Start of the Business Day (Character Development RP)

(Off camera)

May 13, 2024, 5:35 AM PDT

‘Time: Something that many claim to be on their side. Some claim time is a rare commodity that shouldn’t be wasted. What is the real truth about time? Time is fleeting. Time is wasted. Time is ever flowing and never ceasing. Time is a wave that threatens to consume those that stand still and watch it pass by them.’

            On the balcony of a penthouse suite in The Bellagio looking out across the strip stands a man with short blonde hair, a square jaw, and a well-toned muscular frame. As the sun begins to rise in Las Vegas, this man is already dressed to face the day. Clad in a pair of denim jeans, tan cowboy boots, and a blue buttoned dress shirt with sleeves rolled up past his elbows. He reaches over to the glass of orange juice on the table, bringing the glass up for a sip.

‘It’s never too early for a screwdriver. I think that is honestly the only way that I am going to get through today. It’s been…’

            His mind wanders backwards in time, but quickly shakes his head, dispelling the wave of nostalgia and regret that threatens to drag him downward.

‘…too long. I can’t let memories of the past keep me from grabbing the future for all it’s worth. In the eight years that I have been away, I have eliminated every threat to myself and the empire that I have so meticulously created over the last eight years. After today, I will finally emerge from my father’s shadow to cement my place as a legitimate businessman. Today, I close one chapter and begin a new one. Today is the day both the business and wrestling world recognize Dorian Black.’

*****

10:07 AM PDT

            As the sun continues its ascent skyward just outside of Rachel, Nevada, along the Extraterrestrial Highway sits a large complex in the shape of a fairly large trapezoid. Standing five stories high and covering an area of 200 acres of land. Granted, there isn’t ONLY this building. There are parking lots, various storage facilities, fields of Corn, Processing plants, one hundred and twenty-one hundred-thousand-gallon storage tanks, numerous large solar panels. Just outside of the trapezoid building, numerous members of the press have gathered. Murmurs amongst themselves as the mid-70s temperature didn’t deter their wait. Much of the buzz has to do with the opening of another facility belonging to Black Biofuels and Renewables. With the opening of the Nevada facility almost two and a half hours outside of Vegas, the company has positioned itself as the second leading producers of biofuels in the United States. Above the gathered press, gazing out of a fifth-floor window, A woman displays a pleased grin.

            “This looks to be a good turnout, Mr. Black”

            A woman of Hispanic descent announces with a smile. Her shoulder length chocolate hair kept up in a neat bun. Her slender, but fit frame enshrouded by a black business suit. One made by Giorgio Armani. Her matching black stilettos click against the marble tiles as she steps away from a window overlooking a sea of reporters. Her Hazel eyes begin to peruse her tablet before turning it towards Dorian. He rises from his chair to take the tablet from her, giving the woman a brief smile as he does so.

            After taking the tablet, Dorian begins to examine some charts and figures.

            “I certainly hope this good turnout helps increase some of these investor numbers, Ms. Cruz. From the look of some of these numbers, we should make third quarter projections within the next couple of weeks. A good sign to report to our current and future investors.”

            He hands the tablet back to the woman addressed as ‘Ms. Cruz.’ She takes the tablet from Dorian with a nod.

            “Indeed, Mr. Black. It has taken you almost four years to turn your father’s…”

            Ms. Cruz clears her throat as she looks away with momentary discomfort before she continues, using air quotes momentarily.

            “…’Businesses into a legitimate one. One that, in this fiscal market, could make or break a company, but you pulled this off magnificently, Mr. Black.”

            Dorian rises from seat and walks towards Ms. Cruz with a smile. He shakes his head as he places his right hand on her left shoulder.

            “No, Isabella, we did. I would not have been able to organize all of this by myself. You know, there are very few people that I actually trust in this world, Isabella. You? You are among the few.”

            Isabella brushes a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she averts her gaze momentarily out of embarrassment.

            “Thank you, Mr. Black…Dorian.”

            Dorian gives Isabella’s shoulder a light squeeze before moving past her towards a large mahogany desk. As Dorian moves past Isabella, there is a brief moment of disappointment on her face as she watches Dorian move past her. Despite that, Isabella follows Dorian, watching as he reaches for the ivory-colored cowboy hat on the desk. Dorian puts the hat on his head with a look of annoyance.

            “I have to say though; I don’t care much for this “Urban Cowboy” persona. Is it really necessary?”

            Isabella chuckles as she sighs with a wide grin.

            “Marketing feels that our CEO would be more relatable to the general public as well as investors if he comes across as ‘Down to earth.’ Besides…”

            She reaches up to fix Dorian’s hat as she playfully punches his arm afterwards.

            “…White hats are always the good guys, ‘Pardner.’ With everything that has come out about your past and how you have tried your best to distance yourself from your father, there will always be a minority that will still try to cast doubt on you. Anyway, we can show that you aren’t your father’s son, the better our stocks do. Bear with it, Dorian, at least until you decide to sell the company in the future.”

            With a sigh, Dorian nods in agreement.

            “I know, I know…it’s just not…ME though, Isabella. However, I’ll keep the charade going for as long as it takes.”

            Isabella nods in response to Dorian’s remark.

            “Good. Now then, there is the matter about the other venture in which you are diving back into.”

            Dorian smirks with a chuckle.

            “By venture, you mean my foray back into wrestling?”

            Isabella scrunches up her nose, not out of disgust, but bafflement.

            “Yes… Mr. Black, forgive me for asking, but why? Why do you want to get involved with wrestling again?”

            Dorian sighs as he walks over to the window looking out at the gathered press for his press conference starting shortly.

            “It’s something I miss, Isabella. In the years since I left, I regret not giving my all to wrestling. Granted, I needed to clean up my image first, but now that there is time… why not? It could be good PR for the company. I’m still physically fit, obviously.”

            Isabella quirks an interested eyebrow as she gives Dorian a once over as she speaks under her breath.

            “I’ll say…”

            Dorian looks back at Isabella momentarily.

            “Did you say something?”

            Isabella quickly shakes her head.

            “No, sir. Please, continue.”

            Dorian nods as he turns his attention back to the window.

            “Like I said, physically fit. I have continued to train all these years to stay in ring shape for the time that I make my return. Now, finally, that time is nye.”

            “Indeed, Mr. Black. Your contract with Asylum Wrestling Society has been finalized and you shall soon be back in the ring.”

            Dorian squints at the gathered press as if he sees something.

            “Yes… it’ll be good to have fun once more, Isabella. All work and no play make Dorian a…”

            Dorian pauses as his eyes grow wide. Said eyes fixate on a section of the gathered reporters.

            “No… it can’t be…”

            He rushes over to the desk and produces a pair of binoculars from a drawer, rushing back over towards the window. Isabella looks at him with confusion and concern.

            “Mr. Black? Is there something the matter?”

            Dorian gazes through the binoculars at the section in which he has taken an interest. He focuses the lenses on one individual. A woman. Crimson hair kept in a braid that rests on her shoulder. A brilliant smile as he observes her joking with those around her. Her curvaceous form…she never had that when last he saw her…covered in a maroon business dress. Fashionable, but then again, she always was. Her emerald eyes twinkling from behind her stylish glasses in the sunlight. Her ruby lips are full and tempting.

            “Son of a bitch…”

            Dorian laughs, a mixture of amusement and frustration. Dorian places the binoculars on the desk as he begins to make his way to the elevator. Isabella rushes over to the window to see if she can spy what her employer has seen. After a quick cursory glance, Isabella notices Dorian moving towards the elevator. Quickly, Isabella rushes over to join him.

            “What’s going on? What did you see, Mr. Black?”

            The doors of the elevator open. Both individuals enter the contraption as Dorian presses the first floor button. The doors close as the elevator descends. Dorian’s eyes narrow as he answers Isabella’s question.

            “Trouble, Isabella. I see trouble.”

*****

10:28 AM PDT

            Upon arriving on the ground floor, four gentlemen dressed in black suits gather around Dorian and Isabella. Dorian brushes a finger against his forehead, trying to hide his annoyance. Dorian still finds it embarrassing to have armed protection as he feels that he is able to handle anything that comes his way. Isabella looks to Dorian with an enthusiastic expression.

            “Are you ready to meet your press, Sir?”

            A pit begins to form in Dorian’s stomach. Initially, he felt confident about this press conference. He always looks forward to these new facility rollouts as it is signs that he is one step closer to becoming the single leading producer of Biofuels in the country. This time, however, he feels his confidence waiver slightly in light of seeing that woman among the gathered press. Dorian sighs with a nod.

            “Yeah…let’s get this over with.”

            Isabella nods in response as Dorian fixes a smile as authentic as possible on his face. Both individuals walking out the front door into the Nevada sunlight.

*****

(On Camera)

10:30 AM PDT

            Isabella and Dorian step out the front door as all eyes turn them. Cameras of both varieties recording and snapping photos as Isabella approach a podium. Behind said podium sits three chairs. Dorian takes his seat on one of them and a man with close cropped dirty blonde hair sits next to Dorian. Behind those chairs sat Nine other chairs for members of the Board of Directors. Isabella smiles as she begins to speak into the microphone affixed to the podium.

            “Good morning! Welcome members of the press as well as our board members and investors watching wherever you may be. I am Isabella Cruz and I handle public relations for Black Biofuels and Renewables as well as Mr. Black’s personal assistant. We are so happy to be able to share this momentous occasion with all of you. At this time, our CEO, Dorian Black, will present some of the wonderful things our company is currently doing as well as the opening of this, our brand new Nevada facility. Following Mr. Black’s presentation, we will have our lead engineer from Thomas-Carter Laboratories, Mr. Matthew Thomas, give a presentation on some of the new innovations that Mr. Thomas and his think tank have developed to help lead BBR into THE cutting edge Biofuels and renewable resource companies in the United States and soon the world. If you will save any and all questions until the conclusion of Mr. Thomas’ presentation, at that time, you will be free to ask either Mr. Black or Mr. Thomas any questions.”

            Isabella glances back otwards Dorian with a slight nod, looking for confirmation that he is ready to proceed. Dorian returns Isabella’s nod. Isabella smiles as she looks back out to the crowd.

            “At this time, ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present to you, the CEO of BBR…Mr. Dorian Black!”

            Isabella steps back from the podium and proceeds to clap her hands as the crowd does so as well. Dorian rises from his seat, a smile on his face as he waves to the crowd. He approaches the podium and tells Isabella thank you as they pass each other. Isabella takes her seat as Dorian waves a few more times before he begins to speak.

            “Thank you, Ms. Cruz. Thank you to all of you gathered here for another BBR milestone this day. The opening of our Nevada facility will now allow us to produce a little more than one hundred and twenty million gallons of Biodiesel each year! This will help bring us one step closer to cleaner emissions domestically and the world over. Not only that, but we are beginning to do some real amazing things in harnessing solar energy for distribution. I’ll allow Mr. Thomas to fill you in with further details in regards to some of the more scientific innovations BBR is rolling out. On my part today, I want to share my vision for the future.”

            “Each time we open a new facility, I address how amazed I am with what my employees, our board, our partnership with Thomas-Carter Laboratories have been able to accomplish over the last four years. Four years! In year five, we are looking to expand into Canada and Mexico, which will put us on pace to averaging two new facilities a year! Certainly, this has not been without its drawbacks, but we have persevered! We move onward to the future! Our profits have only increased with each passing year. The pandemic of 2020 did not hold us back in achieving in our first year. Various character assassination attempts have not held us back. BBR IS the future! Dorian Black is the man that will lead clean energy into a new age! With some help from our partners and employees of course. It would be arrogant of me to say I have done this alone.”

            Dorian chuckles at his last comment about needing help, which draws some laughter from the crowd gathered.

            “I have successfully taken something that was once used for nefarious purposes and turned it into the juggernaut you see before you today! A juggernaut for the good of our planet and those that inhabit it. I told everyone four years ago that I am here to clean up this town…”

            Dorian looks around, holding his arms up as he indicates the facility around him.

            “…I think it’s safe to say: ‘This sheriff has successfully cleaned up this town!’”

            A round of applause echoes in response as Dorian laughs and lifts his arms up repeatedly to direct the crowd.

            “I’m not through yet though. There is more work to do. As I mentioned, we are looking to expand into Canada and Mexico next year. Mr. Thomas will share some of our wonderful innovatons as well. Like I keep saying: ‘We are just getting started!’ With your continued support and all the amazing men and women of BBR, our future is clean, safe, and bright!”

            Dorian begins to clap as the crowd proceeds to do the same.

            “At this time, I gladly introduce to you one of the pillars of BBR. This man has been a mentor to me in my darkest times in my life and has helped make this world a much better, brighter place for all of us. At this time, I give you Mr. Matthew Thomas of Thomas-Carter Laboratories!”

            Dorian motions for the other blonde haired man to join him at the podium. The indicated man known as Matt Thomas rises from his chair. He walks over to Dorian with the assistance of a cane. Make no mistake, Matt Thomas is a healthy man age thirty-nine. However, he has been living with the results of the matter which transpired ten years ago. Matt waves to the crowd and shakes Dorian’s hand with a smile.

            After shaking Matt’s hand, Dorian takes his seat next to Isabella, allowing his mentor to take the floor. Dorian watches as Matt pulls out his reading glasses and slips of paper for his presentation. Looking at Matt, Dorian is still in awe of his mentor. The man has been a pro wrestler, a NYPD Detective, and now…now, Matt is the CEO and lead researcher for the company in which Matt and his mother have founded. If it wasn’t for Matt ten years ago, Dorian would have perished at the hands of his old man. To the world, that is all Matt is. A wrestler, Detective, Scientist. What the world doesn’t realize is the intelligence and experiences Matt possesses.

            After Matt completes his ten minute presentation on some new methods in the processing and refinement of the biofuels, the fuel cells being developed to harness solar energy in a more efficient and long lasting manner; Isabella returns to the podium.

            “At this time we will begin taking questions for both Mr. Black and Mr. Thomas. Please, try to keep the questions relevant to BBR related matters or items presented today by Mr. Thomas. Be sure to raise your hand if you wish to ask a question and I will indicate that it is your turn. Now then, are we ready?”

            Isabella looks back to the two men behind her, who return a nod of affirmation to Isabella. Looking back out at the reporters gathered, Isabella points to a gentleman towards the front row.

            “Yes, you sir. The gentleman in the blue sports coat from USA Today.”

            The gentleman stands up from his seat and holds up a recording device.

            “Chuck Marshal, USA Today. My question is for Mr. Thomas.”

            Matt stands up and moves back to the podium as Isabella steps aside.

            “Go ahead with your question, Mr. Marshal.”

            “Mr. Thomas, some of the things you have presented today feels more science fiction than fact. There have been some who say what you are proposing won’t be possible for at least another five years. What proof do you have that your refining methods will prove fruitful to BBR?”

            “Well, Mr. Marshal, as indicated by the data presented earlier, we ran a battery of tests against the control of a typical refining method and it has proven to yield a twenty five percent increase in efficiency. Not only that, but the biofuel produced is much more pure and concentrated without any potential contaminants that could affect the product. If you or anyone else in this crowd has any doubts of what I have presented, I encourage you to reach out to my laboratories and I will gladly give a tour of our facilities to demonstrate the validity of my data.”

            “I might just hold you to that, Mr. Thomas.”

            The gentleman to his seat as Matt steps back. Isabella returns to the podium. As she scans the crowd, Dorian silently hopes and prays that Isabella does not select the woman he spied earlier. He isn’t ready to deal with THAT can of worms again…not yet anyways. However, much to Dorian’s chagrin, Isabella does in fact select the woman in question.

            “The lady in the maroon dress.”

            The woman rises from her seat, extending out a recording device as she speaks.

            “Lisbeth Chambers with Chambers Podcasting Network. My question is for Mr. Black.”

            Isabella steps away from the podium to allow Dorian access to the microphone. Dorian is momentarily frozen in his seat. Her voice, just as enchanting as he remembered it being. So much so, his breath temporarily escaping him. As his far off stare returns to notice Isabella indicating for him to come to the podium, Dorian rises and walks to the microphone.

            “Yes, Ms. Chambers. Please, go ahead with your question.”

            He examines her facial features, trying to read what could be going through her mind, but failing to do so. He takes note of the confidence she is exuding as he listens to her speak.

            “Mr. Black, it truly is impressive what you have built over the last four years, but are you not concerned that your past will come back to haunt you?”

            Before Dorian has a chance to answer, Isabella moves him over to speak.

            “Ms. Chambers, I believe I explicitly stated that any questions are to pertain to-“

            Dorian places a hand on Isabella’s shoulder, cutting her off mid-sentence. He gives the confused woman a nod, indicating that it was all right. Dorian moves back to the microphone to speak.

            “To answer your question, Ms. Chambers, aren’t we all? I know people try not to look back on the past and let life pass them by, but I assure you, I have been above board on everything since my father was incarcerated ten years ago. I welcome people to challenge me on my past. I do not fear it, in fact, it is because of my past that I am the man you see before you today. I do not let my past define me, Ms. Chambers, to that point, I certainly hope that you haven’t allowed yours to define you.”

            He stared deeply into Lisbeth’s eyes as he utters his final sentence, hoping to strike a nerve, something, but did not see any sign of a reaction. Isabella returns to the podium as Dorian takes a step back.

            “I think that is all the time we have for questions at this time. Feel free to enjoy the refreshments being provided before you leave today. Any other questions or requests for interviews, please see me, and we will come to an arranged time for an interview. Again, thank you all for coming today.”

(Off Camera)

            With that, Isabella and the armed guards begin to walk with Dorian and Matt back towards the building. As they do so, Lisbeth begins to push her way towards the direction they are walking towards.

            “So, that’s it? After all this time? That is the best respone you have for me?”

            Lisbeth calls to Dorian, loud enough for them to hear, but not loud enough for the other members of the press, who, have already moved towards the spread being provided. The group collectively stop in their movement. Isabella looks toward Lisbeth with annoyance, preparing to signal to the guards to stop Lisbeth. Dorian and Matt step forward, stopping the guards from advancing. Dorian sighs as he looks exasperated at Lisbeth.

            “What do you want me to Say, Lisbeth?”

            Matt whispers to Isabella and the guards to leave the pair alone to talk. The guards are apprehensive to leave the man they are hired to protect, but soon acqueous. Isabella, however, did not appreciate the familiarity in which Lisbeth is demonstrating. Matt manages to usher Isabella back inside the building, but her head turning back to Dorian and Lisbeth as she moves further away. Once Dorian sees that he and Lisbeth are alone, he starts to speak, only to be halted by Lisbeth’s hand connecting with a slap across his face.

            “An apology would be greatly appreciated!”

            Dorian reaches up to the stinging cheek as he looks back to Lisbeth.

            “For what?!”

            Lisbeth sighs as she chokes back her tears.

            “January twenty-eighth two thousand sixteen.”

            Dorian’s mind races back eight years ago. He had just lost a match to Lizzy Taylor. He remembers reflecting on a lot leading up to that match. His immaturity, the effects his actions had on Lisbeth, his girlfriend at the time, dissatisfaction with his life’s direction. Ultimately this resulted in breaking up with Lisbeth.

            “Are you serious? You’re still upset that I broke up with you eight years ago!?”

            Lisbeth points a finger in his face.

            “Upset because you broke up with me?! I don’t care that you broke up with me, you asshole! We were both still pretty young and immature! I was about to turn twenty-one and you hadn’t quite turned twenty-three yet! What I am upset about is after you broke up with me, you had security escort me out of the building! You couldn’t have the decency to do that yourself!? Was I truly that inconvenient for you, Mr. Future Sight!?”

            Her words. He feels them reverberating in his soul. She is right. He pretty much wrote her off. It wasn’t his intention, but it was what it was. He can’t go back to fix that. The only thing he can do now is…

            “I’m sorry, Lisbeth…”

            Dorian hangs his head slightly, removing his cowboy hat from his head as he does so. His words catch Lisbeth offguard. Never did she expect to hear Dorian actually give her an apology. She moves her jaw, trying to form words, but the thoughts and feelings swirling around…what does she even say?

            “I…you…Do you even know what you are apologizing for?”

            Dorian looks to Lisbeth with a sigh and a nod.

            “Despite the intentions I had in breaking up with you, I still wound up hurting you worse than I wanted. I should have been more considerate to you and your feelings that night, but having 20/20 hindsight, I was definitely too immature to be in a serious relationship like that. Not trying to make excuses, but simply stating where I was at. You deserved better than me.”

            Lisbeth sighs, reaching towards Dorian’s face again. He flinches momentarily, steeling himself for another slap only to feel her gentle touch stroking his cheek. His eyes met hers, the hardness in those evergreen eyes of hers has soften.

            “That should have been for me to decide, Dorian, not for you to decide for me. You took my autonomy away at that moment. That night, before you broke up with me, I knew you understood the error of your ways leading up to that match. You owned it. I could see the glimpses of the man I knew you could be. For better or worse, I was willing to brave the storm with you, but…I never got that chance. You disappeared from the public eye not long after that. Hell, no one heard anything of and from you until four years ago; touting a startup biofuel company.”

            Listening to Lisbeth speak, he knows she is right. Right about taking away her ability to have a say in how things played out. Right about her willing to stick by him. He knows she would have, but he was too embarrassed, not wanting to drag her down with him. Then…then she talks about the time he was away. A gloom descends on Dorian. He rubs his hands together as if to clean his hands, but they never seem to fully get clean.

            “Dorian?”

            Lisbeth’s voice draw Dorian from his thoughts. His eyes wide as he briefly looks around, meeting her concerned expression.

            “Are you all right?”

            Dorian shakes his head and begins to smile.

            “Yeah, I’m fine. I just had a thought though.”

            Lisbeth looks at Dorian curiously.

            “Do tell.”

            “As much as I would like for us to continue discussing our past, I would very much like to discuss you and how you got to where you are now. To incentivize you, Lisbeth, since you appear to be the consummate professional, I will offer you an exclusive interview for your…podcast?”

            Dorian looks to Lisbeth in question.

            “Not exactly, but that is a tempting offer, Mr. Black. My honor demands that I smack you in the face once more as I turn you down, but my professional side demands I take you up on this offer as it would be quite an exclusive. Decisions, decisions…”

Lisbeth sighs as she looks to Dorian slightly annoyed. She is putting her job and employees before herself in this moment. She wouldn’t have slapped Dorian in the face, but she would have certainly left him regretting he ever hurt her like that all those years ago.

“When and what did you have in mind?”

            Dorian strokes his chin playfully with a smirk.

            “Dinner tonight at Top of the World. Eight o’clock.”

            Lisbeth quirks an eyebrow at Dorian with a grin.

            “Just randomly pulled that one out of the blue, huh? Fine.”

            Dorian gives Lisbeth a once over as he sucks his teeth a bit.

            “I certainly hope you will come wearing something much more appropriate.”

            Lisbeth deadpans at Dorain as she replies.

            “This is a business dinner, Mr. Black. I know exactly how to dress for such an occasion. I certainly hope you keep that in mind.”

            Lisbeth turns to leave. As she walks away, Dorian calls to her.

            “Remember! Eight at Top of the World!”

            Lisbeth can detect a faint sense of urgency in Dorian’s voice, which draws a slight smile to her face. She holds an arm off as she waves an arm in confirmation to his reminder before joining members of the press in some of the free snacks.

Dorian smirks as he enters the office building, much to Isabella’s annoyance.

“Who was that, SIR?”

Dorian detects the annoyance in Isabella’s voice and waves a dismissive hand.

“Just someone I knew from my past.”

The group proceeds to walk together towards the elevator.

“Ms. Cruz, please make sure my customary table is reserved at Top of the World for this evening. Seating for two. I have an interview to attend.”

Isabella stops in her footsteps momentarily. She feels her eyes narrow in response, speaking through gritted teeth.

“Certainly, Mr. Black.”

Dorian nods, not paying attention to her reply. Upon arriving at the elevator, Dorian looks to his guards and Isabella.

“If you all will excuse Matt and myself, but we have business to discuss. I will call for you once our business has concluded, Ms. Cruz, but for now make those arrangements.”

Isabella sighs, trying her best to hide her annoyance.

“Certainly, Mr. Black.”

With a nod, Dorian follows Matt into the elevator. Once the doors close, a few moments pass before Matt speaks.

“Lisbeth looks like she’s doing well.”

Dorian nods in reply.

“Very well.”

Matt chuckles as he leans against the back wall of the elevator.

“Look, Dorian, I’m not entirely in the know in regards what went on between you two eight years ago, but as both of you are my former students, I would hope that with the passage of time, you both have matured from the people you were before.”

Dorian begins to laugh as he leans against a side wall of the elevator.

“Matt, nothing is going to happen. This is to simply catch up and conduct business. For her, an exclusive interview. For me, another opportunity to continue increasing this companies presence.”

Matt nods his head with a mock understanding expression.

“Oh, entirely. I completely understand.”

Dorian looks at Matt with a sardonic expression.

“Seriously, Matt. Business and nothing more.”

The dinging of the elevator indicating their arrival to Dorian’s office. Both men exit and walk towards Dorian’s mahogany desk, each taking their respective seats.

“If you say so, Dorian, but...uh...it doesn’t seem like Isabella shares that viewpoint.”

Dorian let’s out a laugh.

“Isabella can get over it. Look, she’s an amazing assistant. She has been invaluable the last four years, but I have no romantic interests with her. Friendship? Sure, but not romantic. If she continues to act thusly...well...I will hate to get rid of her, but I will.”

Matt looks to Dorian with caution.

“Be careful there, Dorian. There is truth in the saying about ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn.’ It’s how I lost my first place in Manhattan.”

Dorian nods a grim manner.

“A further reminder that it has been nearly ten years since the incident that took place on these very grounds.”

Matt mirrors Dorian’s expression.

“Yeah...given what happened, I am thankful we mostly made it out in one piece.”

Matt instinctly begins to rub his right leg. Dorian’s eyes narrowed with a nod.

‘Almost. Matt’s old man sacrificed himself to save us all. Matt lost partial function of his leg. Matt’s sister still bares the physical scars across her back. Fortunately, everyone else involved survived...well...if only my...no... our old man would have met his demise, I would not have been upset. Thought Matt and are considered half-brothers by his being adopted by my father, I consider him to be so even if that isn’t the case. Though in retrospect, if Matt hadn’t stopped me from killing our father, none of this would be possible today, so I should be thankful for that. At least Matt and his wife have moved on, even have a lovely daughter now. If anyone has deserved a happy ending, it’s Matt and his family. As for myself...slowly getting there.’

Matt notices Dorian seemingly far removed from their conversation. He leans forward in his seat, snapping his fingers towards Dorian’s face. Dorian snaps out of his thoughts as he looks bewildered momentarily. Matt sighs with a slight grin.

“Still with me here, Dorian?”

Dorian let’s out a chuckle with a nod.

“Yeah, sorry, I drifted back to Halloween night ten years ago.”

Matt nods as he leans back in his seat.

“Understandable, but we’re here now. Like you say: ‘Don’t let the past keep you standing still, lest time passes you by.’ We have all moved on. I am keeping true to the promise I made Joey. Mom brought me into her company as a partner after I obtained my PhD. No more detective work, no more wrestling. Joey has been happy in her work and having her hands full with Eva. Hell, I think Eva is more than a handful for the both of us combined, but I digress, while mom handles the medical aspect of our company, I am handling the more scientific side of things. To my surprise, my little brother proposes a joint venture in his startup four years ago, and here we are now. Life is good, Dorian. When are you going to start allowing yourself to enjoy yours?”

Dorian looks to his brother, listening intently to what he is being told. Dorian knows there is truth in what his brother is saying. He has been going non-stop these last four years. Maybe he can afford to begin slowing down. Do something for himself for a change. At that moment, Dorian’s mind flahses back to the world of professional wrestling. He sighs as he looks to his brother.

“Do you miss it, Matt?”

Matt looks at Dorian with confusion.

“Miss what, Dorian?”

“Wrestling.”

Matt sighs as he reflects momentarily. He smiles as he responds.

“Sometimes. I would definitely say my wrestling career was...unique. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the thrill of performing in front of the crowd. Testing my mettle against an opponent... I do look on those days with bittersweet recollection, but ultimately, I am fine doing what I’m doing in retirement. Why do you ask?”

“After touring the world under a mask before returning to start this company, I think I want to get back into the ring. You know? Do something for myself and ‘enjoy’ life.”

Matt laughs with a snort.

“THAT’S your idea of enjoying life!? I mean, you do you, Bro. I meant settling down with someone, maybe make a family of your own.”

Dorian rolls his eyes.

“Someday. Stop sweating me about that. Let me enjoy the single life a little more. Besides, besides this compnay. Plans of making a return to the ring. When would I find time to entertain romance?”

Matt laughs at his brother.

“You would be surprised what you’re able to juggle while being a wrestler. However, if you’re serious about returning to the ring, you know I support your decision completely, Dorian.”

Dorian claps his hands together, rising from his chair with a wide grin.

“Excellent!”

Dorian reaches for a file and hands it across to Matt. Matt takes the file and begins to peruse the papers within.

“What’s this?”

Dorian rises from his seat and looks out the window behind his desk. He watches as various members of the press begin to leave.

“THAT, dear brother, is my signed contract to begin wrestling in Asylum Wrestling Society.”

Matt quirks an eyebrow with intrigue.

“Oh?”

Matt continues to scan the paperwork, nodding as he speaks.

“Not a bad deal. It makes sense for you starting out.”

Dorian let’s out a laugh.

“The money is inconsequential, Matt. The number of zeros in my bank account already can attest to that. This is doing something for myself. Something to feel a rush. To succeed beyond the confines of the financial sector. My ego is in desperate need of playtime, Matt. There is only so much smiling I can do to please investors and the public. I need to have more of an outlet to be me.”

Matt nods in response, rising from his seat to take his place next to Dorian.

“That’s all well and good, Dorian, just...be mindful of who you piss off out there.”

Dorian throws his head back in laughter.

“Yeah, okay, sure, Matt.”

The brothers enjoy a laugh as they soon return to their seats to conduct business.