The Battle for Trust

ROWON Enterprises' boardroom was light years away from the frenetic factory floor Chris had toured just a few days earlier. The air was charged with tension, the kind of tension that even the veteran executives feel a momentary shift in their seat. The long wooden table mirrored the unflattering fluorescent lighting, casting an antiseptic glow over the room. Chris sat across from them at the head of the table. His posture was rigid, his expression a mask. All of this Ryan and Leo kept hidden in glances they exchanged between each other. Lest their calm crack, there sat the board of shareholders: some dubious, some curious, but all quiet.

Chris had taken the past several days to ready himself for this moment. That visit to the factory had touched something within him—a sense of direction, a vision for where ROWON was headed. And now, being in front of the very same people who could make or mar his plans, he felt their expectations weighing heavy on him. This wasn't about reviving a division, it was about establishing himself as a leader.

"Thank you all for attending," Chris started, his tone level but resolute. "I realize there's been uncertainty in recent times, and I thank you for holding on while we've strived to stabilize the firm. But today, I'd like to speak about the future—our future."

He paused as he awaited his words to take effect. The room was quiet, the shareholders staring at him intensely. Chris drew a breath and went on.

"Most of you know that ROWON Enterprises was built on innovation. My father had a vision for this company—a vision that was not only about profits. He envisioned creating something that would leave a lasting legacy in the industry. And we did it for a while. But somehow, we lost sight of that vision. We stagnated, happy to keep doing things the way they'd always been done, rather than pushing the envelope."

Chris glanced at Ryan, who nodded subtly at him. He faced the shareholders again.

"But I believe it's time to reclaim that vision. I believe it's time for ROWON to innovate again. That's why I'm proposing we revive our food and beverage business—not as a production line, but as a hub of creativity and innovation.". We possess the talent, funding, and possibility of creating something really innovative. And with the DEDIS Hotels competition about to materialize on the scene, we shall have the best platform on which to display our capabilities."

Pandemonium in the room was replaced with whispers as investors looked around, making comments and asking questions. Chris sensed a skepticism, but he wasn't going to allow it to stop him.

"I realize this is a risk. I realize the last time we attempted it, it did not work out. But this time it's different, because we are different. We have learned, we have learned from our error, and we are going in for a more strategic play. We want to create not only a product but a movement this time."

One of the investors, a man in his late 50s with a stern expression, leaned forward. "Chris, I respect you, but this is a pipe dream. The food and beverage industry is oversaturated. How do you envision that we're going to compete?

Chris stood his ground. "Because we're not competing—we're innovating. We're not trying to recreate what's out there already. We're trying to make something new, something that will differentiate us. And we have the people to make it happen."

He nodded at Ryan and Leo, who straightened even more in their seats, radiating an aura of presence.

"Ryan's done a fantastic job of retooling our operations so that we're more efficient and agile than ever before. And Leo's been burning the clock trying to come up with new market opportunities and partners. We've built a foundation that can support this kind of innovation with them, but we can't do it without you."

The room fell quiet again, the weight of Chris's words hanging in the air. He felt the doubt in their eyes, but he also saw something else—a spark of hope. He needed to seize it.

"I'm not asking you to jump into the dark. I'm asking you to have faith in the potential of this company—and in the potential of the people who work here.". We have already started laying the foundations. We've identified critical areas where we would be able to innovate-from sustainable ingredients to eco-friendly packaging. We have reconnected with our factory team who are ready to bring their expertise and their creativity at the table, and we have a preliminary interest from few potential partners excited about what we are proposing here.

Chris paused, and let the words sink in. He could now see the shareholders' skeptical attitude melt away as they became more curious.

But this isn't just about profits," he continued. "This is about legacy. This is about proving that ROWON Enterprises is more than just a company—it's a force for change. And I believe that if we take this step, we can not only secure our future but also redefine what it means to be a leader in this industry."

The room was silent for a moment, the tension suspended. Then, slowly, the shareholders began nodding, their faces changing from doubt to cautious hope.

"Alright, Chris," the tough investor said, his tone less sharp now. "You've made your argument. But we'll need to see a good plan—financials, timeline, the works. If you can give us that, we'll consider it."

Chris smiled, relief washing over him. "You will have it in a week. Thank you for the trust."

The close of the meeting saw Chris's heart pounding in his chest. He had made it—had been able to get the shareholders to even consider his offer. But he was well aware it was just the beginning. The actual challenge remained to be seen.

Ryan and Leo approached him as the room emptied, their faces split between pride and resolve.

"You did it," Ryan told him, clapping Chris on the back. "You got them to listen."

Chris shook his head. "We did it. It's a team effort, and I couldn't have done without you."

Leo grinned, his usual smirk coming back. "Well, don't get too comfortable. We've got a lot of work to do.".

Chris nodded, his resolve strengthened. "Then let's get to it."

As he exited the boardroom with everyone, Chris couldn't help but feel optimistic that he hadn't felt in ages. He felt as though he is at last going the right direction. The road ahead would be challenging, but he was willing to tread it-not just for himself, but for the future of ROWON Enterprises.

But as he made his way down the corridor, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and saw a text from Emily: *"Eric's been making calls. He's not happy about the meeting. Be careful."*

Chris's jaw tightened. He had been sure Eric would not let this go, but he was not expecting him to act so quickly. He glanced at Ryan and Leo, who were deeply absorbed in conversation, and reminded himself that he would need to watch his uncle. The battle over ROWON was far from over, and Chris was well aware Eric would stop at nothing to reclaim it.

But for the time being, he permitted himself a celebratory moment. He had made the first step toward resurrecting his father's dream, and he was not going to let anyone—not even Eric—prevent him from doing so.

End of Chapter 16