Choosing a successor

After the tense conversation with their father, Thomas and Théophile left the office in silence, their minds occupied by everything they had just learned. They slowly descended the stairs, then found themselves in the living room, where the soft crackle of the fireplace and the dim lighting created a more calming ambiance. Their mother was no longer there, leaving them the living room to chat quietly.

Théophile, always the first to break the heavy silences, slumped on the sofa and said with a smirk:

“So that’s really it, huh? We take the reins of Martin Compagnie. It'll be funny, right? You and I at the head of a company that employs hundreds of people..."

Thomas, more serious, sat opposite him in an armchair, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. He took a few moments before answering, absorbed in the thoughts that were looping through his mind.

“Yes…I guess that’s it,” he replied softly. “Dad is ready to hand over. We knew this moment would come one day, but I didn't think it would be so sudden. »

Théophile crossed his arms behind his head, an amused smile on his lips, although his eyes betrayed a touch of worry.

“Suddenly, yeah... but hey, it makes sense. It's time for him to step back, and then, who better than his two beloved sons to take over, eh? »

Thomas rolled his eyes at his brother's mocking tone, but he knew that behind Théophile's jokes, there were also real questions, real reflection. They had grown up in the shadow of this company, watched it grow, and now it was going to be theirs, for real.

“Theophile, let’s be honest,” Thomas said, leaning forward slightly. “Running a company like Martin Compagnie is no small thing. It’s not just a matter of name or heritage. We will have to be up to the task. Do you realize the responsibility we take on our shoulders? »

Théophile nodded, still relaxed, but this time more serious.

“Of course I realize that. But you know, you've always been the one who thinks too much, who worries about everything. I say we'll handle this together. We each have our strengths, and as long as we work hand in hand, everything will be fine. »

Thomas smiled slightly at this remark. It was true that their dynamic had always been complementary. Théophile had a gift for easing tensions and making things simpler. He had this natural ease with people, which would make him a good visible leader, while Thomas had a more strategic, analytical mind.

“Dad is right,” Théophile continued. “We can do this together. I will be the deputy CEO, and you will be the general manager. You have always been more square, more rigorous. I will take care of the relational part, the deals, the partnerships. We make a great team, right? »

Thomas couldn't help but smile, despite the seriousness of the situation.

"You mean you'll take it easy while I do all the work?" » he joked.

Théophile burst out laughing and threw him a cushion.

“Ah, you know me too well, big brother! But no, seriously, we're going to do this together, and you'll see, it'll work. You will take care of the figures, the strategies, and I will take care of making it all more glamorous! » He made a theatrical gesture with his hands. “It’s the perfect recipe!” »

Thomas shook his head, half amused, half serious.

“You’ve always been overconfident, you know that? » he said. “But I have to admit, you’re right. If we do this together, it might work. »

“Of course it will work!” » replied Théophile, getting up from the sofa to approach his brother and place a hand on his shoulder. “You know why? Because you have always been there for me. And I will always be there for you. We will manage this company in our own way, by combining our strengths. »

Thomas looked up at his brother, touched by his words despite Théophile's relaxed air.

“Yeah,” he said finally. “We’re going to get there. Together. »

Théophile patted him on the shoulder before returning to sit on the sofa, displaying that teasing smile again.

“In the meantime, do you think we can have offices with a view of the park? Because frankly, I can't see myself spending my days locked up without a little corner of blue sky to admire! »

Thomas laughed this time, shaking his head.

“You have weird priorities, you. But okay, we'll talk about offices. »

The two brothers shared a moment of complicit silence. Their lives were about to change dramatically, but, as always, they would face this new chapter together. And with this in mind, no matter the challenges, they knew they could count on each other.

Thomas walks through the door of their apartment, still dressed in his elegant suit. Léa, his girlfriend, is sitting on the couch, her face immediately lighting up when she sees him enter. She gets up, smiling, and comes towards him.

—So, how did things go with your father? she asks with curiosity mixed with apprehension. You seemed a little stressed this morning...

Thomas rubs the back of his neck lightly, a modest smile playing on his lips.

“It went really well,” he said, taking a deep breath, as if to relieve all the built-up tension. My father asked me to be the new director of Martin Compagnie.

Léa gapes, her eyes lighting up with surprise.

- What ? But... it's incredible! she exclaims, unable to contain her joy. She throws herself into his arms, kissing him on the cheek. I knew you were made for this position! You deserve it so much, Thomas!

He smiled more, touched by her enthusiasm. He hugs her against him before continuing.

“That’s not all, Léa,” he adds with a hint of mischief in his voice. My brother will be the deputy CEO.

She looks at him, wide-eyed, trying to digest the news.

—Your brother too? Oh, that’s great! You will form a shock team! She pulls back slightly to look him in the eyes, still beaming. And you ? How do you feel? It's a big responsibility though...

Thomas thought for a moment before answering, his gaze wandering a little around the room.

— I feel ready, I think. It's a big step, but I always knew it would happen one day. My father needed to trust someone who knew the business well and... I guess he thought it was the right time to hand the reins over to us.

Léa nodded, her hands still placed on her chest.

—And you worked so hard for it. Honestly, I'm so proud of you, Thomas. You're going to be an excellent director, I'm sure. And with your brother by your side, everything will be fine.

Thomas returns a grateful smile, then kisses him tenderly.

— Thank you, Lea. Your trust does me so much good. I feel capable of accomplishing anything with you by my side.

They stand there in calming silence, both absorbed in this new adventure that awaits them.