The Decision-3

Sadly, my brother passed away at the age of fifty-five from a heart attack, marking the most painful time of my life.

Unfortunately, he did not leave a family behind, as his pregnant wife and unborn child died in a car crash a year after their marriage.

He was so devastated by his loss, that he chose to focus his time and energy on running our businesses as an outlet for his anger and guilt. Suffice to say, I owe our success to my brother, without him, I don't think we would've been able to surpass the crippling effects of the Global Financial Crisis, and we wouldn't be where we are today.

So I am relying on Stavros, my grandson, to continue our legacy.

My son, Callister Demakis, did not have the head for business. However, he agreed to compromise by running the real estate division of the conglomerate. We never got along well, since he constantly defied my wishes, but I will forever be grateful to him for bearing a son who has the same passion as my brother and I had.

I highly regard Stavros' capabilities. I know by heart that he won't fail me. For the past years, he has become very successful, one of the youngest, most successful shipping magnates, at the very tender age of twenty-three. That's enough for me to fully entrust everything to his care.

It's about time for Stavros to take his place. He's at the ripe age of twenty-eight, and he needs to stop playing around with every unfortunate female he fancies.

I know girls are throwing themselves at him shamelessly, but I really can't blame them. He has everything they would want in a man: power, good looks, wealth, and a brilliant mind.

He graduated from Harvard University with honors. A degree in Business Administration, and a master's in Economics. He makes me really proud. He has his own monstrous ways of achieving his goals, which reminds me of my brother.

I was smirking unknowingly when I heard him speak.

"Papou, I know you missed me very much, but I don't think the reason why you called me here is to assess how much I've grown, is it?" His eyes hooded with irritation. "I hope all is well," he muttered flatly.

"Well, son, your grandma wants to go on a three-month cruise. We both know she has been pestering me about going on a vacation without being bothered with the business. So maybe, this time, you can take over the company," I cajoled with high hopes.

"You can always go on a vacation, papou," he replied lazily, drumming his fingers on his thigh.

"Let your management team handle your business. That's what your personal secretary and your managers are there for! What are they doing? They are supposed to be your support group for occasions like these. You're the President after all!" he responded blatantly, to my chagrin.

I let out a deep sigh and then looked him in the eye.

"That is not what I really meant, Stavros. I am old, and I just want to spend the rest of my remaining years with your giagia. I feel guilty about leaving her behind, just to ensure the wellness of our company. It's about time to hand it over to the only heir, don't you think? You're turning twenty-nine in a few months, Stavros. I think it's only fair to turn the high chair over and let your giagia and I enjoy the fruits of our labor."

He fell in silence for a moment, leaning forward with his hands clasped on his lap.

I know he loves his giagia very much, and he won't turn me down this time, I hope.

After unsuccessfully encouraging him to take my place for the past two years, I've given up.

I waited until this moment.

I gave him his chance to prove his worth, and he actually outperformed my expectations. He conquered the world of shipping in barely six years. A Demakis blood, indeed!

"When do you want me to start?" he finally conceded as he leaned back on the brown leather armchair while crossing his hands over his chest, eyes trained on me.

Words I've been waiting for, finally, it came. My lips broke into a broad smile. Happiness swelled in my chest.