Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Funeral

Three days later, the Winston estate was transformed into a sea of white as mourners gathered to pay their respects to the late Emilia Winston. A large photograph of Emilia was prominently displayed on the wall, surrounded by flowers and candles. Friends, business associates, and acquaintances filled the room, their faces somber and their attire immaculately white.

Members of the media mingled with the crowd, their cameras and notebooks at the ready. The board of directors of the Winston company was also present, their expressions suitably grave.

Catherine Winston, flanked by her children Emma and Ryan, stood at the forefront of the gathering. All three were dressed in white, their faces etched with fake concern and their eyes dry with pretended tears. They greeted the mourners with somber nods and hollow condolences, their performances convincing to none but themselves.

As the ceremony progressed, the hypocrisy in the room was palpable. The Winston family's crocodile tears and feigned grief were a stark contrast to the genuine sorrow of those who had truly loved Emilia. But for now, the charade continued, a necessary facade to maintain the illusion of a united and grieving family.

Some journalist that were present had taken the initiative to ask Catherine some questions in hope to know the next plan for the Wiston family after the death of their successor.

Journalist: Mrs. Winston, I'm so sorry for your loss. As the last family members of Emilia, what's the next step for the Winston company, especially since the successor passed away on the same day she was supposed to take over? It's quite unusual, to say the least.

Catherine Winston: (pretending to cry) Oh, the pain of losing Emilia is still so fresh... (composing herself) Death is something no one can predict. It's unfortunate that Emilia had to leave us at such a young age... (wiping away fake tears) She had so much potential, so much to offer... (sighing dramatically)

Journalist: Yes, it's indeed tragic. But, if I may ask, what's the plan for the company's leadership now? There must be some contingency in place?

Catherine Winston: (with a calculated tone) Well, we can't let the chair of CEO remain vacant. It would be a disservice to Emilia's memory and the company's stakeholders. Ryan, my son, is the obvious choice to succeed Emilia. He's been groomed for this role, and I have every confidence in him. (smiling through her tears) He'll take the company to new heights, I'm sure of it.

Ryan, who was pretending to cry, receiving condolences from friends and relatives, was taken aback by his mother's bold statement. He hadn't expected her to announce his succession so soon, especially not in public. He regained his composure quickly, as the reporters rushed to him.

Reporter 2: Ryan, is it true? Will you be taking over as the new CEO of the Winston company?

Ryan Winston: (with a bold and confident smile) Yes, that's correct. I'm ready to lead the company to even greater heights. (pausing for dramatic effect) I won't let my sister's legacy go to waste. I'll make sure her vision for the company is realized.

Reporter 3: But, Ryan, aren't you a bit young for such a responsibility? You're only 22, and Emilia was supposed to take over at 20...

Ryan Winston: (smirking) Age is just a number. I've been preparing for this role my whole life. I have the skills, the knowledge, and the passion to lead this company. And with my mother's guidance... (glancing at Catherine) I'm unstoppable.

***

After the ceremony, Catherine and her children changed out of their white clothes and into colorful attire. They gathered in the living room, where a party atmosphere awaited. Emma poured herself a drink and handed one to Ryan, exclaiming, "Mother, you were brilliant today! Announcing Ryan as the successor was a masterstroke!"

Catherine smiled, sipping her wine. "Thank you, dear. I knew it was the perfect moment to secure our family's future."

Ryan thanked his mother, adding, "You've secured my future as CEO. I won't let you down."

Catherine set her wine cup down and walked over to her children. "As long as I'm alive, no one will ever snatch what rightfully belongs to our family. The Winston legacy will continue to thrive, and I'll make sure of it."

Emma chimed in, "And that little bitch Emilia is gone for good! She was flying too high, thinking she could take our place. But now she's erased, permanently!"

Catherine's expression turned cold and calculating. "Yes, Emilia was a threat, but she's been eliminated. And now, with Ryan as CEO, our grip on the company is tighter than ever."

Ryan smirked, "The game has only just begun, Mother. And I'm ready to play."

Catherine smiled, her eyes glinting with ambition. "Oh, my children, we're just getting started. The Winston empire will rise to new heights, and no one will ever take that away from us.