ROWON's fall

Chris leaned back into the seat of the private plane as it taxied steadily toward Buenos Aires. The engines' thrum filled the cabin, but his mind was elsewhere, calculating the danger and profit of the deal to come. Across from him, Ryan scrolled through his tablet, collecting the final data bits before they sat down with TWIGRI.

You look tense," Ryan observed, his keen blue eyes picking up Chris's look.

Chris let out a breath and massaged his temples. "I have a lot invested in this deal.

Ryan smirked. "That's an understatement. But you're not walking into this blind." He tapped on his screen and turned it toward Chris. "TWIGRI is a powerhouse. They started as a family-run agricultural firm but expanded aggressively over the past three decades. They now control major distribution channels across North America, Europe, and Asia."

Chris scanned the details. "And they're looking to establish a foothold in our market."

"Right on." Ryan nodded. "They've been looking to grow for years but never had the proper local partner. That's where we come in. If we do this smartly, we not only lock down our supply chain—we take over the market."

Chris smiled at him, a wide smile spreading across his face. "You make it sound so easy."

Ryan uncoiled, crossing his legs. "Well, it isn't. TWIGRI's CEO, Alejandro Ortega, is notorious for being tough in negotiations. He won't approve something unless he thinks it's going to be better for them than for us."

Chris grinned. "I've negotiated with worse."

Ryan chuckled. "That's why I respect you—always so confident." For a moment, his eyes softened, focusing on Chris's face. "But confidence doesn't mean you don't require assistance."

Chris picked up on the change in Ryan's tone. The usual acuteness of his attitude softened to a personal one. Low light within the cabin highlighted his features—strong jawline, sharp eyes, and an air of grace in the way he moved.

Chris held his gaze firm. "I know. That's why I brought you."

Ryan's lips twisted into a sneer. "Oh? I thought you brought me for my abilities, not my good company."

Chris chuckled. "Maybe a little of both."

Ryan leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "You should let yourself catch your breath, Chris. You're carrying the burden of it all on your shoulders. Even warriors need a moment of peace.".

Chris wasn't sure if it was the adrenaline, the stress, or the fact that Ryan always managed to penetrate his walls, but for the first time in a while, he unwound—if only briefly.

________________________________________

Back at ROWON Enterprises, Eric sat in his own private office with four of the firm's primary shareholders. Tension hung heavy in the air as he folded his hands on his desk and looked at the men before him.

"Gentlemen," Eric began, his voice smooth. "It's time we talk about the elephant in the room—Chris's inability to lead."

One of the shareholders, Mr. Lancaster, frowned. "He's only been CEO for a short time. The company's current issues weren't caused by him but inherited from the previous leadership."

Eric's smile didn't waver. "And yet, the company has been spiraling under his command. We've lost revenue, suppliers are abandoning us, and investor confidence is at an all-time low."

Mr. Howard, one of the owners, nodded his head. "We can't ignore the numbers. If things continue on this course, ROWON Enterprises won't be saved."

Eric leaned back. "That's why I believe a no confidence vote is warranted. Chris is too young, too inexperienced. What we need is strong, experienced leadership—someone who knows the business from the top down."

One of the men snorted. "You mean you?"

Eric flung out his hands in a show of humility. "If the board would have me do it, I'd accept the job."

Mr. Lancaster remained skeptical. "Even if we are to consider this, there has to be a majority vote. Chris still has followers."

Eric's smirk increased. "Not for long. By the time he returns, this firm will already be under new management."

________________________________________

At the same time, Mark occupied the head of the conference table during the senior executives' meeting. The mood was strained, each face showing worry about the financial crisis in the company.

Sophie, now the director of finance, wasted no time getting to the point. "Internal leakage is our worst issue now. Eric's been siphoning funds through third-party distributors, and if we don't act immediately, we won't have enough money to sustain operational stability."

Mark nodded. "So we plug the money holes. How extensive is the rot?

Sophie summoned reports on the screen. "Too deep. He's using shell companies to manage supply costs, transferring money through offshore accounts. We must tighten controls and divert financial supervision."

Emily, who had remained silent until then, spoke up. "If we start locking down accounts and moving financial structures, Eric will catch on immediately."

Mark let out a breath. "So we have to play it clever. We do it in phases—tighten budget policies under the guise of cost-cutting. If we frame it in the context of unavoidable restructuring and not as a specific countermove, Eric won't be able to move fast enough."

Leo smiled cynically. "In effect, outmaneuver the snake at his own game?

Mark's expression hardened. "Right. Chris is fulfilling his role to secure the future of the company. Now it's up to us to make sure he has something to come back to."

Sophie shoved her glasses up. "Then let's get on with it. We don't have much time."

________________________________________

On the charter plane, Ryan and Chris sat in silence for a minute, the tension between them heavy. Ryan's hand rested on the armrest, his fingers inches from Chris's. There was a silent understanding—neither had to say anything.

Chris spoke up. "When we arrive, we need to be prepared for anything. If TWIGRI gets tough, we don't fold.".

Ryan smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything else from you." He paused before continuing, "Just… take care, Chris. Not only in business, but in all things."

Chris looked at him, seeking his face. There was something more in Ryan's words—concern, perhaps even something more.

For the first time in a long time, Chris permitted himself a small moment of weakness. "You too."

The jet continued toward Buenos Aires, carrying them toward an uncertain future—one that could either save ROWON Enterprises or seal its fate.

END OF CHAPTER 5