Chapter 73

**James POV**

*Thirteen years ago*

"What the hell have you done!", James said as he threw the newspaper on the desk of his father's office.

"Careful boy! Don't take that tone with me. Remember who sits on this chair", James's father said as he lovingly caressed the arms of the chair and glared at him.

"Not anymore", James said as he slammed his hands on the desk, making the lying pens slip past and fell on the ground.

"What are you talking about boy?", James's father scoffed at the tone his son is taking, not liking it a bit.

"Have you seen the news? Aon Airline's near bankruptcy is everywhere because of you. You have ruined the company with your negligence", James swept the contents on the desk forcefully in a perfunctory way with his left hand making them fall on the ground.

"It could be settled. No need to panic. We can bring more investors. We can fix this", James's father said as he stood jerkily from his chair to avoid the spill of the contents. Though he said the words, his tone suggests flippancy.

"To invest what? Do you know what you have left us with? Let me tell you, NOTHING. You and that wife of yours thought to use the company funds. Guess what? The well has finally dried up", James said clenching his fists, controlling the urge to jab his father on his chest with his forefinger accusingly.

"It can't be. If only we can bring some more investors everything will settle", his father repudiated James' allegations as sweat gathered on his temple finally sensing the severity of the situation. Surely, they couldn't have used all that money. James must be exaggerating. Losing the money his family took generations to the horde is not possible, is it?

"Investors...investors... Who is going to invest? Where will you bring them from? And what will they invest in? There is nothing left to invest. You have covered the entire north side in the name of investors. You don't get it, do you? You are neck-deep in trouble. And you are sinking Aon too with you", James said as he turned and punched the wall with his fist behind him harshly.

"How has it gone so far? I thought we had time", James's father wondered with unseen eyes his thoughts on his past. Where must he have gone wrong? He did all sorts of things to attract investors. He cajoled to them... became their puppet. Yet he is looking at a negative number in his account.

James's father never wondered about what he did with the money once they invested in it. He always set his eyes on the next big thing. Next big investor. If he had put a good accountant or tallied his money correctly, maybe he wouldn't be seeing this day.

But then, his new wife would have left no stone unturned to bring this day forth. In a sense, it was inevitable. James's father realized that fact lately, besotted with the bling and her simpering nature.

"Time? What are you going to do if you have more time? Take some more loans? Aon Airlines is at the precipice of lockdown. The loan sharks can come any day to knock on your door", James's angry retort brought his father back to focus with a slam.

This is no time to dwell on the could-have-been. He needs to make friends, not foes. He eyed his son pacing left and right. Maybe he couldn't do anything, but his son, he will do it. He just needs that push which James's father will gladly make it.

"What do we do James?" He asked James now with a worried expression

"We? So now you remember your son? When you are stuck in this bog?" James was not wet behind his ears. He can see the change in the demeanor of his father. The gravity of the situation must have finally sunk into his brain.

"Arguing doesn't change the situation boy. We need to find a solution for this", his father said as he looked down from the gap between the curtain drapes.

A mob has gathered around the front entrance with media recording the place. There are four cameramen with different news logos on them. His security is trying to keep them at bay.

If this situation is not restrained now, then he fears the tension will reach the employees. And then there will be a bigger mess on their hands.

"How easily you slip from me...mine...to us. You should have thought about this before", James did, mentally calculating his father's next step.

"So what if I haven't thought about it before? I'm asking you now. Join the company. Help me from this mess. Remember, it's your inheritance too. Your family name is on the line", his father said the things he is waiting to hear. Yes! Finally. But no, this is not that easy. He needs to abdicate his everything by his own will, not just this. So, James carefully laid the trap.

"Why must I have to be the one to fix it? I can easily dust my hands and go on my way", he said standing in a wide stance.

"No!! I won't believe you. Even if... even if I may not have been a perfect father, you are an ideal son. It's not in you to leave me to my devices in a time of need", his father swiftly turned his eyes from the mob and laid on him almost panicking.

"Don't speak to me as if you know me! You know nothing about me", James slammed his hand on the desk hard enough to leave a bruise. His plan to be calm and composed was forgotten.
"Very well, I won't. But you have to help me", his father said, accepting his wishes.

"Have to...have to.... are you checking your tone of demands? I don't have to do anything for you", James sneered at his father, displaying what he thought of his orders.

"Yes...yes...but you will. If not for me, think about Agatha", his father blurted out, panicked for himself. Yes, James will do anything for Agatha.