At the family home, Ryan walks out of his father’s room. A contented look on his face; there has been a slight improvement on his father’s health since the last time he saw him. He walks into the living room and meets his elder brother Reagan.
Ryan: Hello brother.
Reagan: Ryan is here! I see you care about father. I was starting to think the company was becoming more valuable than father since you spend so much time on it.
Ryan: Yes, I am here to see how father is fairing. Then I will get back to the ‘company’ you work so hard to destroy. (Ryan felt anger rise within him. Staring across the room at his elder brother; he who is supposed to head the family is now tearing it down to pieces. He tried hard to remain calm)
Reagan: Destroy? The good son ran away to Britain when the family business needed him. Where were you?
Ryan: I never ran and you know it. My decision to further my studies was for the good of the company. The skills I acquired in Britain are now beneficial to the company.
Reagan: We did not need you then and we do not need you now!
Ryan: That is not what it looks like. (Raising his voice) Ever since your ‘loyal self’ remained behind to manage the Human Resource department the company has done nothing but go down. How do you explain that?
Reagan: Times have been tough. I did my best, and you come back here and father hands you everything I have worked for; the perfect son.
Ryan: You are still jealous, after all these years? Reagan, this is not a competition, it has ever been. Why do you hate me so much? Why can’t we act like brothers and help the family rise from its problems?
Reagan: Brothers? You have always been the good one; so bright, polite, focused, and full of ambition. Dad sees me as trouble. Even after all, I have done for the company; you are still the better son. He takes all my efforts and hands them to you. I’m not his son and am not your brother! I will be the evil guy you all want me to be.
Ryan: Is that why you have been sabotaging the company? Do you want to prove a point?
Reagan: (Taken aback by the attack) What? I do not know what you are talking about.
Ryan: Oh drop the act! I have looked into the; threats to prospective buyers, rumors about the company and its products, and the withdrawal of 2 key customers last month- they all trace back to you Reagan.
Reagan: You cannot prove that.
Ryan: I do not have to prove anything. You can do what you want; I will stop you. Look at the company, thriving despite your efforts. It is a losing battle Reagan. If I were you, I would rethink my actions and figure out, what is more, beneficial; boosting your ego or family unity.
Reagan: Father will give me what is rightfully mine and you will not stop me. Do you think you are smarter than I am little brother?
Ryan: Goodbye Reagan.
Ryan walks out leaving the fuming Reagan in the middle of the living room, fists clenched. For a moment, sorrow fills his heart. It would be a tragedy if his father died knowing his sons were still in conflict. Suddenly, a sharp scream comes from the house; his father’s nurse. Ryan knows it; his father has died. The inevitable has happened- nothing is going to change now.
