Connection

“This is will be my final meeting in this office. I believe everybody is here and if so let the meeting begin.”

It seemed like an ordinary day, at least it was for such an elderly man to deliver his final speech before the committee and the family. Felix Easton Sr was finally stepping down and with that finally retiring to let his son Felix Easton Jr step in and run the family business. At first glance Sir Felix looked like a kind ageing man, but those who were familiar with him knew about the countless deaths that were ordered under him. He was finally retiring after postponing it for quite a some time.

“It’s been 40 years since I was first sworn in. I still remember the exact words my father told me. 40 years I have spent dedicating myself to this family. We have grown to not only be respected by our enemies but also the general public. It was not an easy feat but now it’s time for me to finally dedicate the remaining years I have left to retire peacefully at my home in Saint John. As you all already know I’m only a phone call away and will still be monitoring the situation as a shareholder.” The elderly man began.

This goodbye meeting was one of the most important, one in which all 10 executives, shareholders, and family members were present. There was no noise as the elder man spoke. Everybody remained silent as he continued.

The main office was located in downtown chicago. The high tech building was owned personally by the elderly Easton, this 30 story building boasted with a high end pool and indoor activities. Although the family had offices across the city and sorounding areas this served as the main location. It was here that all the important matters were handled.

The Easton family was composed 5 generations who followed their ancestors foot steps. Known as one of the oldest Mafia families with only one other competing house: The Bruni Italian Mafia house. Originating in 1920 when the first generation Eastons settled in the poorest neighborhood in NY. Originally the Rossi family, Seeing no future in NY the Rossi family moved to Illinois and turned to crime as a means to survive and in the process changing their last name to Easton. They separated themselves from their Italian blood. Their crimes extending to many areas across Chicago. In present time the Eastons were known for their extended businesses. It was hard to miss them when they had businesses scattered around. You couldn’t tell what business they were in because of how much their influence spread.

“Now that we have settled everything related to the businesses I would like to officially present my son Felix Easton Jr. the new head of the family.” The elder stood up, followed by the rest of the execs and family.

Across on the other side of the office, Felix Jr stood. He didn’t smile but remained composed as everybody eyes remained on him.

“First I’d like to direct myself to my father.” He spoke.

“There is nothing to worry about father. I have always known that I would be putting my life into this family and making sure it remains as strong as ever.” The young Felix continued as he made his way to the front where his father stood.

You could feel the room was suffocating. The atmosphere was tense.

“As many already know I have many goals for this family. This isn’t just a company. This is a family spanning generations. Each and every one of you that stand here today are either direct family members or long standing friends of ours. My goal is to grow this company even further.”

The elder Easton stood by as his son explained further his plans. Their was no doubt coming from the elder that he had made the right choice.

The meeting lasted 2 hours in which case the young Easton spoke about the plans he had for the company. After the first hour tension began to settle down and you could feel a more relax setting.

“The meeting has officially ended.” The elder proclaimed.

The outpouring of claps soon began. Many spoke amongst each other.

Some of the family members came around to the elder Felix and his son to congratulate them. Most of the shareholders and family members were happy with the outcome. Something Felix Easton Jr was hoping for. While this was expected for a while, many had no clue when exactly he would be taking over until today.

As one by one people left only the elder and younger Easton remained.

“You have never once disappointed me. You have been everything I wanted you to be. Although I can’t say the same for your brother. Someone as free spirited and too good hearted— but let’s leave that talk for another day. I’m glad that I can leave here today with a peace mind. Please let Demetrius know I’ll come by to tell him my goodbyes.” The elderly Felix spoke softly.

“Dom will miss you. Do you know how much you’ve spoiled him? More than any one I know.” The young Felix spoke, keeping his head towards the window that extended all the way to the ceiling. He kept his gaze away from his father. He spoke firmly as he continued.

“Who would have thought that the strict man I grew up with could have such a soft side.” Easton Jr spoke. You could hear a little bit of resentment in the way he expressed his words.

The elderly man stood silently. As though he needed time to respond correctly.

“The times have changed. 50 years ago we were constantly at war with other families especially with the Bruni house but today things have become peaceful. Our family has evolved into a bigger business involving more legal means. Demetrius would have surely benefit from a stricter upbringing but that is not my ultimate goal. He shouldn’t worry about the hardships... at least not right now.” He softly spoke, he slowly stood up from the chair in which he was sitting in and headed for the door with one last message to his son.

“Please take care.”

2 miles from the main headquarters layed a beautiful newly built building. Right in the heart of Chicago.

The elderly Felix arrived making his way to the top loft. He made a stop as he waited for the head maid to appear.

“Sir Felix, nice to see you today!” The maid spoke as she extended her hand.

Madeline McKinney was the second generation maid of the Eastons. Just like how the Eastons spun generations they made sure the people under them remained within the same lineage. Only half of the personnel was 2nd and 3rd generation.

“Madeline. I came to see Demetrius just before I depart—“

“GRANPAPA! YOU CAME TO PLAY WITH ME!” The young boy jumped as he interrupted the conversation. The young boy had taken the elevator down all by himself just to meet his beloved grandfather.

Demetrius Felix Easton Jr: the future and sole heir of the Easton Mafia Family. For every generation the oldest within the direct lineage would hold the main seat. While the family’s company had shareholders and individual executives, it was to be expected that one day Demetrius Easton would take over as CEO and sole heir to the Easton company. It was tradition within the family to have the first born be named by the head of the family.

Demetrius smiled as he held onto his grandfather’s hip. His eyes looked at his grandfather as tho he was a lost puppy. He had unique and one of kind eyes. Eyes so green they could be mistaken for emeralds.

The Easton family was known for their emerald colored eyes. Almost all men within the immediate family were known to be playboys or extremely popular with women. But many women had gone crazy after being dropped. It was said it could be either a curse or a blessing to meet their gazes. There was even rumors within the elites and social circle that the Easton men were not only remarkable business men but also behind close doors they were amazing in bed. Socialites made it their missions to seduce them at any cost.

The Easton men were extremely popular within the social scene. The most popular were Felix Easton jr and his brother, Jonathan Easton. They were every woman’s wet dream. It was said that if you invited an Easton to your event you were sure to have a packed event. You could only imagine the shock when it was announced that Felix would be marrying Elizabeth Jeong, a runaway model.

Elizabeth Jeong a Korean elite with connection to the Korean underworld. Her father had made much of his wealth thru illegal means. Hoping for a different future she ran away to study and to continue to model abroad. Ironically she came to meet Felix at a party. You could say they were a match made in heaven. The marriage was broadcasted everywhere. They were the It couple of the business and fashion world. You couldnt go a day without seeing them in the local news. 2 years later Demetrius was born.

Demetrius had the greenest eyes out of all of them. Tho he was half Korean and half white he resembled his father the most. They shined brightly under the sun and they only shined brighter when he got excited. He was the older Easton’s pride and joy. He was the only grandson he had as Jonathan Easton hadn’t settled down yet.

“What a nice day to go out isn’t it?” The elder spoke up as he smiled.

“Madeline make sure to let Elizabeth know I’ll be taking Demetrius out for the day.” He directed the maid. He held onto to Demetrius and as their made their exit.

“Will do sir.” Madeline spoke as she stood back.

The older Easton had always driven around in a black Roll Royce phantom. For many years the elder drove it around himself. He pride himself over his accomplishments and driving his car was one of them. Over the years and as he got older a driver and body guard was placed. Tho today was a special occasion, he opted to take his grandson alone.

There was a special place both grandfather and granchild would go to. It was a garden located within a private garden owned by the family. Very few had access to the garden even for some of the family members.

The duo strolled the garden every weekend. It was a place the elder Easton loved. Before the passing of Elda, his wife. They would stroll that very garden on days when the elder Easton had time.

“Grandpa is it true that you’ll be leaving Chicago?” The young boy spoke up as he held onto the older man.

“It’s true. You see I’m getting older and it’s time someone else takes up the responsibility as the family head.” The elder Easton softly spoke as they reached a bench.

“But I don’t want you to leave. Does that mean I can’t come here anymore?” The young boy spoke as his voice sorrowed.

“My boy. This has been our favorite spot and so it will continue to be a place you can come to whenever you need it. Think of this place as your sanity.”

“Can I come visit you.” Demetrius sulked as he sat next to his grandfather, just overlooking the pond. It was quiet for a moment. You could hear the movement of the fish.

Suddenly the elder Easton burst into a chuckle.

“Of course. That has all been taken care of. Tho I was going to keep it quiet. You’ll come to stay with me every summer until you decide you don’t want to come.”

“Is that so!” The boy broke out in a smile as he turned to his grandfather. His green eyes brightened.

Location: Saint John, Mansion (the same day)

“LETICIA TAKE THIS CHILD OUT.” The young maid shouted. She had begun to sweep where the young child was sitting.

“Sorry! MARIA! MARIA! Come over here!” Leticia ran out to the hallway. She grabbed the young girl by the arm as quickly as she could.

“Ugh having this brat here makes everything 10x harder.” The young maid whispered as she swept.

Leticia Loe was one of the older maids working for the Easton family. She took over her mother’s job after her passing. She had no other immediate family after her and she didn’t know her father. She first came to work for the family as a teen with her mother and that is where she meet the love of her life. They only had one daughter before her husband passed away of cancer that very year. Working for this family had helped her a lot. The pay was the best among any other.

She made her way towards the kitchen with the child behind.

“Maria. My love. Please sit right here by me.” Leticia spoke softly as she grabbed a small stool from behind the kitchen table. Luckly for her she was on kitchen duty so she was able to keep a closer eye on Maria, her daughter. She still hasn’t figured out what she was going to do with her tho.

“Mommy. I wanna go home.” The young girl sat down timidly. She played with her hands as she spoke.

Leticia kneeled down and took a look at her daughter knowing faintly well that there was no home but here now.

“We spoke about this already. We have to stay here from now on.”

“I don’t want to! I don’t like it here. They don’t like me.” Maria spoke as she began to tear up. It was as tho she was letting out the pent of tears she had indured during her fathers passing.

“I wanna see daddy. I wanna be with daddy.”

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