Chapter 248 Transformation Plan
Kellan's words hit Maddox hard, making him nod along, totally impressed by his dad's foresight and wisdom.
"We can't stick to the old ways, Maddox. Going legit is the only way forward. Otherwise, we're done for, and fast," Kellan said, his voice steady and firm. "Do you know why I kept you out of our business and pushed you to get an education all those years?"
Maddox thought for a second. "You wanted me to have a normal life."
"Control what you can, leave the rest to fate," Kellan said, sounding a bit sad. "Luckily, things worked out. Ten years ago, I started changing The Crimson Shadows. Now, it's more like a corporation, like the Titan Group. We've got loan companies, entertainment spots, even bathhouses. But these businesses are in a legal grey area, and that's risky. The biggest threat isn't the businesses themselves, but some of our so-called allies! They're stuck in the past, relying on violence and intimidation. I've given them chance after chance to change, but they won't. Our transformation needs a clean break. We have to leave them behind."
"But what about Finnian?" Maddox asked, looking worried.
"Don't worry about him," Kellan assured him. "I know he's been cozying up to those old contacts, trying to take your spot. But those days are over. Money talks now, not muscle."
Kellan had five kids in total. His firstborn, Ellis Kensington, should've been the eldest. But Ellis died in a conflict years ago. Kellan, feeling grief, kept this tragedy a secret. He promoted his second son, Grayson, to the position of the eldest.
So, the Kensington family now had four children: Grayson, the eldest; Finnian, the second; their girl, Calista; and finally, Maddox, the youngest. Maddox was born late in Kellan's life, after his first wife passed away, leaving him heartbroken and bedridden. During this time, he met a beautiful young nurse, barely twenty, who became his second wife and Maddox's mom. Kellan was already in his sixties when Maddox was born.
Grayson, not very ambitious, had a successful renovation company. Happy with his wealth, he lived a comfy life, juggling multiple families and lots of kids.
Calista, now a powerhouse businesswoman, was the president of a publicly listed company. Married to a high-ranking official in a state-owned enterprise, she enjoyed a life of privilege and wanted to distance herself from the family's shady past. She had no interest in challenging Maddox for control.
Maddox, a brainy intellectual, was married to the daughter of a prestigious university president. They had a daughter, Lily, who stayed pretty much out of the family's shady business. Lily had a normal upbringing and education, and after graduation, she joined the Twin Group, a reputable corporation. Now, she worked as an assistant to Skyview, the chairman of the Twin Group.
Only Finnian, influenced from a young age by some of The Crimson Shadows' old guard, was still obsessed with power. He couldn't accept that Maddox, much younger, was the rightful heir to Kellan's empire. Now, he was rallying a group of disgruntled veterans, all unhappy with Maddox's leadership, aiming to take over.
"He's still my brother," Maddox said, his voice heavy with conflict.
"I get it," Kellan said, his gaze steady. "If Finnian sees reason, then great. If not, I'll make him understand."
Kellan's words brought some relief to Maddox. "Honestly, I've always wanted to legitimize our operations. The government's cracking down on organized crime, and a lot of our ventures aren't viable anymore. But the transition is tough."
"That's why we need guidance from the corporate world," Kellan said, a knowing glint in his eye. "And I already have someone in mind. You focus on getting rid of those sketchy businesses. There's one in particular you need to offload right away."
"Which one?" Maddox asked, curious.
"The online loans," Kellan said firmly. "A few years back, some high-ranking officials pushed for financial innovation, using loans to boost the economy. Now, those loans are a liability. It's best to cut ties now, even if it's a moneymaker. You haven't crossed the line into causing irreparable harm yet. That's great."
"I've been meaning to get out of the loan business anyway," Maddox admitted. "I plan to sell off the whole portfolio, then the entertainment venues. They're not causing major problems, but they're not worth the hassle. I'm actively looking for new investment opportunities, legit ventures with potential, but it takes time."
"Don't wait," Kellan urged. "Time waits for no one."
Just then, a sharp knock sounded at the door. "Kellan, it's Hayden," a voice called from the other side.
Hayden Pembroke had been Kellan's trusted confidant since childhood and now served as Maddox's assistant, the second-in-command of the Kensington family.
Hayden knew the importance of discretion. Interrupting a private conversation between Kellan and Maddox meant the matter was urgent.
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