Bastards

182

"Douglas, there has to be hope. We can't give up on him," Michael pleaded desperately. The thought of his father's life hanging by a thread was unbearable.

Douglas, placed a comforting hand on Michael's shoulder. "I understand your feelings, but false hopes can be more devastating. We need to prepare for the worst," he replied, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"And his disappearance is not good for the conglomerate," Douglas continued, his tone becoming more serious. Michael looked up, his eyes filled with concern. "What does his disappearance mean for the conglomerate?" he asked, resigned to the fact that the situation had larger implications.

Douglas hesitated momentarily before responding, his words carefully chosen. "Your father has already signed his will, Michael. If anything happens to him, he has designated you to take full control," he revealed, his voice steady but filled with a weighty sense of responsibility.

Michael's shock was palpable. "What? I'm not ready for that. I