Prologue: Rob's POV

June 24, 2003. Brown Family Estate, Miami, Florida

I never liked taking the hallway to my father's office. Whoever had designed the house put it in a hallway, then put no lights in the hallway. Since it was pretty late at night, the hallway was completely dark. I especially didn't like the fact that there were two large men in black suits on either side of me. Aaron and Simon were my father's bodyguards. They were always nice to me, but still menacing when they needed to be. I wouldn't think this was the nice to be menacing, but apparently I was wrong. Aaron and Simon had been in the CIA once upon a time, and still looked every bit of the part, in their dark sunglasses and suits.

After a few minutes of walking from my bedroom, down a story, and down the long hallway across the house, we reached a small door. Beside it was a small metal panel. It was engraved. "James Brownson III, Chief Executive Officer" Aaron opened the door. Walking inside, I found my parents' lawyer, Anderson Ossi. Despite the fact that I had no idea why I was here, the guards having given me no reason when they woke me up, I sat in the chair opposite the large desk.

Mr. Ossi looked at me with a sad and concerned stare. "Good evening, Mr. Brownson. We are here today to discuss your parents' estate." I raised my eyebrow, confused. Anderson never referred to me as "Mr. Brownson". He usually just called me Robert like most people. And why was he discussing my parents' estate while they were on their business trip?

Mr. Anderson continued. "This morning, we were sent this video transmission. I'm afraid it's a little… mature, but it's for the best that you see it." The lawyer picked up a remote on his desk, turning on the TV.

The video showed a dark room. There were 4 people in chairs, their faces obscured by the darkness. Two of them were suddenly forced up to the camera, a bright light shining in their faces. I recognized them immediately. James and Cynthia Brownson, the heads of Rengrade Industries, one of the largest conglomerates on the planet. And my parents.

They were bruised and bloody. Still, they managed to smile weakly into the camera, almost at me.

My dad spoke solemnly and quietly. "Robert. We know we won't make it out of here, but we want you… to know that we believe in you, and we know that you will do a great job running Rengrade one day." My mom tried to smile more, but I could tell she was tired and beaten. "Robbie, honey… we love you. Be a good boy for us."

Suddenly, the two were dragged back into the darkness. Then, a large man with an ax walked in. Two lone initials were stamped on his shirt. "B.I." I had no idea what it meant. Maybe a gang symbol of some sort. The two others sitting down stood and walked to the camera. They smiled into the camera, a sinister grin on their faces. "Hello little Robbie! We're sorry that your parents didn't want to pay us. But it's okay, because they're going to pay anyway." The men stepped back, and the axe-man walked up to mom and dad. He grabbed my mom's hair, pulling her head up. One of the men did the same to my dad. Mr. Ossi tried to step towards the TV, but it was too late.

I stared at the screen in horror as my parents were executed.

Then the video stopped. The lawyer slowly walked back to the desk, slumping into the chair. "We've had the research people at Rengrade go through the footage, and they've concluded that this was recorded about two weeks ago."

I jumped out of the chair. "Two weeks! Are you kidding me? You're telling me that my parents have been dead for two weeks?!" Simon and Alan stepped forward, grabbing my shoulders. When I finally calmed down, I sighed. "What now?"

Anderson shuffled some papers. He tried to smile, but it looked pretty awkward. "Glad you asked, sir. As per your parents' will, the Brownson Estate, as well as majority ownership of Rengrade Industries does go to you. However, due to your status as a minor, those assets are unaccessible to you until you turn 18, as per United States law. What to do with you… well, that will have to be decided by the new CEO."

I looked at him quizzically. "New… CEO?" He coughed, before pulling out a newspaper. "The video was shown to the Rengrade Board of Directors a few hours ago. Chief Operations Officer Alan Renting is now CEO until… well, until further notice."

Now I stared at Mr. Ossi. "Renting? For real? The guy's an idiot. All he cares are spreadsheets and charts!" Anderson sat back in the chair, letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Robert, but that's the board's decision, and it's going to stick. Alan will decide what to do about you later. You can go back to bed now."

Aaron and Simon stepped back towards, the chair, waiting for me to stand up. I complied, walking to the door. "Well, then. I guess that's it, then." Ossi nodded respectfully, waving in my direction. "Good luck, sir."

I had no idea how much my life was about to change.