Chapter 2

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I was awakened by the rays of sunlight coming from the heavy drape. The sun peeked through the expansive glass windows of the luxurious mansion, casting a warm golden hue across the elegantly furnished living room. I stirred awake in the plush king-sized bed draped in silk sheets. As I opened my eyes, I took a moment to appreciate the opulence surrounding me—the intricate chandelier that sparkled like diamonds, the rich mahogany furniture, and the priceless art adorning the walls.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the coolness of the polished wooden floor beneath his feet. Stretching his arms, I let out a deep sigh, a mix of contentment and anticipation for the day ahead. After a quick shower, I dressed in a tailored suit, the fabric hugging my frame perfectly, a testament to my success and status.

Descending the grand staircase, I admired the craftsmanship of the banister, each curve and detail a reflection of the wealth I  had accumulated over the years. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, guiding him to the spacious kitchen. Here, sunlight streamed in, illuminating the sleek countertops and state-of-the-art appliances.

I poured myself a steaming cup of coffee, the rich, dark liquid swirling as I  added a splash of cream. Taking a moment to savor the first sip, I felt a rush of energy course through me. This was my ritual—each morning began with the comforting taste of coffee, a small pleasure before the whirlwind of meetings and decisions that awaited me.

As I stood by the kitchen island, I glanced at the newspaper spread out before me, headlines shouting about the latest developments in the mining industry. I knew that today would be filled with negotiations and strategic planning, as I prepared to expand my operations into new territories. The thrill of the challenge invigorated me.

With my coffee in hand, I moved to the expansive terrace that overlooked the sprawling estate. The view was breathtaking; lush gardens, a shimmering pool, and the distant hills that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was a reminder of the fruits of my labor and the responsibility I carried as a leader in the mining sector.

After finishing my coffee, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, mentally preparing for the day ahead. I knew that my decisions would impact not only my company but also the lives of many workers and their families. With a determined nod, I turned back inside, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me, confident in the knowledge that I had built this empire with hard work and vision.

I strolled to the second living room which was for the whole family. I didn't need to greet anyone, because my family is a dysfunctional one, we are known for poor communication and all.

I walked through the hallway, which led to my father’s room, I took a deep breath as I got to the door, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

I tapped on the door lightly, still feeling a bit nervous.

“Come in,” I heard him call out, my dad’s countenance is a bit scary, he’s a disciplinarian or would I say he’s just not ever contented, he always expects more from everyone which he also can’t keep up with, I discarded that from my mind and went in.

“Good morning sir,” I greeted as I entered, he was seated on his desk opposite the window, papers spread out in front of him.

“How are you, Nicholas?” He asked without taking his eye off those documents.

“I’m okay, sir,” I replied.

“What brings you here this early?”

“Actually I was on my way to the office but I just wanted to give you an update on the company,” I said, pulling up a chair.

"Dad, I really think we need to address the client issue. It's like we're just waiting for them to come to us instead of going out and finding new opportunities."

"You think you know everything, don’t you? I’ve been in this business longer than you’ve been alive. We’ve always managed fine." He flared, and I was a bit shocked at his reaction, I knew he was hostile but I hadn’t said a lot and he had already started being furious.

"But this isn’t about just managing. It’s about growing. I see other companies thriving because they’re proactive." I replied

"You don’t understand the industry like I do. You’re too young to see the bigger picture." He spatted.

"Maybe I’m young, but I can see that we’re falling behind. I just want us to succeed together."

"Success isn’t just about getting new clients. It’s about maintaining what we have. You need to learn that."

"I get that, but holding onto what we have isn’t enough if it’s not sustainable. We can’t just ignore the signs."

"You’re too idealistic. Sometimes, you just have to accept things as they are."

"Accepting things doesn’t mean we can’t improve. I wish you’d listen to my ideas instead of shutting them down."

"Maybe if you had more experience, I’d consider your suggestions."

"It’s frustrating when you won’t even give me a chance to prove myself,"I replied already exasperated

“You did not even let me give an opinion, yet you jumped to conclusions that the company is not doing well..”

“Alright, what do you have for me?” He asked, looking up with keen interest as if he was really interested, but I knew it was all sarcasm.

“Well, we've made significant progress with the new mining site. The collaboration with the environmental firm is going well. They’re helping us implement more sustainable practices,” I explained, trying to calm down.

“That’s good to hear. What about the partnerships with other companies?” He inquired, leaning forward.

“Oh God!!” This man knows well how to mess with me. Imagine him being furious a minute before now and between a twinkle of an eye, he’s acting as if everything is alright.

Getting to this point of the conversation, I knew all was going to a tough level.

“We’ve secured deals with two more companies. They’re interested in sharing resources and technology, which could really boost our efficiency,” I replied, feeling a sense of pride and also fear. I just can’t predict this old man's actions again.

He nodded, a smile creeping onto his face. “Excellent work, this could be a game-changer for us.” He replied.

“Thanks. I’ll keep you updated as things develop,” I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

“Please do. I appreciate your hard work,” he said, returning to his papers as I also stood up to leave.

“Alright, I’ll get back to it,” I said, stepping out of the room with a sense of accomplishment even though it wasn’t a pleasant one.