FROM BANKRUPT TO BOSS

A NEW BEGINNING

Knock.

It was gentle. The kind of gentle knock that comes with a good agenda. Unlike the usual bang on the door. And the landlord would be standing right at the door with a fierce face to collect the rent money.

Kane gently rose from the bed. The room his father prepared for him, believing he'll be back one day.

He sat at the edge of the bed, sweeping his feet to the side. He wore a white flannel pajamas.

“Come in.” He responded.

Gently, the door of the room squeaked open, revealing James at the door. He smiled and walked inside. Stopping some metres away from Kane, he bowed gently and said.

"Good morning master Kane. I hope you had a wonderful night, master?”

Kane smiled. “You should stop the threatics James especially when you go out with me. Remember. No attention.

Kane gave a double gentle nod, the little smile on his face steady.

“Understood sir.”

“Good.” Kane nodded once and added. “My night was good... Different.” He smiled faintly.

“I'm glad it is. The maids are here with your dress for today. Should they come in now?" James asked calmly, the respect in his voice unmistakable.

“Let's see.” His eyes lit up.

Kane stepped aside. “Come in." He said loud enough for three maid who had been standing outside to hear and they walked in smartly and gently. Each of them carefully carrying a box in their hand.

They bowed before Kane then they all set the boxes on the bed.

The ladies stepped backward while James stepped to the bed quietly and uncover the first box which was bigger.

Resting neatly inside is a black suit which sparkles with little diamond stones all over it. Beside it is a velvet tie. It screams luxury and it's flashy. Too flashy for Kane's liking.

“This is great but..it's too flashy...I was something subtle..that wouldn't attract attention.”

“Bring something minimal..not too flashy. Be quiet.” James told the lady that came with the suit. She bowed slightly and left.

James opened another box and seated inside is a silver wristwatch which caught the soft glow of light.

Kane stared at it and nodded satisfactorily “Good. Subtle.”

And resting in the last box is a pair of Louis Vuitton loafers. Black, shiny and smart looking...the kind that cost more than some people's salary yet it wasn't too flashy to stir unnecessary attentions.

Kane hummed faintly, staring at it with a quiet smile. “Good. Just what I needed.” He said and James smiled in satisfaction.

****

Kane stood before a mirror on the wall, staring at his reflection. The suit fitted him. His appearance was totally different now.

He smiled, satisfied by his look. He took a sharp breath, his smile steady. "That's more like it.” He muttered and gently tugged on the suit. With one last glance at the mirror, he turned around and stepped out of the room, leaving the sharp and sweet smell of Cologne lingering in the air.

James was in the living room waiting for him. As he was descending down the stairs gently like a king, the sound of his shoe announced his presence, clicking with each steps on the staircase.

James raised his chin. He froze, stunned by his master's new appearance.

His wide eyes roamed on his body calmly “You..you look different boss.” He complimented with a broad smile on his face.

Kane smiled. "Thanks.”

“The dinning is set, sir.” James announced and led him to the Dining table.

On the circular table seated expensive glasswares, each containing assorted dishes. The subtle smell of aroma filled the dining room regarding the plates were covered.

Kane settled down on the dinning chair and picked a napkin, tucking it into the neck of his shirt.

He opened the first plate and the sweet smell of aroma from fried rice curled into his nose. The fried rice was freshly served, steaming up idlely as it settled on the wide ceramic plate. The savory aroma drifted upward with the steam— ginger, garlic and a hint of smoked soy. Golden grains glistened with oil, dappled with vegetable and tender slices of chicken. A silver spoon rested at the side, already catching Bits of the scattered rice.

Kane whistled faintly, impressed and satisfied by what he was seeing. Gone were the days he would wake up with the thought of what to eat. Sometimes, he goes to work with a stomach burning with hunger.

Seated at another side of the table were three bottles of expensive wines, waiting to be poured.

After Kane was done with his meal, he leaned back on the dinning chair satisfactorily, his stomach heavier then before. This would be the first good meal he'll ever had.

From a common banker to the heir of Everest consortiums. He nodded gently, his mind reeling with thoughts.

First, I'll need to get a smart device and then one by one, I'll take a look at my father's companies...

Lost in the thought, James walked to him and cut off his thoughts politely.

"What else would you be needing sir?" He asked him.

Kane looked at him. “First, I need to get a phone. Smart one.”

"I can just get —”

Kanes acknowledged his eagerness to get things done for him easily. “Oh..no Thanks James..I'll just get it myself. I need to see for myself.” He cut in politely, with a gentle wave of hand. He stood up and tugged on his suit.

James took Kane to the underground garage.

Sleek and expensive cars glowed under the soft lightening that casted shadows of cars on the pristine floor. It was more like a museum of cars than a garage. Cars lined up in vertical rows each one catching the light and gleaming.

Kane was stunned. It looks more like a showroom than a personal garage.

"Your father has..hmm..” James hummed as he tried recollect the number of cars in the garage. "200 cars.” He recollected.

Kane gasped, his eyes flicking around in shock.

“That much?" Surprise etched all over his face.

"Yes master. That much” James chuckled slightly.

Kane walked quietly, admiring each of the cars. They were nothing short of breathtaking. Opulence!

Kane didn't even have a car. The one he had in the past was a beat-up. It starts and stops whenever it wishes. The kind of car that needed to be pushed before it starts.

Most times, he takes taxi to work but here it is..200 fleets of expensive fine cars belongs to him.

His father must really be a car lover. Kane's favourite sport is car racing— A connection between him and his father.

Kane stopped behind a black Audi A6. Minimalist and not too flashy. The kind that didn't scream wealth. It whispers it.

"I'm driving this.” He Said with a faint smile at the corner of his lips.