Chapter 28: The three Finalists

The atmosphere in the Innovation family mansion was electric, the air buzzing with anticipation as the room full of relatives, associates, and the seven candidates waited for the announcement of the top three finalists. The selection was the culmination of intense competition and ruthless ambition, each candidate striving to prove themselves worthy of leading the most powerful family in the world. The hall, adorned with priceless gems and opulent furnishings, was a testament to the family's immense wealth and influence.

Manuel Innovation, the current family head, stood at the podium, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. As he prepared to announce the results, the candidates stood in a line, their expressions ranging from nervous anticipation to steely determination.

Marcelino stood tall among them; his confidence unshaken by the challenges he had faced. He knew the stakes were high, but he had worked tirelessly to secure his place among the finalists. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one focused on the goal that lay ahead.

"Before I announce the top three finalists," Manuel began, his voice resonating through the hall, "I want to commend each of you for your dedication and achievements. You have proven yourselves to be exceptional members of the Innovation family."

The crowd fell silent, every eye fixed on the podium as Manuel prepared to call out the names of the successful candidates.
"First," he continued, "let us recognize Jack."

Jack stepped forward, a small, triumphant smile playing on his lips. He had navigated the challenges with his dual personality, using his genius in hacking to complete his mission. Jack had hacked the American satellite systems, gained valuable intelligence and secured his place in the finals. The room erupted in applause as Jack was announced, his score revealed as 87 out of 100, with six elders voting in his favor.
Jack's eyes sparkled with delight as he glanced at Marcelino, a mixture of admiration and desire in his gaze. In his mind, he couldn't help but imagine the night they would share, fulfilling a promise that had kept him motivated throughout the competition.

Marcelino acknowledged Jack with a nod, though his thoughts were elsewhere. His focus was on the next announcement, the name that would determine his future.
"Next," Manuel announced, "Marielle."

Marielle, a formidable figure known for her expertise in pharmaceuticals, stepped forward to the podium. She had successfully dismantled a global drug syndicate, earning billions for the Innovation family in the process. Her achievement had secured her a score of 89 out of 100, with seven elders backing her candidacy. The applause was deafening as Marielle took her place among the finalists.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Manuel paused, letting the anticipation build, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Marcelino.
"And last, but certainly not least," he said, his voice tinged with pride, "the top candidate, with an unprecedented score, is John Innovation."

The room fell silent, the weight of the announcement hanging in the air. Then, as if a dam had burst, the crowd erupted into applause, the sound echoing off the walls of the grand hall. Marcelino had done it. He had secured his place at the top, outscoring his competitors and gaining the support of 11 elders, with a near-perfect score of 98 out of 100.

Marcelino stepped forward, his heart pounding with a mixture of relief and triumph. He had eliminated the top ten richest businessmen in the country, including Arthur Reyes, securing over 220 billion dollars for the family. His mission, though ruthless, had been executed with precision and skill.

As he stood at the podium, soaking in the adulation, he noticed Kokok, his cousin, glaring at him from the sidelines. Kokok, a candidate with less impressive accomplishments, was fuming with resentment.
Kokok stepped forward, his voice loud and accusatory, cutting through the applause.

"This is a farce!" he shouted; his face flushed with anger. "Marcelino must have cheated to achieve those results. It's impossible for him to have completed such a difficult mission without deception."
The room fell silent again, the tension palpable as Kokok's words hung in the air. The elders exchanged glances, some looking skeptical, while others remained steadfast in their decision.
Marcelino turned to face his cousin, his expression calm but firm. "I achieved what I did through hard work and strategy, Kokok. If you doubt my capabilities, perhaps it's because you don't understand the meaning of true dedication."

Kokok's face twisted in a sneer, his eyes blazing with jealousy. "You're just a manipulator, hiding behind a facade. You don't deserve to be in the top three."
Marcelino met his cousin's gaze with unwavering confidence. "The results speak for themselves. If you can't accept that, it's your problem, not mine."

The tension in the room was thick, the air charged with the clash of ambition and rivalry. The crowd watched intently, the drama unfolding before them like a scene from a grand play.

Manuel Innovation stepped forward, his presence a calming force in the midst of the turmoil. "The decision of the elders is final," he said, his voice carrying the authority of his position. "John has proven himself worthy, and he will advance to the final phase of the competition."

Kokok opened his mouth to protest, but Manuel silenced him with a stern look. "Let this be a lesson to all of you," he continued, addressing the candidates. "In this family, only the strongest and most capable will rise to the top. If you wish to lead, you must prove yourselves beyond doubt."

As the gathering began to settle, a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. The other candidates, who had remained silent during Kokok's outburst, now stepped forward, their expressions a mix of determination and frustration.

Marielle, standing tall with her shoulders squared, addressed the room. "While I accept the results, I must express my concern. We have all worked tirelessly, sacrificing everything to achieve our goals. The stakes were high, and each of us deserves recognition for our efforts."

Jack nodded; his eyes still fixed on Marcelino. "It's true. The missions we undertook were not easy, and each of us gave our best. To be dismissed without acknowledgment feels unjust."

Kudo, his chubby face set in a frown, spoke up next. "I agree. We've all faced challenges and taken risks. It's disheartening to see our hard work overshadowed by accusations and doubt."

Normilita, her voice steady but filled with emotion, added, "We all want the best for the Innovation family. Our loyalty is unwavering, but we also deserve transparency and fairness in this process."

Nicolas, with his muscular build and calm demeanor, nodded in agreement. "Competition is fierce, and emotions run high. But the integrity of our family must remain intact."

Their words hung in the air, the tension escalating as they voiced their grievances. The room was a cauldron of emotion, the stakes of the competition laid bare for all to see.

Manuel Innovation listened intently; his expression thoughtful as he considered their words. He understood the weight of their concerns, the balance of power and responsibility that came with leading the family.
Addressing the room, he spoke with authority and empathy. "I hear your concerns, and I appreciate your dedication. The Innovation family thrives on the strength and unity of its members. We will take your feedback into account as we move forward. Let us continue to strive for greatness, together."

With those words, the gathering began to disperse, the tension easing as the candidates accepted the decision. But the fire of ambition burned brightly within each of them, their resolve stronger than ever.
As Marcelino made his way through the crowd, he couldn't shake the feeling that the competition was far from over. The journey to the top was fraught with challenges, and he would need every ounce of his cunning and determination to succeed.

The Innovation family was a powerful force, but it was also a crucible, testing the mettle of those who sought to lead. For Marcelino, the stakes had never been higher, and the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty.

Yet as he walked away from the podium, he knew one thing for certain: he would do whatever it took to claim his place at the top and secure his legacy within the Innovation family. The journey had only just begun.