Threat

The room fell into an uneasy silence as the announcement echoed through the hallowed halls of AN Group's boardroom.

Twenty board members, representing decades of dedication to the company, stood aghast as the chairman's words sank in. They couldn't fathom allowing the reins of their beloved business to fall into the hands of an inexperienced upstart even though he was the grandson of the chairman.

"We can't let an immature businessman take over!" the sentiment rippled through the room like a wave.

"If you're so keen on having your grandson join the company, why not start him off as an intern?" suggested one board member, the rest nodding in agreement.

"And why not consider Charles, Andrew, Thomas, or even Steve for the presidency position ?They've poured their souls into making sure AN Group is what it is today,and we can't stand by and watch you ruin their hard work even though you're the chairman" another added, the urgency palpable in the air.

But before the murmurs could escalate, the heavy door creaked open, and a chill swept through the room like an omen. A figure strode in, exuding an aura of confidence that sent shivers down the spines of the board members. Phones suddenly began to beep erratically as if recognizing his presence,and the temperature inexplicably dropped.

"I apologize for my tardiness, esteemed board members. Allow me to introduce myself," the newcomer's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "I am Nix Dean, and as of this moment, your new president."

"Nix Dean...as in the owner of ND?" one of the board members faltered, disbelief etched on their faces.

Nix's smirk widened, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Ah! so you've heard of me. Well, I'll consider it a pleasure to be recognized by one of you."

The room remained eerily silent, the weight of the unexpected turn of events settling heavily upon the stunned board members. Nix took a seat beside the the chairman, his presence casting a shadow over the once bustling room.

"Is there anyone opposing my presidency?" Nix's voice cut through the silence, a lazy drawl that held an unspoken challenge.

Four hands rose hesitantly, belonging to Charles, Andrew, Thomas, and Steve—loyal stalwarts of AN Group. The rest of the board members averted their gaze, a collective resignation settling upon them.

"Four against twenty. Majority wins then," Nix declared with a half-smile, rising to his feet. "Since I am now the president of AN Group, let us not waste any time on triva issues. I expect a detailed financial report on my desk by day's end."

With a dismissive wave, he continued, "And as for the rest of you..." His gaze swept the room, assessing each member with cool detachment. "I suggest you start thinking of retirement. The company is in the midst of a financial crisis, and I expect solutions on my desk within an hour. Otherwise, feel free to exit through the company's doors."

Leaving the board members in a stunned silence, Nix made his exit, his purposeful stride echoing in the now-hushed room. The chairman, once a figure of authority, watched in silence as the young grandson took charge, a mix of apprehension and resignation clouding his expression.

Outside the boardroom, chaos ensued among the remaining members. Thomas' anger boiled over, Steve maintained a cool façade, and Charles found himself at a loss for words. The once unshakeable foundation of AN Group now trembled under the weight of uncertainty.

"You've heard him,there's no time to waste" The old man's words hung in the air like a heavy fog, chilling the room despite the warmth of the afternoon sun filtering through the windows. As he left the meeting hall, his parting words echoed with an unsettling finality.

"Do you think by making him the president of this company you're doing well to my father's legacy?" Charles's menacing voice cut through the silence, his eyes hard with unresolved tension. "No matter what you do, he'll never be a part of this family."

To Charles's surprise, the old man turned with a sharp laugh, devoid of any warmth. "Do you think I want him to be a part of this toxic gang you call a family?" His words dripped with a venomous edge, sending a shiver down Charles's spine. "Nix is better off on his own. Worry about yourself, Charles. Who knows, you might be the first target on his list of revenge for the years of turmoil you've caused him."

The weight of the old man's words settled heavily in the room as he strode away, leaving Charles to grapple with the unsettling implications. "Bringing Nix into this company won't only rectify my brother's mistake," the old man muttered to himself, his voice carrying a haunting certainty, "but it will usher in brighter days for AN Group."

Meanwhile, Thomas's anger boiled over, his frustration palpable in the charged atmosphere. "What the hell came over you all? Couldn't you speak up? Oppose him?" His voice reverberated off the walls, but the silence that followed was deafening.

"Stop screaming like a mad dog, Thomas," Steve interjected lazily, rising to his feet. "He's our president now, whether we like it or not. Let's get back to work."

With a heavy heart and a sense of foreboding, Thomas watched as the board members filed out, their footsteps echoing hollowly in the now somber room.

Meanwhile the president's office, Ken found Nix buried in a sea of paperwork, the intensity of his focus almost palpable. A small smile tugged at Ken's lips, despite the tension that hung thick in the air.

"Pulling an all-nighter already?" Ken quipped, taking a seat opposite Nix. The lack of response from Nix spoke volumes, his attention consumed by the documents before him.

"What about ND? How do you plan on managing both companies?" Ken pressed, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic situation unfolding before them.

"Isn't that why I left you there?" Nix's response was cryptic as ever, his gaze fixed on the papers.

The air crackled with suspense as Ken ventured further, probing for answers. "What do you plan to do with all this information?"

Nix finally looked up, his eyes gleaming with a hidden purpose. "You'll find out tomorrow. Cross-check those papers," he instructed, a sense of urgency underlying his words.

As Ken sifted through the documents, his mind raced with questions. "I've placed your suit in the hotel. Do you need a refill of your pills?" he asked, concern lacing his tone.

"I haven't used the ones you gave me," he replied casually, a playful smile dancing on his lips his response a bit shocking and unexpected.

Ken's confusion only deepened. "You mean you've been sleeping without them? Despite the doctor's warning?" he pressed, searching for answers.

"I haven't needed them," Nix retorted, his attention already drifting back to the documents before him.

A teasing smile crossed Ken's lips as he probed further. "Without pills, huh? Must be beside Carmela then?" he teased, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

"We just had ice cream," he replied, his tone enigmatic.Nix's lack of reaction only added to another layer of mystery to Ken's taughts unknown to him as he couldn't help but wonder about the sudden change in his friends behavior.

"Ice cream? In the cold north, beside the sea? Are you sure you're okay?" he questioned, his eyebrows raised in concern.

But Nix responsed was a smirk that sent a chill down Ken's spine. "I don't eat ice cream," he stated cryptically, leaving Ken to ponder the unsettling turn of events that lead to the ironic answers he was receiving.

...

As the sun set on another day,it shone upon AN Group.

The air surrounding the company suddenly became thick with unanswered questions and a sense of impending danger. I Nix Dean, had taken the helm, but what lay ahead for the company still remained a mystery for everyone present.

I gazed at the projector, then shifted my attention to the presenter. Curiously, I found every single word he uttered oddly amusing. From the onset of the presentation to its conclusion, it seemed as though he was delivering one enormous jest tailored just for me.

"Is that all?" I inquired, my expression unwavering as I observed him visibly tremble before nodding in response.

"So, you're attempting to convey that AN Group has consistently achieved just fifty percent profit margin over the past two years without any losses. How, then, did it suddenly plunge into the financial turmoil it faces today?" The room fell into an eerie silence, with most faces bearing a somber expression, while others seemed utterly perplexed.

"The fact that the finances of the company has been stagnant at just fifty percent isn't what annoys me but.. I distinctly recall requesting a comprehensive report, encompassing all of the subsidiaries. Is this the extent of it?"

"That's the report you requested. We can't help if you find it unsatisfactory," my first uncle interjected, a mischievous glint dancing in my eyes.

"Unsatisfactory, you say? Very well, let us proceed with the report as presented. According to this, AN Group should not be struggling to an extent if she encountery any difficulties. So, what transpired?" I pressed.

"If you adhere to the laws of business, you'll understand that everything is inherently unpredictable..."

"And yet, these same laws provide remedies for such unforeseen circumstances," I countered, before bending down to retrieve the files I had pored over the entire night. "These documents contain the intricate financial details of AN Group. Anticipating this turn of events, I procured them myself in advance." A smile crept across my face as I turned towards the financial department. "I wager none of you relish your current tasks. Nevertheless, I shall grant you all one final opportunity, being the magnanimous person that I am." Rising from my chair, still smiling, I continued, "I no longer require a detailed financial report. Instead, I demand a comprehensive loss report for all four AN Group subsidiaries on my desk within the next two hours... and take note, any errors or omissions will result in your voluntary departure from these premises."

"You can't threaten the staff in such a manner!" my first uncle exclaimed, his voice bordering on a shout, to which I simply scoffed.

"A threat? Did my words sound like a threat? Okay the, now listen carefully. I expect those reports on my desk within the next 59 minutes. Failure to comply will result in the loss of your jobs, and each of you will face charges of embezzlement... Mr. Charles Aron, this is what a true threat entails.

You are all dismissed," I declared, maintaining an unwavering gaze with him until everyone filed out of the room.