Chapter 2
Lucian
I'm trapped on this island resort for the next week. How did I lose control this way? Yes, I'm a workaholic, and yes my blood pressure has been higher than usual lately with the merger we just finished, but that should improve now that everything is settled. Shouldn't it?
I keep coming back to the conversation I had with my right hand, Kelly. She's twenty years younger than me and one of the best things that ever happened to me in business. She's irreplaceable. Except she's got me by the balls as well.
"You need to take some vacation time, and now is the time to do it."
"I need to find the next big thing to make more money."
"You already have more money than god Lucian, you need to take it easy, or you won't live to enjoy this fortune you're amassing."
"I'll take the weekend off."
"No. One week. I've emailed you the boarding pass and the confirmation for the resort. You are taking a vacation as of right now."
I've got nothing against resorts, but I don't like not having anything to do. I love taking action on business deals and get super hyped when I know I've won a negotiation. This right here is boring. I hit the up button on the treadmill so that it increases the incline.
I don't know if this thing is capable of helping me release all the stress that I'm carrying. I've been running for half an hour and I think I'll go for at least an hour more. Back home, I just go to Central Park and run to my heart's content every single morning that I can.
The weight machines stare back at me and I realize I might have to pump some iron as well to get rid of the knot at the back of my head. I love my job. I don't want to be on vacation right now. I don't break my rhythm, though, and keep on jogging until I feel properly drained.
This addiction to work began early on when I was in college and started doing well. With every achievement, I just pushed harder and took on more demanding roles until I got my first position as CEO. After that, I started creating companies that sold for billions.
One after another, I created them, built them to peak performance, and then sold them for more profit than any man could wish for. They don't call me the man with the Midas touch for nothing.
While other colleagues went on to get married and have families, I just kept on making money, and it felt good.
Somehow, I think I've lost sight of what's important.
I haven't even dated in the past five years, which is sad.
After I finish my run, I do several sets on the weight machines that are available and the free weights.
Once I'm exhausted, I go take advantage of the sauna.
Whatever I didn't get rid of in the exercise room, will be wrung out of me in the steam room.
When I'm in there, I make a decision. I'll take a nap, and tonight I'll go down to the fancy bar they have here and see if there are any interesting people around.
Making that decision took me longer than it takes for me to decide to start another profitable business. Hopefully, it will have a positive result as well.