Hollywood Zenith

What he wanted most was to get away from this place. He never wanted to face any of these people who publicly humiliated him. He felt no sense of fighting back his 'destiny', he just wanted to crawl back in a hole burying himself for eternity. He walked toward the exit, like a defeated man. It would take a long time for him to regain his former self.

Delphina began to worry, she had never seen her older brother like this. They might have a rivalry and he would often bully her but he never physically harmed her. He would resort to undermining her business to prop himself up in front their father. She knew it was his desperate way to catch his attention.

His lust and addiction was just a symptoms of a much larger issue in his life. Despite everything she went through, she never thought about hurting him.

Before she could follow him, Samuel stopped her shaking his head telling her it was not a good idea.

Don't worry. He wouldn't do anything hasty my people will make sure of it." Samuel whispered but Bernard and Alexis who were closest heard him.

" I think it's a good thing for him. He was not a suitable heir, I will find a good position for him where he wouldn't bother your work. For now, leave it to me." Bernard glanced at both and said with a solemn tone.

" Father, I never wanted things to turn out this way. I thought you..." Delphina felt guilty thinking it was her fault. Samuel did assist her woth preparation but when and where was all in her hands. She could have delivered the news about their majority before the event but she wanted to inflict maximum damage to the ones she thought, had crossed her.

But what did it got her? After her mother's departure from this world, she only had two family members, Her father and brother. She might have thought about revenge these past few years but after learning the truth she didn't feel satisfied at all.

She really wanted things to turn out differently where three of them could be happy together, just like when she was a kid. Before she entered the work force, her older brother was always kind to her. His change was sudden right after their mother's death. Ot might be because he still had some unresolved issues probably feeling abandoned.

" It's a necessary step. You can tell Samuel had been through it right?" Bernard added.

" No, I think I am lucky to have a family eho support each other. It's pretty evident when you see how my grandfather and granduncle interact."

" Ah, Kenneth. I remember it vividly. Everyone thought Donald would take over the family business but he was more academically inclined. From what I know, he practically forced his younger brother to take the seat. If not for Margaret's support, it would hard to rally all the allies."

" That's accurate. From my own account I can tell you their stubborn genes run into the whole family. From my uncle George to Uncle Peter they care more about their passion than running the family business. It's thensole reason why my father took up my grandfather's seat as the head of the family.

The only one sane in that side of the family is grandaunt Patricia." He chuckled recalling his family's heritage.

Delphina was confused getting bombarded with so much new information. She had heard about the names of all the Rothschilds but never knew about their backgrounds.

The situation was quite similar to hers but unlike her, they remained civil and did as their heart's desire. With no greed for power each went a different route excelling in their respective fields.

" Rothschild family's case is an exception not the rule. The rule dictates survival of the fittest." Samuel paused for a second gathering everyone's attention. He wanted to make her understand it was not her fault her beother turned out like this. She could be remorseful but never blame herself for his downfall, it would be counter-productive.

" You father was aware of the growing chasm between you two. Therefore, he cultivated Alan hoping he would come back to his senses at the same time it would bridge the gap between you two. Alan would be a stand in for your father as he was personally teaching him. In the end you have to face him and defeat him to come out on top. It also acted as a accelerant for your personal growth.

You kept working hard which was exactly what he wanted in his successor. It's not that uncommon in upper echelons." Samuel was very much in favour of Bernard's approach.

He might have produced two excellent successors but sadly Alan strayed too much while Delphina kept growing. If Delphina had not stopped his speech he was sure Bernard would have announced her name as his heir!

" Father, don't you think it's too cruel?" Delphina asked still not sure about his actions. It showed he didn't have much affection for either of them only using them as a tool to accomplish what's was best for the business.

" It might be but I don't regret my actions. Being a leader is not easy, the weak always crumble under pressure which would have sank the whole Group. That would be unacceptable!" His words left her speechless.

Not only her but most on the scene couldn't accept his cold hearted approach but some nodded along support his decision. As he said it's not easy being a leader, one had to make tough decisions.

" Still, it was a surprise you saw through me. Remind me to never underestimate you ever again." He laughed but his eyes were a little gloomy. The victory came at a price, the price of being ousted from his own position.

" You don't have to feel bad about it. I have known Delphina for few months at this point. She would do an excellent job in securing the company's future. As a shareholder she could also request my or Miss Alexis's help." He could see the sadness in old man's eyes. Discover stories with empire

He should be like this, what man likes to let go of his control especially when he had been at the helm for quarter of an century!

" Should we announce the result then?" The lawyer and staff of supervisory commissions were eager to make the announcement. They happy to be a part of this piece of country's history!