When Dream Meets Duty

Mr. Simon's POV

The sun beamed brightly on a Wednesday morning, casting long golden streaks across the entrance of Simon Media Company. The building stood proud, but beneath its shining glass exterior, rot was setting in. I could feel it in my bones.

I'd been requested to attend a high-level review session-unusual, since I retired four years ago. I had passed the CEO mantle to my most trusted deputy but remained Chairman of the Board. Simon Media, my name, my empire, still bore the weight of my legacy.

As I walked through the familiar halls, every staff member nodded with respect. They still looked up to me. I wished I could return the confidence in kind.

My office remained untouched, the same dark oak desk, the same deep leather chair. On the walls hung my proudest achievements: awards, photos with presidents, cultural icons, and world leaders. A shrine to a life built on truth.

This was the company of my youth, and I'd retired from it four years ago. I handed over CEO duties to my most trusted associate, then my deputy. Now, I maintained the position of Chairman of the Board.

Meanwhile, I sat in my favorite seat, going through financial reports and other documents provided by the secretary.

Then came the cold slap of reality.

Financial reports were spread across my desk like a battlefield of numbers bleeding red. Operating costs were through the roof. Ad revenue had plunged. Our digital transformation was stagnant. The verdict was clear: Simon Media was hemorrhaging-and fast.

I paced the office, the financial advisor's voice haunting me like a verdict.

"Sir, cash flow is in critical condition. We might miss payroll next month. We're doing everything we can to fix it."

"What strategies have you tried?" I asked, my voice tight.

"We rebranded to reach younger audiences, explored new content formats, hosted events, chased sponsors. We even sought investors. But nothing stuck."

I stopped at the floor-to-ceiling window, my eyes on the towering billboard outside. SIMON MEDIA COMPANY glared back at me like a ghost of its former self.

"How did it come to this?" I whispered.

This company wasn't just a job-it was my life's work. The weight of the 500 employees who depended on us pressed heavily on my shoulders.

I scoured my mind for lifelines-the most influential people in my network who might help navigate this crisis. I thought of Raymond, a seasoned media expert with a knack for turning around struggling outlets. There was Winifred, a well-connected investor with a passion for independent journalism. Then there was him-a wealthy career politician who had helped numerous companies weather their storms. The most powerful man in the city, with connections far and beyond. The man who could open doors others didn't even know existed.

I dialed his number.

"Mayor Philips speaking."

"Mayor, it's Mr. Simon. I... need your help."

"My old friend! What's going on?"

"My company is dying. It's on the verge of shutting down due to bankruptcy. I'm desperate."

A pause. Then his voice returned, smooth as silk.

"Alright, Mr. Simon. I would help you. I'm offering fifteen million dollars-this will help you clear the debts, pay the employees, and provide enough capital to strategize a better plan. The Simon Media Company has always been respected and held as a highly esteemed organization. It's a shame for it to disappear in the dark."

I nearly dropped the phone. "Fifteen million? Why? Where are you getting this much to give me, especially when it's not charity?" I asked in disbelief.

"Nothing to worry about, Mr. Simon. I've several connections, and you're aware. I just need to make a few calls, and the money will be available." Mayor Philips said. "This isn't charity. It's a mutually beneficial offer."

The pit in my stomach widened. "What's your real interest?"

He paused. Then, casually:

"Your daughter. Sarah. She's a remarkable young woman. My son needs someone like her."

He continued, "Andrew is searching for a wife. We both know it's been a year since his divorce, which messed up his reputation. I want a good girl like Sarah-your daughter-to fill that vacuum in my son's life and help rebuild him. My son needs a stable wife."

I reeled. "Are you... proposing a marriage exchange for the money?"

"Think of it as securing both legacies. Your daughter will live well. You'll save your empire. It's not a threat-it's business."

"You disgust me," I hissed. "I'll never trade my daughter's life for a paycheck."

"Then be prepared for the consequences. Your downfall will be public-loud and devastating.

I swallowed hard. "I need time."

"You have until tomorrow evening," he replied-and ended the call.

I stood frozen, feeling betrayed and cornered. My pride battled my fear, but deep down, I knew I was running out of options. I was shocked and speechless. A rush of anger and pain filled my heart. I thought about my precious daughter and what my company would cost her. "Her future... Would she ever agree to this arrangement?" I sighed.

"There has to be another way," I whispered. But the weight of Mayor Philips' manipulation threatened to crush the legacy I'd poured my heart and soul into. Just then, I realized I was trapped.

Suddenly, my secretary burst through the door, breathless and pale.

"Sir, there's something you need to see. We just received official notice. Two of our creditors are filing lawsuits. They're demanding immediate payment. If we don't respond in seventy-two hours, they'll begin proceedings to shut us down."

My vision blurred.

The walls of my empire were closing in.

This wasn't a warning.

It was the beginning of the end.