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002: The Former CEO's Retirement Party 2

A few hours earlier at the retirement party.

The photographer beckoned for the Stone's attention, indicating that it was time for them to assemble for the much anticipated family photos. Harry gave a wave to his younger brother Tony, who stood a short distance away with his wife and kids. Tony quickly caught Harry's signal and joined them.

Amidst this, Harry leaned in close to his dad's ear from behind and whispered his congratulations, "Congratulations, Dad. You deserve this."

His dad responded with a smile, "Well, it's been quite the journey for me at Wexa. Thirty years as the CEO is no joke. After taking over from my old man, it's come to the end of the road for me. Now, the responsibility shifts to you."

Tony, Harry's brother, playfully chimed in and gave Harry a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Is it time for the photos?"

With a playful expression, Harry replied, "Duh, why do you think the cameraman is standing right in front of us?"

Tony responded in kind, "Well, can't say. Could be one of those paparazzi." he continued, "Does anyone know where Mom is? I haven't seen her since I got here. I've been trying to reach her, but her phone keeps going to voicemail."

Harry reassured him, "She's probably on her way."

Tony then waved to his wife and kids, who eagerly made their way over.

"Grandpa! Grandpa!" the kids exclaimed happily upon seeing their granddad.

Their grandfather, Harry's dad, greeted them with a smile, "Hey!" and exchanged warm hugs with them.

Tony then received a peck on the cheek from his wife, who had come along with the kids, and they were all set for the family photos as they took their positions.

The cameraman asked, "Is everyone ready? Say cheese."

Before the photographer could capture the moment, a distant scream caught their attention, "Wait for me!" It was Isabella, Harry's father's girlfriend, running to join the family photo. With a slight frown, Harry couldn't help but whisper to himself, "You're not family," as he had never really liked her.

The cameraman then asked again, saying, "Okay, I hope everyone's here now?" and then continued, "Okay, say cheese."

And with that, the photographer captured the family photo.

Moments later, Harry found himself seated alone in the study, lost in his thoughts, his dad then walked in.

His dad began with a serious look on his face, "Son, there's something I've been wanting to discuss with you."

Sensing the gravity of the conversation, Harry prepared for what was to come.

His dad continued, "What are your plans regarding marriage? Have you found someone special?" his father inquired. Harry's father had always been keen on having heirs, and Harry, with no children yet, knew where this conversation was heading.

Harry paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words before responding, "Yes, Dad, and I'm considering taking a big step soon. I've even acquired an engagement ring."

A look of surprise crossed his father's face, tinged with excitement. His dad exclaimed, "Really? That's my boy!" Then, with a warm hug, he added, "I'm proud of you, son."

Continuing with a smile, his father said, "This calls for a celebration. I was starting to worry, and I had even begun to think maybe your brother would be more suited for the CEO position."

His father's words sent a jolt of panic through him. Because his brother had kids and had always wanted the role of CEO, and now he had lied to his father, claiming an engagement plan that didn't exist.

Harry quickly responded, "I'd prefer to keep it low key for now, Dad. I'm not ready to make it public yet."

Understanding his wish for discretion, his father agreed, "Of course, you mean the engagement. That's perfectly fine. But I'd love to meet the lucky girl."

Harry assured him, "Alright, Dad, I'll see if I can arrange that."

With a content smile, his father left the study, leaving Harry alone with his racing thoughts. Harry knew that if he wanted to maintain his position as the acting CEO and potentially secure the CEO role, he had to act swiftly.

Deep in his thoughts, he chose to leave the study for a walk, a practice that often helped him think more clearly. But just as he was about to leave the building, he accidentally collided with two ladies, one of whom was clearly intoxicated. The impact left the drunken lady sprawled on the floor.

The other lady, with a knowing look on her face, quickly apologized to Harry, "We're so sorry, sir."

Harry could tell from her expression that she recognized him. He replied, "It's all right. Is your friend okay? It looks like she passed out."

Another lady then joined the conversation. Her high concern made it clear to Harry that they were all friends. With his assistance, the two ladies quickly carried their unconscious friend into one of the rooms in the house. He watched as they laid her on the bed. From their discussion, he gathered that the drunk girl had been involved in a drinking dare, which had led to her current state. One of the girls turned to the other and said, "Selena, I think we should get her a doctor," with the other nodding in agreement.

Harry then offered a suggestion, "I think that would be the best course of action, but please get her a glass of water first."

Upon hearing his suggestion, they rushed out to fetch a glass of water for their friend. Suddenly, Harry felt movement from the bed and turned to see the drunk lady slowly regaining consciousness. It took her a moment to form her words as she gazed at him and asked, "Are you an angel?"

He responded with a smile, "I'm not," introducing himself as Harry. At that moment, the other two ladies returned to the room, one of them holding a cup of water. Their emotions ranged from relief to worry and happiness as they gathered around their drunk friend in bed, inquiring about how she was feeling and offering her the glass of water.

With that, Harry quietly made his way out of the room, his mind racing with thoughts. A lady who could act so recklessly, drinking an entire bottle of wine by herself, might just be the perfect pawn for him. She could serve as a cover for his fabricated engagement until he found a girl who met his standards, someone he could genuinely love and cherish.

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