Passing the Torch

At the far end of the rooftop, the Ridge Rovers FC players and staff, including the club's current owner, Theodore Graves, and Coach Harris, gathered together, looking slightly out of place amidst the opulence of NovaTech's grand launch. 

Theodore, a shrewd businessman who had owned the club for years, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes scanning the event with calculated interest. 

Though he was no stranger to high-end events, even he couldn't help but be impressed by the scale and grandeur Ethan had put together.

Beside him, Coach Harris, the club's long-serving manager, quietly marveled at the spectacle. He was more accustomed to the loud cheers of football stadiums than these luxurious gatherings. Still, he had an appreciation for what it all meant. 

The two men spoke little but shared an understanding—this wasn't just another business launch. With all its glitz and glamor, this event marked the beginning of something much larger. 

Ethan Cole wasn't just another ambitious young businessman; he was a visionary. Ridge Rovers FC was about to be part of his grand design.

A few steps away, Marcus and Eric, two of Ridge Rovers's players, explored the venue with wide-eyed wonder. Both had been to a few fancy events, but nothing like this. Their relationship improved after both got some helpful tips from Ethan during the last practice match.

"This place is unreal," Marcus whispered, nudging Eric with his elbow. His eyes scanned the holographic tech displays hovering mid-air, showcasing Novatech's upcoming innovations. 

The technology seemed like something out of a science fiction movie, and Marcus felt a bit like a kid in a candy store.

Eric nodded in agreement, his face lit up in awe. "I've never seen anything like this," he added, staring at one of the displays that projected a futuristic cityscape, outlining NovaTech's vision for smart cities. "If this is what Ethan's doing with his company, I can't imagine what he will do for our club."

Marcus grinned, an idea sparking in his mind. "You think with all this money, we could convince him to sign a few world-class players? Like maybe Mauri or Ricardo?"

Eric laughed, shaking his head. "Mate, we could sign them both with the cash Ethan's throwing around! Imagine that—Ridge Rovers with Mauri, Ricardo, and maybe throw in Naiman for good measure."

Their playful banter didn't go unnoticed. One of the senior players, Gavin, overheard and couldn't help but join in with a grin. 

"Yeah, right! You're dreaming, lads," he said, his voice full of amusement. "If Ethan bought all those world-class players, you do realize we'd be out of the squad? We wouldn't even make the bench!"

Marcus pretended to look offended. "What are you talking about? I'm sure I'd still be the first name on the team sheet! Maybe I'd even give Ricardo some tips on his free kicks."

Gavin chuckled, slapping Marcus on the back. "Keep dreaming, mate. If Ethan brings in those players, you, me, and half the squad will be out of a job. We'd all be packing our bags along with Theodore."

At the mention of Theodore, everyone's attention briefly shifted to their club owner, who had been listening in on the conversation with a raised brow and a smirk.

"Is that so?" Theodore said, his voice light but with a hint of teasing in it. 

The players laughed, but Marcus raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, we'll stop talking about signing world-class players! Don't give Ethan any ideas. Guess we'll just have to train harder."

Eric nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. No Ricardo, no Mauri. Just us working hard. We'll be the world-class players before you know it!"

The group erupted into laughter, but there was a real sense of camaraderie beneath the light-hearted banter. Despite the jokes, everyone knew that significant changes were on the horizon, and the uncertainty of the future lingered in their minds.

As the laughter died down, Coach Harris took a step closer to Theodore, his tone more serious now. "So, Theo… you really sue about selling the club?"

Theodore's smile faded slightly, and he sighed heavily, glancing at the players momentarily before returning to the coach. "Yeah, Harris. I am. I've been thinking about it for a while now. If I hold on to the club, we'll never be able to compete with the big teams." 

His eyes showed that he was reluctant, "You know how it is—the football world is ruled by money now. Sponsorship deals, big-money signings, oil billionaires buying up clubs—it's a different game than when I took over."

Harris frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Theo, I don't think that's entirely fair. The club's done well under your leadership. We've come a long way, and the fans respect you. You've kept the spirit of the club alive."

Theodore chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I appreciate that, but we both know it's not enough anymore." 

He took a sip of his wine, savoring its flavor, then remarked, "Consider the major leagues—teams are spending hundreds of millions just on transfer fees. The players are asking for astronomical salaries. It's gotten to the stage where you can't attract top talent unless you have billionaire backers. And let's be honest, I'm not one of those."

Harris didn't disagree, but he wasn't willing to let Theodore shoulder all the blame. "It's not your fault, Theo. The game's changed. Oil money and corporate giants are buying up the entire football world. Competing with that is impossible unless you sell your soul."

Theodore's expression grew distant, his gaze drifting over the glittering skyline beyond the rooftop. "Maybe so. But I can't ignore what's best for the club. Ethan's got the resources to take Ridge Rovers to the next level. If I hold on to it, we'll stay where we are—always competing but never breaking through. He could make us something bigger."

Harris was quiet momentarily before asking, "You'd really walk away?"

Theodore sighed again, but this time, there was a hint of something more—regret, perhaps. "I don't know if I can, to be honest. Football's in my blood. This club… it's more than just a business to me. It's my passion. I love it. I always have. That's why I think if Ethan buys the club, maybe I could stay on in some capacity. Maybe not as the owner, but in some other role."

Harris tilted his head, intrigued. "Like what?"

Theodore shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe a director's position or something in the boardroom. Something where I can still be a part of the club. I might not be able to run it anymore, but I don't think I can ever let it go completely."

There was a pause between the two men, the weight of Theodore's words hanging in the air. Harris placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. "You'll always be part of this club, Theo. Whether you sell it or not, you built something here. Something real. And no billionaire can take that away from you."

Theodore gave a small, grateful smile, though the uncertainty in his eyes remained. "I hope you're right, Harris. I really do."

The players, oblivious to the depth of Theodore and Harris's conversation, continued to joke and laugh nearby, their excitement about the future masking the undercurrent of change about to sweep through their club. But for Theodore and Harris, the reality was settling in. Change was coming, and there was no stopping it.

As the players marveled at their surroundings, another rooftop section held a different guest. Representatives from five of Novan City's Twelve Great Families mingled among themselves, their presence commanding respect from those around them.