Brothers - Episode 11

 

Raymond stared at his brother who reclined on his chair moving back and forth as they waited for the others to settle down at the meeting, it comprised of all the share holders of the company who wanted to know the latest happenings

" Can we hear the minutes of the last meeting?"he said after everyone had greeted and sat down.

Rosa opened her laptop and began to read, as others looked at the hard copy which had been kept in front of them. Raymond squinted at his brother who was giving him a passive look, he looked at James Desmond who owned the highest share in the company, they were paddies and he liked to think Desmond was on his side, he liked to think Richard was no longer playing games but...he leaned forward after Rosa finished

"My father had a vision to make this company number one in the country if not beyond, we are not yet at that goal but we will get there someday, all hands should be on deck to the achievement of that.. . in the light of that I want to know if anyone has any objection to the minutes of the last meeting.... if there's none we can quickly adopt and get to the business of the day..."

No one objected, Richard caressed his tie as Desmond began

"We were hearing rumours that Royal links is hoping to buy the company"

"You don't have to worry about that, they are being handled" Raymond said

"Makes we wonder why they would even offer, the company is not bankrupt or about closing, I'm wondering if there is anything that would make them think its up for sale"Sonia said, she was representing her father Chief Adeyanju, who was one of the major shareholders

"Maybe because the CEO is not always on ground"Charles said leaning for, he owned a large share having inherited a millions from his father

"I try to be around as much as I can"Raymond said" you all know I have a job"he didn't have to explain to anyone but decided to, Charles always liked to make trouble, they tried to cut him off severally but he was important to the company

"You mean it comes second to your job?, are we saying we are leaving our money in incapable hands"he said looking around at the others

"My brother is saying that the company is very important to him" Richard began"it was our father's legacy, it belongs to us, it doesn't matter if its attractive to buyers outside, we are not selling"

Raymond wondered at Richard's defence but Richard did not look at him

"Well we need to change their orientation by having someone always on ground in the company"Charles said

"Richard is always on ground even though he's not CEO"David Maurison said looking at the other brother who was silent

"We need to leave the company in competent hands, we talking billions here"Sonia said lacing her fingers together

"Everything is under control" Raymond said and hoped to believe that. He couldn't loose the company when he just got it, he didn't know what they were saying but it looked like they just threatened his position 

"If we are done with that we can go into the agenda for today's meeting.." he said meeting Richard's gaze

******

"Can we talk?"he asked Richard after the meeting ended, Richard turned back around and Raymond waited till the last person had left

" I don't know why you did that...but thanks"he said

"You're my brother Ray,  even though we have our issues, you should know I'm on your side in this" he said

Raymond stared at him, wanting to believe it

"I was thinking you should take over, you'd be  better at this than me, just between the two of us, I do not really want it"

"You kidding..you gonna throw away a billion dollar company, that's terrific bro, we should sell it then" Richard crossed his arms and leaned on the desk"Dad wanted you in charge, I respect his decision, don't make me change my.mind"

"This is not about Dad, its about the right person for the job, I'm a medical doctor"

"So you.running away when things need your attention..w can't change things bro, your name is on the.will, there has to be a process, except you want me to.take your identity" he shook his head, not wanting to fall for it "I know you're testing me  but I'm no.longer interested in the company"he said

Raymond stared at him"This is not something we have to.fight over, im giving it to you..i could talk to my lawyer"he paused"wonder what father was thinking, you  obviously the better man for the job" he sat on the desk

"You making the.best out of it and doing a good job, don't let Charles get to you"he said,Raymond was silent, why would Richard not jump at the opportunity to be CEO, he obviously still wanted it

"He's a douchebag, I'd do away with him if it was up to me"he crossed his legs, Richard chuckled 

"Charles is not one to play with,he plays dirty"

"I don't care about him, he's not my priority"

Richard tapped him on his back"I got ur back bro"

They walked out together

" so you sure you don't want it, just paperwork and its yours"Raymond said again

Richard chuckled"If I wanted it, I'd have gotten it bro,I do not want it"

Raymond paused "i just wana focus on my career"

"Your career is fine, you done with your project right?"

"Yeah" he was quiet as he thought of Isabel,  that was another issue he needed to face

"We going to Cal weekend, I don't want any rift between us, we brothers let's just forget about everything before now".

Raymond was silent"Sure we can" they fist bumped

*****

"Jessica has a theory that you're cheating on her.."Isabel said after she got in the hotel room with Raymond, she had decided to stop whatever she was doing before it got out of hand, even though she was in love with Raymond she had to stay with Richard because she made the decision to date him..Raymond drew close and kissed her, she pulled back after a time 

" Did you say anything to her..?"She continued, he looked at her

"What..?"

"She has her suspicions that.."

"Isabel don't tell me you worried about that" that was the last thing on his mind he thought as he looked for her zip

"I think we should stop" she paused"its wrong and its gonna hurt them when they find out "

He was silent "Is..what I feel for you I've never felt with any other woman, its wrong but it is as it is...its not just sex Is, I want you for myself "

She stared at him as tears formed in her eyes, what had she gotten herself into?, she felt like a toy they both wanted...

" What about Richard? "she asked, was she going to break up with him, is he ever going to find out?

"Well what about him?" he said pulling her gown down so it pooled at her feet, he gazed at her beauty

"We really should stop.."she said crossing her arms

"Okay.." he said and closed the distance between them...

********

*so Richard claims he doesn't want the company, do you think he is being sincere, should Isabel follow her heart or stay with Richard?

Comments please

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/brothers

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Read " Amidst Temptations " by the same author ( Funmi Anita Adesina )