The Insurmountable Rise Of Ethan Watson

CHAPTER 11

THE GRAHAM MANSION

David Graham honked at the gate of the mansion as he listened to “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled.

The gate was opened and he drove into the compound and parked in front of the house, opened the door of his car, and increased the volume of the song.

He was joined shortly by Claire and Eric Graham who watched him dance heartily. He turned down the volume when he noticed them standing by the door and filled with so much joy he screamed, “It's done! I've finalized the deal today and I'm so certain that I've won the spot. The announcement will happen in a few days but it's done!"

Eric and Claire hugged him warmly and looked at him with so much pride and happiness as they have always wanted to own a spot in the heart of the city and the most thriving plaza in Beryl City, ‘the Emerald Estate’. His win meant a lot for them.

“I'm proud of you my boy, you've made the family name soar higher than ever,” Eric said as he held David's shoulder with his eyes fixed on him.

They walked into the living room and there was no power in the house. David reached for the light switch and put it on.

“Surprise!” Everyone chorused with Melissa holding a cake in her hand and saying “You did it!”.

David smiled broadly as his ego was being stroked. He was truly proud of his accomplishment.

“Thank you so much guys, this spot means a lot to me, but the support of family gives me a greater feeling. Our social ranking is only going up from here.” David said slowly, with pride laced in his tone.

He picked up the champagne from the big table at the center of the living room. He popped the drink and everybody screamed and gave him a round of applause.

He filled the glass with the drink and raising the glass he said, “The sun will rise no matter how long the night lasts. Cheers to more life-changing deals.”

The crowd chorused with, “Cheers!”

Everyone mingled with each other. The sound of laughter, glass clinking, and spoons hitting against the plate as they ate covered the living room.

The guests came to express their joy with David Graham for his win and gave him gifts. They exchanged a few pleasantries and discussed working together in the future.

Their joy wasn't out of proportion as Emerald Estate was the crown jewel of Beryl City when it came to business and only a few people were fortunate enough to be selected to work there, let alone have a contract with them. 

Sarah walked up to David to congratulate him when he saw her from afar and yelled out, “Sis! That's how you get successful in life, not that you know how it works anyway.”

He laughed so much after saying that but Sarah kept her cool as it had become normal for her to be picked on, by members of her own family. 

“Congrats brother. I got you something, here” Sarah said as she handed David a little gold-colored trophy with the word “Winner” inscribed on the bottom.

She thought it was cute and would relate well with the moment and mood but boy! was she wrong 

“Awww, isn't this cute? This loser knows how to appreciate winners in this life. Tut, tut, tut, I see you're trying to attract success by celebrating with me. It's alright, I'm not stingy, I can share my success with you” David said, taunting with a grin and Sarah's hands were shaking to give him a befitting slap to the face but she controlled her emotions.

“Hey everyone! Sarah gave me a trophy for coming out on top at everything in life, compared to her,” he announced and the crowd erupted into laughter.

Melissa walked up to David with Jason Miller as her arm candy.

“Congrats my love, I'm so proud of you,” Melissa said as she hugged her cousin, Sarah's stepbrother.

“We got you something,” Melissa and Jason said with smiles on their faces as they handed a small box to David.

With a rush of expectations and joy, David tore the wrapping open and saw the blue-colored leather box with a note on it that read, “To a true winner, stay at the top being number 1 always. Never settle for less.” 

He looked at them and smiled from ear to ear and stated, “You know the drill”

He opened the box and saw a diamond cut ring with number one (1) on it. 

He tried it on and it fit perfectly. Overjoyed, he hugged Melissa once more and shook Jason.

"I mean, you didn't have to get me this but, thank you guys so much” he squealed.

He took his phone out and made videos of the ring on his finger and posted it with the caption, “Stay number 1” where he tagged Melissa and Jason to it.

The Graham's had a habit of gifting each other on every achievement and this was no small feat. Eric and Claire had a gift for David. One they were now ready to share.

“Please can we all pay attention” the MC of the event cautioned everyone.

“Our hosts, Mr. Eric And Claire Graham have an announcement to make for their nephew, so please let's quiet down and give them our attention”. He added as he handed the microphone over to Mr. Eric.

David smiled widely as he thought of what they could give him.

“Thank you all for coming here. It truly is an honor to have this huge win in the Graham family. This is not just a win but a chance for an expansion of our business” Eric said and took a pause that welcomed a round of applause.

He continued, “Speaking of expansion, we'll be doing a little expansion for our beloved nephew. David my boy, I'm proud of all you have achieved from your days as a child till today. You've always despised losing and that hunger has pushed you to excellence. To show our support, we'll be giving you the beach house and a brand new car of your choice”.

The living room erupted into loud cheers, clapping, and standing ovations for Mr. and Mrs. Graham. 

David was overjoyed as he had wanted that beach house for the longest time. He turned to Sarah who looked nonchalant and told her, “You wouldn't be so sad if you were working as hard as I do. It's not my fault you're a loser in everything you do. Try to be happy for me at least. You just might attract my success, who knows”.

He laughed as he went out to hug Eric and Claire to thank them for the gifts. Sarah left the party fuming and went up into her room.