Asked to pay: Ash, Rubble & New Beginnings E-Book

Jonas Kaden

• Herausgeber: epubli
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 145

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Asked to pay: Ash, Rubble & New Beginnings After the dramatic death of the successful entrepreneur Joachim Beckmann, the family is caught in a whirlpool of betrayal, power struggles and unexplored secrets. The rocky path of succession in the family business leads to explosive conflicts when Joachim's children and his new wife Katja suddenly compete against each other. But a mysterious attack, a will full of ambiguities and the opaque machinations within the family spark a merciless game for power and inheritance. As the truth behind the ash heaps of the past increasingly comes to light, the Beckmann family faces a new beginning - but who will emerge victorious from the rubble in the end? A tense thriller about betrayal, greed and the dark secrets of a family that leaves no stone unturned to stay at the top.

Leseprobe

Title: Asked to pay:

Ash, Rubble & New Beginnings

Author: Jonas Kaden

Biography:

Jonas Kaden was born in Düsseldorf in 1983 and grew up in an aspiring family of entrepreneurs. From an early age, he was interested in stories and people, which led him to write his first book at the age of 26. Instead of studying literature, Jonas decided to explore the world on his own, with travel, various jobs and a keen interest in criminal psychology and human nature. These experiences shaped his writing style, which is characterized by exciting, profound characters and complex storylines. Jonas Kaden now lives in Berlin and devotes himself entirely to writing thrillers and crime novels, often illuminating the dark side of human behavior in his stories.

Chapter 1: The New Woman in the House

The clock in Joachim Beckmann's spacious villa showed just after eight. The dining room table was set as if for a banquet: silver cutlery, crystal glasses and a heavy chandelier bathing the shiny porcelain in a warm light. Despite the luxurious surroundings, there was a palpable tension in the air.

Joachim stood in front of the window, one hand in his trouser pocket, the other clutching a glass of red wine. His tailored suit was perfect and his grey hair was carefully combed back. But the uncertainty in his eyes revealed that he himself was not entirely sure how this evening would turn out.

"Why are we even here?" grumbled Karsten, the youngest son, as he shifted in his chair. "He hasn't seen us for months, and now all this fuss?"

"I bet he'll announce something again. Probably a new project or something," said Anna, the eldest of the siblings, playing annoyedly with her wine glass.

Christoph, the middle one, said nothing. He started up his phone and scrolled through messages without really looking at them. "Maybe he just has a guilty conscience. Or he's going to slip something to Mom."

The door opened and Joachim entered. Next to him stood a woman who at first glance looked like a model. High heels, a tight black dress that accentuated her perfect figure, and long blonde hair that fell over her shoulders. Her skin shone as if it had been polished, and her lips were painted a striking red.

“May I introduce you?” Joachim raised his glass as if he were making a toast. “This is Katja. My wife.”

Silence.

Anna quickly choked on her wine and stared at her father with her mouth open. "What?"

"Really?" Karsten leaned back, arms crossed. "You're replacing mom with... this?"

“Karsten!” Joachim hissed, his voice sharp.

"No, let him talk," said Katja, smiling coolly as she surveyed the group. "It's probably better to clear things up right away."

“Fronts?” Christoph put down his phone and looked at Katjafor the first time. "Is this a joke? You're... aren't you that woman from...?" He trailed off, but it was clear what he meant.

"Oh, come on, Christoph," said Karsten dryly. "Everyone knows Katja Müller. I mean, for years she was in every other porn film that was online. Congratulations, Dad. You've landed yourself the queen of dirty magazines."

Joachim's face turned red. "That's enough!"

"Enough?" Anna stood up, her voice shaking with anger. "You are so pathetic, Dad. You left Mom - and for what? For a porn slut?"

"Anna!" Joachim slammed his glass on the table, spilling the wine. "I won't let you ruin my evening. Katja is my wife. And you will respect her."

"Respect?" Christoph laughed bitterly. "You've lost your mind. Mom had your back for years while you built up your oh-so-great company. And now this?"

Katja took a step forward. "I understand that this isn't easy for you. But I'm here because I love Joachim. Not because of his money. Not because of his name."

"Oh yeah?" Anna snorted. "What exactly do you love? His charisma? His belly?"

“That’s enough!” Joachim slams his hand on the table, making the glasses clink. “You will respect her, whether you like it or not! Katja is part of the family now.”

"Part of the family?" Karsten jumped up. "You've really lost touch with reality. You know what, keep your Barbie doll. I'm out."

He grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the room.

“Karsten! Come back!” Joachim’s voice was louder than he wanted, but it was too late.

Anna shook her head and reached for her purse. "You know this will never work, right? Have fun with your new wife, Dad."

She too disappeared without turning around.

Christoph remained seated, his gaze cold and calculating. "You know what, Dad? Do what you want. But if you introduce us to this little fuck-mouse with her rubber tits as our replacement mom, don't be surprised if you end up alone."

Joachim massaged his temples while Katja stood quietly next to him. "I knew it would be difficult,"she said quietly. "But I think that was even worse than expected."

"You'll get used to it," Joachim murmured, more to himself than to her. But there was a spark of uncertainty in his eyes.

The door in the hallway slammed shut.

Chapter 2: Inheritance and Ego

The mood was icy when the Beckmann children met again a few days later in the large conference room at the company headquarters. It was the first time in months that Joachim had called them together not only privately but also for business.

The room was modern, with large glass fronts that offered a view of the city skyline. Bottles of mineral water stood on the massive conference table, and tablets were lying next to it, ready for the presentation. Joachim was punctual as always, dressed in an elegant dark gray suit that underlined his business success.

"It's great that you're all here." Joachim stood at the head of the table and looked at his children one by one. Anna, the eldest, had her dark hair tied back tightly and was wearing a flawless blouse - the perfect businesswoman. Christoph looked as good as ever, leaning back in his chair and twirling a ballpoint pen between his fingers. Karsten, the youngest, sat with his arms folded, a cap pulled down over his face, and stared demonstratively out of the window.

"Stop the show, Dad," Anna said first, folding her arms. "Why are we here?" "Wouldn't we all still be offended after your embarrassing dinner party?"

Joachim sighed, but ignored the dig. "I wanted to talk to you about the future of the company. You know that Beckmann Systems is my life's work. But I'm not getting any younger. It's time to make decisions."

Christoph raised an eyebrow. "Decisions? What does that mean? Do you want to sell the company?"

“Of course not!” Joachim’s voice had a sharp tone. “Beckmann Systems will stay in the family. One of you will take over.”

The room was suddenly still. Anna leaned back as she digested the words. Christoph stopped playing with the pen and Karsten sat up straight.

"You're kidding," said Karsten and laughed bitterly. "What is this? A competition? 'Whoever wraps you around their finger the best wins the jackpot?'"

"It's not a competition," Joachim said calmly. "But I will be sure that the company is in good hands. You all have the potential to continue it. But it's up to you to prove to me that you can do it."

Anna frowned. "Potential? Karsten doesn't even know how to read a balance sheet. Christoph was more concerned with his nightlife than anything to do with work. You can't be serious."

"Oh, and you are of course the perfect candidate." Christoph laughed quietly and fell back into his chair. "Ms.

Perfect. The company needs more than just a puppet that dances to daddy's tune."

"Be careful what you say," Anna snapped. "At least I know something about the industry. You're an overpaid party boy who can't even take responsibility for his own life."

"Enough!" Joachim raised his hands to interrupt the heated discussion. "I'm not going to decide now. But I want you to think about it. Show me who can really run the company."

"Oh, come on, Dad," said Karsten, beaming. "Why don't you just do it?" Give it to Anna. They'll definitely do the job. Or Christoph. It doesn't matter. You know very well that I don't feel like it."

“It’s not just about the goat, Karsten,” said Joachim. “It’s about taking responsibility.” And II think you could learn that too.”

Karsten rolled his eyes. "Sure. Now I'm supposed to let you and your new wife - what was it again? - teach me how to be a model citizen. Great idea."

Joachim felt his composure slipping. "Listen, Karsten, I'm not going to put up with this constant disrespect from you. If you're not prepared to deal with this issue seriously, you're out."

"Out?" Karsten jumped up and slammed his hands on the table. "You know what? I'm out long ago! You can keep your stupid company as far as I'm concerned!"

"Sit down, Karsten," Anna said coldly. "You're behaving like a little child."

"And you act like a robotic asshole, Anna."

"Enough now!" Joachim bangs his fist on the table, making the bottles clink. "I won't let you treat me like an idiot. This is your inheritance. If it doesn't mean anything to you, then it's fine. But don't come to me later and complain that I chose someone else."

Christoph slowly stands up and grabs his jacket. “You know what, Dad? Just keep thinking about your'life's work'. Maybe you'll find a solution that works for you. I'm out."

“Christoph,” Joachim began, but his son was already out the door.

Karsten followed him and gave his father one last venomous look. "Have fun with your power game."

Anna stayed behind, her eyes flashing angrily. "Dad, face it. I'm the only one who is qualified to do this. If you let your feelings guide you, you'll ruin everything."

“I decide what is best for this company,” said Joachim coolly.

Anna shook her head. "Then I hope for all of us that you don't do anything stupid."

She stood up, picked up her handbag and left the room without giving him another look.

Joachim was left alone, sank into his chair and rubbed his temples. Outside it began to rain, and the pattering against the large windows sounded like a dull accusation.

Chapter 3: Confession

Joachim was sitting in his office, which was immaculately tidy as always. The mahogany furniture gleamed in the warm light of the table lamp, and on the desk there was nothing but his laptop, a crystal decanter of whiskey and a single photo: an old family photo with Ramona and the children, taken over ten years ago.

The door burst open and Ramona stormed in. Without knocking, without warning. She wore an elegant trench coat, her blonde hair was perfectly blow-dried, but her eyes sparkled with anger.

"Oh, look at that," said Joachim dryly and leaned back. "The tornado Ramona. What brings me the honor?"

"Shut up, Joachim," she hissed and slammed the door shut. "Do you think I didn't notice what you were doing?"

Joachim raised an eyebrow. "You have to be more specific. My to-do list is long."

“Your little power game with the children!” Ramona stormed in front of his desk and leaned on theTabletop. "Who do you think you are? You pit our children against each other like in a damn reality show, and in the end the one who kisses your cheap whore's ass the most wins?"

Joachim stared at her for a moment, then snorted. "Your way of expressing yourself doesn't get any better with age, Ramona. And just so you understand: Katja has nothing to do with this decision."

"Oh, don't start that!" She laughed coldly, but without any joy. "Katja has nothing to do with it?" Of course not. She probably doesn't need to influence you at all, does she? Why would she want to? It's not like she would end up in some cheap movie again without you."

Joachim's face darkened, but he held back. "Ramona, if you're only here to get on my nerves, you can leave right away."

"Getting on your nerves?" She leaned closer to him. "No, Joachim, I'm here because you're destroying our family." What do you think that does to the children? You're playing them off against each other like chess pieces. Christoph is angrier than ever, Karsten talks about nothing other than how he hates you, and Anna - oh, Anna just wants to prove herself because she thought she had to win your love.deserve. You ruined it, Joachim!"

He took a deep breath and stood up to pour himself a glass of whiskey. "Dramatic as always, Ramona. But if I remember correctly, you said goodbye to that family when you decided to get a divorce."

"Oh, that was me?" Ramona slams her hand on the table. "You betrayed this family when you left me for that... that cheap Barbie!"

Joachim slowly turned to her, the glass in his hand. His voice was quiet now, dangerously calm. "You filed for divorce. Don't forget that. You wanted out. And now you come here and play the moral authority? Spare me that."

Ramona snorted. "Yes, because at some point I had had enough, Joachim. Full of your lies, your obsession with control, your damn ego! But this?" They pointed at him. "This is a new low. You let our children fight for the crumbs that fall from your oh-so-great table."

"It's not about crumbs," Joachim said coldly. "It's about responsibility. About leadership. About the legacy of this family. Something you never understood."

“Inheritance?” Ramona laughed bitterly. “Oh, come on. That’s notLegacy. It's a damn ego project. You just want someone to carry on your baby so you can be in the history books."

Joachim stepped closer to her. "Do you know what your problem is, Ramona?" You weren't ready to see the bigger picture. Everything was always from your perspective. Your pride. Your hurt. But this company is more than just a family. It's my life's work."

"Oh, your life's work," she repeated, shaking her head. "Your life's work is in ruins, Joachim. And you're standing in the middle of it and wondering why everyone else is running away."

The two of them stood facing each other, the tension in the room was unbelievable. Finally, it was Ramona who turned away and went to the door.

"You know what?" She stopped for a moment and turned to him. "Do what you want. But don't forget, Joachim: If you keep destroying our children, then one day you'll be sitting all alone in this big, empty house. And then all you'll have left is your little porn princess."

Joachim said nothing. He just stared at the closed door after she had gone to war. In hisHand the glass of whiskey, which he finally emptied in one go.

Outside, the city skyline shimmered, and Joachim knew that Ramona was right about many things. But he was too proud to ever admit it.

Chapter 4: Shadows over Düsseldorf

It was a cooler evening in Düsseldorf. The streets along Königsallee sparkled in the glow of Christmas lights, although the city was not in the throes of celebration, but rather in a bustling hustle and bustle.Beckmann Systems, an imposing building made of glass and steel in the Media Harbour, there is a tense silence.

Joachim sat alone in his office on the top floor. The windows gave a clear view of the Rhine, whose water glittered in the moonlight. But Joachim had no eye for the beauty of the city. His head was full of thoughts as he sat over a new presentation. An innovative software that would revolutionize retail - his last great vision.

The meeting with the children had escalated, and Ramona's outburst was still echoing in his mind. Her words had hit home, but he didn't want to give it away.

Suddenly the door opens. Katja enters, dressed in a skin-tight dress and high heels that gentlyclattering on the marble floor.

"I thought you were still here," she said, closing the door behind her. They sank into the leather chair in front of his desk and crossed their legs. "Trouble with your ex again?"

Joachim leaned back and rubbed his temples. "Ramona is... complicated. You don't understand what it's about.

She always only sees the negative."

Katja laughed quietly. "Well, I can't blame her. To her, I'm the evil stepmother who destroyed her perfect little household."

"Forget her." Joachim reached for his whiskey glass, which he had refilled. "She belongs to the past. You are the present."

“And the future?” Katja tilted her head and looked at him with half-closed eyes.

Joachim took a sip. "That is in the children's hands. One day, one of them will sit here in my place."

"Hm." Katja raised an eyebrow. "And if none of them are worthy?"

"Then I have failed."

Katja said nothing, but her lips twisted intoa gentle smile that Joachim could not classify.

Further down in the building, there was a flurry of activity. The security guards were making their last rounds and the programmers on the third floor were saying goodbye one by one. Düsseldorf was a city that never stood still, even at night, but the company headquarters was unusually quiet at this time of day.