Chapter Two

Ryan Pierce stared out his office window, a lot of thought ran through his mind. He remembered when he had just started the tech company, young, ambitious, ready to go at anything. He thought he had all he wanted until he met his wife Erica.

 Erica was the most beautiful being he had ever come across, whenever you saw her she had a sweet smile on always. They had met at a tech boot camp, she had accompanied her boss as his personal assistant. He couldn't get over her face and as fate would have it they kept bumping into each other till it became something they both wanted.

 She had brought utmost joy and peace to his life, he was happy within the years of being together, his empire grew widely due to the constant support he got from his wife. The birth of his sons only made his life more valuable, she had died when Eric was only thirteen. Hell-bent on not getting married to anyone, he had always thought no one could take Erica's place, instead he had channeled all his focus into his business and raising the boys with the help of their longtime, loyal friend to Erica also doubling as their house help; Anne. She had stayed true all through the years. 

He had fallen sick few months back almost going into shock which could result into permanent stroke. He had warned Anne to keep it a secret from the boys, his doctor had warned him to not involve in any form of stress that would put his health at stake. He wasn't getting any younger he knew, his sons were very responsible and he trusted his company to be in good hands. 

Aside Eric who like going on a spree instead of making himself available for the company's growth, Cedric and Oscar were more dedicated to the Pierce Empire. However, they all had one dent in common. Their inability to keep a woman, Erica had always loved a big family and he had grown accustomed to her idea too. It felt lonely having just Anne, other workers and the three of them float in once In a while. 

If Anne hadn't been such a good company it would have been hard for him to keep on living in such state. His children made it worse by staying away for a long while. Ryan only gets to see them whenever something important comes up. And it saddens him.

He wanted people in his family and children, most importantly he wanted to see his son's happy. The phrase behind a successful man there is a woman, had worked completely for him and he wanted them to also feel the same joy. A man in love would be more reasonable and responsible, he wanted that for his sons. 

But knowing none of them had plans for such, he had to take matters into his own hands, which was why he had called for the meeting. Checking his time, they would be with him in five minutes time. He sat down preparing for their arrival.

"Good morning pops." Eric greeted, walking to his side pulling him into a choking hug. His brothers and Adrian trailed behind him. Each person muttering a greeting and taking their seats.

"Get off me Eric, don't choke me." Ryan murmured into the embrace.

"Can't a son be nice dad?" Eric muttered with a sly grin on his face. He and his father weren't much of friends but he had always been known to be his favorite.

"Dad, you called for a meeting." Cedric stated.

"Yes I did." Ryan replied.

"I do hope it's worth it, I have an urgent important meeting this morning." Cedric kept on.

"Sure son, would be quick and swift as possible. Adrian son, have you drafted those papers I asked you." Ryan motioned to Adrian.

Adrian stood up, showing it to him. “Yes, I have sir." Ryan nodded to him to go ahead. Adrian handed a single document to each one of them, returning to his seat. 

Ryan stared at his sons calmly, seeing as each person's expression morphed into what he would refer to as unpleasant and shock. He was expecting their outburst and wasn't surprised when Cedric spoke first.

"Dad, this is a joke right?" Cedric asked his expression grim.

"Have I ever made such joke before?" Ryan replied sternly.

"You wouldn't do this dad, you can't." Oscar said. Eric only laughed not saying anything.

"You all have read the content of the paper you are holding. Cedric, I know I did say you would be taking over the company and the new expansion coming next month. But I had a rethink, you would only be in charge of them temporarily till you find love and get married. And it applies to the rest of you." Ryan explained.

Unexplainable anger bobbed inside of Cedric, he couldn't believe his ears. He gave Adrian a glare, "you knew about this?" He asked. Adrian shrugged, making him throw the paper in his face. "You traitor!" He yelled. No one was going to make him bow to their advances. If losing his role as a CEO was all it takes then he doesn't give a damn.

"I am not doing this dad!" He rang out finality in his voice.

His brothers nodded in agreement, their father couldn't force them to do what they didn't want against their will. It was unheard of. Ryan remained calm not saying a word.

"If that's all you have to say, I would take my leave now." Cedric announced heading to the door his brothers following suit. He was just about to open the door knob when he heard his father's voice behind him.

"If you all refuse to do my bidding, I would cut you all off the Pierce Empire and sell it off. Each of your shares and inheritance would be shared to orphanages around the world." He told them calmly.

They all stared back at him in shock, short of words.