to find more layers underneath.'
'Just when I thought I started getting a handle on things,' he mused, his face maintaining a cool exterior despite his inner turmoil.
'Looks like this family's got more secrets than meets the eye.'
He eyed Gordon, noting the man's impeccable posture and the subtle air of authority he exuded.
It reminded him of Arthur, yet there was something distinctly different about Gordon. More polished, if that was even possible.
"I see," Brandon said, "And I suppose there's a lot more you'll be... ushering me into?"
Gordon's lips twitched in what might have been amusement.
"Indeed, Young Master. The Blackstone legacy is vast and complex. My role is to ensure you navigate it with grace and efficiency."
He felt a mix of excitement and trepidation bubbling up inside him.
On one hand, the mystery was intriguing.
On the other, it was overwhelming.
Just how deep did this rabbit hole go?
"You were Victoria's... vanguard as well?"
Brandon asked, suddenly realizing he hadn't seen his elder sister since waking up in the hospital.
Gordon nodded. "Indeed. In fact it was Lady Victoria who personally requested I assist you."
'Victoria had arranged this?'
Brandon knew that a part of this new big sister of his had always looked down on the past him, but her love was unquestionable.
"Gordon, could you arrange tea or dinner with Victoria? I'd like to catch up and thank her."
"Certainly, young master," Gordon replied with a nod.
"However, I must warn you that Lady Victoria is usually quite busy. But I shall do my best to arrange it."
Brandon stood before the BMG HQ, his eyes drawn to the large, stylized "B" adorning the entrance. Gordon cleared his throat, drawing Brandon's attention back to him.
"Young Master, what is your plan of action for today?" Gordon inquired, his tone measured and professional.
A smile played on Brandon's lips.
"Due diligence," he replied simply.
Gordon's brow furrowed slightly as he scanned Brandon from head to toe, a hint of disapproval in his gaze.
"Would you perhaps like to change into more... fitting attire first?"
'Perhaps Lady Victoria was right about the young master after all,'
Gordon thought, disappointment creeping into his mind.
'He doesn't seem to grasp the gravity of his position.'
Brandon's smirk widened.
"Au contraire, my attire is perfect."
"Hey Gordon, is it true there's a private theater in the building?" Brandon asked suddenly.
Gordon nodded, his curiosity piqued.
"Indeed, there is."
"Excellent. Gordon, could you please gather the executives from every department to the theater? And prepare the signed acts for an impromptu showcase of their best work. Also, have A&R prepare the artists' profiles."
Gordon's eyebrows rose slightly, his earlier disappointment giving way to interest.
Brandon pulled a face mask from his pocket and slipped it on.
With a wink, he added, "I'll see you in a half hour."
As Brandon walked away, Gordon found himself reassessing his initial judgment.
'Interesting,' he mused. 'He is a Blackstone after all. Perhaps there's more to the young master than meets the eye.'
Brandon and Gordon strode past the reception desk, their footsteps echoing in the marble-floored lobby.
Brandon's gaze swept over the reception desk, where a young woman sat, her manicure apparently far more engaging than her actual job. As they passed, she didn't so much as glance up, her indifference a glaring red flag in Brandon's mind.
Brandon frowned behind his mask, his brow furrowing in disapproval.
'This is unacceptable,' he thought. 'No security check, no ID verification. Anyone could just waltz right in.'
As they reached the elevator, Brandon turned to Gordon and let out a resigned sigh.
"Looks like I've got my work cut out for me, huh?"
Gordon's lips tightened into a thin line as he pressed the lift's call button.
"Indeed, young master. I'm afraid BMG has been... neglected for some time now."
The lift doors slid open with a soft ding, and they stepped inside. As the doors closed, Gordon continued,
"Ever since your mother retired to focus on taking care of you and your sister almost two decades ago, we haven't paid much attention to BMG."
Brandon raised an eyebrow, silently prompting Gordon to elaborate.
"BMG has been... well, let's call it a hobby project, barely a small cog in the vast machinery of the Blackstone empire. At its peak, its annual revenue was a mere rounding error in the group's total earnings - less than 0.1%."
He paused, letting the number sink in.
"It's been allowed to drift, rudderless, for years. A plaything, if you will, rather than a true business venture."
Brandon's eyes widened slightly at this revelation. He'd known the Blackstone empire was extensive, but he hadn't realized just how minuscule BMG was in comparison.
'Well,' Brandon thought, a determined glint in his eye, 'that's about to change.'