OLD FLAMES

Chapter 27: A Younger Son and Second Heir

ALAN

Before long, I ceased to be Alan the Banker. My resignation surprised many of my higher-ups who had witnessed my unwavering dedication to my job. Preferring not to divulge my personal life, I simply mentioned my intention to work for my family in the future.

Another chapter of my life had concluded.

We escorted Nick, Boston, and Iris to the airport with Mew and Cheum, promising that we'd visit them once my new work had settled down.

I officially moved in with Ray, agreeing that I'd cover all future bills since he had already purchased the place, and I no longer needed to contribute to rent. Reluctantly, Ray accepted my proposition, understanding it was either that or not living together.

Unexpectedly, Mew requested to rent my condo. He expressed a desire to stay there indefinitely and wanted a permanent place to return to, even amidst his travels. I readily agreed, which at least resolved the mortgage issue. Privately, Ray and I suspected that he and Top had begun seeing each other, and given the unresolved situation between Top and me, he probably wanted to offer his support.

Two weeks ago, the adoption was finalized. I didn't even encounter Top's mother; the papers I signed were already endorsed when my father handed them over.

One week ago, my father introduced me to the board of directors, effectively transferring an equivalent to Top's share of 10% to me, making me an official stockholder in Suwannarat Group.

A few days later, pictures taken on that day with my delighted father, stern-looking stepmother, and an impassive Top found their way into financial news and society pages, introducing me as Alan Anantachai Lertwongsa-Suwannarat, the younger son and second heir to the conglomerate. The Group's PR Team spun an incredibly elaborate story that Ray and I found so absurdly amusing.

My serene life suddenly encountered a flurry of surprise and confirming messages from ex-colleagues, acquaintances, past clients, and even Wen, who had heard the news from his father. After I informed Wen of Ray and I'd reconciliation he asked to talk to Ray, from whom he extracted a promise of a visit soon, mentioning that Jim would prepare his best chicken dish. Some old college acquaintances reached out upon seeing the picture, realizing I was no longer Sand and thus had been absent from previous gatherings. Being a conglomerate heir seemingly altered people's perceptions of me, revealing connections I didn't know existed.

I revisited Mama Ara and took her to an early dinner before her shift at the go-go bar started. I reintroduced her to Ray, whom she affectionately hugged, telling him of course he remembers the most good looking, rich boy Sand had bought to the club back then. I inquired about her living situation, and she mentioned she had begun staying in the room upstairs, where my mother used to reside, to save on rent. I promised to renovate everything in the room and insisted that she stay with us during the renovation. I felt that my Mae would have wanted her best friend to live comfortably, something I could now provide.

While outwardly things seemed smooth, internally, it was different. The two family dinners we had since the first one had been tense, with only my father maintaining conversation with his myriad questions about the company, investments, and financial matters. My stepmother's gaze remained sharp, I'd be bleeding or dead by now if they could cut. Top remained cold towards me but surprisingly warm and natural with Ray, who reluctantly accompanied me to those dinners, citing concerns for my safety that surpassed his own need for self-preservation.

Today marked my first day working in my father's company. As anticipated, the reception mirrored my personal life: overtly welcoming on the surface but harboring covert disdain underneath. I was shown to a newly decorated office, larger than the one at the bank, boasting a breathtaking city view through large glass windows. My assigned assistant, a young woman in her mid-twenties, had been with the company for just a year. The files waiting on the table already seemed exhausting, and it was only my first day. Shrugging off my coat, I delved into the work, attempting to absorb as much information as possible. During lunch, my father dropped by to check on my progress, and despite my desire to continue working, I obliged his invitation to lunch together.