Chapter 01

Under the beauty of the blue sky the powerful Felius Castigado stroll around his late wife's huge garden. He is getting too old to be this influential. It is time he picks an heir amongst his grandsons. 

"Mr. Andrews," Felius calls his butler. "Please schedule a meeting with my grandsons. It has been a while since I last saw them all together."

"Aye, sir. May I ask when and what time, sir?" 

"Tell them tomorrow at 8 in the morning, sharp."

Yes, that time should be fine. It will allow him to see who takes time seriously between his three grandsons. After all, one of them is still a bit childish.

Charles in his office is reading reports when suddenly his secretary came in. His piercing marble eyes darted at the man he has considered a second father.

"Young Master, your grandfather has scheduled a meeting with the rest of your cousins tomorrow at 8 sharp," his secretary, Dimitri let Charles know. 

"With the rest of my cousins?" Charles asked, putting down the papers from his hand. "Tell me, Dimitri, has the time come?"

"I suppose so, young master."

The left corner of Charles' mouth curved up. Finally, after years and years of hard work, his grandfather has assembled a meeting to choose an heir. There is no telling who would his grandfather choose but chances are higher with him.

"I should relax some more after tomorrow's meeting," Charles uttered with a smile on his face.

The next day, Charles wasn't too early nor late, he was just on time. He saw Jason was already there but his other cousin, Jenkins wasn't there yet. Their grandfather, they knew was going to be a little late but that old man has eyes everywhere.

"Charles! Long time no see!" Jason, his annoying cousin walked to him and gave him a manly hug. Charles never liked Jason's cologne. It's too strong. 

"You're acting quite friendly," Charles muttered, fixing his damn suit while throwing a disgusted glare at Jason. "Where is Jenkins?"

"Who knows," Jason shrugged, "that kid has a long way to go. Why are you so grumpy early in this beautiful morning? Loosen up, Charles!"

Just by Jason's tone, Charles knows that the other man knew what the meeting is all about. Well, who would not know? Who would not be so happy as Jason when you know you could win more than a lottery. 

"Yes, I'll loosen up when the meeting's over." Charles pulled his chair back and sit down, making himself comfortable before pulling his chair forward again. "I don't usually act all happy when I have not closed the deal yet."

"I see." Jason nodded, keeping that if-you-say-so look on his face as he takes his seat. "Good luck to us, bro."

I don't need luck, Charles thought as he keep a serious face. Being in the same room with Jason is irritating. It's not just because of Jason's attitude nor how he speaks, it's just him, entirely him, and how he is made.

Just some minutes after, the door opened and both Jason and Charles stood up. Their eyes widened to see Jenkins and their grandfather talking, smiling at each other as they enter. Jenkins is only ten that's why they never really give much attention to him.

"Oh, you guys are here already! How awesome!" 

Charles doesn't hate the innocence of Jenkins so he smiled at the kid. Then he see eye to eye with his grandpa and lowered his head. 

"Good morning, sir." Charles was always taught that once you are in a meeting, you don't see your families, you see your bosses.

"Goodmorning, gramps!" Jason casually greeted his grandpa. The kind of man that Jason is understands nothing. "Yo, Jenkins! I didn't know you'd be early."

"I wasn't. I happen to bump on grandpa on the way here," he answered. "So, why are we here, gramps?"

The old man Felius let out a sob of laughter. He looks at them and said, "Please take your seats. The meeting will begin."

When everyone had taken their respective seats, Felius smiled at his grandsons. One was very professional, the other is a confident sheep and the last is still a child. There was no one fit as of this moment to replace him yet.

"The time for me to step down is coming. I am choosing an heir for the Castigado."

"An heir?" Jenkins asked, his head tilted to one side. 

"Yes, Jenkins. One of you will own all of the Castigado," Felius answered, sounding all-mighty like the person he is.

"Owning all of-- that's a headache!" Jenkins exclaimed. "I don't want that, gramps. No, thanks!"

Felius had expected that from Jenkins and so he softly let out a chuckle. "Yes, it is indeed a lot of headaches, Jenkins." Then Felius shifted his gaze at the two young men close to him. "I will announce such a decision on my birthday. That is all I can say for the time being."

"May I know the qualifications, gramps? Surely there's something like a standard or a thing we must do for you to--"

"I don't need anything, Jason." Felius interrupted. "What I need for you is to be yourself. I watched you three grow up and I'm watching you grow. I shall decide based on how you all live."

"So, I am still part of it even when I don't want it?" Jenkens asked, scratching the back of his head. 

"Yes, my boy! Who knows, you might change your mind when you turn old enough." Felius glances at the ever quiet Charles. "How about you, Charles? Have you any questions regarding this?"

"No, sir. My concerns are already answered."

Felius gave a satisfied smile and looks at the others. He inhaled deeply. Jason is still the same wicked wise man as he is, Charles is serious and needs emotions while Jenkins is still enjoying the privilege of being young.

"I assume Jason and Charles have meetings to attend.  I shall not take all of your time. You three are being dismissed. I thank you for your time."

"The pleasure was ours, sir." 

While Jason and Jenkins came closer to Felius and gave the man a hug, Charles said that. Too much formality is what Felius does not need from his grandson. And so before leaving he once again faced Charles.

"My boy, enjoy your life a little," Felius said and went on his way out. 

 Now that the old man is gone, Charles' business there is done too. He was about to go when suddenly Jenkins grabbed his arm that made him look back. 

"What?" he asked. 

"Jason said there's a party and you heard gramps. Loosen up a little, bro!"

Charles was hesitating to take this invitation. He would have agreed if it was only Jenkins but with Jason, his mind is a big doubt. Enjoy life a little, he replayed what his grandfather told him. He looks at Jenkins and glared at Jason for a moment before getting back to the kid, nodding his head.

Just a little refreshment would be fine, he thought.