CHAPTER 4

At this time in the heart of Durres, a well-known local family was having a company meeting. The family business group specialized in commercial construction and had part ownership with a well-recognized cosmetic sales subsidiary, among their other various family businesses. The Eisen family was discussing future plans and the patriarch was looking over proposals from his sons for future expansion. At this point in the development of the company, relationships with the right people and companies were essential to secure new contracts. Without strong ties to larger families and their business groups, the Eisen family was unlikely to be able to grow any farther and may even stagnate. Mathew Eisen had been able to build the family to its current Hight on his own. his sons, on the other hand, were less than desirable when it came to business prowess. They were more interested in living off the company’s profits and enjoying life. Each vied for power trying to get more funds, without the skill to deserve such promotion. Currently, the Eisen Group needed several strong contracts to stay profitable, both for their primary construction company and in their subsidiaries. Contracts from a group like the Song group, or Dreadnought Investment Group would sustain them for years to come as well as promote their brand to other large companies.

The two brothers always found something to complain about when it came to Roisin, the daughters of their brother Walter. Roisin had finished her business apprenticeship at 23 and was now a shining star within the company. She won several high-profile contracts, proving she was much better at business than any of their own kids. As Roisin approached 25 years old and would be able to compete for family inheritance, her uncles constantly looked for ways to suppress Matthew Eisen’s view of her. One such plan involved marrying her off to anyone who would take her because once she was married she would not be in line to receive inheritance past her company dividends.

The oldest son, Shane Eisen turned to his father and said, “Father, it is time for us to find a suitable match for Roisin. Walter has been missing for these last 8 years, it now falls to us to find Roisin a suitable husband. John and I have a list of suitable men for her to marry. We can conduct final interviews within a few days if you approve.”

Shane Eisen handed his father a list with the names of some of the cities least desirable sons.

Matthew chuckled as he read the list. Several of the names were known to him because their deeds were so famous in town that everyone knew how reprehensible they were. These degenerates mostly had just enough decent family connections to be useful, yet the marriage to such useless men would completely ruin Roisin’s public image.

“Are you so ashamed of your own niece you would toss her away like this?” said Matthew.

Shane was stunned. Had he overstepped, or was the list just too blatant?

Quickly, he said “With her father missing for so many years, while she has made strides in the company, not many eligible men are looking for her as a daughter-in-law.”

Of course, this was a blatant lie, and Matthew knew it. Many men had come forward seeking Roisin’s hand. She was one of the city’s top beauties after all and many wanted her for her looks and were willing to ignore a lack of dowry. But so far, none of the wealthiest families had a son of age that had been able to capture Roisin. There were certainly better options than the ones on the list, even if her marriage would not lift the Eisen family to new heights.

“Well, for now, we need her to maintain certain projects, but I will consider your proposals. Do keep an eye out for a suitable match for her… the time may come soon where offering her hand in marriage might secure us needed contracts…,” said Matthew.

Shane breathed a sigh of relief. His father must agree with his plan, but he would need to be more subtle about it from now on.

On his way back to his office, Shane’s son, Jay Eisen, was wandering the hall, leering at the female secretaries.

“Jay, get over here! Quit harassing the staff.” Snared Shane Eisen.

“Jay, it's time for you to take a more active role in the company. If you are ever going to be able to maintain this business after grandpa is gone, you will need to be able to outshine your cousins. Both Emily and Roisin are strong parts of the company and have won several sizeable contracts each. How about you check on that project Emily has been heading. The construction site on the west side of town.”

“Aw come on dad, you know I am just messing around here,” said Jay plaintively.

Shane glared at his disappointment of a son. “I know, that is the problem. Don’t give your grandfather an excuse to pass you over for inheritance.”

Jay straightened up, realizing his future wealth might be in jeopardy. Without his pocket money, how would he be able to pick up girls for a night out on the town?

“Yes father, what do you need me to do?” said jay in lowered tones.

“Just at least act responsibly. Go drop by for a surprise inspection and make sure the workers know you are in charge. They need to see you as a power to be respected in the company. A male presence will reassure them the company is in good hands,” said Shane.