LEGACY RECLAIMED

Chapter 6

Simon could tell they were all becoming impatient, and he had something installed for them. These people have worked with him for decades, but he is beginning to see their true colours. A few of them wanted him to step down so they could input someone they wanted, who would be by their side, but Simon was smart and wouldn’t allow them to succeed.

A small smirk formed by the side of his lips; he stood up, adjusting his suit in confidence. It was time to show them he had a family member who would succeed him. He gestured towards the doors of the hall.

“Allow me to introduce you to my successor.”

The room fell into deep silence as all eyes tossed towards the door, which creaked open, Revealing a tall, dark-haired young figure.

Adrian walked into the hall with confidence, leaving them in shock, as their faces were etched in disbelief.

“Who is this?” Olivia asked, as his face turned pale.

Adrian stood beside Simon, he kept a mild expression as he watched the men and women before him. They murmured in confusion.

“He is my brother’s son, James’s son.”

“How is this possible? James and his family died in a car crash. How did he survive? Are you trying to play with our minds?” Another board member spoke out with disdain.

Simon’s expression darkened, and he maintained his composure. “Adrian here,” he said, “He survived the incident, and has been working and living with Roman Lockwood for years. I don’t think I should go into details, that will be a story for another day. But he is more than capable of leading the empire.”

“Roman Lockwood,” they repeated, shooting glares at Adrian. “He is our rival, why will you bring our rival to rule over us?”

Amelia frowned, “This revelation is extraordinary. Surely, you will need to show proof that he is the son of your late brother.” Her tone was sharp and smooth.

“Yes,” the other members nodded in agreement.

Simon raised his hand in the air, and the hall became quiet.

“You want proof?” he asked, narrowing his gaze at Adrian.

“Yes, a DNA test. If the young man standing beside you is truly your brother’s son. Then let science confirm what you claimed.” Oliver blurted out.

Adrian’s gaze swept across the room; he anticipated it earlier. He knew the moment people heard he worked for their rival company, it would make them dislike him. Simon placed a hand on Adrian’s shoulders.

I expected such reactions from you,” Simon said calmly. “Your doubts are natural, and arrangements for the test will be made immediately. Until then, I ask you all to treat my nephew, Adrian, with the respect he deserves.”

“We are going to call a doctor from another city to carry out the test,” Oliver said with his voice laced with anger.

“Call the Doctor,” Simon agreed.

They called the Doctor, while they waited patiently. Adrian sat next to his uncle.

“Don’t worry, they can’t stop you from ascending the throne,” Simon whispered.

The door creaked open as the doctor was directed inside with his white coat; he carried a small black case.

Simon and Adrian were calm with unreadable expressions. He was unhappy with how the board members handled the case, but he wasn’t scared of anything.

The doctor, Kasper Stone, cleared his throat. “Good morning, everyone. I understood I have been summoned to conduct a DNA test to verify the claims.”

Oliver, being the most outspoken of the council nodded as well. The moment Adrian was mentioned as the successor, his mind felt heartbroken, he was expecting Simon to make him the New Chairman, but everything didn’t go as planned.

“That’s correct, Dr. Kasper. We need conclusive proof before we proceed further.” Oliver said.

Dr Kasper’s gaze shifted to Simon Brown, who gave him a subtle nod of approval.

“Very well,” the Doctor said, “The process is straightforward; I will take a sample from the person in question and a sample from Mr. Simon Brown. These samples will be compared to determine the familial links.’

The room buzzed with murmurs as Dr. Kasper opened his case, revealing a set of sterile equipment. He gestured for Adrian to step forward.

Adrian’s mind was racing with several thoughts, “what if the test fails, I will be embarrassed? If it is true, then I will become the successor. Can I handle the company? Will these men allow me to rule?”

“Mr. Adrian, will you kindly extend your arm.” Dr. Kasper said.

Adrian hesitated, glancing at Uncle Simon, who gave him an encouraging nod. With a deep breath, Adrian rolled up his sleeves and held out his arm. The doctor worked swiftly, drawing a small vial of blood and sealing it in a labelled container.

The doctor did the same to Simon; the process was repeated with the same efficiency, and soon, both samples were sealed and placed back into the case. The doctor closed the case; everyone watched him.

He turned to face the board members, “The sample will be taken to the lab immediately, I will personally oversee the analysis to ensure accuracy. The results will be available within 24 hours.

Amelia, another supporter of Oliver, couldn’t hide her feelings. “Can you guarantee us the integrity of this test, Doctor.”

Yes, Lady. The results will be accurate and unbiased. I will take my lead now. You will have your answers by this time tomorrow.”

“Wait Doctor, we will assign men to you. To look after you while you conduct the test, we don’t want any conspiracy.”

Simon’s jaw tightened as he stared at Oliver. He agreed, sending two of his guards along with the men that were assigned To the doctor.

The doctor exited the room, and the silence left behind was heavy. The board members exchanged glances, their thoughts unspoken but palpable in the tension that filled the air.

Simon drew a deep breath, Breaking the silence with his voice calm but firm. “You wanted proof, and you shall get it. Until then let’s focus on other aspects of the business.”

After the meeting was adjourned, everyone left, leaving Mr. Simon and Adrian.

“I am sorry this has to happen, this is also part of the test and things I want you to see before you take the leadership throne. Nothing will come easy, and you will need to give them proof; most times, you don’t need to allow them to question your orders.” He said with a smooth and calm tone as he stood up from his seat.

Adrian nodded in understanding, as a small smile curled by the side of his lips. While he was still there, the family lawyer, Mr Samuel, had been calling, trying to reach out to him, but he couldn’t because Adrian refused to pick up the call.

“Your phone, don’t you want to know who the caller is?” Mr. Simon asked, with his brow raised.

“I already know who it is, I just don’t want to answer the call.” He replied, and Mr. Simon shrugged.

Meanwhile, at the lawyer’s office, Mrs Delilah was seated behind the Mahogany desk. With her eyes blazing in fury. She was looking at the lawyer like she would kill him if he didn’t utter a word.

“He has refused to pick up my call,” lawyer Samuel intoned.

“Why is he not picking up the call, is he not interested in the money any more?” She thought,

Delilah was becoming angry, and impatient. Her plan to eliminate Adrian has failed. She has everything planned; some men were outside waiting for Adrian, so they would kidnap him and make it look like the kidnappers were the ones who took the money.

“Mrs. Delilah, Mrs. Lockwood?” He called twice.

Mrs. Delilah raised her brow towards the Lawyer, “What do we do since he is not picking up the calls.”

He exhaled with his shoulders relaxing slightly. “The money stays with the accountant until Adrian comes through to retrieve his money.”

“Is there nothing else we could do?”

“No, your husband, Mr. Roman made it clear before his death. The only way I can give you the money is if your daughter is pregnant for Adrian or if Adrian is no more.”

Mrs. Delilah’s eyes shone in frustration; there was no way Her daughter would get pregnant for him when they had never consummated their marriage.

But why is she greedy? Why can’t she let the young man have the money?

She rose from her seat, taking her designer handbag from the desk.

“Let me know when he picks up your call; I would like to see him before he takes the money.” She said with disdain, as she walked out of the office.

Lawyer Samuel shook his head as he drew a deep breath, then continued with his work before she came to his office.