Chapitre 33: Only one thought

"Grandpa!" The boy shouted as he ran from the door towards the old man waiting for them inside his new office. Jorge was standing at the corner of the office facing the glass floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the view of the downtown city skyscrapers.

"Welcome back, Xavier." The old man greeted his grandson, with a warm hug, which the boy returned with enthusiasm. "Did you enjoy your stay with your uncle?"

"Absolutely… but Uncle Raf said that we have to go back today because he had to work. I wish we could have stayed for a few more days." Xavier complained to his grandfather.

"Well, grown men have to face their obligations to their family." The old man said to the child, but his eyes were directed to the man who just stood beside them. "Someday, you too will grow up to be a fine man like your uncle here."

"Good morning, Uncle Jorge." He greeted, not missing the meaning of his words, which was directed at him. They hugged and tapped each other's back as greetings.

"Glad you arrived early, Rafael." His uncle took a seat at the opposite side of the table, as he situated himself at his new chair. "We have a lot to discuss before the board meeting."

He pressed the intercom and her new secretary appeared instantly at his door. "Will you take Xavier to the play area?" One of the things he requested when he had his office renovated was to have a portion in the office for kids to play when their employees have the where Xavier could have his space when he came to visit.

Jorge patted the little boy's shoulder. "Go with Ms. Jenson. We'll just have a short meeting, then we are going out shopping later." He smiled like it was Christmas and he was Santa Claus, the bearer of gifts. Well, he might as well play the part with his almost whitish-gray hair and beard.

"For real, Grandpa." Xavier was exhilarated, but with a slight reluctance in his voice, as he responded to his grandfather. "You will take me shopping."

Xavier was a bit skeptical since he never really had a strong relationship with his grandfather. They never had a chance to bond that long, which he sometimes questioned his mom about, but she usually avoided the topic.

"Of course, I would buy whatever you desire. Now, go along and be a good boy. I'll be with you in a bit." Jorge told his grandson. It was a perfect opportunity for him to finally get to know his next heir.

The boy beamed at his grandpa, already thinking of a particular item he would ask his grandpa to buy.

As Xavier walk away with his secretary, he gave Jorge an alarming look. "You know Melissa will be furious about what you're planning. Besides, he doesn't like you spoiling Xavier with material things." He warned him.

Knowing his uncle, he could surmise that he was already thinking of grooming the boy as his next heir to his empire. That would easily backfire on him when Melissa found out about it. That would certainly put a nail on his coffin. She would not think twice about burying his father alive.

"I would rather see her mad if it meant that she would start talking to his father," Jorge grumbled. He wanted to bond with his grandson. If this was the only way, then he would take every opportunity he got.

"You know that she might not talk to me if she finds out that I am letting you bond with Xavier without her knowledge." He asked his uncle.

"I know, but this is the only way I could see my flesh and blood. I had begged her to forgive me, but she did have her mother's spirit. They are quite hard-headed and strong-willed." Jorge said defeated.

He too once hated him, but after a year, he finally forgave him. He had seen him gradually changed from his cold-hearted attitude to this new man he was beginning to admire and like. Although he could still be a pain in the ass most of the time.

"Just give her time. She would come around to her senses and forgive you." He assured Jorge, patting him in the back. Just be patient, but stopped forcing your will on her and especially on Xavier.

It was a long story, the family feud of the father and daughter. It was not his story to tell anyways. What mattered was that Jorge was trying to mend his ways. Although the damage was done, it was still a valiant effort on his uncle's part to genuinely show remorse for his past deeds.

"I have given her everything she wanted. Space and time. She would rather fly to the resort to leave his son to you than to ask for my help in taking care of my grandson." He said, hurt by her daughter's disregard for her father.

"It was not easy for her. All the things that happened in these last few years. Let her get back on her feet. Just be prepared when the time comes that she would need your support." He said as they were interrupted by the intercom.

"Excuse me, Sir Jorge and Sir Rafael, but the meeting is about to start. All the board members are already waiting in the conference room." His assistant interrupted their conversation.

"Just give us another 5 minutes." He said on the line. "Let's talk about business. Shall we?" Changing the topic of discussion.

After a few minutes of his uncle, briefing him with the latest in the business, they both proceeded to the boardroom.

"Let's welcome our new CEO of the company. Rafael Walkers." Jorge announced to the remaining members of the board, who all cheered and applauded his arrival.

As of now, all the board members and even Jorge had high hope for the new leader of the company. He was trained by the best in the business, so they had high expectations of his leadership capability.

He only hoped that he could fulfill their expectations and bring the company to new heights. His father built this company believing that his two sons would continue his legacy. With the help of his uncle, at least he would try to do his father's wishes.

Then again, until now, his head was still distracted with the whereabouts of Sky. As he sat on the head of the large rectangular table, his mind still went back to the time he was happy on the island. Carefree with only one thought in mind. To spend his life with her.