Faux Vows, True Desires

"Maybe Grandpa should come back and take over the company?" Eric suggested, half-jokingly.

"What? No way!" Campbell responded immediately, echoing Eric's concern. "Grandpa's retired and enjoying his golden years. We can't drag him back into this mess. That would be downright disrespectful."

"Alright, you two need to head back home, sit down with your dad, and see if he's up for a temporary comeback," their mother chimed in, trying to find a solution to the leadership crisis in their family business.

Eric and Campbell exchanged a look of mutual understanding. They knew too well that returning home meant facing the relentless matchmaking attempts of their parents. To suggest that their father return to the company's helm would undoubtedly come with strings attached – likely in the form of an ultimatum to settle down with a wife.

Freedom was far too precious to give up.

With a silent nod, Eric spoke up, "Big bro, Campbell and I will follow your lead on this. But we insist on bringing the rest of the gang into the mix. Everyone except the youngest - they all need to take their turn."

"Even if they're green behind the ears, it's exactly why they need to step up and get some real experience," Campbell added.

So it was settled; from the third sibling onwards, each would take a day in the office, rotating through the week. This way, each month, everyone would only need to clock in a few days of work.

Stefan couldn't help but chuckle at their plan.

Just then, the intercom buzzed.

"Let me get that for you, big bro," Eric said, eager to help.

nodded, allowing Eric

to see you. He's already in the

slightly. Owen was back from his business trip already? And

relationship

does Owen want with you?" Eric asked

Stefan replied, not

heels of your sister-in-law's best friend. Our family and the Martinez clan might just become in-laws before you

a sense. Haven't our families been intertwined since Grandpa's days?" Stefan remarked, the sarcasm not lost

of competitive banter was their own

discuss a personal matter, burst into Stefan's office without waiting for an invitation. Upon seeing Eric and Campbell there, he hesitated,

word. With a resigned sigh, Owen approached, "What are you three brothers plotting?" "We're

hands on is the Pinehurst Hotel," Eric chimed in, his eyes lighting up with ambition. As the one

Owen looked exasperated.

need to talk to you about something urgent.

urgent can it be? Is the sky falling?" teased Eric, sensing a juicy

Owen said tersely, his face a mask

been seeking advice from my big bro on how to

show up, we