THE CROWNLESS HEIR

PART 6: NEAR BANKCRUPTCY

“Thank you, Saddam.” Nicholai says to the driver.

“Malik–actually, Sir.” The driver corrects. 

“Oh, sorry.”

“It is not a big problem, Sir. Some people also think like that–they call me Saddam, and call Saddam by my name–Malik.”

Nicholai laughs.

Saddam and Malik are the twin drivers. They look so similar. People who have not known them for a long time will definitely call them wrong. Back in their college days, Saddam and Malik even used to sneak into each other’s classes–Saddam would attend Malik’s class and act just like him, while Malik would attend Saddam’s class. No one realized what was happening until the two of them confessed at a college reunion.

 “Just call me or Saddam when you are going home, Sir.” Malik says.

“Yes, I will.” Nicholai answers. He walks into the BW Tech building, leaving behind Malik, who then drives off in his car. 

Nicholai looks at the workers who just arrived. He tries to smile at everyone. “Good morning!” 

Some people return Nicholai’s smile with their own. However, others simply stare at Nicholai with a cynical look, as if unconcerned that the person greeting them is the head of BW Tech–their boss.

Nicholai sighs and tries to maintain a smile. This early in the morning, people are already being annoying. However, being used to working as a pizza delivery service meant Nicholais was not too surprised by these people’s negative responses. In fact, it seems like it is commonplace for Nicholai to encounter bad behavior. 

Nicholai gets into the elevator along with dozens of other people.

The elevator is quite large, able to accommodate 15 to 20 people with a maximum capacity of 1500 kg. Nicholai’s index finger is about to press the elevator button, but suddenly someone steps in and presses the button.

“Uh, you are not going to make us go up to the other floor before we can get to our room, are you, Mr. Nicholai?” The man asks teasingly.

Nicholai smiles and shakes his head. “Ah, no. You go ahead!”

“Thank you.”

Nicholai just smiles. Today is the first meeting with the development team and finance team. To be honest, Nicholai is not confident enough in his abilities. Even though Nicholai spent the night studying the reports of the company from the past three years, Nicholai still harbored doubts about himself.

Can I bring this company with my very minimum ability and experiences? That question seems to keep ringing in Nicholai’s mind.

Ding!

The elevator dings and displays the 8th floor, making everyone there get out, including Nicholai because today a meeting will be held in the Meeting Room on the 8th food.

Oh, so they are going to a meeting too. Nicholai says in his heart. His eyes dart around the people there every now and then, trying to memorize the faces of the BW Tech employees. 

“Mr. Nicholai, oh, thank God, finally you come!” Arnold welcomes Nicholai. The man looks relieved to see Nichoai. “I thought you did not come.”

“How could I not come to our first meeting, Arnold?” Nicholai laughs at Arnold’s rather unreasonable words.

“You are correct.” Arnold is ashamed. “Oh, please, come in, Sir! The meeting will start.”

Nicholai enters, drawing stares from many people in the room. Some of them whisper. 

“Do not worry, Sir. I believe that you can do it.” Arnold says. He seems to know what Nicholai is thinking.

Yes, Arnold is right, Nick. You can do it!

Nicholai sits on a chair that had been specially prepared for him.

Jessica, the designated moderator, stands at the front. Her face is as tense as Nicholai’s. This is also Jessica’s first time taking a prominent role in a company meeting.

“Thank you, Everyone, for coming to this meeting today.” Jessica begins with a trembling voice.

Some people who notice this, whisper to each other. Occasionally, they seem to laugh, as if teasing Jessica.

Has bullying become a habit here? It is very bad. Nicholai says in his heart. 

“As we know, today we will be holding a meeting regarding product development and finance, which will be held regularly every month.”

There are annoyed snorts from the people there, as if they did not like what Jessica said. 

Jessica’s eyes are fixed on Arnold and Nicholai, seemingly afraid that what she said would have a negative impact on her career.

Arnold smiles and nods, as if telling Jessica that what she was doing was right–that she does not need to be afraid or worried.

“As the new CEO of BW Tech, Mr. Nicholai Blackwood, please, begin the meeting!” Jessica says, then she returns to her seat, replaced by Nicholai.

Arnold claps quite loudly. Yes, only Arnold. The others are silent, as if not realizing that the person standing before them is their leader.

Nicholai tries to remain unperturbed by their attitude. He realizes that it does not matter if people do not respect him. Having ‘Blackwood’ name does not automatically elevate Nicholai’s status, does it?

“Thank you for the opportunity given to me so that we can meet in ….” Nicholai does not continue his sentence as his eyes fall on someone on the other corner and is sleeping soundly. 

That man! Nicholai is shocked because it is the man who had pressed the elevator button, who had also made sarcastic remarks to him.

“Can someone wake him up?” Nicholai asks, pointing to the sleeping man.

“He is Manager John Donovan.” Someone says.

“Yes, whoever he is, can someone wake him up?” Nicholai asks again, he seems unconcerned who it was.

Instead of complying with Nicholai’s request, they look at each other, as if afraid of waking the man named John Donovan.

“Why?” Nicholai is confused.

“He is Manager John Donovan. He was even Mr. Alexis’ trusted manager.”

“So, is his sleeping behavior during the meeting justified?” Nicholai asks, leaving everyone speechless. In their hearts, they agree with Nicholai’s statement. However, what else could they do? The man named John Donovan is highly respected by all the employees. In fact, he is so respected that no one dared to reprimand him for anything he did.

“There is no reason to sleep when the meet–”

“Aaarrgg! You are so noisy!” The old man wakes up and is furious. “Hey, you!” He points at Nicholai, glaring hatefully.

John approaches, making it even clearer to Nicholai how much he hates Nicholai.

Ptooey!

Everyone is shocked when John spat at Nicholai. Luckily, he does not hit Nicholai at all because Nicholai quickly dodges. However, Nicholai knows from his attitude that John has no respect for him.

“For over 30 years, I have served at BW Tech–even acting as Mr. Alexis Blackwood’s trusted manager for 15 of them, and never has anyone dared to give me orders.” John says haughtily.

“And now I am ordering you not to sleep during meetings. Oh, I forgot, you are the guy who pressed the button and teased me in the elevator, right? Am I wrong to reprimand you?” Nicholai asks in a calm voice.

“Am I wrong?” John laughs sarcastically, mocking Nicholai’s remark. “Hey, you are just an illegitimate child whose life has just gotten better. You are so lucky that Mr. Alexis Blackwood’s blood flows in you and he inherited his fortune. Without him, you are just a poor and uneducated man who is even below everyone else here. So, stop acting like you are a leader! I am so sick of it.”