[B1] Chapter 2: Grandpa’s Cunning Plan
Alina was chewing her finger, lost in thought, as she sat beside Theo at the announcement place. Her mind drifted back to the words spoken to her by her late grandfather a few months ago in the grand chamber of the Lewis mansion. The memory was as vivid as if it had just happened yesterday.
***
(Flashback)
"But how can you choose Eren as your successor, Grandpa?" Alina asked, her voice filled with disbelief and frustration. "Isn't this unfair to both me and Theo?"
A knowing smile spread across her grandfather's face. "I thought you didn't care for Theo at all."
"I don't like him, but I dislike Eren and George even more..." Alina countered with a hint of annoyance in her tone.
"You are too naive, my little Alina," her grandfather responded, his eyes soft but serious. "You have a long way to go before you can lie convincingly. Deep down, I know how much you admire Theo."
"No... it's not like that, Grandpa..." She retorted.
"Do you want to be the queen of the Lewis business empire, Alina?" He asked, an unexpected question.
"Me, Grandpa?" Alina's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes, you. You have the strength, the intelligence. You can do it." He smiled.
"But why can't you choose Theo as your successor?" Alina’s eyebrows scrunched.
"Because I have something more important for him to do," her grandfather explained, his voice filled with an unspoken mystery. "Theo is going to leave this city when the time comes. I want you to take over the company on his behalf. You are the most capable of handling it, among all my remaining grandchildren."
Shaking her head, she declined. "I won't help you, Grandpa. This Lewis empire only belongs to Theo," Alina had stated defiantly.
"Ah, why favor him when you say you hate him?" the old man asked, placing his hand on his jaw, but a playful smile glinted in his eyes.
"..."
"Do you think you have a choice, my dear?" her grandfather questioned. "Here, give this box and envelope to Theo, when the time comes, you will understand."
He handed her a black envelope with a small box, ornate yet locked. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, with intricate crimson patterns engraved on its surface.
"Giving this to him will help you take over the Lewis business empire. If you don't do this, then Eren will become the next successor, and if I'm not wrong, he will try to get rid of Theo as soon as possible, and you will be next. Theo's life will be in danger," he added with a grave voice.
"You're a sly fox... How can you be so cunning to your own grandchildren?" Alina demanded, her voice flowing with annoyance.
Her grandfather laughed, a rich, hearty sound. "Hahaha..."
With a heavy heart, Alina took the items. She had known then that her grandpa was going to leave soon.
***
Returning to the present, a shiver ran down Alina's spine as Lawyer Walton's hand snapped the file shut. His face was solemn; his task was done. The future was set, the wheels in motion, with no turning back.
Standing, Mr. Walton addressed the room. "Although your grandfather didn't leave anything for you in his family business, Theo, you still possess 11% of the Lewis empire shares that you inherited from your parents. I'll take my leave now, Everyone."
His eyes met Theo's, a sadness in them, as if wanting to convey a wordless apology, before he walked out of the room.
Theo's face remained calm, but his mind was in total chaos. Why had his grandfather made such a decision?
Finally, he spoke with an impassive expression, "It seems Grandfather had his reasons. Congratulations, Eren."
Saying those words, he left the room, leaving behind a room abuzz with unanswered questions in people's minds.
Exchanging joyous glances, they followed him outside. However, Alina remained fixated on her seat, hesitating as if she was fighting a battle inside.
Outside the villa, news reporters were swarming around Mr. Walton, cameras flashing. A few tried to approach Theo, but bodyguards escorted him to his car. He was still a Lewis, still owning 11% of the shares.
"Take me to the old farm," Theo told the driver, his voice quiet but firm.
The driver nodded, understanding his situation, and the car pulled away from the city, leaving behind the convoy of vehicles that usually followed Theo.
As they drove, the city lights began to fade, replaced by the soft glow of the countryside. The journey took them through winding roads and lush green fields, the day gradually turning into night and the stars began to twinkle in the sky.
Hours passed, and the car finally reached a village, nestled between fields of crops and surrounded by trees. The night was quiet, the only sound the chirping of crickets and the occasional lowing of a cow. People were working in the fields, their silhouettes moving under the soft glow of lanterns.
The car stopped in front of an old cottage, standing amidst a garden filled with colorful flowers and various plants.
The air was carrying a mix of floral scents and the earthy aroma of the soil. Chickens clucked happily in the yard, and a dog lazily barked a friendly greeting at its master’s arrival.
As Theo stepped out of the car, he took in the simple beauty of the place. Here, away from the busy city and the Lewis empire, he found a comforting peace.
The driver remained in the car, watching Theo walk towards the cottage. He knew this old farm held a special spot in the young man's heart, a feeling that couldn't be found in the city's skyscrapers, a place where the boy found comfort and a sense of home.
Inside the cottage, two maids noticed Theo's return and respectfully bowed.
The dog that had been barking earlier ran to Theo, wagging its tail and licking him, a warm and loving welcome. Theo patted the dog's head affectionately before entering the house.
His eyes fell upon a wall adorned with old photographs of him and his grandfather, Ryuk Lewis. The images spanned from Theo's 13-year-old self to more recent memories, displaying the bond they shared.
As he stood there, he closed his eyes, memories flooding his mind - the laughter, the wisdom, and the love shared with his grandfather.
But alongside those cherished moments, thoughts of why his grandfather might have done this disturbed his mind. Despite his composed exterior, he was only human and experienced a mix of complicated emotions.
More than the property, he felt a deep sadness for losing his grandfather. The property held no meaning compared to the strong bond they had shared.
However, the confusion was still there, and he couldn't help but ask in his thoughts, "Why, Grandpa? Why?"
The question sounded in the depths of his soul, as he continued to ponder the reason why his grandfather may have made this decision.
***
The next night, a car came to a stop in front of the old cottage, and a beautiful pink-haired girl emerged. She wore an elegant yet simple and expensive dress - a white skirt paired with a purple top and black glasses.
She approached the cottage entrance; it was wide open. No one seemed to be inside on the first floor.
The girl knew precisely where to go; she ascended to the second floor using the wooden stairs. She knocked on the door, and Theo's voice welcomed her in, saying, "The door is unlocked; you can come in."
As she entered, the boy offered her a seat, but she nervously declined.
"How did you decide to visit a humble home like this, my dear sister?" he inquired, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"I have something for you, left by Grandpa," Alina's voice trembled slightly as she spoke. She reached into her small hobo bag, pulling out a mysterious black envelope.
Theo's eyebrows scrunched together, his heart skipping a beat. Surprised and intrigued, he met Alina's gaze, a silent question in his eyes. All she did was extend the black envelope towards him, her hand shaking ever so slightly.
With a calm look, Theo took the envelope from her. His fingers traced the edges, sensing that this was no ordinary letter. He tore it open, finding to his surprise a blank sheet inside.
Alina watched him, her lips pressed together. She had tried to read the letter secretly before, sealing it back after finding it blank, and didn’t inform him about it.
Yet, Theo seemed to know what to do, thanks to the knowledge his grandfather had imparted. With a silence that belied his curiosity, he moved to the room's chimney. The fire flickered, casting a warm glow on his face as he held the paper close to the flames.
As the heat kissed the paper, words began to appear, slowly revealing their hidden content. Alina's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat. Theo's hands were steady, but his heart pounded against his chest.
The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire, as the enigmatic secrets left behind by Ryuk Lewis began to unravel right before Theo's eyes.
[B1] Chapter 2: Grandpa’s Cunning Plan
Alina was chewing her finger, lost in thought, as she sat beside Theo at the announcement place. Her mind drifted back to the words spoken to her by her late grandfather a few months ago in the grand chamber of the Lewis mansion. The memory was as vivid as if it had just happened yesterday.
***
(Flashback)
"But how can you choose Eren as your successor, Grandpa?" Alina asked, her voice filled with disbelief and frustration. "Isn't this unfair to both me and Theo?"
A knowing smile spread across her grandfather's face. "I thought you didn't care for Theo at all."
"I don't like him, but I dislike Eren and George even more..." Alina countered with a hint of annoyance in her tone.
"You are too naive, my little Alina," her grandfather responded, his eyes soft but serious. "You have a long way to go before you can lie convincingly. Deep down, I know how much you admire Theo."
"No... it's not like that, Grandpa..." She retorted.
"Do you want to be the queen of the Lewis business empire, Alina?" He asked, an unexpected question.
"Me, Grandpa?" Alina's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes, you. You have the strength, the intelligence. You can do it." He smiled.
"But why can't you choose Theo as your successor?" Alina’s eyebrows scrunched.
"Because I have something more important for him to do," her grandfather explained, his voice filled with an unspoken mystery. "Theo is going to leave this city when the time comes. I want you to take over the company on his behalf. You are the most capable of handling it, among all my remaining grandchildren."
Shaking her head, she declined. "I won't help you, Grandpa. This Lewis empire only belongs to Theo," Alina had stated defiantly.
"Ah, why favor him when you say you hate him?" the old man asked, placing his hand on his jaw, but a playful smile glinted in his eyes.
"..."
"Do you think you have a choice, my dear?" her grandfather questioned. "Here, give this box and envelope to Theo, when the time comes, you will understand."
He handed her a black envelope with a small box, ornate yet locked. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, with intricate crimson patterns engraved on its surface.
"Giving this to him will help you take over the Lewis business empire. If you don't do this, then Eren will become the next successor, and if I'm not wrong, he will try to get rid of Theo as soon as possible, and you will be next. Theo's life will be in danger," he added with a grave voice.
"You're a sly fox... How can you be so cunning to your own grandchildren?" Alina demanded, her voice flowing with annoyance.
Her grandfather laughed, a rich, hearty sound. "Hahaha..."
With a heavy heart, Alina took the items. She had known then that her grandpa was going to leave soon.
***
Returning to the present, a shiver ran down Alina's spine as Lawyer Walton's hand snapped the file shut. His face was solemn; his task was done. The future was set, the wheels in motion, with no turning back.
Standing, Mr. Walton addressed the room. "Although your grandfather didn't leave anything for you in his family business, Theo, you still possess 11% of the Lewis empire shares that you inherited from your parents. I'll take my leave now, Everyone."
His eyes met Theo's, a sadness in them, as if wanting to convey a wordless apology, before he walked out of the room.
Theo's face remained calm, but his mind was in total chaos. Why had his grandfather made such a decision?
Finally, he spoke with an impassive expression, "It seems Grandfather had his reasons. Congratulations, Eren."
Saying those words, he left the room, leaving behind a room abuzz with unanswered questions in people's minds.
Exchanging joyous glances, they followed him outside. However, Alina remained fixated on her seat, hesitating as if she was fighting a battle inside.
Outside the villa, news reporters were swarming around Mr. Walton, cameras flashing. A few tried to approach Theo, but bodyguards escorted him to his car. He was still a Lewis, still owning 11% of the shares.
"Take me to the old farm," Theo told the driver, his voice quiet but firm.
The driver nodded, understanding his situation, and the car pulled away from the city, leaving behind the convoy of vehicles that usually followed Theo.
As they drove, the city lights began to fade, replaced by the soft glow of the countryside. The journey took them through winding roads and lush green fields, the day gradually turning into night and the stars began to twinkle in the sky.
Hours passed, and the car finally reached a village, nestled between fields of crops and surrounded by trees. The night was quiet, the only sound the chirping of crickets and the occasional lowing of a cow. People were working in the fields, their silhouettes moving under the soft glow of lanterns.
The car stopped in front of an old cottage, standing amidst a garden filled with colorful flowers and various plants.
The air was carrying a mix of floral scents and the earthy aroma of the soil. Chickens clucked happily in the yard, and a dog lazily barked a friendly greeting at its master’s arrival.
As Theo stepped out of the car, he took in the simple beauty of the place. Here, away from the busy city and the Lewis empire, he found a comforting peace.
The driver remained in the car, watching Theo walk towards the cottage. He knew this old farm held a special spot in the young man's heart, a feeling that couldn't be found in the city's skyscrapers, a place where the boy found comfort and a sense of home.
Inside the cottage, two maids noticed Theo's return and respectfully bowed.
The dog that had been barking earlier ran to Theo, wagging its tail and licking him, a warm and loving welcome. Theo patted the dog's head affectionately before entering the house.
His eyes fell upon a wall adorned with old photographs of him and his grandfather, Ryuk Lewis. The images spanned from Theo's 13-year-old self to more recent memories, displaying the bond they shared.
As he stood there, he closed his eyes, memories flooding his mind - the laughter, the wisdom, and the love shared with his grandfather.
But alongside those cherished moments, thoughts of why his grandfather might have done this disturbed his mind. Despite his composed exterior, he was only human and experienced a mix of complicated emotions.
More than the property, he felt a deep sadness for losing his grandfather. The property held no meaning compared to the strong bond they had shared.
However, the confusion was still there, and he couldn't help but ask in his thoughts, "Why, Grandpa? Why?"
The question sounded in the depths of his soul, as he continued to ponder the reason why his grandfather may have made this decision.
***
The next night, a car came to a stop in front of the old cottage, and a beautiful pink-haired girl emerged. She wore an elegant yet simple and expensive dress - a white skirt paired with a purple top and black glasses.
She approached the cottage entrance; it was wide open. No one seemed to be inside on the first floor.
The girl knew precisely where to go; she ascended to the second floor using the wooden stairs. She knocked on the door, and Theo's voice welcomed her in, saying, "The door is unlocked; you can come in."
As she entered, the boy offered her a seat, but she nervously declined.
"How did you decide to visit a humble home like this, my dear sister?" he inquired, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"I have something for you, left by Grandpa," Alina's voice trembled slightly as she spoke. She reached into her small hobo bag, pulling out a mysterious black envelope.
Theo's eyebrows scrunched together, his heart skipping a beat. Surprised and intrigued, he met Alina's gaze, a silent question in his eyes. All she did was extend the black envelope towards him, her hand shaking ever so slightly.
With a calm look, Theo took the envelope from her. His fingers traced the edges, sensing that this was no ordinary letter. He tore it open, finding to his surprise a blank sheet inside.
Alina watched him, her lips pressed together. She had tried to read the letter secretly before, sealing it back after finding it blank, and didn’t inform him about it.
Yet, Theo seemed to know what to do, thanks to the knowledge his grandfather had imparted. With a silence that belied his curiosity, he moved to the room's chimney. The fire flickered, casting a warm glow on his face as he held the paper close to the flames.
As the heat kissed the paper, words began to appear, slowly revealing their hidden content. Alina's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat. Theo's hands were steady, but his heart pounded against his chest.
The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire, as the enigmatic secrets left behind by Ryuk Lewis began to unravel right before Theo's eyes.
